Need cash before payday? Start with the honest numbers.
Request $100–$5,000 from a network of state-licensed lenders, see exactly what it costs before you sign, and check cheaper options first. Free, secure, about 3 minutes on your phone.
- ✓ One request reaches multiple lenders — no fee, no obligation
- ✓ Bad or thin credit? Many network lenders work with sub-640 scores
- ✓ We tell you the real costs and your state's rules up front
How PaydayMetro works
We're a connecting service, not a lender. Here's the honest version of each step — including what isn't guaranteed.
- 1
Request
Fill out one secure form — about 3 minutes on your phone. No fee, no obligation.
- 2
Match
We attempt to connect your request with lenders in our network who work with your state and situation. Matching isn't guaranteed.
- 3
Review
If a lender makes an offer, review the amount, fees, APR, and due dates on their site before you sign anything.
- 4
Funds
If you accept, most lenders send funds by direct deposit — often the next business day, depending on timing and your bank.
Find what you're looking for
Online Payday Loans
How online requests work, real costs, and same-day realities.
Bad Credit Payday Loans
What lenders actually check when your score is under 640.
Installment Loans
Larger amounts, monthly payments — $1,000 to $5,000.
Payday Laws by State
Is it legal where you live? Caps, fees, and your regulator.
Cheaper Alternatives
PALs, earned wage access, assistance programs — check these first.
Get Out of Payday Debt
The complete playbook for breaking the rollover cycle.
Questions people ask us
Is PaydayMetro a lender?
No. PaydayMetro is a free connecting service. When you submit a request, we attempt to match it with independent lenders and lending partners in our network. If a lender wants to work with you, you finish the process on that lender's site, and the loan agreement is between you and the lender.
Who receives my information when I submit a request?
Your request is shared securely with lenders and lending partners in our network so they can decide whether to make you an offer. That's how a connecting service works, and it's why we ask for your consent before you submit. We never sell your Social Security number or bank details for marketing, and we explain the full data path in Your Privacy Rights.
Is submitting a request a loan application? Will it affect my credit?
Submitting a request on PaydayMetro is not a loan application and does not directly affect your credit. If a lender considers your request, they may run a credit check — many use alternative credit bureaus rather than the big three, which typically doesn't impact your FICO score, but some lenders may perform traditional checks. The lender must disclose this before you accept a loan.
How fast can I get money?
It depends on the lender, the time of day, and your bank. Many lenders send funds by direct deposit the next business day after you sign. Same-day funding is possible with some lenders if you finish early in the day, but it is never guaranteed. Weekends and holidays add time.
How much does a payday loan cost?
Most payday lenders charge a fee per $100 borrowed — commonly $10 to $30 depending on your state. On a $300 two-week loan at $15 per $100, you'd pay a $45 fee, which is roughly a 391% APR. Installment loans spread payments out but often carry high APRs too. Always read the cost disclosure in the loan agreement.
What if payday loans aren't legal in my state?
About 20 states plus DC effectively prohibit payday lending with rate caps. If you live in one of them, we won't route your request to payday lenders — instead we'll show alternatives like credit union loans, earned wage access apps, and local assistance programs. Check your state's page for the specifics.