Wednesday 3 October 2012

Which Payday Lenders Should You Avoid

In these troubled financial times it is not unusual for people to find they have a sudden cash flow crisis and that they need a little help to tide them over to the next time they are paid. In these circumstances many consider applying for payday loans which are designed as short term help. The pitfalls of payday loans are well documented and they are not suitable for everyone, but if there is a certainty of being able to pay the money back at the specified time and they are used sensibly they can be a real help.

Unfortunately not all payday loans on offer are the same and some lenders are not as scrupulous as others. It is extremely important that anyone considering applying for a payday loan goes into it with their eyes open and facts to hand.

There are three main points to look for when considering lenders offering payday loans as a potential financial solution to a short term problem. All reputable lenders are registered with the Office of Fair Trading. Any lender that is not licensed should be avoided at all costs. Potential borrowers should make sure they ask the question and if necessary seek some proof that their chosen lender is licensed.

Unfortunately some will find themselves in a position of not being able to pay back their payday loans on time. If this does happen there can be nasty shocks when late repayment fees are charged. Sometimes these are so damaging borrowers will find themselves in a spiral of debt as they need to borrow more funds just to make repayments. Lenders should be transparent about what they will charge in the event of a late payment. Terms should be clear and concise and make their penalty charges absolutely distinct for borrowers. If someone finds they are unsure of what the penalty payments might be, they should avoid the lender and take their business elsewhere.

People tend more and more to use the internet to research potential financial products and a company's website is often its main marketing tool. Fortunately this gives potential borrowers a good chance to assess the potential lender from the comfort of their own home. It is well known that payday loans are an expensive way to borrow, but borrowers should be able to see that for themselves. If a payday loans website is not absolutely clear about its APR and other fees and these are not prominently displayed on their site, the lender should be avoided.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

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