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Alternatives

Lenders Like CashNetUSA: Online Alternatives Compared

CashNetUSA is an online lender offering payday loans, installment loans or lines of credit depending on your state. Here are similar online options, cheaper alternatives, and how to tell a good lender from a bad one.

Key takeaways
  • Online lenders like CashNetUSA fund by ACH, usually by the next business day.
  • Products depend on your state: payday, installment or line of credit.
  • An installment loan or line of credit can cost less than repeated payday loans, but APRs are still high.

What CashNetUSA offers

CashNetUSA is an online-only lender. Depending on your state, it offers payday loans, installment loans or a line of credit, applied for online and paid into your bank account. Because each state sets its own rules, the products, amounts and prices you see depend on where you live.

Similar online lenders

Several online lenders work in a similar way. Each is only available in certain states:

  • Online payday lenders such as Check 'n Go and Speedy Cash (online in some states) offer small loans due on your next payday.
  • Online installment lenders such as OppLoans offer larger loans repaid over months, often to borrowers with poor credit.
  • Lending networks pass one request to multiple lenders. Our homepage form works this way.

We do not rank lenders by name, because approval and pricing depend on your state, income and credit history. Use the checklist below to compare any offer you get.

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Payday vs. installment vs. line of credit

TypeHow you repayBest forWatch out for
Payday loanOne payment on your next paydayA small, one-time gap you can repay in fullRollovers and repeat fees
Installment loanFixed payments over several monthsA larger expense you need to spread outHigh APR over a long term adds up
Line of creditMinimum payments on what you drawRepeated small needsPaying only the minimum keeps you in debt

Cheaper alternatives

How common short-term options compare
OptionTypical costSpeedCredit check
Cash advance / earned wage appFree to a few dollars per advance; optional tips or instant-transfer feesMinutes to 1–3 daysUsually none; based on deposits
Credit union payday alternative loan (PAL)Max 28% APR + up to $20 application fee1–2 days for membersSoft or light
Credit card cash advanceCash advance fee (often 3–5%) + high APR from day oneSame day at an ATMOnly if you already have the card
Online installment loanWide range; often triple-digit APR for bad creditNext business dayUsually yes, often specialty bureaus
Payday loanOften $10–$30 per $100; ~391% APR at $15/$100 for 2 weeksSame day in store; next day onlineUsually specialty bureaus, not FICO

How to check an online lender is legitimate

  1. Licensed in your state. Look for state license numbers on the website and confirm them with your state regulator.
  2. Clear pricing before you sign. Federal law requires lenders to show the APR and finance charge in dollars.
  3. No upfront fees. Legitimate lenders take fees out of the loan or charge them at repayment, never before.
  4. Real contact details: a physical address, phone number and complaint process.
  5. Complaint history. Search the CFPB complaint database and your state attorney general’s site.
Military borrowers

If you are on active duty or a dependent, the Military Lending Act caps most consumer loans at a 36% Military APR.

Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.

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Frequently asked questions

What lenders are like CashNetUSA?

Other online lenders such as Check ’n Go, Speedy Cash and OppLoans offer similar payday, installment or line-of-credit products in the states where they are licensed.

Is an installment loan better than a payday loan?

It can be easier to repay because payments are spread out, but the total interest can still be high. Compare the total dollar cost of each option.

How do I know if an online lender is legit?

Check its state license, make sure it shows the APR and finance charge before you sign, and never pay an upfront fee.

Sources

  1. CFPB — What are the costs and fees for a payday loan?
  2. CFPB — What is a payday loan?
  3. CFPB — Military financial lifecycle: your rights under the Military Lending Act
  4. CFPB — Submit a complaint
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