• International Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.79-91
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• 2013

The market for a payday advance, regarded as both a convenient and short term-loan for immediate financial help, has grown incredibly since the 1990's. Despite its popularity by borrowers and the possible benefits, it has received negative publicity. Some borrowers have been caught in a debt trap for a long-term period and at tripledigit interest rates. The objective of this study is to shed light on the borrowers' profiles and their demand for a payday advance. Based on the 2010 household level data from the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, this study finds that payday advance users are pronounced as seemingly risky people. Payday advance users tend to be college drop-outs, African Americans, and non-homeowners compared to non-payday advance users. They are more likely to overspend above their income and have a favorable attitude toward conspicuous spending than non-payday advance users. They tend not to shop at all nor perform even moderate shopping for credit before using a payday advance service as opposed to non-payday advance users.