What happens when you can’t repay a payday loan?

Yusra3

VIP Contributor
Payday loans are advertised as a quick, easy way to access cash during a financial emergency. However, their high fees and short repayment terms can easily trap borrowers in a cycle of debt that quickly becomes expensive and difficult to escape. If you're unable to repay your payday loan, the consequences can be severe.

When your due date arrives and you can't make the full lump-sum payment, you'll start accruing expensive fees and penalties from the lender. Fail to pay for a few more weeks, and the lender may redouble their collection efforts, calling you incessantly and potentially sending your debt to collections agencies who will further ding your credit.

Many payday lenders also gain access to your checking account when you take out the loan. They may attempt to withdraw the full payment amount, plus fees, directly from your account - potentially leading to overdraft charges from your bank. In some cases, payday lenders may even threaten borrowers with criminal charges if they're unable to repay.

The best solution is to consolidate outstanding payday loan debts with a personal loan or debt management program to escape the cycle of high interest and fees. But avoiding payday loans entirely is the smartest financial move.
 
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