Loan Rates and Terms in California
Real numbers, straight from California law — plus a representative example for every loan type in our network.
- APR 5.99%–35.99% on installment loans $2,500+
- $100–$35,000 through our network
- Terms 14 days–60 months
Rates, amounts and terms are set by the lender you're matched with, not by Credit For Life. California law also caps what lenders can charge, depending on the loan amount. Here's what to expect.
The 5.99%–35.99% range applies to installment/personal loans of $2,500 and up. Short-term and smaller-dollar offers, like payday loans, are not part of that range and can carry an APR above 36% — see the $300 payday example below.
Representative examples
| Loan | APR | Term | Monthly payment | Total paid | Total interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 installment | 35.99% | 12 mo | $251.14 | $3,013.71 | $513.71 |
| $3,000 installment | 35.99% | 24 mo | $177.13 | $4,251.03 | $1,251.03 |
| $5,000 installment | 29.99% | 36 mo | $212.23 | $7,640.30 | $2,640.30 |
| $10,000 personal | 24.99% | 48 mo | $331.52 | $15,912.74 | $5,912.74 |
| $300 payday (CA) | 460% | 14 days | — | $300 repaid for $255 received | $45 fee |
Representative example — for illustration only. Your actual rate, term and payment depend on the lender and your qualifications.
Try the numbers yourself
Payday loan cost (California)
California's caps, by loan type
Payday loans (CDDTL)
Max check $300; fee up to 15% ($45 on $300); you receive $255; max term 31 days; one loan at a time, no rollovers. See payday loans.
Under $2,500 (CFL)
Tiered monthly interest caps — about 24.75% simple annual interest on a $1,000 loan at the maximum, plus an admin fee of up to 5% or $50, whichever is less.
$2,500–$9,999 (AB 539)
Rate capped at 36% per year plus the federal funds rate. Term at least 12 months, at most 60 months and 15 days. See installment loans.
$10,000+
No statutory rate cap — the lender sets the rate based on your qualifications.
Fees and late payments
Credit For Life charges $0 to use our service — always. A lender you're matched with may charge fees allowed under California law, such as an origination or administrative fee, which will be disclosed in your offer before you accept.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most a California payday loan can cost?
Under California's Deferred Deposit Transaction Law, a payday loan check is capped at $300, with a fee of up to 15% ($45 on a $300 check). You receive $255 and repay $300. That works out to about 460% APR over 14 days.
Is there a rate cap on installment loans?
Yes, for loans under $10,000. Loans under $2,500 have tiered monthly interest caps under the California Financing Law. Loans of $2,500 to $9,999 are capped at 36% per year plus the federal funds rate. Loans of $10,000 or more have no statutory rate cap.
Does Credit For Life charge fees?
No. Credit For Life charges $0 to use our matching service. A lender you're matched with may charge fees, such as origination or administrative fees, within the limits California law allows.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Consequences vary by lender but can include late fees, a report to credit bureaus, and damage to your credit score. Contact your lender directly if you think you'll miss a payment — see our responsible borrowing guide for options.
See what lenders can offer you
One short request. Many lenders start with a soft credit check. No fee to use Credit For Life.
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