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What Is a $300 Loan?

Feature Typical Range/Detail
Loan amount $100 – $500 (fixed at $300 in this case)
Funding speed As fast as the next business day
Repayment term 14 – 31 days (payday) or 2 – 12 months (installment)
APR / Fees 36% – 400%+ depending on state caps and product type
Credit check Soft pull or alternative data; no collateral required
Availability Not offered in AZ, AR, CT, DC, MA, MD, NC, VT, WV

How $300 loans work

A $300 loan provides quick cash for immediate expenses without depleting your savings. Complete a simple online application through platforms like LendUp, receive funds directly in your bank account, then repay the borrowed amount plus finance charges - either in one lump sum or through multiple scheduled payments.

Common types of $300 loans

Payday loans: You get $300 and repay everything plus a flat fee on your next paycheck. The fee is often $15 per $100 borrowed, so you'd pay $45 total. If your term is two weeks, the effective APR can shoot past 400%.

Installment loans: You repay the $300 through multiple fixed payments spread over weeks or months. APRs usually range from 36% to 180%, which gives you more breathing room and makes budgeting easier.

Best uses for $300 emergency loans

This smaller loan works well for closing a cash gap when you're facing overdue utility bills, minor car repairs, medical co-pays, emergency travel or groceries before your next paycheck arrives. Lenders typically verify your income rather than demanding perfect credit, so approvals happen fast and funds can land in your account the next day.

Just make sure you compare total costs, check your state's rate caps and confirm the repayment schedule fits your budget before moving forward.

Why Choose LendUp for Your $300 Loan?

Compare $300 Loan Offers from Multiple Lenders in One Place

LendUp works as a loan-matching marketplace rather than a direct lender. You fill out one quick form with basic details like your name, address, income, and how much you need. Within seconds, you'll see real offers for $300 personal loans, payday loans, or installment loans from licensed lenders across the country.

Lenders You Can Trust

Every lender in our network follows federal Truth in Lending Act rules and respects state interest caps, including the 36% Military Lending Act limit. You'll see payment schedules, late-fee terms, and autopay discounts spelled out clearly so there aren't any surprises down the road.

Quick Funding When You Need It

If you e-sign your agreement before 11:00 a.m. your local time, most borrowers get their money by the next business day. You can pick a single-payment option that's due in 8 to 31 days or spread things out over several months with an installment plan.

Safe and Simple

Your information gets protected with 256-bit encryption and only goes to lenders with certified privacy programs. Checking your rate uses a soft credit pull, so your credit score stays untouched. You can review, pause, or say no to offers anytime from your phone or computer without any pressure.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Requesting a $300 loan through LendUp takes just a few minutes. You can complete everything online from wherever you are, as long as you're in a state where our partner lenders operate. Here's what happens from your first click to getting your money.

1. Start Your Request

Pick "$300" as the amount you need. Then fill out a quick form with your legal name, phone number, Social Security number, address, and bank account information. Federal "Know Your Customer" rules require lenders to collect your Social Security number, so that's standard across the board.

2. Verify Key Details

Lenders typically require proof of at least $1,000 monthly income through secure bank-account connections or recent pay stubs. You'll also upload a photo ID to meet Truth in Lending Act requirements and prevent fraud.

3. Review Matches

If you qualify, you'll see a comparison screen showing each lender's APR, total repayment amount, and when you'd get funded. Many lenders can send money the next business day if you apply before 10 a.m. Central Time. LendUp doesn't charge you anything to browse or decline offers.

4. E-Sign and Choose Repayment

Read the digital loan agreement carefully. It covers things like late fees, which state law limits. Sign electronically, then pick how you'll repay—automatic withdrawal, debit card, or manual payment.

5. Track Your Status

You'll get confirmation by email or text right away. Log into your dashboard anytime to check underwriting progress or upload extra documents.

Approval isn't guaranteed. Credit checks happen, and funding speed depends on your bank and holidays.

Who Qualifies for a $300 Loan?

Basic qualifications

To qualify for a $300 loan through LendUp, you must be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama and Nebraska, 21 in Mississippi). You need a verifiable U.S. residential address and must complete your application while physically in the country. A valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is required for identity verification.

LendUp operates only in states where small-dollar lending is legal. Residents of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, and approximately 10 other states with payday loan restrictions cannot access these products.

What to have ready

Prepare these items before applying:

  • Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
  • Recent proof of income from the past 60 days (pay stub, benefit letter, or bank statement)
  • Working mobile phone and email address for two-factor authentication and electronic signatures

Partner lenders may check your credit through major bureaus or alternative databases. However, $300 loan approval depends primarily on income stability and banking history rather than credit score.

What Does a $300 Loan Cost?

Understanding Your Total Cost

When you borrow $300, the amount you pay back includes more than just the principal. Your total cost comes from the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. These get rolled into the Annual Percentage Rate, which gives you a clearer picture of what you're actually paying. For smaller loans like this, APRs can start around 36% but sometimes climb past 400%. Where you live matters too, since some states put caps on what lenders can charge.

Before you accept any loan, take time to read through the fee schedule. Here are the charges you'll commonly see:

  • Origination Fee: This processing charge usually falls between 1% and 8% of your loan. The lender takes it out before sending you the money.
  • Late Fee: Miss a payment and you'll get hit with this penalty. Some lenders charge a flat amount like $25, while others take a percentage of what you owe.
  • Returned Payment Fee: If your bank account doesn't have enough money when a payment tries to go through, you'll pay an NSF fee.
  • Prepayment Penalty: Most small loans skip this fee, but some lenders charge you for paying early. Check your agreement to be sure.

LendUp lets you compare what different lenders are offering so you know the full cost before committing.

What You'll Actually Pay Back

Here's how different loan setups affect what you owe on a $300 loan:

Loan Type Terms Key Costs Total Repayment
Single-Payment Loan Due in 14 days $15 per $100 borrowed ($45 total) $345 in one payment
Installment Loan 3 monthly payments 199% APR, no origination fee Around $384 total ($128 monthly)

Your final cost depends on APR, fees, and loan term. Late payments increase costs through additional fees and interest. Paying early can reduce interest charges if calculated daily. Review your Truth in Lending Act disclosure for exact APR, payment schedule, and total cost before signing.

How Fast Can You Get a $300 Loan?

When emergencies strike, LendUp's partner lenders offer two primary funding methods for your $300 loan:

Standard ACH Transfer: Funds arrive next business day after approval if you e-sign before the lender's cut-off time (typically noon–2:00 p.m. in your time zone). No additional fees.

Push-to-Debit: Money hits your Visa or Mastercard debit card in 15–60 minutes. Convenience fee: $1–$8.

ACH Deposit Timing: Weekends, Holidays, and Bank Processing Hours

ACH transfers don't process on weekends or federal holidays. Friday approvals may not fund until Monday or Tuesday. Your bank's schedule matters—most large banks post ACH credits by 8:30 a.m., while some credit unions wait until after 5:00 p.m.

5 Factors That Affect Your $300 Loan Funding Speed

  • Verification delays: Missing pay stubs or ID mismatches add 1–2 days
  • Account type: Same-day ACH or Real-Time Payment accounts receive funds faster
  • Application timing: Submit before the lender's daily cut-off for faster processing
  • State regulations: New York prohibits instant debit disbursement; ACH only
  • Wire transfers: Available for an extra fee, must clear by 6:00 p.m. ET Fedwire deadline

After approval, review your disclosure for the estimated disbursement date and method. Verify your routing and account numbers, then sign before the cut-off time to avoid delays.

Repayment Options Available

Pick a schedule that works for you

Your repayment terms depend on which product you choose and your state's regulations. Payday-style loans for $300 typically require one lump-sum payment on your next payday, usually within 14 to 31 days. Personal or installment loans for $300 typically spread payments over 3 to 12 months. These come with equal payments that cover both principal and interest.

Longer terms mean smaller monthly payments but higher total interest. Always look at the total repayment cost, not just the monthly amount.

Loan Type Typical Term APR Range* Late-Payment Fee
Payday Loan 14–31 days 200%–650% $10–$30 flat, varies by state
Installment Loan 3–12 months 18%–99% Up to 5% of the missed amount

*Exact APRs and fees depend on state caps and the individual lender LendUp matches you with.

Simplify your payments

Setting up automatic payments from your checking account or debit card is free with most short-term lenders. You can also turn on text or email reminders a few days before each due date. If you want to pay extra toward the principal, go ahead—federal law bans prepayment penalties on consumer installment loans. Paying early cuts down on interest and improves your debt-to-income ratio.

When things don't go as planned

Reach out to your lender before your payment is due. Most states require lenders to offer at least one extended payment plan each year at no extra charge if you call before the business day your payment is scheduled. Your lender might let you shift the due date once, break a lump-sum payment into four installments, or waive late fees when you're facing hardship. Getting ahead of problems protects your credit since lenders report late payments after 30 days.

$300 Payday Loans vs. Installment Loans

When you need $300, you'll typically choose between a payday loan and an installment loan. Each works differently, and knowing the basics helps you match the right option to your finances. LendUp lets you compare lenders offering both.

Feature $300 Payday Loan $300 Installment Loan
Repayment Structure Single lump-sum payment due on your next payday. Multiple, smaller payments made over several weeks or months.
Typical Cost A flat fee, often $10-$30 for every $100 borrowed. An annual percentage rate (APR) applied over the loan term.
Loan Term Very short-term, typically 2 to 4 weeks. Longer-term, from a few months up to a year or more.
Credit Impact On-time payments are not typically reported to credit bureaus. Lenders often report payments, helping to build credit history.

What You'll Pay

Payday loans charge a flat fee. A common rate is $15 per $100 borrowed, so your $300 loan might cost $45 for two weeks—that's close to 400% APR. Rolling over the loan adds more fees, and overdraft charges can pile on. Installment loans use interest that accrues over time and sometimes include an origination fee. Smaller payments spread out the burden, but longer terms can mean more total interest.

Choosing the Right $300 Loan for Your Budget and Income

Can you repay the full amount from your next paycheck without sacrificing essentials? A payday loan offers simplicity. Need more flexible payments? An installment loan spreads the burden over time. For irregular income, seek lenders offering flexible due dates or hardship programs.

Credit Reporting and Funding Speed

Most payday lenders don't report your on-time payments to Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, though missed payments can end up in collections. Installment lenders usually report your payment history, so paying on time may boost your credit score. Both loan types can get you funds quickly. Compare timing, fees, and terms on LendUp before choosing.

$300 Loans with No Credit Check

When you apply for a $300 loan with no credit check, lenders skip the hard inquiry with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion, protecting your credit score from application damage. Instead, they use alternative data to assess your repayment ability. LendUp connects you with lending partners who look beyond your FICO score, making these loans accessible if you have limited credit history or are rebuilding credit.

Alternative Verification Methods Lenders Use Without Credit Checks

Without traditional credit reports, lenders verify your financial stability through multiple methods:

Bank account analysis reviews your cash flow after you securely link your account, examining income deposits, spending patterns, and account health. Income verification requires pay stubs or bank statements proving consistent earnings. Alternative credit bureaus like Clarity Services or Teletrack may be checked, as they track short-term borrowing history for borrowers with lower scores. Identity verification confirms your identity using government ID and may include a soft inquiry that doesn't impact your credit score.

How to Get a $300 Loan with Bad Credit

Traditional banks typically require FICO scores of 670 or higher, but online lenders evaluate additional factors beyond credit scores. Even with scores between 300-600, you may qualify if you meet other criteria.

5 Key Approval Factors Lenders Review for $300 Loans

Current Income: Verified monthly income of $1,000-$1,500 from wages or benefits.

Employment Stability: 3-6 months with the same employer, or consistent gig work/benefit payments.

Debt-to-Income Ratio: Total monthly debt below 40% of gross income.

Bank Account History: Active checking account open at least 90 days for direct deposits and ACH payments.

Recent Payment Behavior: On-time payments for rent, utilities, and phone bills reported to alternative credit bureaus.

Traditional Banks vs. Online Lenders: Approval Comparison

Traditional Score-Focused Lender Online Network Lender
Hard credit pull from Experian or Equifax only Soft pull plus bank-statement analysis via Plaid
Requires 640+ FICO No minimum FICO; evaluates cash-flow trends
Decision in 1-3 business days Instant or same-day decision 24/7

6 Steps to Increase Your $300 Loan Approval Odds

Link your checking account and enable direct deposit. Upload recent pay stubs or benefits letters for instant income verification. Request exactly $300 and choose a due date matching your next payday—14-31 days for payday loans or up to 6 months for installment loans. Verify your address, phone number, and employer details are accurate. Use platforms offering soft-pull pre-qualification to avoid multiple hard inquiries that lower your score. Apply through one lender network that considers income and banking history alongside credit scores. Approval and terms vary by state.

State Regulations for $300 Loans

Your state determines whether you can get a $300 loan and what it will cost. Each state sets its own lending regulations, including which loan types are permitted, maximum interest rates and fees, and required loan terms. Some states cap Annual Percentage Rates on small loans, which reduces costs but may limit lender availability. State-specific rules create significant differences in loan costs and lender options based on your location.

California caps payday loans at $300 with a maximum 15% fee ($45 total). Colorado requires small-dollar loans to run at least six months with a 36% APR limit, plus origination and maintenance fees. Texas permits Credit Access Businesses where effective APRs can exceed 600%. New York's 16% usury cap effectively prohibits high-cost payday lending.

Consumer Protection Laws and Borrower Safeguards for Small Loans

States enforce multiple consumer protections beyond rate caps. The federal Military Lending Act limits rates to 36% for active-duty service members and their families. Most states require lender licensing, mandatory upfront cost disclosure, and rollover limitations. Many mandate cooling-off periods between loans and cap late fees. Several states maintain loan databases to prevent multiple simultaneous loans.

State Licensing Requirements for Online $300 Loan Lenders

Online lenders must comply with regulations in your state and typically need state-issued licenses to operate legally. Tribal lenders and out-of-state lenders may face restrictions or bans depending on your location. Legitimate platforms connect borrowers only with properly licensed lenders.

Alternatives to $300 Loans

Before you jump into a short-term loan, take a moment to explore these practical options. They often cost less and can save you from high interest charges.

Option Cost Speed Credit Impact
Credit Card 3–5% fee, 28% APR Instant Utilization only
Friends/Family $0 interest Same-day None
EWA $1–$5 fee Same-day None
Payment Plan 0% interest Varies None
Credit-Union PAL ≤28% APR, $20 fee 1 day Reports
Sell/Earn $0 cost 1–2 days None

Credit Card Cash Advance

If you've got available credit, a cash advance gets you money right away. You'll pay a fee between 3% and 5%, with a minimum around $5, plus the cash-advance APR starts at roughly 28% immediately. Watch out for ATM fees too.

Borrow from Friends or Family

Asking someone close to you means zero interest. Write down the amount and when you'll pay it back, then use a payment app so both of you can see the progress.

Employer Paycheck Advance

Apps like Earnin let you access wages you've already earned for a small fee of $1 to $5. No credit check required, though relying on this every cycle shrinks your actual paycheck.

Payment Plans

Reach out to your utility company or medical provider before a bill goes overdue. Many will set up interest-free plans that stretch payments over several months, keeping your services on without adding debt.

Credit Union Small-Dollar Loans

Federal credit unions offer Payday Alternative Loans from $200 to $2,000 with a 28% APR cap and up to $20 in fees. You'll get an answer within a business day and timely payments help your credit.

Sell Items or Pick Up a Gig

Posting electronics or clothes online, or doing delivery work over the weekend, can bring in cash without debt or interest charges.

Get Started with LendUp Today

LendUp connects you with licensed lenders offering $300 loans through a secure platform. Compare rates and terms in real time without affecting your credit score. The entire process takes just minutes.

$300 Loan Application Requirements and Process

To request a $300 loan, provide your name, address, Social Security number, monthly income (minimum $1,000), and checking account details. LendUp matches you with state-licensed lenders compliant with Truth in Lending Act regulations.

After submitting your request, review pre-qualified offers. Installment loan APRs typically range from 5.99% to 35.99%, while payday loans may be higher. Repayment terms usually span 3 to 24 months. Select the offer that best fits your needs.

$300 Loan Approval and Funding Timeline

Once you choose a lender, verify your identity and income for instant decision in many cases. Approval before mid-morning on a business day may result in next-day funding, depending on your bank. Review all rates, fees, and terms in your loan agreement before accepting.

Checking loan options is free with no obligation. Start your $300 loan search with LendUp today.

Get Your Loan with LendUp

LendUp is a fintech service that streamlines the process of connecting borrowers with direct lenders. Our automated platform enables you to easily apply for loans up to $5,000 through a simple online form, designed to match you with loan options that meet your specific needs.

Apply in as Few as 5 Minutes

Instant Loan Decision

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