Direct Payday Lenders Online: Payday Loan or Credit Card?

Direct payday lenders online offer a valuable resource for consumers who find themselves experiencing short-term financial difficulties during tough economic times. When a car breaks down, a tooth needs to be filled, or bills are higher than expected, getting an advance on your paycheck may be a better option than reaching for a credit card. Having options is what helps us make good choices but when it comes to money, it’s important to know all of your options and what kind of effect your choices will have on your finances.

While credit cards may seem “easy”, paying them off after you have relied on them one too many times can be just the opposite. Of course, the decision you make may be a matter of economics. Using plastic credit is an option but remember, unless you want to incur interest charges you must pay back in full what you charge when you receive your statement. If you aren’t able to do so, your balance will only grow as interest (and possible fees) are tacked on over time. Credit cards are known to carry some of the highest interest rates of all types of credit and can ultimately cause what you to pay double for something, depending on how long it takes for you to pay them off. While the credit card companies do nothing to discourage you from “charging it”, you may be putting yourself into a dangerous position financially. This type of credit can end up turning into long term debt when all you really wanted was some short-term help.

Fast cash payday loans, on the other hand, can help with emergency cash needs but close the door on an open-ended line of credit when used responsibly and wisely. These types of small-dollar loans are meant to be acquired and paid off quickly; strictly for temporary financial needs. While credit card companies require only a minimum payment every month, potentially causing you to be in debt to them for months or even years, payday loans require you to pay back what you borrow the next time you get paid. Therefore you are able to take care of that last minute trip to the dentist or that unforeseen car repair when needed, but pay back what you borrow as soon as possible. So often it seems like these financial mishaps happen a few days before payday, when there is nothing left to draw from you bank account. There are even times when a utility bill or insurance premium will come due before you get paid because of the fact that the billing cycle has fallen out of sequence with your pay cycle. Turning to a payday loan may be just the boost your checkbook needs to see you through until your paycheck goes in the bank.

There is also the issue of the fees and/or late charges that can be tacked onto your credit card should you be unable to payoff your balance in a timely manner. If these charges assessed by your credit card company are going to be more than those of a payday loan, it may be the wiser choice to take out a short-term loan with a payday lender and pay it off quickly versus being charged a small fortune because it took so long to pay off that credit card.

The bottom line? There will be times when using your credit card is the most appropriate choice for your particular financial scenario. Keep in mind that paying the balance off every month is essential to successfully managing your expenses. In doing so, you can use credit to your advantage while taking care of that last minute bill or emergency expense. However, if you are looking for fast cash but don’t want to turn to your credit card, seeking the help of direct payday lenders online may be the most economical choice in the long run.