CASH ADVANCE MATH / CALIFORNIA
Payday loans in California: rules, costs and cheaper options
Start with the rules. Then compare the full cost of an advance or a credit union loan before deciding.
California borrowing rules
Legal, with licensed lenders
- Maximum loan
- $300 check; $255 cash at the maximum fee
- Fee cap
- Up to 15% of the check amount. That is $45 on a $300 check.
- Loan term
- Up to 31 days
- Rollovers
- No overlapping loan with the same lender. A payment extension cannot carry an extra fee.
The loan limit includes the fee. A $300 check does not mean you receive $300.
Regulator: California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Cheaper options in California
Compare an app's standard delivery cost, then ask a federal credit union about a PAL. Check your eligibility and state availability first.
Last checked Sep 29, 2026. These state rules do not change the calculator's national example.