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US Cash Advance is a direct payday lender serving California residents, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Apply online in minutes for a payday loan up to $300, with a decision the same business day.
California payday loans at a glance: Payday loans are legal in California and regulated by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under Cal. Fin. Code § 23035, § 23036. You can borrow up to $300 for a term of up to 31 days, at an effective APR of about ~460%. Rollovers are prohibited, and lenders must disclose the full APR and due date before you sign.
Rules current as of August 2026.
Governing law: Cal. Fin. Code § 23035, § 23036
California regulates payday lending as a deferred deposit transaction under Cal. Fin. Code § 23000 et seq. “A fee for a deferred deposit transaction shall not exceed 15 percent of the face amount of the check” (§ 23036(a)), and the face amount of the check “shall not exceed three hundred dollars ($300)” with the deposit deferred for up to 31 days (§ 23035(a)). Because the 15% is charged against the face rather than the amount advanced, the effective rate on the cash received is higher than 15% of that cash: a $300 check yields $255 and costs $45, about 460% APR over 14 days. A licensee may allow an extension or a payment plan but may not charge any additional fee for it.
| Loan Amount | Term | APR (est.) | Fee / Interest | Total Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $85 | 14 days | 460.08% | $15 | $100 |
| $170 | 14 days | 460.08% | $30 | $200 |
| $255 | 14 days | 460.08% | $45 | $300 |
California caps the fee for a payday advance at 15% of the face amount of the check you write, and the face amount may not exceed $300 (Cal. Fin. Code §§ 23035, 23036). Because the cap is measured against the face rather than the cash, you receive the face amount minus the fee - so the largest advance available in California is $255 on a $300 check. The lender may hold the check for up to 31 days. Examples show a 14-day term at the maximum lawful fee; a lender may charge less. No additional fee may be charged for an extension or a payment plan. Source: Cal. Fin. Code §§ 23035 and 23036 (Deferred Deposit Transactions, added Stats. 2002 ch. 777), as published by the California Legislative Counsel (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov). Last checked 6 August 2026.
California residents should know that payday loan fees are capped at $45 for a $300 loan, resulting in an APR of up to 460% for a 14-day term. Always verify the lender's license status before borrowing.
California law prohibits rollovers and requires lenders to provide clear fee disclosures. Borrowers cannot be prosecuted for returned checks, and lenders cannot accept collateral. Complaints can be submitted to the DFPI.
Complaint Agency: Department of Financial Protection and Innovation ((866) 275-2677) (File a complaint)
Rollover policy for California: no. Before rolling over or renewing a payday loan, contact your lender to understand any additional fees and your total repayment obligation.
| Federal Protection | What It Means | Who It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| CFPB Payday Rule | The CFPB issued a regulation adopting a two-strikes-and-you’re-out rule for covered lenders. Under that rule, after two tries to withdraw money from a borrower’s account have failed, covered lenders can’t try again unless the borrower specifically authorizes another attempt. | All states |
| Military Lending Act (MLA) | 36% MAPR cap. The Military Lending Act (MLA) limits the amount a creditor may charge, including interest, fees, and charges imposed for credit insurance, debt cancellation and suspension, and other credit-related ancillary products sold in connection with the transaction. The total charge, as expressed through an annualized rate referred to as the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR), may not exceed 36 percent. | Active-duty service members |
| Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) | A lender cannot require you to repay by automatic bank (ACH) debit as a condition of getting the loan. You may choose another way to pay. | All states |
CFPB rule source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/payday-rule/
Yes. Payday lending is legal in California, regulated under Cal. Fin. Code § 23035, § 23036. Licensed lenders must follow the state's limits on loan amounts, terms, and fees, and disclose the full APR and due date before you sign. Confirm a lender is state-licensed before you borrow.
A payday loan in California is a small, short-term loan you repay by your next payday. Under Cal. Fin. Code § 23035, § 23036, you can borrow up to $300 for up to 31 days, and the lender's fee works out to an effective APR of about ~460%. The lender discloses your exact fee, total, and due date before you sign, and you repay the full amount plus the fee on the due date.
California caps the fee a licensed lender may charge rather than the APR, so there is no statutory maximum APR. On a typical short-term payday loan the effective APR works out to about ~460% under Cal. Fin. Code § 23035, § 23036. Your actual cost depends on the loan amount and term, and the lender must disclose the exact APR and fees in your agreement before you sign.
In California, the maximum payday loan amount is $300 under Cal. Fin. Code § 23035, § 23036. Some lenders approve less than the state maximum based on your income and their own limits. Borrow only what you can repay by the due date, since fees apply to the full amount.
In California, a payday loan term runs up to 31 days under Cal. Fin. Code § 23035, § 23036. The due date is usually tied to your next payday and is stated in your loan agreement. Repaying on time avoids rollover fees and extra finance charges.
No. In California, payday loan rollovers are not allowed under Cal. Fin. Code § 23035, § 23036. You cannot extend the loan by paying only the fee and pushing back the due date, a practice that fuels long-term debt. If you cannot repay on time, ask the lender about an extended payment plan.
Explore the full US Cash Advance suite of short-term lending options: Payday Loans, Cash Advance, Bad Credit Loans, Same Day Loans, Debt Consolidation, or find a location near you in our California Locations Directory.