Compare Bad Credit Payday Loans
in California
Compare bad credit payday loans from California-licensed lenders near you. Borrow $100–$1,500 with competitive APRs, funded as fast as same day.
California caps small-dollar loan APRs
California enforces an all-in rate cap on small-dollar consumer loans — generally 36% APR — so traditional high-fee payday products are not offered. You may still qualify for licensed installment loans, credit-union Payday Alternative Loans (PALs), or small personal loans.
Statutory basis: Fair Access to Credit Act (SB 539) — 36% APR cap on $2,500–$10,000 loans; small payday loans ≤ $300 still allowed.
Availability shown for California. Information is educational, not legal advice. Terms and eligibility vary by lender and applicant profile.
Compare Bad Credit Payday Loans in California
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1-2 DaysAbout bad credit payday loans in California
California residents can evaluate bad credit payday loans from $100 – $1,500 in a side-by-side list you can filter and sort. Kreditify only shows offers from lenders that hold the licenses required to originate in California, and we prioritize lenders that publish full APRs, fees, and repayment terms before you commit — a fit for borrowers who value transparent pricing.
All bad credit payday loans offers in California come from lenders regulated by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). Kreditify never funds loans directly — we list lenders who make their own credit decisions, disclose their own APR, and service the loan under California law.
Popular bad credit payday loans markets in California: Los Angeles · San Francisco · San Diego · Sacramento · San Jose · Oakland.
Getting a $300 loan with bad credit in California
A $300 loan is the smallest amount most California-licensed short-term lenders will fund, and it is the size where bad credit matters least: underwriting leans on income and bank-account history rather than your FICO score. Lenders in our network run a soft pull to pre-qualify, so checking what you would pay for $300 does not move your score.
California caps the fee on a deferred-deposit (payday) transaction at 15% of the face amount, so a $300 advance costs at most $45 in fees on a check written for $345. That is the ceiling — installment alternatives spread the same $300 over two to six months at a lower total cost, and our comparison shows both side by side before you commit.
- Typical amount funded
- $100 – $300 same day
- California fee cap
- 15% of the face amount (max $45 on $300)
- Max advance under CA law
- $300 face value
- Credit check
- Soft pull to pre-qualify — no score impact
Can I get a $300 loan with bad credit?
Yes. At $300, most California-licensed lenders weigh steady income and recent bank activity far more than your credit score, and several fund applicants in the 500s. You still need a verifiable income source and an active checking account.
How much does a $300 payday loan cost in California?
California law caps the fee at 15% of the face amount, so a $300 advance costs up to $45 in fees. On a typical 14-day term that works out to a very high APR, which is why we also show installment alternatives.
How fast can I get $300?
Most lenders in our network approve within minutes and deposit the same business day if you apply before their cut-off; applications after cut-off usually fund the next business day.
How James from California Saved Money
Before
APR
After
APR
Total savings over loan term
"I was paying almost 19% on my credit cards. Kreditify helped me consolidate everything into one low-rate loan. The process took less than a week from application to funding!"
James
California
Frequently Asked Questions
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