The number of payday loans in the UK has shown significant increase in the last couple of years. Every year, the number of payday loans is rising by 1.3 times. The advantage that borrowers in the UK have over those in the USA is that they have no prohibition on rolling over lending. Also, the usury limit does not exist either. There is a certain company in the UK which gives a typical APR (annual percentage rate) of 1355 percent. This high value is a result of compounding and if that were not to be taken into account it would be only 300 percent. Although these loans have been becoming increasing popular in the UK, they have also become a subject of criticism. In a way, the increasing popularity of payday loans also point at unsustainable levels of personal debt and problems arising from the credit crunch. However, loan companies are fat minting on these financial situations as more and more people queue up for a payday loan. One issue which has come to the fore in the midst of all this is that these companies do not mention their interest rate in their advertisements and their sole focus is on the loan amount which can be as high as anywhere between 1000 to 1500 pounds. One needs be extremely careful about all aspects of taking a payday loan as their availability becomes more and more easy.

Internet lending has given payday loans a whole new turn. These days you can easily avail a loan over the internet by e-mail, paid ads, online search and referrals. All you need to do is fill out an online application form. Alternately, you can fax a fully filled out application form which requires your bank account number, personal information, employer information and social security number. Other important documents that are needed are copies of a check, signed paperwork and recent bank statements. The money gets deposited in your account and is deducted electronically on your next payday.

Payday loans have been largely acclaimed as well as criticised. They have been often blamed for draining money for low income communities, exploiting financial problems for profit, aggressive advertising and debt collection practices, ignoring legal regulations and cashing out on customers facing financial hardships. There are various other alternatives to payday loans. Some of these are credit union loans, pawnbrokers which offer lower interest rates but with more strict terms, paycheck cash advances, credit payment plans, cash advances from credit cards, bank overdraft protection, small consumer loans and emergency community assistance plans. Be very careful while choosing an option for yourself and consider all pros and cons.