Payday loans are short-term loans designed to help people with unexpected expenses or financial emergencies. These loans are meant to be repaid within a few weeks and usually come with high-interest rates and fees.
In Curtis Bay, Maryland, payday loans are prohibited. Maryland has put strict regulations in place to protect consumers from predatory lenders who trap borrowers in debt cycles. Let’s take a closer look at payday loans in Curtis Bay, Maryland, and why they are banned.
The Maryland Law
In 2002, Maryland passed the Maryland Financial Consumer Protection Act, which classifies payday loans as illegal. Maryland’s law caps the interest rate that licensed lenders can charge at 33% on loans under $6,000.
According to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, “any lender who engages in making or offering a loan secured by a residential first mortgage located in Maryland must be licensed by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation.” This stringent regulation aims to ensure that lenders follow fair and non-discriminatory practices.
The Dangers of Payday Loans
Payday loans can put borrowers in a never-ending cycle of debt. High-interest rates and fees can quickly add up, making it challenging to pay off the loan. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reports that the average payday loan borrower takes out 10 loans a year and spends almost 200 days in debt annually. This data highlights the potential dangers of payday loans.
The CFPB also found that many payday loan borrowers end up defaulting on their loans, resulting in damaged credit ratings and additional financial stress.
What Alternatives Do Curtis Bay Residents Have?
If you live in Curtis Bay, Maryland, and need financial assistance, you have options available other than payday loans. Here are some alternatives:
- Personal loans: You may qualify for a personal loan from your bank or credit union. These loans typically have lower interest rates than payday loans and come with a longer repayment period.
- Credit cards: If you have a credit card with available credit, you can use it to pay for unexpected expenses and pay off the balance over time.
- Government assistance: The state of Maryland offers programs to help residents with rent, mortgage, and utility payments. Check with your local government to see if you qualify for any assistance.
Interesting Facts and Statistics
- According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, 12 million Americans take out payday loans every year.
- Payday loan borrowers spend an average of $520 in interest to borrow $375 for five months.
- In 2019, Maryland’s Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation collected over $600,000 in fees and fines related to payday lending.
Apply Now
If you need a loan and live outside of Maryland, TheGuaranteedLoans can connect you with potential lenders in your area. Fill out our online application today and see if you qualify for a loan. We are a connector service, not a direct lender, and will work to facilitate your connection with a potential lender. Remember to borrow responsibly and only take out a loan if you can afford to pay it back.