California Payday Loans

We’re your local California direct lender, no 3rd parties

Fast Cash Advances in California

Direct lender loans for everyone in about 10 minutes.

Any California resident is eligible to apply.

Get Your Cash in Advance Today

Payday Today is a licensed California lender. We work with you to help you find the perfect loan solution that fits your lifestyle. Most loan applications are processed in about 10 minutes. Once approved we will verify your information and sign and finalize your loan. It really is that easy.

Here’s how you get a Payday Loan from Payday Today, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

A man applies for a payday loan online
1

Get started

Apply online or in store

A woman gets approved for an online payday loan
2

Get approved

Takes about 10 minutes

A happy couple got a same day payday loan approved
3

Get your money

You’re on your way, same day!

*Payday Today is licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law as required in financial code section 23027.

Best Payday Loans in California

Apply online and find out in minutes.

Get your cash same day*

Payday Loans Online

At Payday Today, we’re the good guys! We have been lending to Californians since 2005. We are here to fill that gap when you need extra funds between paydays. Don’t fall for internet sites that charge high rates and extra fees, instead let Payday Today, a direct lender, help you get the cash you need.

Requirements to Apply for a Payday Loan in California

Proof of Income

A minimum of 60 days proof of income, verified thru the customer’s checking account direct deposit history. Pay stubs can no longer be accepted as proof of income.

Income History

A minimum 60 days of verifiable income history, verified thru the customer’s checking account deposit history.

Active Bank Account

Bank account must be open for a minimum of 60 days with recent activity

Valid Government Issued Identification

Driver’s License, Work Permit, Passport, Etc.

When an applicant successfully completes the online application, they will receive a pre-approval up to $255. This pre-approval is not a final approval. Final approval is contingent on Payday Today staff verifying and analyzing the information provided by the applicant. Not all pre-approvals result in a final approval and the issuance of funds.

Payday Today operates under the following underwriting guidelines when evaluating all applications for final loan approval.

  • Valid government issued identification.
  • Resides in the state of California.
  • No more than one NSF / Returned check within the past 30 days.
  • Active bank account open for minimum of 60 days with regular and recent activity.
  • Bank account average balance sufficient to repay a loan.
  • Current obligations do not make it unreasonable borrower will have the ability to repay a loan.
  • Verifiable source of income such as regular deposits reflected in bank transaction history that can be cross-referenced with application.
  • Applicant must borrow against the account in which source of income is deposited.
  • New applicants must complete the online bank verification process.

Proof of Income and Active Bank Account can be uploaded after you complete the application on our website. As an alternative to providing Proof of Income and Active Bank Account, you can complete the bank verification during the application process.

If you have any questions, please contact us at (888) 212-5565

How Payday Loans Work

2
Get an approval decision within minutes for your Payday Loan application.
3
Get your money the same day.*

A Payday Loan in California is quite simply a small dollar loan that is due upon your next pay date, usually in two to four weeks. You can get a few hundred dollars to cover unexpected expenses or get some extra cash before your next paycheck. Fill out our simple online loan application in just a few minutes and get the funds you need as quickly as the same day you apply.

*Online approvals before 10:30 AM ET (M-F) are typically funded to your bank account by 5 PM ET same-day. Approvals after 10:30 AM ET are typically funded in the morning the next banking day.

Who We Are

  • Payday Today is a trusted online lender.
  • We provide loans to residents in the states of California and Texas only.
  • We have been lending since 2005.

Who Regulates Us

    • We are licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
    • We follow California Deferred Deposit Transaction law and Financial Lender Law
    • We are members of the Online Lenders Association

Who Do We Lend To?

  • Any resident of California is eligible to apply for a loan
  • You must have valid ID, a source of income and an active bank account
  • Good credit not required. We consider many factors when reviewing your application.

Get Cash in Less Than 15 Minutes

  • Get approved in 15 minutes.
  • Apply in-store or online.
  • Funds can be issued in-store or online within minutes
  • Once you’re an approved customer, you can apply for a new loan and receive fast approval online or in-store.

Payday Loan Benefits

Benefits of getting a Payday Loan from Payday Today

Easy application

Payday Loans come with easy applications that you can complete in just a few minutes. Payday Today lets you apply online or in store, so you may be able to fill out an application from the comfort of your home.

Quick approval

Payday Today offers a super quick approval decision, so you may find out right away whether you’re approved for a Payday Loan in California. If approved, in many cases you can receive the funds the same day you apply or within 24 hours.

Good credit not required

Payday Today is not as strict as other lenders and approves borrowers with all credit score levels. We consider other factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve you, such as your income and employment history (must have 60 days of employment history). So you can still get approved even if your credit score is not so good.

Thousands of California customers trust Payday Today.

Get the cash you need

When you need it most.

Payday Loan Rates Interest & Terms

The fees for Payday Loans are state regulated at a set price for short-term transactions, typically $15 per $100 borrowed.

A payday loan from Payday Today is a great alternative to other short-term payment solutions because they are usually a lower cost option compared to bank overdraft, bounced check, late payment, or utility re-connection fees.

Payday Loan Fees vs Alternatives

Sources: Consumer Federation of America Survey of Online Payday Loan Sites, 2011; CFPB CARD Act Report and Study of Overdraft Programs, 2013; Readex Research National Data on Short-Term Credit Alternatives, 2006; Bankrate.com Checking Account Survey, 2014; Moebs Services, 2012.

Fee schedule

Payday Loan Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve Got Questions

We’ve got answers

Payday loan Q & A – all your payday loan questions answered.

How many Payday Loans can I have at once?

You may have only one Payday Loan at a time with Payday Today.

How much can I borrow for a Payday Loan?

Under California law, the maximum amount a consumer can borrow in a payday loan is $255

How can I use a Payday Loan?

Your Payday Today payday loan can be used to cover expenses before you get your next paycheck. For example, if you need to pay rent, cover an unexpected medical bill, buy groceries, or even repairs to your car or motorcycle – payday loans can give you the extra cash you need right away.

Can I get a Payday Loan without a checking account?

Unfortunately no. California customers must have proof of an active, personal checking account that we ask to be open for at least sixty (60) days.

Are all Payday Loan approvals guaranteed?

No. Not all who apply for a Payday Loan are approved, as certain criteria must be met. But the application process is quick and easy, it usually only takes a few minutes to find out if you are approved – CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!

Are Payday Loans regulated?

Yes. Payday Today follows all applicable California State and Federal laws and regulations. We follow all industry best practices to provide our customers with the most responsible personal loan services available.

Is my credit score checked or impacted when applying for a Payday Loan?

No. We do not run credit checks at Payday Today. However, your credit score may be affected if your balance goes into default.

What should I look for in a Payday Loan company?

When choosing a company for your Payday Loan, make sure to look for the following important signs:

  • The Payday Loan process should be simple, easy, and offer users access to knowledgeable staff, whether in store or online.
  • Make sure the website is secure. Consider looking for the security icon that states your information is safe and encrypted. Your URL within the top address bar should have a green padlock, signifying that this website is encrypted.
  • Your Payday Loan terms and rates should be clear. At Payday Today, we’re always upfront with your Payday Loan details.

What is the difference between an in store and online Payday Loan?

ONLINE Payday Loans give you the convenience of processing your loan completely online without the need to visit a retail store location. Simply submit an online loan application and, if approved, the funds from this payday loan will be deposited directly into your bank account as soon as the same day.*

As of 2025, Payday Today only accepts applications online via our website https://paydaytodaystore.com and we only issue funds electronically.

How and when will I know my Payday Loan has been approved?

Whether you apply in store or online, processing your completed application will only take a few minutes and you will receive an approval decision immediately.

Can I visit your location in person to apply or pick up cash?

As of 2025, Payday Today only accepts applications via our website and we only issue funds electronically.  Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions!