Is A Payday Loan Or Title Loan Right For Your Financial Situation?

6 Dec 2023
Updated on 3 Oct 2025
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person deciding which loan to go with Payday loan or Title Loan

When money emergencies strike, two of the most common options people consider are payday loans and title loans. Both offer fast cash, but they work very differently. At Texas Car Title and Payday Loan Services, Inc., we provide both options so you can choose what fits your situation.

This guide will walk you through the key differences between payday loans vs title loans, their benefits, and how to decide which is right for you.

What Is a Payday Loan?

A payday loan is a short-term loan based on your income. It is unsecured, meaning you don’t need collateral like a car title. Payday loans usually offer smaller amounts, up to $1,200 and repayment is expected by your next paycheck.

These loans can be helpful when you:

  • Need to cover urgent bills before payday
  • Don’t want to risk your car as collateral
  • Need a quick, short-term solution

Looking for store options? See if one of our Texas Car Title and Payday Loans, Inc. locations is near you.

What Is a Title Loan?

A title loan is a secured loan where you use your car title as collateral. Your loan amount is based on the value of your vehicle, often allowing you to borrow up to $15,000.

With title loans, you keep driving your car while making payments, as long as you meet the loan agreement.

This option may be right for you if you:

  • Own a vehicle with a clear (lien-free) title
  • Need access to larger amounts of money
  • Want flexible repayment beyond one paycheck

Learn more about the required items for a title loan before applying.

Payday Loans vs Title Loans: 7 Key Differences

Payday and title loans are both loans you can use when you need money quickly. A title loan is a secured loan where your vehicle’s title is used as collateral, allowing you to borrow based on your car’s value. In contrast, a payday loan is an unsecured loan based on your income, offering smaller amounts that must be repaid by your next payday. 

Here are 7 similarities and differences between payday and title loans:

1. Collateral vs. No Collateral

The first and most notable difference between these two loan options is the need for collateral. A title loan is a secured loan, meaning the way a title loan works is you must provide collateral to get one. More specifically, you must use your lien-free car title to secure the money you borrow. That’s not the case with payday loans, however. The way payday loans work is we use your income to see if you can repay us. So, if you prefer not to provide collateral, a payday loan might be the right option.

2. Vehicle Inspections

Both payday and title loans have verification processes where a representative will check the required items we need. However, a title loan has an additional step: a vehicle inspection. This inspection must happen so a representative can assess the car’s value and determine how much you could qualify to borrow. You don’t have to deal with a vehicle inspection when getting a payday loan.

woman researching title loans and payday loans with text Is A Payday Loan Or Title Loan Right For Your Financial Situation?

3. Maximum Amounts

These loans also have different maximum amounts you can qualify to borrow if you are approved. For example, the title loan, which uses your vehicle to determine how much you could get, could be your way of getting up to $15,000 in cash. The exact amount you get will depend on how much your car is worth and its overall condition, which will be determined with a quick inspection. On the other hand, payday loans offer a maximum amount of $1,200, and we base this amount on your income.

4. All Credit Welcome

Now that we’ve addressed their differences, let’s look at their similarities. First, neither of these loans requires you to have perfect credit. That means you can get either one regardless of whether you have good or bad credit if you meet their other requirements. Do keep in mind that we might have to check your credit if you are going for a title loan. We do not, however, check your credit for a payday loan.

5. Only A Few Required Items

Speaking of requirements you need to meet, both only require you to provide a few essential items. We don’t require you to bring in a long list of items no matter which loan you are going for with us. For instance, both require you to provide a driver’s license or another state-issued ID to start. From there, you’ll either need proof of income, your title, and vehicle for a title loan, or your proof of income, and a blank check from your active checking account for a payday loan.

6. You Can Start Immediately

Both payday and title loans also allow you to start the process immediately. In fact, you can take the first step using your mobile device or your laptop by filling out the online form on our website with your basic information. Soon after, a helpful representative from the nearest Texas location will contact you to guide you through the rest of the process. Doing this allows you to set up the meeting and get right to the assessment of your items so we can let you know if you qualify for either loan!

7. You’ll Enjoy Customer Support

Lastly, both these loans offer you plenty of customer support so you can continue with total peace of mind. We here at Texas Car Title and Payday Loan Services, Inc. want this to be as convenient as possible for you, so we offer you full support no matter where you are in the process. Any of our loan representatives will address any questions or concerns you have, so don’t be afraid to talk to them!

silhouette figure deciding which way to go towards payday loans or title loans

FAQ: Payday Loans vs Title Loans

1: Which loan gives me more money, a payday loan or title loan?
A title loan generally offers larger amounts, up to $15,000, while payday loans are capped around $1,200.

2: Can I apply for a payday loan or title loan with bad credit?
Yes, both options accept all credit types. Title loans may involve a credit check, but it is not the main factor in approval.

3: Do I keep my car with a title loan?
Yes, you keep driving your car while repaying the loan, as long as you stay current on your payments.

4: Which loan is faster to get?
Both can be processed quickly. Payday loans are often faster since they don’t require a vehicle inspection.

Get In Touch To Get Started!

Whether you choose a payday loan or a title loan, getting in touch with Texas Title And Payday Loan Services, Inc. is simple. Submit the online application form with the required information, and a friendly representative will contact you soon. Don’t wait any longer to choose the loan that fits your needs!

 

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Mason Roberts

Mason Roberts is a seasoned economics writer and blogger with a knack for breaking down and simply communicating the ever-changing world of finance. He is philosophically committed to the premise that financial knowledge equals financial freedom.

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