How to escape the payday loan debt cycle, according to experts

CBS News

26-05-2025

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There are strategic steps to follow to escape a payday loan debt cycle.
RabiaPayday loans can trap millions of people in expensive debt cycles, even as economic conditions improve. With many Americans living paycheck to paycheck, these high-cost loans offer quick cash when emergencies strike. But interest rates can exceed be exorbitant and fees make full repayment nearly impossible.
Unfortunately, the pattern works by design: borrowers can't repay in full, so they roll over loans or take new ones to cover old debt. This isn't necessarily personal failure — it's a structural problem built into the payday lending system.
If you're caught in this situation, breaking free requires strategic action and expert guidance. Below, financial experts share actionable ways to pay off your pay day loan debt — along with the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
Start exploring your debt relief options here.
How to escape the payday loan debt cycle, according to experts
Christopher L. Stroup, a certified financial planner and founder of Silicon Beach Financial, recommends starting with negotiation. "Many borrowers don't realize that some payday lenders will agree to a structured repayment plan if you explain your financial hardship," he says. "While there's no guarantee they'll say yes, it's a low-risk move that can stop the debt from snowballing."
Beyond negotiating with your lender, experts suggest taking these steps:
Work with a professional who deals with debt
"[Consult] a professional [at] a credit counseling agency or debt solutions company," Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com, says. "They've seen the worst payday loan emergencies you could imagine, so they know how to deal with them."
A qualified financial counselor can help you come up with money in your budget to escape the debt cycle. Andi Wrenn, founder of Coaching Capability and board member of the Association for Financial Counseling, Planning Education (AFCPE), regularly helps clients find hundreds of dollars per month in their spending without giving up enjoyable activities. She points to one client who went from overspending to paying all debts and saving money within three months of working together.
While working with a professional costs money, Wrenn says clients usually find more savings than they pay in fees.
Get started with a professional debt relief company today.
Stop using high-interest loans
Cutting access to expensive borrowing can help you get out of a payday loan debt cycle. Wrenn suggests trying the following alternatives:
Ask your bank about a personal loan
Request a reduced interest rate on existing credit cards
Transfer high-interest debt to lower-rate cards
Ask family members for help
Sell unused items around your house
These strategies can make a positive impact quickly. For example, Wrenn points to one couple who raised $750 in one month by selling items online and hosting a garage sale. The downside to these approaches varies. Personal loans require good credit, family loans can strain relationships and selling belongings takes time and effort. But even modest progress helps break your dependence on payday lenders.
Build a small emergency buffer with a side gig
"Building a small emergency buffer — just $250 to start — can prevent future reliance on payday lenders," Stroup emphasizes. The fastest way to build this buffer is through side gigs. Wrenn recommends focusing on services with minimal start-up costs. Dog walking, pet sitting, babysitting and tutoring are some worth considering. The main drawback of this pursuit is time, but you can capitalize on existing skills and work on your schedule.
Explore debt consolidation options
Debt consolidation combines several debts into one monthly payment at a much lower interest rate. Stroup recalls working with clients who refinanced a few payday loans into a single personal loan through a credit union, cutting rates from over 300% down to 11% to 18%.
Qualifying for debt consolidation can be challenging, though. You may need good credit, a co-signer or collateral. Another concern is choosing the right debt consolidation organization. Wrenn warns that many charge fees to manage your debt, but sometimes make late payments. This can further hurt your already struggling credit score.
Enroll in a debt management plan (DMP)
A debt management plan (DMP) through a nonprofit counseling agency can be a lifeline when payday loans get overwhelming. According to Stroup, it consolidates unsecured debts into one monthly bill while reducing interest rates and late fees.
DMPs aren't without consequences, however. Creditors close accounts you include in the plan, and you can't open new credit during the three to five-year timeline. This temporarily lowers your credit score. Dvorkin says this shouldn't be your primary concern, though. At this stage, "worry more about debt and less about credit score," he advises. Because without debt help, it's likely your score will plummet further.
The bottom line
Overcoming payday loan debt is within reach, but you need to change the spending habits that created the problem in the first place. Wrenn encourages looking at your wants versus needs and coming up with a plan for how to spend, save and eventually invest. It may also help to discuss debt relief options with a financial counselor, who can work with you to create a sustainable plan.
Get started with a debt relief plan now.