Key takeaways
- Payday alternative loans (PALs) have lower interest rates, fewer fees, and longer repayment terms than traditional payday loans.
- PALs are available through federally insured credit unions and may be accessible even with bad credit.
- These loans can help you borrow small amounts quickly while also supporting your credit-building efforts.
When you’re short on cash and need a little extra to get by, most people think of payday loans. The problem with these loans is their high price tag. Many lenders engage in predatory lending practices, which can easily land you in a cycle of debt.
Payday alternative loans offered by some federal credit unions aim to correct that. You can borrow money quickly, even on the same day, without the hefty fees. The only catch is that you must be a credit union member.
If you’re saying I need cash now, payday alternative loans may offer a more affordable solution for quick cash.
Jump to:
- What is a payday alternative loan?
- Reasons to consider payday alternative loans
- Payday alternative loans vs. payday loans
- Where to find payday alternative loans for bad credit
- How to qualify for payday alternative loans
- Are payday alternative loans right for you?
- Additional loan alternatives
- Bottom line
What is a payday alternative loan?
A payday alternative loan (PAL) is a type of small-dollar loan offered by some federal credit unions. They are designed to be a safe and affordable substitute for payday loans.
Federal credit unions offer two types of PAL loans:
PALs I
- Requirement: Credit union member for at least one month
- Loan amounts: $200 to $1,000
- Maximum APR: 28%, including a $20 application fee
- Repayment terms: 1 to 6 months
PALs II
- Requirement: Credit union membership is established
- Loan amounts: Up to $2,000 (no minimum)
- Maximum APR: 28%, including a $20 application fee
- Repayment terms: 1 to 12 months
Credit unions can only issue one PAL at a time and no more than three PALs within a six-month period.
Reasons to consider payday alternative loans
If you’re in a pinch, $255 payday loans online on the same day might seem like a solution, but always read the fine print first. A payday alternative loan is likely more affordable.
Reason 1 – Lower interest rates than payday loans
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) caps the interest rate at a 28% annual percentage rate (APR), far lower than what most payday lenders charge.
Small payday loans online with no credit check often come with fees equivalent to triple-digit APRs. The Center for Responsible Lending reported that APRs on $400 payday loans can be as high as 662% in Texas and 652% in Missouri. The highest affordable APR is 36%.
Reason 2 – Safer repayment term
Payday alternative loans are repaid in installments over one to twelve months. The longer loan terms give you more time to repay without falling into a debt trap. With fixed monthly payments, PALs provide a predictable and manageable payment plan.
On the other hand, you repay payday loans in full on your next payday. You make a balloon payment (both the loan and fees) in seven to fourteen days. The short repayment period makes them harder to repay. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that 4 out of 5 payday borrowers roll over or renew the loan.
Reason 3 – No hidden fees
Federal regulations prohibit excessive fees. The application fee is limited to the amount needed to recoup the actual processing costs, up to $20. Credit unions may charge other fees, like late payment fees. Carefully review your loan agreement to understand all potential costs.
Payday lenders often levy a financing charge of $10 to $30 per $100 borrowed. A $400 loan with a $15 financing charge will cost $60.
Potential additional charges include rollover fees to extend the loan or late payment fees if you miss a due date. Payday lenders may also attempt to withdraw money from your bank account if you are late. If your account lacks sufficient funds, you may incur an overdraft fee. According to Bankrate’s 2024 Checking Account Survey, the average overdraft fee is $27.08.
Reason 4 – Credit score friendly
Credit unions typically do not require a minimum credit score for payday alternative loans. They are more interested in your income than your rating.
While your score is less important, you typically won’t find payday alternative loans with no credit check. Most credit unions will still conduct a hard inquiry to assess your reliability. The difference is that they do not place as much emphasis on your credit history.
The NCUA encourages credit unions to report payments to the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. If your credit union reports payment activity, making on-time payments on your PAL will help improve your credit score.
Payday lenders offer loans with no credit check. They do not consider your credit score, financial situation, or report on-time payments.
While repaying the loan on time will not help your score, defaulting can hurt it. Some payday lenders report missed payments to the credit bureaus or send unpaid accounts to collections. Having an account in collections will result in a negative mark on your credit report.
Reason 5 – Available through trusted sources
Payday alternative loans are only available through federally insured credit unions. Federal credit unions are member-owned, nonprofit financial cooperatives regulated by the National Credit Union Administration. The regulations ensure that PALs follow strict guidelines on interest rates, fees, and repayment terms.
Payday lenders, on the other hand, often operate with little oversight. Few federal laws exist, and regulations vary drastically by state. While they are the closest thing to bad credit loans with guaranteed approval, they are not worth the risk. Many lenders are predatory and not reputable.
Payday alternative loans vs. payday loans
Payday alternative loans and payday loans are both small, short-term loans that place less emphasis on your credit score. While similar, there are key differences between the two.
Payday alternative loans | Payday loans | |
Lender | Federal credit unions | Storefront or online payday lenders |
Loan amounts | Up to $2,000 | Under $500 |
Repayment terms | One to 12 months | Two to four weeks |
APRs | Up to 28% | Can be over 400% |
Fees | Application fee up to $20 | No more than three loans in a six-month period |
Requirements | Credit union membership and proof of income | Proof of income, valid ID, and a checking account |
Restrictions | No more than three loans in a six month period | Varies by state |
Credit reporting | Probably | No |
Where to find payday alternative loans for bad credit
You can find payday alternative loans exclusively at federal credit unions. Not all federal credit unions offer PALs, so ask if they do before you become a member. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find a credit union near you.
Most credit unions are incredibly easy to join. Membership is based on where you live, worship, who your employer is, military service, or other groups you belong to. You may have to pay a small one-time membership fee and make a deposit to open an account.
Besides PALs, federal credit unions offer small personal loans with interest rates capped at an 18% APR. The requirements for these loans tend to be stricter than for PALs but more lenient than those of large commercial banks.
State-chartered credit unions also offer small personal loans with lower interest rates. They operate under their state’s regulations, so interest rate caps will vary.
How to qualify for payday alternative loans
Most federal credit unions that offer payday alternative loans online only require membership and proof of income. You do not need a good credit score to get approved for a PAL. In fact, many credit unions do not consider your score.
They will review your income and employment to ensure you can afford the loan.
Typically, you can apply for a PAL II as soon as you are a member. Most impose a waiting period of one month before you can apply for a PAL I.
Are payday alternative loans right for you?
Payday alternative loans can be the right choice if you need quick access to a small amount of cash. They are emergency loans for bad credit that do not come with excessive fees.
You must be a member of a federal credit union that offers PALs or be willing to join one. You will also need to demonstrate the ability to repay the money.
If you’re dealing with an emergency and looking for a responsible borrowing option, PALs may be the right fit. Other short-term loan products tend to be much more expensive.
In a pinch for cash?
Additional loan alternatives
Cash advance apps
Cash advance apps let you borrow small amounts against your next paycheck with little to no fees. They do not check your credit, nor do they charge interest. Instead, they link to your bank account to assess income.
These apps are a fast way to get cash with few requirements, but your next paycheck will be short. Only use them if you’re able to handle a smaller paycheck.
Buy now, pay later
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services let you split purchases into smaller, interest-free payments over several weeks. Pay on time and you may improve your credit, but if you miss a payment, you may incur a late fee. Be careful since the ease of using BNPL services can lead to overspending.
Family loans
Borrowing from a family member or friend can be a low or no-interest option when you’re in a bind. Write out a loan agreement that states how and when you’ll repay the money to avoid strained relationships.
Financial assistance programs
Many nonprofit organizations, churches, and government agencies offer help with rent, utilities, food, and medical bills. These programs provide temporary relief without requiring repayment. Contact 211 or visit benefits.gov to find programs you may qualify for based on your income and location.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the difference between payday loans and payday alternative loans?
Payday loans and payday alternative loans are both short-term, small-dollar loans. They differ significantly in their cost, terms, and regulatory oversight. Payday loans charge excessive fees, require repayment in four weeks or less, and create a cycle of debt. The NCUA caps PALs’ rates at 28% APR, and you repay them over a few months to a year, making them more affordable.
2. How can I qualify for a payday alternative loan?
To qualify for a PAL, you must be a member of a federal credit union. You will need to show proof of income (pay stubs or recent tax return) and the ability to repay. Some credit unions will do a hard inquiry, while others will not. Either way, you can access money even with less-than-perfect credit.
3. How much can I borrow with a Payday Alternative Loan?
The amount you can borrow with a payday alternative loan depends on the type. A PAL I lets you borrow from $200 to $1,000, while a PAL II offers loan amounts up to $2,000. Federal guidelines and the credit union’s policy set loan limits to ensure you don’t take on more debt than you can manage.
4. How quickly can I receive funds from PALs?
Credit unions generally disburse funds quickly, often within one to two business days after approval. Some credit unions offering PALs online may provide same-day funding if you meet eligibility and submit documentation promptly. While not instant, PALs are still a timely option for urgent financial needs with far better terms than payday loans.
Bottom line
When you need to borrow money to tide you over until payday, consider a PAL. These small-dollar loans let you borrow affordably, even with less-than-perfect credit. You must join a federal credit union, but it may be well worth it. PALs are a safer and more affordable alternative to payday loans.
As with all borrowing options, make sure you can repay the money as agreed. Making on-time payments can help you build credit if your union reports payments, and most do. As your score improves, you’ll be eligible for other personal loans at even better rates.