When money’s tight, $255 can be the difference between getting to work or running on empty. It might cover your groceries, keep the lights on, or help with an unexpected bill. When you’re in a pinch, payday loans may seem like the fastest option to getting small cash amounts.
This guide breaks down how to get a $255 payday loan from a direct lender, which lenders offer them, and how to avoid sky-high fees or getting stuck in a cycle of debt. Plus, we’ll cover a few alternatives to consider before signing up for a payday loan.
How to get a $255 payday loan from a direct lender
Getting a $255 payday loan from a direct lender is usually fast, but you’ll want to be cautious since these kinds of loans could come with a quick repayment window and costly fees. Here’s how the process typically works:
Step 1: Find a licensed lender in your state. Some states, such as California, cap the payday loan amount at $255.
Step 2: Submit your basic information. This includes a government-issued ID, proof of income, and bank account details.
Requirements for a payday loan may vary by lender.
Step 3: Get approved the same day if you qualify and receive funds through direct deposit.
Step 4: Repay the loan on your next payday. Most loans are due in 14 to 30 days.
Note: Not all payday loans are the same. Some charge over a 300% annual percentage rate (APR), include hidden fees, or encourage rollovers that could come with additional fees, potentially trapping borrowers in long-term debt.
5 Popular $255 Payday Loan Providers
These direct lenders can bring fast relief to those in a cash emergency, with often no credit check or laborious paperwork.
Check City is a regional lender that offers payday loans, installment loans, and other financial services both online and in-store. Known for its fast approval process and transparent fee structure in states like California, it focuses on small, short-term loans for borrowers who need cash quickly.
Operates in: Multiple states, including California
Loan amounts: Varies by location; up to $255 in California
Repayment terms: Typically due on your next payday
Speed of funding: Same-day approval and funding
Costs/APR: California caps fees at $45 for a $255 loan
Watch out for: Higher fees and interest in states without rate caps
CashNetUSA is a well-known online lender that provides payday loans, installment loans, and lines of credit in over 30 states. It's popular for fast online applications, next-day funding, and being open to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.
Operates in: Over 30 states
Loan amounts: $100 to $3,000, depending on the state
Repayment terms: 14 to 30 days for payday loans
Speed of funding: Same-day or next-business-day deposit
Costs/APR: Often exceeds 400% APR
Watch out for: Rollovers and high late fees
ACE Cash Express operates both online and through hundreds of physical locations across the U.S. ACE offers its customers nontraditional banking that includes check cashing, money transfers, ATM services, installment loans, and more.
Operates in: 24+ states
Loan amounts: $100 to $1,500, depending on location
Repayment terms: Due on next payday
Speed of funding: Same-day if approved early
Costs/APR: Can go beyond 500% APR in some states
Watch out for: Extra in-store service fees and automatic renewals
LendYou is not a direct lender, but a loan aggregator that connects borrowers with payday loan providers across the country. It helps users find fast cash options by submitting a single application to a network of lenders.
Operates: Nationwide (connects you to direct lenders)
Loan amounts: $100 to $1,000 or more
Repayment terms: 14 to 30 days
Speed of funding: Usually within 24 hours
Costs/APR: Varies by lender, often over 300%
Watch out for: Higher risk and varying terms, since LendYou is not a direct lender
Wizzay is a financial services company that helps consumers access money from a network of participating lenders and lending partners. While not as widely known, it positions itself as a lower-cost alternative to traditional payday lenders.
Operates in: A limited number of states
Loan amounts: $100 to $5,000
Repayment terms: Flexible plans based on your income
Speed of funding: Usually next-day deposit
Costs/APR: Often lower than traditional payday lenders
Watch out for: Limited availability and strict income verification
Possible concerns with payday loans
Payday loans are fast, but they can be risky. Watch out for these common issues:
Interest rates that go over 300%
Hidden fees or automatic loan renewals
Short repayment windows that make it easy to fall behind
Small loans that lead to long-term debt cycles
Always read the fine print to understand the total cost before borrowing and avoid unexpected fees or charges.
States where payday loans are illegal
Payday loans are banned or strictly regulated in the following states:
Arizona
Arkansas
Connecticut
Georgia
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Vermont
West Virginia
District of Columbia
Even in states where payday loans are legal, the rules vary. For example, Illinois and Colorado cap APRs at 36%, while some states allow lenders to charge over 400%.
Payday loan rules vary based on where you live, and they can change from time to time. It’s a good idea to check with your state’s regulators to confirm if payday loans are available in your area.
Payday loan alternatives
Personal loans from credit unions
Credit card cash advances
Payday Alternative Loans (PALs)
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)
Earned wage access apps
Cash without debt: How EarnIn may be a safer alternative
Instead of borrowing and paying interest, EarnIn lets you access a portion of your paycheck early. You can get up to $150 per day and up to $750 per pay period, with no mandatory fees or interest.
EarnIn isn’t a loan. It’s your money, available when you need it, which can be a simple way to handle cash flow gaps without adding debt.
FAQs
Who is the easiest lender to get a loan from?
Lenders like CashNetUSA and ACE Cash Express can offer fast approval, but often at a high cost. Plus, easy approval usually means higher fees.
Can you get a loan if no one will approve you?
You may be able to get a loan through a credit union, a payday alternative loan lender, or an earned wage access app like
EarnIn.
Can you get a $2,000 loan with no credit?
If you have no credit but need access to $2,000, there may still be options for you. You might qualify for a secured loan, which requires collateral, like a home or car. You could apply for a co-signed loan, where a responsible borrower with a high credit score applies with you. Some online lenders may also approve you based on your income, instead of looking only at your credit score.
Who could loan you money right now?
You may be able to access cash quickly by using payday loans, personal loans, credit card cash advances, or earned wage access apps.
EarnIn,
Brigit, and
MoneyLion could help you get fast cash with fewer fees.
What is a hardship loan?
A hardship loan is a small emergency loan designed for people in financial crisis, like a job loss or medical emergency. These may be offered by your employer or a credit union.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.
EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out. A pay period is the time between your paychecks, such as weekly, biweekly, or monthly. EarnIn determines your daily and pay period limits (“Daily Max” and “Pay Period Max”) based on your income and financial risk factors as outlined in the Cash Out Maxes section of our Cash Out User Agreement. EarnIn reserves the right to adjust the Daily Max and Pay Period Max at its discretion. Your actual Daily Max will be displayed in your EarnIn account before each Cash Out. EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1–2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not
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