$255 Payday Loans: How They Work in California
Page last reviewed: October 28, 2026 · Reviewed for accuracy by Betty Walsh
In California, a payday loan can't pay out more than $255: the check is capped at $300 and the fee at 15% of it, or $45. Here's what that costs, what state law protects you from, and where to look if you need $250 or more without a payday loan.
- Maximum check $300, maximum fee $45, so $255 in cash
- The loan can't last more than 31 days
- A lender can give you more time but can't charge for it
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The $255 Math: A $300 Check and a $45 Fee
California sets the fee as a share of your check, not of the cash you receive, so it costs more than the 15% headline suggests.
| If you repay in | Fee | Fee as a share of $255 | APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 days | $45 | 17.6% | About 460% |
| 31 days | $45 | 17.6% | About 208% |
APR here is the fee divided by the cash you receive, scaled to a year. Need less? The fee scales down: $100 in cash takes a check of about $118 and a fee of about $18.
What California Law Protects You From
These rules come from California's payday law, enforced by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Need More Than $255 in California?
- Installment loans from lenders licensed under the California Financing Law can go higher, with monthly payments. California installment loans.
- Lenders approved for DFPI's small-dollar pilot program can make loans from $300 up to $2,500 at specified alternative rates and fees.
- If you're an existing customer, Bank of America's Balance Assist lends $300 for a flat $15, and U.S. Bank's Simple Loan charges $6 per $100.
- For $250 without a loan, Experian Cash advances up to $250 with no interest if you qualify.
$255 Loan Questions
What is a $255 payday loan?
It's the largest payday loan California allows. You write a check for up to $300, the lender keeps up to $45 as its fee, and you receive $255.
Can I have two payday loans at once in California?
No. California's regulator says a lender can't make you a new payday loan while you already have one outstanding. Using one loan to pay off another is how debt cycles start.
What if I can't repay my California payday loan on time?
Ask the lender for more time before the due date. California lets lenders extend the loan but not charge extra for it. If your check bounces, the lender's fee is capped at $15, though your bank may charge its own.
Is $255 the payday loan limit everywhere?
No. It's specific to California. Other states set their own limits; the CFPB says $500 is common, and some states don't allow payday loans at all.
In California and need $255?
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