If you're in a financial bind and need money immediately, payday loans or cash advances can be extremely helpful. For people who do not have easy access to credit, this option is a viable one as long as you fully understand how the process works. Payday loans can help people pay for things like vehicle repair emergencies, unexpected bills, or other situations where you find yourself cash-strapped and needing money quickly. Read on to get a better understanding of payday loans so you can be better informed.

Getting Your Money

First, you should decide on the exact amount you need, but don't ask for more than that in order to avoid the excess fees you will have to pay. You'll give the payday lender a check for the amount of money you need, plus the total fee amount. The lender will hold your check and give you the exact cash amount you've requested, minus the fee. When you go to repay the advance, the lender will receive your payment in cash and return the check to you. The check you submit serves as a form of collateral to ensure repayment of the cash advance.

Paying On Time

It's extremely important that you repay the lender in a timely manner. Most payday advance companies will charge what's known as a rollover fee for non-paying customers. This fee compounds weekly or even daily for every period you have not repaid the amount you've borrowed in full. In order to avoid these rollover fees, you should pay the cash advance back as soon as possible. The longer it takes you to pay the amount back, the higher your fees will be. Always ask for a copy of the written terms and penalties, so you know exactly what you're facing if you can't repay the amount on time. 

Protecting Your Interests

Payday cash advances are a great way to get money fast if you need financial help. But before you decide to go this route, always do your homework to find out which lender in your area provides the lowest interest rate and fees. Ask each one about their repayment process. Some lenders may provide you with a small grace period, while others will demand repayment on the due date and no later. Never borrow money from a payday lender unless you're absolutely sure you will be able to pay it back in full on the due date in order to protect your interests and money. With smart borrowing, a payday loan can be a great way to get the money you need quickly without filling out credit applications or worrying about getting a loan or credit approval. 

For more information on payday loans, contact a company like Payday Express.