California Payday Loans: Compare Alternatives First
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A payday loan isn’t your only option when you need fast cash. California residents can access local and regional resources, including financial assistance and small loans, to help cover emergency expenses from utilities to medical bills.
Here are alternatives to online and storefront payday loans in California. NerdWallet recommends contacting the organizations listed below to see if you qualify for assistance.
Name of organization | Service provided | How you can use the service | Amount provided | Contact information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Assistance | One-time emergency for rent, utilities | Varies | 510-768-3100 | |
Assistance | General financial health | Varies | 415-526-7500 | |
Assistance | Utilities | Varies | 805-541-4122 | |
Loans, check cashing | No restrictions | $300 | 510-479-1037 | |
Assistance | Rent, utilities | Varies | 640-968-0836 | |
Assistance | Utilities | Varies | 844-224-1316 | |
Loan | No restrictions | $3,000 | 561-270-5981 | |
Assistance | Rent | Varies | 909-793-2673 | |
Loan | No restrictions | Varies | 415-546-9902 | |
Loan | No restrictions | Varies | 323-761-8830 | |
Assistance | Utilities | Varies | 707-444-3834 | |
Assistance | Rental deposit and veterans services | Varies | 925-338-1038 | |
Assistance | Rent | Varies | 800-640-2933 | |
Assistance | Housing | Varies | 949-380-8144 ext. 215 | |
Assistance | Utilities | Varies | 510-881-0300 | |
Assistance | Veterans services, financial emergencies | Varies | 408-738-4321 | |
Assistance | No restrictions | Varies | 2-1-1 | |
Assistance | Utilities, clothing, rent, food, shelter | Varies | 323-733-8300 ext. 2272 or 2370 | |
Assistance | Emergencies | Varies | 408-255-8033 |
Additional options to consider
If local resources aren't available to you, there are other options when you need money. Take our quiz to explore these alternatives:
What to know about payday loans in California
If you've weighed alternatives and still want a payday loan, here are things to know:
A payday lender doing business in California must be licensed by the Department of Business Oversight. You can verify a lender’s license by contacting the DBO.
The maximum amount you can borrow from a payday lender in California is $300.
The maximum fee a lender can charge is $45, or 15% of the amount borrowed. A 15% fee is equivalent to an annual percentage rate of 460% for a two-week loan.
Payday lenders in California cannot give you a new loan if you already have a loan outstanding with that lender.
More on payday loans and alternatives
