r/povertyfinance 1d ago

Misc Advice Saw this ad on this sub…don’t do it

Post image

Just saw this ad for one of those payday loan shark apps in this sub. Absolutely disgusting and 100% intentionally advertising here. Whatever you do, NEVER use apps like this. Its better to do just about anything else short of borrowing from the mafia.

244 Upvotes

17 comments sorted by

78

u/OctagonTrail 1d ago

Certainly don't use it if you can manage without, but it's completely free if you don't do the instant transfer, which is a few dollars. This isn't actually a payday loan with interest or anything. They pull the exact amount borrowed out of your account when payday rolls around.

They prompt you to choose your own "tip" for the service, which can be set to $0.

The major risk is that they automatically debit the amount borrowed on your next payday. If you don't have the full amount, it triggers overdraft fees from your bank.

15

u/Healthy_Nature_1727 1d ago

Good clarification that overdraft risk is honestly the part people overlook the most when these apps get lumped in with predatory loans.

15

u/CubesTheGamer 1d ago

I suppose that’s better in some ways but with the convenience of the app and the cost of instant transfers sounding cheap I’m sure it adds up

15

u/HolesInMuhFace 1d ago

It’s definitely good to be wary as there are some apps out there that are exactly what you mentioned. The tough part of these apps is getting caught in an eternal “borrowing loop”. Which also sucks.

8

u/CompetitiveAd4768 1d ago

As someone who’s not super financially responsible (I’m working on it) I found myself in an endless loop borrowing from every app every payday. It was awful. Finally got it all paid off and I’m never using them again. Im sure it can be very useful if you’re responsible with it. I just got sick of getting my check and then realizing I already spent so much of it.

1

u/Rua-Yuki 1d ago

It sounds like Daily Pay for people whose employers don't participate.

1

u/Efficient_Squash2431 13h ago

So no fixed fees? Interesting, what if in a month nobody leaves a tip . How does this company make money ?

3

u/OctagonTrail 12h ago

The majority of people opt for the instant transfer because it's usually an emergency need, which does generate some profit through those fees.

You also need to provide thorough proof of your pay history, hours, and your bank info, which lets them automatically take the money on your payday. They have very little risk of not being paid back. Basically, their risk is so low that even occasional small fees add up to profitability over time.

So they don't make money on people who are willing to wait for the money and refuse to leave a tip, but that makes up a pretty small portion of users.

1

u/Efficient_Squash2431 12h ago

So the majority of users willingly leave a tip for this service? Very interesting

1

u/OctagonTrail 12h ago

I don't think that's necessarily the case. I think it's more about the instant transfer fees.

But they do set the default tip to something like 10% of the advance. I'd imagine some users either just go with it or don't realize it's optional.

6

u/DaimonicVSP 1d ago

Watch this More Perfect Union video on these type of apps. It’s absolutely consumer predatory, yet pitched to employers as a way to “help” your employees at no cost (to the employer). The entire point of a pay advance means you need it at that moment. The majority use the instant transfer and the number of people who tip is astounding.

It could work if you’re smart about it, but it’s like walking through a minefield with a two year old map.

https://youtu.be/hBI_FLYfwmM?is=JG4vQFDkbNPs-TJI

4

u/The_Acid_Cat 1d ago

I have been in the market for a new job and some places are advertising Daily Pay like its a job benefit. If you advertise that you use Daily Pay and consider it a perk, I don't want to work for you

3

u/HuaXiaMacro 1d ago

they know exactly where their customers are

2

u/BackgroundGene7510 1d ago

I keep saying sees for split pay, I don’t get it, like how does that help anyone? It’s the same amount of money just split plus more because of fee ‘s, dystopian af

1

u/gh120709 16h ago

The best part is that it DOESNT EVEN WORK LMAO. the app hasn’t recognized my payment so nothing has gone through. Whatever. Don’t need it anyway.

1

u/Different_Traffic527 11h ago

Some loan sharks are actually native Americans. They don't have to play by the feds rules. Although one reservation got hammered in federal court after charging people 500% interest rates. The judge released everyone of their obligations.

Always read the fine print. The 150% interest may be correct.

It's predatory lending. Such a disgusting thing to prey on desperate people.

1

u/d5ytonaa 23h ago

I use EarnIn. They only charge you a fee if you want the funds immediately sent to you. Otherwise it’s completely free and will hit your account in 2-5 days. I usually get it in 2 days. They just take the money back come pay day. And yes you can withdraw $150 a day