When financial emergencies arise, you need somebody to cover your bills. Your next paycheck might be too far away to supply the necessary funds, but thankfully, short-term assistance is available to help. Payday lenders can provide cash advances to help you through the tough times.
Where Can I Apply for a Payday Loan in California?
Californians have numerous options when considering emergency financial relief. Here are 14 reputable payday loan providers serving customers in the Golden State.
1. Cashback Loans
Cashback Loans is a California-based company that is among the best for payday loans. Since 2003, it has grown to seven locations statewide and prioritized efficiency for customers who need a cash advance. Applications are easy, and you can get a direct deposit in as few as 15 minutes after submission.
Cashback Loans is licensed with the state, ensuring your safety. The payday loan provider uses AES-256 encryption to safeguard the information you send, and it will not sell your data to other lenders. Customers do not have to worry about a credit check, as instant approvals are available without it.
Key features:
Instant cash deposits | Confidential online application |
Direct lender licensed in California | No credit history required |
2. Payday Loans Inc.
Payday Loans Inc. is another trusted place in California where you can apply for a payday loan. Credit history is not mandatory for your cash advance, so you only need an open checking account and a steady income. Approval starts with an online application, which the company makes simple for its customers.
While some payday lenders are only open on weekdays, Payday Loans Inc. ensures you can access money on nights and weekends. The company is open seven days a week and has extended hours to fit most schedules. You can apply in-store or online, whichever is easier for you.
Key features:
29 locations in Southern California | Online and in-person loan options |
Loans up to $300 | Quick online application process |
3. ACE Cash Express
Ace Cash Express is a certified California lender offering loans up to $255 when emergencies arise. Whether you live in the Bay Area or the San Diego metro, you can find its locations across the Golden State. The company provides a hassle-free application process to make it easier for customers.
Once you apply, Ace Cash Express offers numerous ways to receive the funds:
- You can get an instant transfer if you have a qualifying debit card.
- Ace Cash Express can deposit the money in your bank account overnight.
- You can pick up funds the same day at a nearby Ace Cash Express.
Key features:
Loans up to $255 | Overnight deposits |
Same-day cash pickup | Licensed lender in California |
4. Cash Central
Cash Central offers quick help for life’s emergencies, ensuring you have funds when you need them. The company has a license and registration in California and will help customers with credit problems. If unsure of your credit score, fill out a new customer application to gauge your approval chances.
Upon applying, you will know within minutes whether Cash Central will accept your loan request. Approved customers will receive their money by direct deposit on the date they selected in the application. Expect the funds to arrive in your bank account by 4:45 p.m. local time on the next business day.
Key features:
Payday and installment loans available | Confidential application service |
Applications accepted 24/7 | Licensed and registered with California |
5. GreenDayOnline
When you need fast cash, GreenDayOnline helps you in precarious situations. The company has a quick approval process to deliver money as soon as the same day you apply. Fill out your application completely online with no need to see an in-store associate. Even those with poor credit can borrow.
GreenDayOnline is where you can apply for a payday loan in California and benefit from its numerous connections. The company has ties with direct lenders who may give you a loan upon approval. Californians can get up to $255 in same-day cash, and the loan provider says your chance of approval is around 60%.
Key features:
No hard credit inquiry | Loans up to $255 |
Fast approval decisions | 100% online process |
6. CashMax
CashMax makes payday loan services fast, easy and secure through its approval process and same-day fund transfer. The provider only requires an open checking account and steady income to receive emergency cash. If you apply before 9 a.m., you may be able to receive your money on the same day.
If you choose CashMax, you can apply for a loan online or in the store. The business has three locations in northern California, spanning Vallejo to Sacramento. Once you complete the application, you can receive up to $255 in funds to ensure compliance with state regulations. CashMax says the repayment amount is due on the agreed-upon date.
Key features:
Loans between $50-$255 | Rapid approval process |
Same-day funds available | No required credit check |
7. Check`n Go
Check`n Go is a reputable loan service provider in California, providing up to $255 in short-term funds. The cash helps with unexpected expenses and keeps the lights on until your next paycheck. Loan applications are flexible, allowing you to fill them out online, in a store or on the phone.
The loan application process becomes quicker through the company’s underwriting software. If you are eligible and approved, you will understand your loan amount and rates for heightened transparency. Expect the funds to arrive in your bank account by the next business day. Customers with bad or no credit may still get approved, though the application will provide the information.
Key features:
Online, phone and in-store applications | One business day transfer |
Loans up to $255 | Secure application process |
8. Moneytree
Moneytree is a trustworthy company based in Washington with a California business license. It has registration with the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and the federal government as a money services business (MSB), enhancing credibility. Since 1983, its motto has included treating customers and team members properly.
The application requires a few documents to ensure your identification and ability to pay. Moneytree ensures all information is protected in its safe application process. Customers only need a few minutes to understand whether they are eligible for a payday loan. Then, they can get funds at a branch or send the money to their bank account or debit card.
Key features:
Secure application process | Approval in minutes following submission |
DFPI licensing | Multiple approved funding options |
9. Advance America
Advance America has been a trusted lender in California since 1998, expanding to 81 locations in three decades. The company is known for its payday loans and streamlined application process, which makes life easier for customers. Thanks to efficient online systems, you will instantly know whether the lender has approved your loan.
Credit does not matter when applying with Advance America — people with good, bad and poor credit scores are welcome to apply. Once you receive approval, you can receive the funds at the store or online. If you visit an Advance America location, you can deposit the money onto a debit card.
Key features:
Payday and other loans available | Instant approval decisions |
81 stores across California | Paperless process |
10. Rixloans
Rixloans understands you may need a payday loan during a financial crisis, so it makes the application process easy. You do not need superb credit for approval because all levels are welcome to apply. Customers also benefit from lending options if they are between jobs or work part-time positions.
Once you apply, Rixloans will determine whether you qualify for a cash advance, payday alternative loans or other approved options. All you need to do is meet the eligibility requirements to request financial assistance. After approval, the company will send funds to your preferred destination within 24 hours.
Key features:
All credit levels may apply | No hard credit inquiries |
No employment requirement | Fund transfer within 24 hours |
11. Check City
Check City demonstrates where you can apply for a payday loan in California and receive superior assistance. The online, in-store and phone representatives will guide you every step of the way when you need financial help. Once ready to apply, you will use Check City’s financial technology to make the process quick.
Check City is among the state’s best payday loan providers because of the convenient funding options. Returning customers can instantly receive funds on their debit card or get same-day cash by direct deposit. The business is a direct and licensed lender in California, so rest assured that it will protect your information.
Key features:
Instant and same-day funding options | Lending up to $255 |
Direct and licensed lender | Exceptional customer service |
12. Net Pay Advance
Net Pay Advance only has three requirements for your payday loan application:
- Be 18 or older
- Be a California resident
- Have an active bank account
If you fulfill all three, you can get emergency financial assistance. The company is a licensed direct lender in California, ensuring all rules and regulations are in order.
Net Pay Advance has six locations in the Los Angeles metro and Bay Area for those wanting the in-store experience. Your payday loan application requires no hard credit inquiries or a specific credit score. The business prioritizes privacy by never selling your information to other lenders.
Key features:
Instant cash advances | Same-day $255 payday loans |
Licensed direct lender | Numerous locations statewide |
13. PaydayDayze
PaydayDayze offers loans to customers in any state, and Californians benefit from a quick application process. The procedure is completely online, thus eliminating paperwork or the need to go inside a store. Once approved, your funds may arrive on the same day to help with your financial emergency.
PaydayDayze emphasizes transparency in its processes by avoiding hidden fees. The terms and conditions will tell you all the necessary information to make the most informed decision possible. Like other providers, PaydayDayze welcomes people with all credit scores to apply for a payday loan. Apply from any device to get your emergency funds as soon as the same day.
Key features:
Good and bad credit welcome | Rapid approvals |
No hidden fees | Online-only process |
14. Payday Champion
Payday Champion works with its direct network of lenders to lend up to $255 when you are in need. No credit check and a fast approval process mean you could receive funds on the same day you apply. Fill out your forms early in the morning to get your emergency cash more quickly.
Payday Champion prides itself on the AI-driven verification process, providing instant approval if you are eligible. You may meet the requirements if you are 18 or older with an active bank account and regular income. The company recommends double-checking your application for accuracy to speed up approval chances.
Key features:
$255 same-day loans | No credit check |
Wide direct network of lenders | Instant verification process |
Considerations Before Getting a Payday Loan in California
Discovering where you can get a payday loan in California is easier with the numerous reliable options. However, you must research the providers to determine the best fit for you. What should you consider? Here are five factors for your lending needs.
- Trustworthiness: The best payday loan providers are licensed and registered in California. You can use the state’s consumer protection laws for legal assistance if something goes wrong.
- Rule following: The business should follow California’s strict payday loan regulations. For example, the DFPI limits fees to $45 and says no additional charges can be placed if you request an extension.
- Interest rates: The annual percentage rates (APR) will likely be high with payday loans. However, you should compare each business's offers for the lowest possible interest rate.
- Loan terms: California’s minimum loan term is a week, and the maximum is 31 days. This may differ with each provider, so ensure your paychecks align with the repayment schedule.
- Fund transfer: Most payday loan companies will provide funds within a business day. Consider those that will send cash on the same day if you apply early enough.
Getting a Payday Loan for Your Financial Emergencies
Financial hardship can arise anytime, so you may need immediate relief. Payday loans can be a last resort when you must make ends meet. California has numerous direct lenders with registration and licensing to operate within the Golden State. If you need temporary assistance, consider a trustworthy institution with a safe and reliable loan application process.



















