Payday loans in California

California payday loan rules

Max loan amount: $300
Min loan term: 7 days
Max loan term: 31 days
Finance charge cap: 15% of check face value
Max absolute fee: $45
Typical APR: ~460%
Rollovers (extensions): Prohibited
Simultaneous loans: 1 active loan
Right to rescind: Next business day
Governing law: California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law
Regulator: CA DFPI

California at a glance

California at a glance
Metric	California	United States
Population	39.2M	332.3M
Median household income	$102,369	$85,275
Median rent	$2,042/mo	$1,432/mo
Income spent on rent	34.0%	31.6%
Homeownership	56.5%	65.4%
Poverty rate	12.0%	12.6%
Unemployment rate	6.5%	5.3%
Without health insurance	6.9%	8.6%
Veterans	4.5%	6.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, by ZIP code. City and state figures are population-weighted averages of ZIP code data and are approximate.

Payday loan cost calculator for California

Move the sliders to see what a payday loan would cost under California rules and how it compares with local incomes.

Loan amount $300

California maximum: $300

Fee per $100 borrowed $15

California maximum: $15

Loan term 14 days

Rollovers are not allowed in California.

Fee: $45
Total to repay: $345
APR: 391%
Share of a two-week household paycheck in California: 1.1%

Estimate only. APR = fee ÷ amount × 365 ÷ term. Lenders may charge less than the state maximum; actual terms vary.

What a payday loan costs in California

Fee on a $300 loan: $45
Share of a two-week household paycheck: 1.1%
Hours of work at the local median wage: 2.0 hours
Rollovers: Not allowed in California

Example based on the California maximum fee for the maximum loan and local median incomes: two-week paycheck = household income ÷ 26, hourly wage = individual income ÷ 2,080. Actual terms vary by lender.

California in context

Population rank: 1st; of 50 states
Median household income rank: 5th; of 50 states
Households earning under $25,000: 12.7%; ▼ 2.2 pts vs US
Median home value: $786,868; ▲ 102% vs US
Home value to income: 7.7×
A $400 emergency expense: 1.4 days; of median household income

Apply for a payday loan in California

Get the financial support you need when unexpected expenses come up. Our secure platform connects you with lenders licensed to operate in California.

Apply online in minutes, get a decision fast and, if approved, receive funds in your bank account as soon as the next business day.

Why borrowers in California use us

Quick online application A simple form you can complete in about 5 minutes, any time and anywhere.
Fast decision Your request is reviewed in real time by lenders licensed in California.
All credit types considered Less-than-perfect credit doesn’t automatically rule you out.
Transparent terms Fees and loan agreements must comply with the California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law.

California disclosure: Payday loans and short-term cash advances are intended for temporary financial needs and should not be used as long-term financial solutions. Rates, terms and maximum loan amounts are set by California law (California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law). Please borrow responsibly and review all loan terms before signing.

California payday loan FAQ

How much cash can I borrow in California?

In California, eligible borrowers can typically qualify for loans from $100 up to $300. The final approved amount depends on your regular monthly income, your ability to repay and California regulations.

What are the minimum requirements to apply?

To submit a loan request in California, you must:

Be at least 18 years old (the legal age of majority).
Have a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of residence in California.
Maintain an active checking account in your name.
Show proof of a regular, verifiable source of income.

Can I qualify with bad credit or a past bankruptcy?

Possibly. Many lenders in our network look beyond traditional credit scores and focus on your current income and ability to repay rather than past credit issues. Approval is not guaranteed.

How fast will I receive the funds?

Once your application is approved and you e-sign your loan agreement, funds are often transferred to your checking account the same day or the next business day, though transfer time varies by lender and bank.

When and how do I repay my loan?

Repayment terms follow California lending rules: in California, loan terms are between 7 days and 31 days. Typically, the amount borrowed plus applicable fees is automatically debited from your checking account on the due date, which is often your next payday.