How much does a payday loan really cost?
It depends on your state. In Alabama, the maximum fee is 17.5% per $100 — $52.50 on a $300 loan over 14 days (~456% APR). In Colorado, the same loan would be capped at 36% APR (about $3.31). California allows up to $17.65 per $100. Our 50-state Cost Index shows every state's typical cost in dollars, not just percentages.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
Most payday lenders use alternative-data sources (banking history, income verification) rather than the three major bureaus, so applying typically does a soft inquiry that doesn't affect your score. If you take and repay a loan, most payday lenders don't report to bureaus either — meaning it won't help your score, but it also won't hurt unless the loan goes to collections.
What if I can't repay on time?
Contact the lender first. Most states require lenders to offer an Extended Payment Plan (EPP) at no extra cost once per year. Don't let the loan default — that triggers collections, NSF fees, and possible litigation. Our step-by-step guide walks through your rights under the FDCPA and state-specific protections.
Are there cheaper alternatives to a payday loan?
Yes — almost always. The Payday Alternative Loan (PAL) from federal credit unions caps at 28% APR. Earned Wage Access apps like DailyPay, EarnIn, and Brigit advance pay you've already worked for. Many employers and nonprofits offer hardship grants. See our full 15 alternatives ranked by cost page.
Is Quick Cash a lender?
No. Quick Cash is a lead-generation service. We match applicants with state-licensed third-party lenders. We don't lend money, don't make credit decisions, and don't charge applicants any fee. Each lender independently sets terms and decides whether to extend credit.
How does Quick Cash make money?
We're paid by the lender network — a referral fee on accepted loans. The fee structure is the same across our network, so we don't have incentive to route you to one lender over another based on what they pay us. We route you to the lender most likely to approve at the lowest rate for your profile.