Sometimes people get into unexpected circumstances such as a medical emergency. These are times when people need more money than what we may have at the moment. Though every worker receives wages or salary on his or her payday, the amount of money earned may not be enough to meet unexpected financial needs.

Is there a way out in such circumstances? Yes, there is a way out, provided by payday advances. A payday advance is the timely assistance rendered by financial institutions to people who need money between their paydays.

A person in dire need of money in between paydays can approach a financial organization that handles payday advances for such a loan. When he or she applies for the advance to the financial organization, the latter studies the application, decides whether to approve it, and then communicates this to the applicant. Most payday advance firms approve advances for a two to four week period. Most payday advance firms require the applicant to be in employment for at least 3 months, have a checking account with a bank for at least 3 months, and earn a monthly net income of $1000 after all deductions.

Though payday advances are a boon in emergency situations, the interest rates charged are usually very high. When a payday advance period is renewed, the interest rates become even higher. Thus, payday advances are more expensive than other forms of short-term credit such as a loan from a bank or from a family member or friends, a credit card cash advance, an account with overdraft protection, or a salary advance.

Because of the prohibitive interest rates usually associated with payday advances, it is best to consider such an advance as only a short-term solution to an unexpected financial need. It is not intended for repeated use in meeting usual expenses from one payday to another. Because of the very high interest rates, repeated or frequent borrowing of payday advances can cause serious financial hardship for the borrower.

Processed online as well as offline, payday advances are short-term (2 to 4 weeks) loans. Because they carry extremely high interest rates, such advances should be used sparingly and with great caution.