These quick and easy loans come at a terrible price.

Key points

• Payday loans may seem to solve your short-term financial problems, but they often make long-term problems worse.
• There are other, more affordable ways to get the cash you need in a snap.

When the bills pile up, it’s natural to look for the quickest way out of your situation. But sometimes what seems like the perfect solution can actually lead to bigger problems. This is the case with payday loans, which promise quick and easy cash while hiding an alarming cost. But do not worry. There are other ways to get the money you need, and if you already have payday loan debt, it is possible to get out of this situation.

What’s so bad about payday loans?

A payday loan is a short-term loan, usually $500 or less. It is much faster to obtain one of these types of loans than other more traditional loans from a bank. Usually all you have to do is provide ID and proof of income, then write a post-dated check or allow the lender to withdraw the funds from your account on your next payday. No collateral is required and you can be out with your money in minutes.

This sounds great in theory, but payday loans usually carry astronomical interest rates. A typical credit card can have an annual percentage rate (APR) of 15% to 30%, depending on the cardholder’s credit. A payday loan can easily have an APR of 400% or more.

Those who are unable to repay what they owe often end up extending their payday loan, which only adds more interest, and the cycle continues month after month. Over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep up with payments as interest charges escalate.

Let’s say you take out a $100 payday loan with an APR of 400% due in two weeks. If you are unable to repay it, the payday lender will now charge you interest on your initial $100, plus the $15.34 interest owed on the first loan. If you cannot repay the loan after one month, you will owe $165. After three months, it will cost you $232. And after a year, you’ll owe $500, assuming you continue to extend the loan without paying anything back.

Payday loans are so dangerous that some states have banned them outright while others have limited the interest rates and fees that payday lenders are allowed to charge their customers. But many states still allow these outrageous charges to continue. Fortunately, payday loans aren’t the only way to get the money you need.

Payday loan alternatives to consider

Avoiding payday loans is possible, but your approach will depend on several factors, including your credit and when you need the money. For non-emergency expenses, the best strategy is often to save up little by little for your purchases. And if you don’t have an emergency fund yet, you should start one so you don’t have to borrow money for unexpected expenses.

In some cases, you may be able to work out a payment plan rather than paying a large bill all at once. Many hospitals allow you to do this for medical debts and you may be able to do the same for other bills.

Personal loans are another option, and they’re also a great choice for those who already have payday loan debt. This is another type of loan that doesn’t have collateral, and it’s possible to get one even if your credit isn’t great. The interest rates on these loans are higher than those on a mortgage or car loan, but they are much more affordable than payday loans. You can also borrow a lot more if you need to, and many lenders offer you longer repayment terms. Plus, many lenders can get you the money you need in a day or two.

There are also other types of hardship loans, for things like medical care or emergency home repairs that can help you in certain situations.

Finally, you can consult local charities if you need help with essentials. You may be able to get food, clothing, and other essentials at little or no cost.

You can usually find better options than a payday loan. But if you choose to get one anyway, make sure you understand its costs and be sure you can pay it back on time. Otherwise, you will only postpone your financial problems.