Payday Loans in Delaware

Online payday loans in Delaware offer convenient and fast access to cash but can be expensive.

couple boardwalk
Updated June 3, 2024
Here at MoneyFor, our goal is to help you make informed financial decisions. We are committed to accuracy and impartiality in all our content. It’s important to note that articles may reference products from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we feature and their presentation on our site, not our evaluation.

Key takeaways

  • Payday loans in Delaware are a quick way to access funds but often come with high fees and short repayment periods.
  • Delaware installment loans provide more flexibility with longer repayment terms, making them easier to manage.
  • Always weigh your options and have a repayment plan in place before you sign an agreement.

Payday loans in Delaware offer a quick solution when you need a little extra to carry you through till your next pay date. Whether you have medical bills or unexpected expenses, a payday loan can help you out of a tight spot. They provide fast access to emergency cash and are easy to qualify for but can be costly.

If you’re considering borrowing money, it’s essential to explore all your financing options so that you can find the best one for you. Let’s go over different types of Delaware loans, their costs, and benefits so you can make an informed decision.

Payday & installment loans in Delaware

Delaware personal loans for bad credit are typically either a payday loan or an installment loan. Both can come with fast funding and lenient requirements – ideal when you need cash fast. The main differences are the repayment schedule and amounts.

Payday loans Delaware details

Delaware payday loans, also known as payday advances or cash advances, offer borrowers flexibility and fast access to cash. Lenders do not require a credit check and instead rely on the consumer’s next paycheck for funding.

You can write a personal check for future deposit or allow electronic access to your bank account. If you decide to write a check, it will be for the borrowed amount along with the finance charge. The lender will hold onto the check until your next pay date when the funds are due.

For repayment, you can either visit in-person with cash or allow the lender to deposit your check. If you cannot pay as agreed, you can rollover a cash advance in Delaware up to four times. Rolling over an advance extends the due date but adds on fees and interest, increasing the total cost of borrowing.

Delaware law allows loans of up to $1,000, with loan terms that must not exceed 60 days. Borrowers can repay the advance in one lump sum with their next paycheck or over two monthly installments. While this flexibility can be helpful, it’s important to note that Delaware places no limits on finance charges, annual percentage rate (APR), or fees, which means that advances can be expensive. Pew Charitable Trusts calculated that lenders charge APRs over 300% for payday installment products.

To protect consumers, Delaware requires lenders to be licensed under the Small Loan Act or Licensing Law. State law also gives borrowers the right to negotiate a repayment plan, known as a workout agreement. The agreement should permit the borrower to make equal monthly or weekly payments for a minimum of 90 days. The lender cannot charge additional fees or interest once the loan has been converted into this plan.

Interested in borrowing but concerned about costs?

Click here to learn what a $500 payday loan could cost.

Delaware installment loan details

An installment loan works a bit differently. They are usually for larger amounts and do not rely on your paycheck. Instead, the lender will do a credit check and consider your income, employment history, debt-to-income ratio, and other factors to decide if you’re approved and with what terms.

If your application is approved, the funds will be deposited in your account. It takes one to three business days for the transaction to complete. You will make payments over a few months to a few years. You pay a set amount, including interest and fees, either monthly, weekly, or biweekly in accordance with the payment schedule.

If you have less-than-perfect credit, you will still be able to find lenders. Most will charge you a higher APR and additional fees. For example, you can secure $1,500 online with a poor score, but the APR is almost 300% – equivalent to what payday lenders charge.

Online installment loans could be the right choice if you need a larger amount and want a longer repayment term.

Looking for a little bit more?

Click here to borrow $2,000 today!

Are installment loans the same as payday loans?

Delaware loans

No, they are distinct forms of borrowing. Installment loans are for larger amounts with longer repayment terms. You make regular monthly payments over a few months to a few years. They are generally a less expensive form of borrowing.

Payday loans are short-term and usually require repayment in full by your next paycheck. They are very easy to qualify for. You can usually borrow money with a paystub, active bank account, and your thumbprint.

In Delaware, you can get a payday installment loan online. These payday advances are repaid over two months rather than two weeks. The longer repayment period makes it easier to repay on time. Like other payday loans in Delaware, there’s no credit check. The lender relies on your upcoming paycheck for approval.

How many loans can you have at a time?

There is no set number of personal loans you can have at one time. You can have a mortgage, auto loan, student loan, and installment loan all at once. Some lenders may allow you to take out multiple loans if you meet their eligibility requirements, such as having sufficient income and a good repayment history. Other lenders may limit you to one personal loan at a time to reduce the risk of default.

Delaware state law limits the number of payday advances you can have at a given time to five. Additionally, you can take out a maximum of five advances during a 12-month period.

It’s essential to consider your ability to manage multiple loans before taking on more debt. Balancing several payments can become overwhelming, especially if you’re already dealing with high-interest credit products. Always review your financial situation, terms and conditions to avoid falling into a debt cycle.

Can installment loans be paid off early?

They can generally be paid off early. Paying your lender back early can reduce the total cost of borrowing and can be a smart financial move.

That said, it’s a good idea to first check your loan agreement. Your lender may charge a prepayment penalty for paying the money back early. This penalty lets the lender recoup the interest they would have earned.

Need cash fast?

Borrow $200 instantly!

Where can I apply for a loan in Delaware?

There are plenty of lenders operating in Delaware. You can visit a traditional bank, credit union, or online lender. Credit unions tend to offer installment loans to members with more lenient requirements. If you’re not a member of a credit union, an online loan marketplace can be a good option. It usually only takes a few minutes to complete the application process. The marketplace then connects you with multiple lenders willing to work with you. You choose the direct lender who offers the best deal. It’s a good way to prequalify and view potential offers without submitting multiple applications.

Before you choose a lender, make sure that they are licensed to work in the state. Visit their website and make sure they are secure before you submit a request online. You should also check their ratings and reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs. This lets you see what previous customers have to say and how they’ve handled complaints in the past.

How to apply for a loan

To be eligible for a personal loan, you will need the following:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a US citizen or permanent resident
  • Reside in Delaware
  • Have a verifiable source of income (paystub from current employer or direct deposit slip)
  • Recent bank statement
  • Government-issued identification
  • Active checking account or debit card
  • A phone number and a valid email

Not all lenders require everything listed, and some have more lenient criteria than others. For instance, some lenders will accept other sources of income, such as child support, alimony, or government benefits.

Most lenders will send the funds within one business day. It can take up to three days for banks to process the transaction.

Visit MoneyFor to learn more!

Do installment loans in Delaware impact my credit score?

If a loan impacts your credit score depends on whether your lender conducts a hard inquiry and reports payments. Most payday lenders do not do a hard check, so taking out a payday installment loan won’t impact your score. On the other hand, submitting an application with a credit union, bank, or other installment loan lender will temporarily lower your score. This is because they will conduct a hard inquiry. Each hard inquiry lowers your credit score by a few points.

The next factor is whether your lender reports payments to the three credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Once again, most payday lenders will not, while banks and credit unions will. If your lender reports payments, it’s not necessarily bad for your score. When you make payments on time, your score goes up—on-time payments are the biggest credit scoring factor. Miss a payment or make one late, and your score will go down.

Finally, there’s the issue of what legal steps your creditor can take if you fail to pay. Like banks and credit unions, payday lenders can report your account as delinquent and sell it to collection agencies. Having a delinquent account will negatively impact your score.

Overall, a payday advance will not affect your score – as long as you pay your account. An installment loan, though, will likely affect your score. Repay it responsibly and your score will go up.

9.7
Moneyfor score

Get up to $500 before payday1

  • No Credit Checks
  • Build Secured Credit Card
  • Get Paid Faster with Direct Deposit

Get up to $500 before payday1

Apply now
Review 12,985

Alternative borrowing options

You have plenty of ways to secure funds when you’re facing financial difficulties. Below are a few options to think about:

  • Credit card cash advance: You withdraw cash up to your credit limit from an ATM or bank teller. There is no application process and no waiting. Be aware that the bank charges a fee, the APR is higher than for regular credit card purchases, and interest accrues immediately.
  • Cash advance app: You connect your checking account with the app, and they determine how much to lend you, from $20 up to $500. There is no credit check, no interest, no application form, and few fees. You typically receive the funds within one business day, but it can take up to three days for the cash to hit your account.
  • Buy now, pay later app: These apps are a little bit different. They let you make purchases and pay for the item over four installments. There are usually no hard inquiries, no interest charges, and no fees if you pay as agreed.

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I borrow money instantly online?

You can apply for a payday advance or cash advance via an app. Most cash advance apps send you money as soon as you request it for a small fee.

2. Are payday loans legal in Delaware?

Payday advances are legal in Delaware. They are regulated by state law, but the regulations are slim. The maximum amount you can get is $1,000, and the maximum repayment term is 60 days. There are no limits on interest rates or financing charges. Borrowers can have up to five advances at a time and may rollover a payday loan four times at most.

3. Where is the easiest place to get a short-term loan online?

The easiest is an online loan marketplace. You submit one form, and they connect you with multiple lenders. You then can compare offers and choose the one that’s best for you.

Bottom line

When considering borrowing in Delaware, it’s essential to weigh your options. Short-term payday loans offer fast access to cash, but they often come with high fees that can lead to financial strain. Online installment loans are usually more manageable but can still be costly.

Take the time to explore alternatives like cash advance apps or borrowing from credit unions, which can offer lower interest rates and more flexible terms. Always review the loan term carefully and consider how much you can realistically repay on time to avoid falling into a cycle of debt.

By taking the time to carefully review your options, you can find a way to borrow no matter your personal finances. The right loan can help you meet your immediate financial needs without hurting your long-term financial health.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.
2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.
3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.
4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.
5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC
6. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.
7. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.
8. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.
9. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.
10. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.
11. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.
12. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.
13. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
14. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
15. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
16. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
17. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
18. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
19. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
20. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
21. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
22. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.
23. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
24. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.
25. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
26. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
27. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.
28. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
29. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
30. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.
31. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.
32. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
33. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.
34. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.
35. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.
36. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.
37. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.
* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

About the author

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.