Credit Card Or Cash Advance Loan?

By Author: Chris Puetz
Total Articles: 13
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Many people know exactly why they need a cash advance loan. An unexpected medical bill or a car repair can trigger a financial crises easily if not prepared for it. You would think that mainly lower income families get into those kind of situations, but even before this recession started many mid-income level families discovered the convenience of using a cash advance loan. It is just too easy to charge some expenses to a credit card where they then disappear within the overall balance and soon enough you would have to pay interest for it. As we all know credit card interest is not cheap and the average balance is carried more 18 months before eventually (if at all) being paid off.

Now do the math between a short term loan with higher interest that is paid off after 3 months and a credit card balance that is carried over 18 months with almost the same interest rate. You easily discover that it is indeed cheaper to apply for a fast cash loan with its higher upfront fees than to charge the expense to your credit card. Another benefit is that a cash advance does not affect your credit score while a higher credit card ...
... balance will negatively affect your credit score. In addition you will pay interest on the interest you accumulate on your credit card account. Many credit companies charge between 18% and 23% interest if the balance is not paid off.

Conclusion: As strange as it seems, but a cash advance loan can be a much cheaper alternative when it comes to the need of some quick cash. Keep in mind that these short-term loans are usually paid back within 30-60 days at most, while a credit card balance is carried for 18 months or more with accumulated interest on top of it. Consumer advocates always blame the Payday Loan industry for the financial problems of consumers, while it is really necessary to take a closer look and compare the different situations. Sometimes it makes sense to pull the credit card and charge an expense, sometimes it can be cheaper to get a cheap payday loan instead.
Chris is the webmaster of the Cash Advance Loan website. Small Loans Online is an online provider who allows consumers to apply for a payday loan.