- You call the lender, not the other way around. Unsolicited loan offers by phone are a red flag.
- Have your ID, income details and bank information ready before you call.
- A real lender never asks for an upfront fee, gift cards or a wire transfer.
How phone applications work
- Find a licensed lender and call the number on its official website.
- An agent takes your details: ID, Social Security number, income, employer or benefit source, and bank account.
- The lender verifies your information and, if approved, sends the loan agreement by email or text for you to e-sign.
- Funds are sent by ACH, usually the next business day, or you pick up cash at a store.
What to have ready
- Government photo ID and Social Security number
- Recent pay stub or benefit award letter
- Bank routing and account numbers
- An email address or mobile number to receive and sign the agreement
Need $100–$1,000 before payday?
- One free request, many lenders
- Bad credit and benefit income considered by many lenders
- See the APR and total cost before you sign
PaydayEase is not a lender. Requests go to lenders in our network; approval, rates and terms are set by the lender. Rates & fees
Phone loan scams to avoid
- Offers you a loan you did not apply for
- Asks for a fee, insurance payment or gift card before you get the money
- Says your approval is “guaranteed” regardless of credit
- Pressures you to decide on the call
- Claims to be collecting on a payday loan you do not recognize, and threatens arrest
Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Under federal law, debt collectors cannot threaten you with arrest or jail. If someone calls about a debt you do not recognize, ask for written validation of the debt before paying anything.
Amounts, fees and terms depend on your state. Some states ban payday loans or cap rates at 36%, so lenders do not offer them there. See payday loan laws by state.
Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
Can I get a payday loan over the phone?
Some licensed lenders accept applications by phone, and you sign the agreement electronically. Many storefront lenders can also start your application by phone.
Are phone payday loans safe?
They can be if you call a licensed lender yourself. Unsolicited calls offering loans, especially ones asking for upfront fees, are usually scams.
Can a payday lender have me arrested?
No. Not repaying a payday loan is a civil matter. Debt collectors are not allowed to threaten arrest. If you are sued, respond to the court papers.