Authorby Ben Sweiry · Modified on 2 October, 2023

• Yes, you can become a payday lender.
• As long as you live in a state where payday lending is a legal practice.
• It is important to understand the regulations on payday lending and other products for your state before you start.

 

 

How Can I Become a Payday Lender?

 

Read into the Rules and Regulations

 

The first step to take if you want to become a payday lender is to understand the rules and regulations within your state.

Regulations on payday lending can vary significantly depending on the state you reside in, with some states imposing strict interest rate and fee caps, while others have limited regulations.

Compliance and Licensing

 

Before you do anything, it is very important to understand and then apply for the correct licenses and permits.

Compliance with both state and federal laws is paramount for legal operation.

Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, penalties, as well as the termination of your payday lending business.

Capital Investment – how are you going to fund your business?

 

Starting a payday lending enterprise demands a substantial capital injection to start-off.

These funds are not only allocated for loans but also cover operational costs such as rent, staff salaries, and digital marketing efforts.

It is better not to even think about starting a payday lending business until you know you have enough money to lend as well as to cover any potential losses.

Loan Products and Pricing Strategy

 

Decide on the type of loan products you want to offer. While payday loans are the standard, some lenders also provide installment loans or title loans. Title loans are often seen as less risky for a lender as they are a type of secured loan – they use the borrowers vehicle as collateral for the loan.

It is important to be aware that some states have stricter rules and regulations on some lending products, and looser regulations on others.

Once you have decided on the type of loan products you intend to sell, you can then establish a pricing strategy within the legal limits of your state.

Physical Location or Online Platform

 

You should then decide between operating a physical storefront or an online lending platform. For physical locations, securing suitable real estate is vital, whereas online lenders should invest in a user-friendly website and a solid online presence.

Dime Alley’s lenders operate a fully online service, which has some significant benefits, as physical lending stores are often restricted to just one specific location and therefore a smaller client base.

Risk Management Protocols

 

Develop a rigorous risk management system to evaluate borrowers’ creditworthiness and minimize the risk of loan defaults.

This often involves verifying income, employment status, and other financial credentials.

Strategic Marketing and Customer Acquisition

 

Implement a marketing strategy that adheres to regulations, with clear disclosures about borrowing costs and APRs. Staying compliant with Google algorithm updates for online advertising is essential to maintain visibility.

 

What Does it Cost to Become a Payday Lender?

 

The cost required to become a payday loan lender can vary considerably, influenced by factors such as your operating state, the decision between setting up a physical location or conducting online operations, and the size of your lending venture.

Here, we discuss key cost aspects to keep in mind:

Licensing Fees

 

State authorities generally mandate that payday lenders acquire licenses, and these licenses may be accompanied by associated charges. The expenses differ depending on the state but often cost around $150 annually.

 

Operating Costs

 

Rent (depending whether you have a physical location) – this will depend on your location but the average U.S. office listing rate is currently at $37.83 per square foot.

Advertising – the US Small Business Administration suggests 7-8% of your budget should be spent on advertising.

Loan processing software – this typically costs around $100 per month.

Website costs – these costs include such things as domain and site builder fees. On average, building a website has an upfront cost of around $200, with an ongoing cost of around $50 per month for maintenance.

Compliance costs – ensuring compliance with your local state and federal regulations may require legal and regulatory consulting services, which can add to your expenses. Most attorneys charge from $150 to $325 an hour in the US.

Funding for loans – you will need capital to provide loans to customers. The amount will depend on the size and scope of your lending business. Some states require over $30,000 upfront, so be sure to check this before you start.

 

Rules and Regulations by State

 

California

As one of the largest payday lending markets, California imposes a maximum loan amount of $300 and a fee cap at 15% of the loan amount. Borrowers are restricted to one loan at a time, and the state operates a payday loan database for tracking.

 

Texas

Texas is a great place to become a payday lender. With its lenient regulations with no interest rate cap, the market is very free. Borrowers can roll over loans multiple times, potentially trapping them in cycles of debt.

 

Florida

Florida has maintained some quite liberal payday lending laws, but does hold a $500 maximum loan amount and fees capped at 10% of the loan amount. Borrowers are limited to one loan at a time but can take out additional loans after a 24-hour cooling-off period.

It is important that you understand the payday rules and regulations in your state before starting your lending business, as some states prohibit payday lending entirely.