California Payday Loans: Rules, Limits and Licensed Lenders
California payday loans are licensed deferred deposit loans, capped at $255 on a $300 check, with rules every borrower should know.
- Max $255 per loan
- Licensed by California DFPI
- Check held up to 31 days
Approval is not guaranteed. Licensed by the California DFPI.
California payday loans are short-term advances that state law licenses and limits. Under the California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law, the check can be at most $300, the fee can be at most 15% of that check, and the lender may hold the check for up to 31 days. That means the most you can receive is $255.
Many borrowers search for online payday loans in California, so this guide explains the limits, the costs and the protections you have. Residents of Los Angeles can read about our service area too. CC California Cash is a licensed California store in Torrance, and we use our own store as an example throughout. Payday loans are for short-term emergencies, not a long-term solution.
See what a California payday loan costs
Move the sliders. California caps the fee at 15% of the check, so the numbers below are the legal maximum. The store gives you the exact cost in writing before you sign.
Fee = 15% of the check amount (about $17.65 per $100 you receive), never more than $45.
Estimate only. Approval is not guaranteed.
Get your cash in 3 steps
- 1Confirm the lender is licensed
Look up the lender with the California DFPI before you give any personal information or sign anything.
- 2Do the math on the fee
On a $300 check the fee is $45, so you receive $255 and repay $300.
- 3Plan the repayment date
Make sure the full check amount will be in your account on the due date, because a returned check adds a $15 fee.
Online payday loans California: common reasons people borrow
Covering a bill before payday
Many people borrow to cover rent, a utility bill or a car repair between paychecks. A short loan can work when the due date fits your pay schedule.
A one-time short-term gap
Payday loans are built for a single short-term gap. They are not meant to be rolled into new loans.
Protection under state law
California caps the amount, the fee and the holding period, and it bans rollovers. Those rules protect you if you read them first.
Medical or family emergencies
An unexpected medical bill or a family need can leave you short of cash. Compare every option before you borrow.
Comparing online and store lenders
Some people apply online first, then visit a store to ask questions in person. Either way, the state rules are the same.
Wanting an in-person lender
An in-person store in Torrance lets you ask questions face to face before you sign.
What to bring
- Valid government photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Your most recent pay stub or proof of income
- An open checking account and a personal check
- A phone number where we can reach you
Call (310) 787-7587 before you come to confirm what you need.
Costs and limits by law
Payday loan vs other options
| Option | When it fits | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| CC California Cash payday loan | Licensed, in person, and capped at $255 by state law. | Fees are high, so use it only for a short-term need. |
| Credit union small loan | May cost less for members who qualify. | Membership and approval can take longer. |
| Bank overdraft | You may already have the account. | Overdraft fees can add up quickly. |
| Credit counselor or nonprofit help | Can review your full budget with you. | Works best when you can plan ahead. |
Rate and term chart
| Advance (amount financed) | Fee (finance charge) | Check amount (total of payments) | APR, 14-day term | APR, 30-day term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100.00 | $17.65 | $117.65 | 460.16% | 214.74% |
| $150.00 | $26.48 | $176.48 | 460.16% | 214.74% |
| $200.00 | $35.30 | $235.30 | 460.16% | 214.74% |
| $255.00 | $45.00 | $300.00 | 460.16% | 214.74% |
Annual percentage rate
The APR is the cost of your loan expressed as a yearly rate. The APRs above are based on one payment (the check amount) due in 14 or 30 days. The APR goes up if your term is shorter and down if it is longer.
Returned check policy
A check returned after deposit carries a one-time $15 fee, as California law allows. You cannot be prosecuted or threatened with prosecution for a returned check in a deferred deposit transaction.
No rollovers
Your loan must be paid in full by the due date. There are no extensions, rollovers or refinancing; once your loan is paid you can borrow again.
If you cannot repay
We contact customers by phone or email and follow federal collection rules. If there is no intent to repay, we may take legal action and court costs can apply, and your credit score may be hurt. If you are facing hardship, talk to us early and consider a nonprofit credit counselor.
Our Torrance store
CC California Cash
1223 W Carson Street
Torrance, CA 90502
Across from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, in the Starbucks parking lot.
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sat–Sun 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
More details
What the California payday loan rules say
In California, a payday loan is called a deferred deposit transaction. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) licenses these lenders, and you can check a license at dfpi.ca.gov or by calling 1-866-275-2677.
- The check can be at most $300.
- The fee can be at most 15% of the check, which is $45 on a $300 check.
- The lender may hold the check for up to 31 days.
- A lender cannot make a new payday loan to pay off an existing one.
Fees and costs on a $255 payday loan
Here are the examples from our rate chart, which still matches California law:
- $100 borrowed: $17.65 fee, $117.65 check.
- $200 borrowed: $35.30 fee, $235.30 check.
- $255 borrowed (the maximum): $45.00 fee, $300.00 check.
The APR is 460.16% on a 14-day loan and 214.74% on a 30-day loan. That is expensive, which is why payday loans work best as a short-term fix. Compare the total cost with other options before you sign.
Online vs in-store payday loans in California
Some borrowers start a request online and others prefer to walk into a store. Both paths follow the same state rules, so the limits and fees do not change based on how you apply.
An online request does not promise approval, amount or timing. In person, you can ask questions face to face and talk through the due date. You can also start a request at /apply/ and then call or visit us to go over the details.
How to spot a licensed payday lender
Before you borrow from any lender, confirm that it is licensed by the DFPI. Then check that the check amount and the fee follow the state limits of $300 and 15%.
- Look up the lender on the DFPI website.
- Confirm the fee is no more than 15% of the check.
- Ask whether the lender allows a rollover, which California does not allow.
For more background, read our money guides.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I borrow with a payday loan in California?
The most you can receive is $255. The check can be at most $300, and the fee can be at most 15% of the check, which is $45.
What is the maximum payday loan fee in California?
The fee can be at most 15% of the check. On a $300 check, that is $45. A lender cannot charge more than the state limit.
How long can a California payday lender hold my check?
A lender may hold the check for up to 31 days. If the check is returned, a one-time $15 fee applies.
Can I roll over a payday loan in California?
No. A lender cannot make a new payday loan to pay off an existing one, and extensions and rollovers are not allowed. The loan must be paid in full first.
Can I be prosecuted for a bounced payday check in California?
No. You cannot be prosecuted or threatened with prosecution for a returned check in a deferred deposit transaction. The lender may charge one $15 returned check fee.
How do I check a payday lender's license in California?
Look up the lender on the DFPI website at dfpi.ca.gov or call the DFPI toll-free at 1-866-275-2677. You can also file a complaint with the DFPI there.
Is a payday loan a good fix for long-term money problems?
Usually not. Payday loans are meant for short-term emergencies, not a long-term solution. If you are struggling with debt, a credit counselor can help you compare your options.
More ways we can help
- Payday Loans Los Angeles: Licensed South Bay Store
- Payday Loans Long Beach CA: Our Torrance Store Is 15-20 Minutes Away
- Payday Loans Gardena CA: A Short Drive to Our Torrance Store
- Payday Loans Carson CA: A Short Trip to Our Torrance Store
- Payday Loans Near Me at Our Torrance Store
- Check Cashing Torrance CA: Payroll and Government Checks
Helpful guides
Visit our licensed Torrance store
Our store at 1223 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502 has served Los Angeles County since 1999. Call (310) 787-7587 with questions, visit us in person or start at /apply/. Our location page has directions from the 110 and the 405.
Payday loans are meant for short-term emergency needs, not a long-term financial solution. CC California Cash is licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation pursuant to the California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law. Approval is not guaranteed; the amount and cost depend on your information and California law.