Interactive tool · Updated

See the real number
before you sign.

Convert fee-per-$100 into APR, model rollover scenarios, and compare payday costs against installment or personal loans — all with one honest calculator.

Payday cost calculator

Fill in the fields — results update as you type. No account, no email, no tracking.

Estimated total you'd repay
$500
Principal + fees · 1 cycle
Fee per cycle
$75
APR equivalent
391%
Full breakdown
Principal $500
Fees $75
Extra fees $0
Total payback $575
Visual cost comparison

Fee ↔ APR converter

Because lenders advertise fees, but APR is how you compare.

APR → fee per $100
= $15.00 per $100
Fee per $100 → APR
= 391.0% APR

Compare loan structures side-by-side

When you need more than one pay cycle, a scheduled repayment plan is usually easier to budget. Model both options here.

Mid-cost

Installment loan

Monthly payment
$0
Total repaid
$0
Lowest cost

Personal loan

Monthly payment
$0
Total repaid
$0

How this calculator works

Plain-English explanation of every number you see.

The payday model

We use the industry-standard fee-per-$100 structure. Base fee = (amount ÷ 100) × fee-per-$100. APR equivalent = fee rate × (365 ÷ days) — this is how CFPB and state regulators compute APR for short-term products.

Rollovers & renewals

Each rollover adds another cycle fee. If you can't repay on day 14 and extend the loan, the fee is charged again. Some states prohibit rollovers entirely — always check your state's rules.

Installment & personal loans

Standard amortization: monthly payment = P × r ÷ (1 − (1+r)−n), where r is the monthly rate and n is the number of payments. This is the same formula banks use.

What this isn't

These are estimates for comparison only. The lender's Truth in Lending Act disclosure is the authoritative document — it will show your exact APR, total of payments, and schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a $300 payday loan really cost?

At $15 per $100 for 14 days, a $300 payday loan costs $45 in fees — so you repay $345. That's equivalent to roughly 391% APR. If you need more than 14 days, the cost compounds quickly. Use the calculator above to model your exact scenario.

Why is the APR so high if the fee is "only $15"?

APR annualizes the cost. A $15 fee on $100 for 14 days sounds small, but if you charged that rate for a full year, you'd pay $390+ in fees. APR lets you compare a 14-day payday loan to a 12-month installment loan on the same scale.

Are rollovers always allowed?

No. Many states prohibit or heavily restrict rollovers. Some require a "cooling off" period between loans. Our calculator models the scenario — but before you assume rollovers are an option, check your state's specific rules and your loan contract.

Does this calculator factor in my credit score?

No. This is a cost calculator, not an underwriting tool. Your actual offer will depend on the lender's review of your income, bank history, and sometimes credit score — which can affect APR and amount offered.

Can I trust these numbers?

The math is standard and matches how CFPB, state regulators, and lenders themselves compute these values. But lenders may charge additional fees not modeled here (verification, delivery, etc.). Always rely on the signed agreement as the final authority.

Ready when you are

You've done the math.
Now see your actual options.

One secure form, state-licensed lenders, no hidden costs between you and the offer. Reviewing a lender's terms doesn't commit you to anything — you still decide at the signature stage.

  • Soft check only for matching — no impact on your credit score
  • Full TILA disclosure before you sign anything
  • Decline the offer at any stage — no obligation, no cost
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PDLoans247 is not a lender. Submitting a request doesn't guarantee approval. Funding timing varies by lender, verification, and your bank.

Calculator disclosure

Results are estimates only. Actual loan terms depend on lender policies, your state's laws, and your financial profile. Short-term and small-dollar loans can be expensive and aren't suitable for long-term needs. Always review the lender's full Truth in Lending Act disclosure — including APR, finance charge, total of payments, and exact due dates — before accepting any offer.

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