Welcome to Consumer Federation of America’s information resource on payday lending for consumers and advocates.

Payday loans are extremely expensive cash advances that must be repaid in full on the borrower’s next payday to keep the personal check required to secure the loan from bouncing. Cash-strapped consumers run the risk of becoming trapped in repeat borrowing due to triple-digit interest rates, unaffordable repayment terms, and coercive collection tactics made possible by check-holding.

• Learn how payday loans work.

• Read about consumer protection issues and national or state studies.

• Check out the legal status of payday lending for each state.

• Get information on how to file complaints with state and federal regulators.

• Get tips on alternatives to high cost payday loans and advice on coping with payday loan problems.

• Read research on car title loans and internet payday lending.

Paydayloaninfo.org is a service of Consumer Federation of America.