If you are working with a payday loans broker, the website should make it very clear that they are a comparison service and that they will be receiving a commission for referring you to a lender. This should be clear in the wording around any financial promotions and also by checking the footer of the website.
A payday loans broker may also refer to a “panel of lenders” that they work with or mention that they are referring you elsewhere.
The broker will not typically run a hard credit check on your name, but rather a soft check to determine your eligibility. The lender is more likely to run a hard check against your name and they will incur a cost for this.
Being able to tell the difference is not always easy, since a lot of brokers pose as lenders and encourage you to fill in an application form. Paying attention to the wording and disclaimers on the footer will help you tell the difference.
| Feature |
Direct Payday Loan Lender |
Payday Loan Broker |
| What they are |
A company that lends money directly to you |
A company that matches you with one or more lenders |
| Who approves the loan |
The lender itself |
A third-party lender after the broker forwards your application |
| Who provides the money |
The lender |
The lender the broker connects you to |
| Application process |
You apply directly with one lender |
One application may be shared with multiple lenders |
| Credit checks |
Performed by the lender |
May be performed by several lenders |
| Speed |
Often fast if approved |
Can be fast, but depends on partner lenders |
| Loan terms |
Set by the lender |
Vary depending on which lender accepts you |
| Interest rates & fees |
Transparent from one company |
Can vary widely between lenders |
| Privacy/data sharing |
Stays mostly with the lender |
Shared with multiple lenders and marketing partners |
| Regulation |
Regulated as a lender |
Regulated as a lead generator/intermediary |