Payday Loans vs. Title Loans

When banking institutions are not an option for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit scores, two alternatives appear – payday loans and title loans. Both offer quick cash and comparable interest rates, adding to the dilemma of selecting one over the other.

Despite their similarities, the two types of loans have distinct differences in terms of qualifications, perks, and payback terms. Knowing them will help you make an informed decision. 

This article compares the two loans side by side and discusses details that may significantly affect your decision. 

Key Highlights 

• A title loan is based on giving a car title as collateral until the loan amount is paid fully. 
• A payday loan does not require asset collateral – instead, the loan amount is based on the borrower’s income. 
• Payday loans are unsecured loans where the financial situation of a borrower is taken into consideration. 
• Title loans are secured loans that require collateral, in this case, a car title, to qualify for higher loan amounts. 
• Both loans are fairly easy to qualify for, and neither of them requires a credit score check, making them a viable option for borrowers with a bad credit history.  

Title and Payday Loans: Definition 

When in bad financial circumstances, title loans and payday loans are among the simplest to secure, with fast approvals and similar rates. Before we jump to key differences, understand the fundamentals of each loan.

What Is a Title Loan?

A title loan, also referred to as a pink slip loan or a title pawn, is a financial arrangement where a borrower temporarily surrenders the title of their vehicle in exchange for a loan amount. The car title ownership is returned as soon as the debt is paid in full. 

As the name suggests, this loan’s primary qualification is having a clear vehicle title in the borrower’s name. Eligible vehicles typically include cars, trucks, motorcycles, or boats in working condition and without outstanding debts. 

When applying for a car title loan, a lender will request to inspect your vehicle and assess its current value. As a rule, lenders offer up to 25% to 50% of the asset’s value. 

What Is a Payday Loan?

Payday loans, also known as payday cash advance loans, are short-term financial solutions designed to help people in immediate need of quick money. These loans boast quick approval times and, in some cases, same-day disbursement of funds to a borrower’s account. 

Unlike title loans, payday loans do not require collateral. Instead, the loan amount is primarily based on income, particularly on a portion of the next paycheck. If you don’t own a vehicle or aren’t ready to risk it, payday loans are an alternative to financial respite for people without assets. 

What Is One Key Difference Between Payday Loans and Title Loans?

Payday loans and title loans work similarly, but they have one distinct difference. Payday loans are also known as unsecured loans, whilst title loans are secured since there is an asset (car title) at stake. 

In order to qualify for payday loans, a borrower is not required to provide collateral or any kind of guarantee that the money will be paid back timely. Hence, payday loans are rated as unsecured loans because only the financial situation is taken into consideration. As for a lender, payday loans may be a risky debt to give since the decision is based on pay stubs. 

Title loans, on the other hand, require a vehicle title as collateral that allows lenders to repossess the car in case borrowers default. Despite the risk of losing a car, owning an asset makes it easier to qualify for a higher loan amount in comparison to payday loans, where salary plays a big role. 

Title and Payday Loans: Qualifying Documents 

The requirements for title loans and payday loans are slightly different, although most documents repeat. A borrower must be 18 or older to apply for any type of loan.

Lender requirements for a title loan:

• Clean title in the name of a borrower
• Vehicle in working condition
• Proof of income
• Insurance (optional)
• Government-issued ID

To apply for a payday loan, the list of required documents is shorter:

• Active banking account 
• Proof of income 
• Government-issued ID

Do Payday Loans and Title Loans Affect Credit Scores?

No, neither payday loans nor title loans affect your credit score. In fact, they are designed as alternatives for people with poor credit scores who were turned down by banking institutions. 

If you fail to repay the title loan, the lender typically seizes your vehicle to sell and close your debt. However, they are not obliged to report the default. 

It may be frustrating to be rejected a loan from a bank you’ve been a member of for years. Yet, the reality is that banks stick to strict selection criteria where credit scores are one of the most important factors. 

Not only that, but taking out a loan from a bank is a time-consuming process – hence, some decide to take advantage of fast approval and funds disbursement from other lending institutions. 

Pros and Cons of Payday and Title Loans

PROS
Title Loan	Payday Loan
Can borrow higher loan amounts Longer loan terms (typically 30 days)Easy to qualify with a vehicle in good condition Slightly lower interest ratesBorrower can keep driving the car after using it as collateral	Easy to qualify with limited requirements Quick approval and even same-day funds disbursement

CONS
Title Loan	Payday Loan
The vehicle can be repossessed by a lender	Short loan term (typically 14 days)Can only borrow a few hundred dollars Higher interest rates

As you can see, title loans offer more advantages than disadvantages, but the final decision is always yours. 

Payday Loans and Title Loans: Which One Do You Need?

Deciding between payday loans and title loans depends on your specific financial situation and needs. 

Payday loans are suitable for individuals who require immediate cash and have a regular income but may not own valuable assets to use as collateral. 

On the other hand, title loans are more appropriate for those who own a vehicle and are willing to temporarily surrender their vehicle title as collateral in exchange for a loan. 

Consider factors such as your income, assets, repayment ability, and urgency of funds when determining which option best suits your needs. It’s also essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of each loan to ensure you make an informed decision.

Keep in mind that title loans typically offer:

• Lower interest rates
• Longer repayment term 
• Higher loan amounts

On the contrary, you should consider a title loan only if you can afford to pay back the debt in order to retain the ownership of the title. Otherwise, your vehicle can be taken away from you if you default on your loan. 

Final Words

In comparing payday loans and title loans, it’s evident that both offer quick cash solutions, but they differ significantly in terms of requirements and repayment terms. 

Payday loans are unsecured and based primarily on income, making them suitable for individuals without valuable assets. 

On the other hand, title loans require collateral in the form of a vehicle title, allowing borrowers to access higher loan amounts but risking vehicle repossession if unable to repay.

While both options have pros and cons, you should carefully evaluate your financial situation, repayment ability, and urgency of funds to determine which loan best suits your needs. 

It’s crucial to consider factors such as interest rates, loan terms, and potential risks before making a decision. 

If you need emergency cash, Titlelo can connect you with a title loan lender. Our partners prioritize transparency and favorable rates for our clients. 
Apply now and choose the best offer for yourself!