State guide

Georgia: Loans and Free Help for Bad Credit

Payday lending is illegal in Georgia under the state's Payday Lending Act, so classic payday loans aren't a legal option — only licensed small installment lenders under much lower rate caps. A Georgian with bad credit should expect licensed installment lenders, credit unions and community programs rather than payday storefronts.

By REPLACE WITH REAL NAME, REPLACE — e.g. 8 years covering consumer credit · Reviewed by REPLACE WITH REAL NAME · Updated September 24, 2026

verified here

still checking

not available

Advertiser disclosure: we're paid when you apply through some links on this site, and some lenders here are operated by our parent company. Compensation does not change our scores or the order of the cost ladder. How we make money →

What's legal here

Prohibited

Georgia's Payday Lending Act (O.C.G.A. 16-17-1 et seq.) makes payday lending illegal statewide; violating loans are void and can carry criminal penalties. Licensed small installment lenders are separately capped at low rates (Georgia Department of Law, Consumer Protection Division).

Extended payment plan: not required

Where this comes from

Figures were checked against these sources on September 24, 2026.

Georgia Department of Law — Payday loans ↗ consumer.georgia.gov
O.C.G.A. 16-17-1 ↗ law.justia.com

Before you borrow

Cheapest first. Work down only if you have to.

Available in Georgia, cheapest first

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

EarnIn

Access pay you've already earned, with no mandatory fees.

Score 8.0

Still an option for

Steady paycheck with a consistent schedule and a linked checking account. Not available in Connecticut.

Amount

$0–$150

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 1–2 business days; about 30 minutes with Lightning Speed ($3.99–$5.99).

One honest con

Tips and speed fees add up if you use it every pay period; limits vary by user.

See rates at EarnIn →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Georgia.

Last verified September 24, 2026

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

Best for

W-2 and hourly workers who need up to $150/day, $1,000+/pay period, and can wait a day or two.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Cash Out

$0–$150

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

What you need: Linked checking account, verifiable work/pay schedule, direct-deposit history.

Not for: Gig workers with irregular pay; anyone who needs more than their earned wages so far.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

MoneyLion Instacash

Advances up to $500 — or $1,000 with a RoarMoney direct deposit — with no mandatory fees.

Score 6.9

Still an option for

Checking account 60+ days old with three recurring direct deposits from the same employer.

Amount

$25–$1,000

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 1–5 business days; instant (Turbo) for $0.49–$8.99.

One honest con

Turbo fees and tip prompts; standard delivery can take up to 5 business days to an outside bank.

See rates at MoneyLion Instacash →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Georgia.

Last verified September 24, 2026

No mandatory fees. Turbo delivery $0.49–$8.99. Up to $500 standard, up to $1,000 with RoarMoney direct deposit.

Best for

Salaried workers who can move direct deposit to RoarMoney for a higher limit.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Instacash

$25–$1,000

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday (defer up to 2 weeks once per cycle)

No mandatory fees. Turbo delivery $0.49–$8.99. Up to $500 standard, up to $1,000 with RoarMoney direct deposit.

What you need: 18+, US resident, photo ID, checking account 60+ days old, 3+ recurring direct deposits from one employer.

Not for: People with irregular deposits; anyone who needs money today without paying a Turbo fee.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

Dave ExtraCash

Up to $500 before payday with a flat percentage fee.

Score 6.8

Still an option for

Bank account active 60+ days with recurring deposits.

Amount

$5–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 2–3 business days; instant with a fee.

One honest con

Membership of up to $5/month plus a 5% fee per advance ($5 min, $15 max), plus 1.5% for express to an outside bank.

See rates at Dave ExtraCash →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Georgia.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.

Best for

People who need a predictable, one-time fee and up to $500.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

ExtraCash

$5–$500

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.

What you need: Linked account active 60+ days, recurring deposits, 18+, US address, SSN.

Not for: Anyone who will use it every month — the 5% fee compounds quickly.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

Brigit

Cash advances up to $500 bundled with budgeting and credit-builder tools.

Score 6.7

Still an option for

Bank account active 60+ days, positive balance, three recurring deposits from one source.

Amount

$50–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 2–3 business days; within 20 minutes for $0.99–$5.99.

One honest con

Requires a paid plan ($8.99 Plus or $15.99 Premium per month); Maine residents capped at $250.

See rates at Brigit →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Georgia.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Requires Plus ($8.99/mo) or Premium ($15.99/mo). Express delivery $0.99–$5.99. Maine max $250.

Best for

People who will actually use the budgeting tools and want advances without tips.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Instant Cash

$50–$500

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

Requires Plus ($8.99/mo) or Premium ($15.99/mo). Express delivery $0.99–$5.99. Maine max $250.

What you need: Account active 60+ days, balance above $0, 3+ recurring deposits from the same source, Brigit score 40+.

Not for: Anyone who just needs a one-off advance — the subscription makes a single $75 advance expensive.

Step 4 · Secured & bad-credit cards

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa

A secured card with no annual fee, no interest and no credit pull — if you bank with Chime.

Score 7.9

Still an option for

No credit pull. Needs a Chime Checking Account; no direct deposit is required to open the card.

Amount

from $0

Term

Revolving

Speed

Card arrives in about a week. Not a source of cash.

One honest con

Your limit is only what you move into the Credit Builder account, so it does nothing for cash flow.

See rates at Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Georgia.

Last verified September 24, 2026

$0 annual fee, no interest, no minimum deposit. Your limit equals what you move into the Credit Builder account. Requires a Chime Checking Account.

Best for

Existing Chime users, or people willing to move their direct deposit, who want to build credit with zero fees and zero interest.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Secured card

from $0

Term: Revolving
Payments: Monthly (auto-pay from the secured balance)

$0 annual fee, no interest, no minimum deposit. Your limit equals what you move into the Credit Builder account. Requires a Chime Checking Account.

What you need: Chime Checking Account in good standing. No credit check and no minimum deposit. A $200+ qualifying direct deposit unlocks Chime Plus perks but is not required for the card.

Not for: Anyone who doesn't want to open a Chime account; anyone who needs a credit line larger than what they can pre-load.

Step 4 · Secured & bad-credit cards

Self Credit Builder

A savings-style loan that reports 24 months of on-time payments, then unlocks a secured card.

Score 7.9

Still an option for

No minimum credit score and no hard credit pull to open. Needs a bank account or debit card and a clean ChexSystems record.

Amount

$520–$3,076

Term

24 months

Cost

$25 a time

Speed

Not for cash today: you receive the money at the end of the term.

One honest con

You pay ~15.5%–15.9% APR plus a $9 admin fee to save your own money; late payments hurt the credit you're building.

See rates at Self Credit Builder →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Georgia.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 15.51%–15.92%

Representative example: borrow $520 → 24 payments of about $25 → $600 total repaid (15.92% APR)

Best for

People who don't need cash now but want a thin or damaged file to look better in 6–12 months.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Credit Builder Account

$520–$3,076

Term: 24 months
APR: 15.51%–15.92% APR
Payments: Monthly

What it costs: borrow $520 → 24 payments of about $25 → $600 total repaid (15.92% APR)$25/month plan: pay $600 over 24 months, receive $520 at the end.

$9 one-time admin fee. Plans: $25/mo → $520 unlocked; $35 → $724; $48 → $992; $150 → $3,076.

What you need: 18+, SSN, US address, bank account/debit card/prepaid card, no recent unpaid bank fees.

Not for: Anyone in an emergency — this doesn't pay a bill today.

Step 4 · Secured & bad-credit cards

Discover it Secured

A no-annual-fee secured card with cash back and a path to getting your deposit back.

Score 7.7

Still an option for

No minimum credit score to apply, but Discover does run a credit check. Needs a bank account for the deposit.

Amount

$200–$2,500

Term

Revolving

Speed

Card arrives in about a week. Not a source of cash.

One honest con

It is a hard credit pull, and 26.49% variable APR is expensive if you carry a balance.

See rates at Discover it Secured →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Georgia.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Purchase APR: 26.49%

Best for

People who can set aside $200 and want a card that pays 1%–2% back and reviews the account for an upgrade after about seven months.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Secured card

$200–$2,500

Term: Revolving
Purchase APR: 26.49% Purchase APR
Payments: Monthly statement

$0 annual fee. Refundable deposit $200–$2,500 sets your limit. 2% back at gas stations and restaurants (to $1,000/quarter), 1% elsewhere.

What you need: 18+, SSN, US address, bank account to fund a $200–$2,500 refundable deposit. Credit check is performed.

Not for: Anyone who needs cash this week; anyone with a recent bankruptcy that a credit check would surface.

Step 4 · Secured & bad-credit cards

OpenSky Secured Visa

The most accessible secured card: no credit pull and no bank account required.

Score 7.6

Still an option for

No credit pull and no bank account needed — the $200 deposit can be paid by money order or debit card.

Amount

from $200

Term

Revolving

Speed

Card arrives in about two weeks. Not a source of cash.

One honest con

$35 annual fee. OpenSky's no-fee "Plus" version needs a $300 deposit and charges 28.24% APR.

See rates at OpenSky Secured Visa →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Georgia.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Purchase APR: 23.89%

Best for

People with a recent bankruptcy, a ChexSystems record or no bank account who still want three-bureau reporting.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Secured card

from $200

Term: Revolving
Purchase APR: 23.89% Purchase APR
Payments: Monthly statement

$35 annual fee. Refundable deposit from $200. No credit pull, no bank account required. Upgrade review after 6 months.

What you need: 18+, SSN or ITIN, US address, $200 minimum refundable deposit. No credit pull, no bank account requirement.

Not for: Anyone who can qualify for a no-annual-fee card; anyone likely to carry a balance at 23.89% APR.

Step 5 · Subprime installment loans

NetCredit

Larger, longer installment loans with the lowest APR floor in this group.

Score 6.9

Still an option for

No minimum credit score. Needs a personal checking account and verifiable income.

Amount

$1,000–$10,000

Term

6–60 months

Cost

≈ $1,639 over 6–60 months

Speed

1–3 business days after signing; same-day possible before 7 a.m. CT weekdays.

One honest con

Origination fees in some states; the $1,000 minimum is high for an emergency shortfall.

See rates at NetCredit →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Georgia.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 34%–155%

Representative estimate: ≈ $1,639 over 6–60 months

Expensive credit — 155% APR. Try every cheaper step above before you use this.

Best for

People who need $1,000+ and can qualify for the lower end of 34%–155% APR over 6–60 months.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Installment loan

$1,000–$10,000

Term: 6–60 months
APR: 34%–155% APR
Payments: Monthly

Origination fee in some states, deducted from proceeds; no prepayment fee Comparison math uses a representative 24-month term; actual terms are 6–60 months.

What you need: 18+ (19 in AL/DE, 21 in MS), personal checking account, email, verifiable income.

Not for: Anyone needing less than $1,000; residents of the 13 states NetCredit doesn't serve.

Not available to active-duty service members or their dependents (Military Lending Act 36% cap).

Step 5 · Subprime installment loans

Rise Credit

Installment loans that can get cheaper as you repay on time.

Score 6.8

Still an option for

No minimum credit score. Needs $1,000/month after-tax income and a checking account.

Amount

$500–$5,000

Term

7 months – 3 years

Cost

$10,506

Speed

Next business day if accepted by 6 p.m. ET.

One honest con

APR runs 59.80%–299%; origination fee up to 5% in DE, ID, MO, UT, WI.

See rates at Rise Credit →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Available in Georgia.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 59.8%–299%

Representative example: borrow $3,000 → $10,506 total repaid (199% APR)

Expensive credit — 299% APR. Try every cheaper step above before you use this.

Best for

Borrowers in one of Rise's 30 states who plan to repay on time and refinance at a lower rate.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Installment loan

$500–$5,000

Term: 7 months – 3 years
APR: 59.8%–299% APR
Payments: Biweekly installments

What it costs: borrow $3,000 → $10,506 total repaid (199% APR)Lender's published example: $3,000 at 199% APR over 2 years costs about $7,506 in interest.

Origination fee up to 5% in DE, ID, MO, UT, WI Comparison math uses a representative 18-month term; actual terms are 7 months – 3 years.

What you need: 18+, checking account, email, SSN, job or regular income of $1,000/month ($12,000/yr) after tax.

Not for: Residents of the 20 states + DC where Rise doesn't lend; anyone who can get a sub-36% option.

Not available to active-duty service members or their dependents (Military Lending Act 36% cap).

Check availability in Georgia

Big Picture LoansStep 5 · Subprime installment loans · $200–$3,000

Not available in Georgia

Possible Finance — not available in Georgia.
OppLoans — not available in Georgia.
CashOtter — not available in Georgia.
MeteorLoans — not available in Georgia.
CashLantern — not available in Georgia.
CreditCube — not available in Georgia.

Free help in Georgia

Georgia 211
Statewide referrals for housing, food and utility assistance
211
Visit website →
Georgia LIHEAP (DFCS)
Help paying home heating and cooling bills
877-423-4746
Visit website →
Georgia Department of Law — Consumer Protection
Consumer complaints; confirms payday lending is illegal in Georgia
800-869-1123
Visit website →
Georgia Legal Services Program
Free civil legal aid outside metro Atlanta
833-457-7529
Visit website →

Questions people ask

Plain answers to the questions readers ask most often.

Can I get a payday loan in Georgia?

prohibited Georgia's Payday Lending Act (O.C.G.A. 16-17-1 et seq.) makes payday lending illegal statewide; violating loans are void and can carry criminal penalties. Licensed small installment lenders are separately capped at low rates (Georgia Department of Law, Consumer Protection Division).

Which lenders on this site lend in Georgia?

10 verified options: EarnIn, MoneyLion Instacash, Dave ExtraCash, Brigit, Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa, Self Credit Builder, Discover it Secured, OpenSky Secured Visa, NetCredit, Rise Credit.

Where can I get free help in Georgia?

Start with Georgia 211, Georgia LIHEAP (DFCS), Georgia Department of Law — Consumer Protection, Georgia Legal Services Program. Calling 211 also connects you to local help.

Three useful next stops before you choose a lender.

GuideTribal loans explained Free help211 and emergency assistance CalculatorLoan-cost calculator

Last verified September 24, 2026

What's legal here

Before you borrow

Available in Georgia, cheapest first

EarnIn

MoneyLion Instacash

Dave ExtraCash

Brigit

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa

Self Credit Builder

Discover it Secured

OpenSky Secured Visa

NetCredit

Rise Credit

Check availability in Georgia

Not available in Georgia

Free help in Georgia

Questions people ask

Related