Payday Loans in California

California law does not mandate a hard credit check for payday loans. Lenders often focus on your income, employment, and an active checking account rather than just your FICO score. Consequently, applicants with poor credit may still qualify for offers, which are capped at $300 by state law. This process allows you to see potential offers without a hard inquiry affecting your credit.

To apply for a payday loan in California, you generally need: proof of being 18+ with a valid ID; a verifiable source of recurring income; an active checking account in your name; and a valid California residential address. Collateral is not required for payday advances under the state's Deferred Deposit Transaction Law.

Yes, California law requires any company offering payday loans to be a state-licensed lender. Working with a direct lender means the company funding the loan is the one you apply with, ensuring they are accountable under the California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law. This differs from brokers who may pass your information to other parties.

No, rollovers are explicitly prohibited by California law. A payday loan must be repaid in full, including the principal and finance charge, by the agreed-upon due date (no more than 31 days). If you anticipate difficulty repaying, it is critical to contact your lender before the deadline to discuss potential options, as refinancing the loan is not a legal alternative.

An online payday loan is a short-term, small-dollar loan typically due on the borrower's next payday, applied for and funded entirely online, with availability governed by state law. BroMoney is an online loan marketplace — not a direct lender — that connects borrowers with a network of 1,200+ licensed U.S. lender partners. Borrowers complete one online form in about 5 minutes. In practice, BroMoney then matches them with lenders using a soft inquiry, which does not affect your FICO® score, and borrowers review all offers before committing. Final approval is subject to each lender's own review criteria, and payday loan availability through BroMoney varies by state law.

Most payday lenders require an active checking account, a valid government-issued ID, proof of verifiable income, and U.S. state residency with age 18 or older. In practice, verifiable income includes (1) employment paystubs, (2) bank statements showing direct deposits, and (3) government benefits such as Social Security, SSI, or disability payments. Pension and self-employment income also qualify, typically documented via tax returns or bank statements. BroMoney connects borrowers with 1,200+ licensed U.S. lender partners, and each lender independently sets its own eligibility criteria. Approval is subject to the lender's review, and accepted income types vary by lender and state law.