Payday loans do not operate with a typical interest rate but instead levy finance charges, which are fixed fees. These fees are added to the principal and must be paid when the loan is due. The total cost of the loan is often expressed as an Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which, while not the direct mechanism, reveals the true expense when compared to other loans.
Payday lenders set their own fees, which are usually determined by the loan amount, though they may also be adjusted based on the borrower's income. State regulations also frequently impose caps on the maximum amount a lender can charge.
According to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the typical finance charge ranges from $10 to $30 for every $100 borrowed. When extrapolated over a year, this equates to an exceptionally high APR, which frequently exceeds 391%. This astronomical rate represents the most significant financial risk associated with this type of financing.