Payday Loans in Singapore

Head of Research
|
Updated 22 Jan 2026

Fact-checked

Glossary

Disclosure

Useful Resources

Head of Research
Updated 22 Jan 2026
|

Fact-checked

A payday loan is a short-term loan which should be repaid on your next payday usually within 1-4 weeks. This page explains how payday loans work, what they cost and how to borrow responsibly from licensed moneylenders.
Quick payday loan facts below:
Quick payday loan facts

What is a Payday Loan?

A payday loan is a small, short-term loan that you repay in full on your next payday usually within 1 to 4 weeks.

Unlike personal loans with monthly instalments, payday loans are repaid in one repayment (principal + interest + fees).

Payday loans are typically:
  • Smaller amounts ($100 – $3,000)
  • Very short terms (1 – 4 weeks)
  • Repaid in one payment on next payday
  • Quick approval often within hours
  • Available from licensed moneylenders
Who offers fast cash loans in Singapore?
Best for: Small but urgent financial shortfalls until next paycheck
Not ideal for:: Larger expenses or ongoing financial needs
  • Online application: 5 minutes
  • Approval decision: 15-30 minutes
  • Money disbursement: Few hours
  • Fastest option: PayNow

Payday loans are among the fastest loan types to get approved for in Singapore

For loans from licensed moneylenders:
  • Interest Rate: Maximum 4% per month
  • Late Payment Fee: Maximum $60 per month
  • Processing Fee: Maximum 10% of loan principal
  • Total Borrowing Cost: Cannot exceed 100% of principal

All licensed moneylenders must follow these caps set by the Ministry of Law.

Here’s what a $400 payday loan at 4% monthly interest costs if repaid in 2 Weeks:

Loan DetailsAmount
Loan Amount$400
Interest (4% x 0.5 month)$8
Processing fee (10%)$40
Total Repayment$448
  • Singapore Citizens/PRs: 21+ years old
  • Foreigners: Valid EP/SP/WP required
  • Minimum income: Varies by lender
  • Required documents: NRIC, proof of income, proof of address
*Applying with ROSHI will not impact your credit score

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Glossary

Useful Resources

$1,000

$200,000

3 Months

72 Months

Total Cashback
10
Your Monthly Payment

337

* For a loan amount of $20,000, APR of 6.95%, 5 year, read more
Understand

Understand Payday Loans
Before You Borrow

Payday loans can be expensive if:

  • You borrow more than you can repay on payday
  • You extend the loan and fees add up quickly
  • You use them on-going instead of budgeting
Use for genuine one-time gaps until payday
Use as a regular solution for monthly shortfalls
Understand

If you're short on cash every month that's a sign to review your budget or speak with a credit counsellor

How Do Payday Loans Work?

Week 1-4

Get Your Funds

Borrow a small amount between
$100 – $3,000

Week 1-4

Cover Your Expenses

Use the money to cover urgent expense

Payday

Repay on Payday

On next payday repay the full
amount + interest + fees

When Should You Consider
a Payday Loan
?

Short On Cash Before Next Payday

Short On Cash Before Next Payday

A few days away from payday but need money now

Unexpected Small Expense

Unexpected Small Expense

An urgent bill or expense under $1,000 that can't wait

Small Emergency Repair

Small Emergency Repair

Small car repair or appliance fix you can repay next payday

Urgent Medical Cost

Urgent Medical Cost

Prescription or clinic visits under $500

Not Recommended For
When a Payday Loan is Not The Right Choice

warning You need more than $3,000 warning You need longer than 4 weeks to repay warning You're already struggling to pay bills every month warning You want to pay off another loan or credit card warning You're not sure you can repay on your next payday

What Are the Pros & Cons
of Payday Loans?

PROS

  • Very fast approval often within hours
  • Small amounts available
  • Simple process just one repayment
  • No long-term commitment
  • Available with bad credit

CONS

  • Must repay total amount on payday
  • Higher cost than bank personal loans
  • Easy to fall into repeat borrowing cycle
  • Not suitable for amounts above $3,000
  • Late fees can add up quickly
  • Debt trap if used regularly
Our Expert says

Should You Get a Payday Loan?

Payday loans can be useful to fill short-term budget holes but they're one of the most expensive ways to borrow. Before you apply, ask yourself if you can definitely repay this amount on your next payday?

If the answer is 'maybe' or 'I'll figure it out,' don't borrow as payday loans can become extremely expensive when people roll them over or take new loans to cover old ones.

Use a payday loan only once and only for critical payments. If you need them on a continuous basis that's a sign to look at your budget or get help from a credit counsellor. Quote Icon

Trinh Thanh
Trinh Thanh
Head of Research
img

How People Get Stuck and How to Avoid It

Extending Your Loan
Some licensed moneylenders in Singapore allow you to extend the loan for another month but obviously you'll pay additional interest and fees.
Only borrow what you can actually repay.
Borrow To Repay Another Loan
Taking a new payday loan to repay an old one is a bad idea as you’ll just end up paying double the fees and interest rate.
If you make repayments contact your moneylender before the next due date and discuss alternative payment options
Using Payday Loans Every Month
If you need a payday loan every month to cover expenses your budget might be the problem.
Track your expenses or speak to a credit counsellor.
Borrowing More Than You Need
It's tempting to borrow more but you'll obviously pay more in interest and fees.
Borrow only the minimum you need, not the maximum you're offered.

Understanding Payday Loan Costs

What if the payday loan is extended?
Example: $400, repaid in 2 weeks:
Cost ComponentAmount
Loan principal$400
Interest (4% × 0.5 month)$8
Processing fee (10%)$40
Total repayment$448
You're paying $48 to borrow $400 for 2 weeks.
What if the payday loan is extended?
Week 2Week 4Week 6
Original loan$400$400$400
Accumulated interest$8$24$40
Late fees$40$48$96
Total owed$448$512$576
After 6 weeks, you owe $576 on a $400 loan. This is how payday loans can trap you in debt.

Interest Rate Trends

Below is an overview of current interest rate trends in Singapore:
Today's moneylender interest rate trends in Singapore
Today's moneylender interest rate trends in Singapore - As of 12 February 2026, licensed moneylenders are charging an average interest rate of approximately 3.92% per month just under the legal cap of 4%.
Monthly Interest Rate Trends (February2026)
Research provided by Trinh Thanh on 12 February 2026 - As February 2026 unfolds, Singapore’s payday loan market continues to operate within a stable and tightly regulated framework. Interest rates charged by licensed moneylenders remain close to the legal ceiling, reflecting steady demand for very short-term borrowing designed to bridge income gaps before the next salary cycle.
Licensed Moneylenders
As of February 2026, licensed moneylenders regulated by the Registry of Moneylenders under Singapore’s Ministry of Law continue to charge average monthly interest rates of approximately 3.8%, staying just below the legal maximum of 4% per month. These rates are commonly applied to small payday loan amounts, including S$400 payday loans, which are typically taken to cover short-term cash shortfalls before payday.

Borrowers remain eligible to borrow up to six times their monthly income, although payday loans are usually drawn in much smaller amounts. Administrative fees are capped at 10% of the principal and late payment fees generally do not exceed S$60 per month. While many licensed moneylenders offer convenient online applications, some with Singpass-enabled verification, Ministry of Law regulations still require borrowers to complete at least one in‑store visit at a physical outlet before loan disbursement. With streamlined documentation in place, approvals can still be completed on the same day, making licensed moneylenders the primary option for quick payday financing.
Banks
Banks in Singapore generally do not offer payday loans or very small short-term credit such as S$400 loans. Instead, banks focus on personal loans and credit lines with higher minimum loan amounts and longer repayment tenures. While these products come with lower Effective Interest Rates (EIR), they are not designed for immediate, salary-bridging needs.

Even when promotional bank offers are available, approval processes typically involve more extensive income verification and longer processing times. As a result, bank-backed options are better suited for planned borrowing rather than urgent payday-related expenses, leaving licensed moneylenders as the more practical solution for small, time-sensitive cash needs.
ROSHI Expert Insight
In February 2026, the payday loan segment in Singapore continues to reflect a clear trade-off between speed and scale. Licensed moneylenders remain the fastest way to access small payday loans such as S$400, often approving and disbursing funds within hours, though at monthly interest rates close to 3.8%. Banks, while significantly cheaper on an annualised basis, do not cater to this type of short-term, low-amount borrowing.

From ROSHI’s perspective, payday loans should be used strictly as short-term solutions. Borrowers facing temporary cash flow gaps can benefit from fast, regulated access through ROSHI’s licensed lender network, provided repayment is aligned with the next income cycle to avoid unnecessary rollover costs.
What This Means for Borrowers
For borrowers in February 2026, payday loans remain a niche but important financial tool. Licensed moneylenders continue to offer rapid access to small loan amounts, such as S$400, helping borrowers manage unexpected expenses or timing mismatches between bills and salary. However, the higher monthly interest rates mean these loans are best kept short-term and repaid promptly.

Singapore’s regulatory framework continues to provide safeguards through strict interest caps, fee limits and transparent disclosures. By using reputable platforms like ROSHI, borrowers can compare licensed options with confidence and ensure payday loans are used responsibly as temporary cash flow support rather than long-term debt.
Note from Amir
Please include information about loan amounts $400

CALCULATE YOUR PAYDAY LOAN REPAYMENTS

See Exactly What You'll Pay
Before You Apply

Loan Amount
34

$100

$3,000

Repay On
Monthly Interest
Your lump sum repayment will be
$9,700.88
Total Cashback

$0.00

Total Interest

$0

Total Repayment

$0

Check Payday Loan Options
*No impact on credit score

Which Loan Type is Right for You?

Payday LoanFast Cash LoanPersonal Loan
Amount$100 - $3,000$500 - $10,000$1,000 - $200,000
Tenure1-4 weeks1-12 months1-7 years
RepaymentOne RepaymentMonthlyMonthly
SpeedHoursSame day1-7 days
Best forShort-term gapsUrgent larger expensesPlanned expenses
InterestUp to 4% per monthUp to 4% per monthFrom 3% to 22% per year

LOAN APPLICATION PROCESS

How to Get a
Payday Loan with ROSHI?

5 min

Apply Online

Apply in under 30 seconds using Singpass or our simple multi-step form. It’s quick, secure and hassle-free.

30 min

Get Matched

Review tailored loan options instantly. Our customer success team is here to help with any questions or concerns.

Same Day

Receive Your Funds

Connect with your preferred lender, finalise all paperwork and receive your funds.

Finding the Right Payday Loan (FAQ’s)

How much can I borrow with a payday loan?

Commonly between $500 to $3,000 but the exact amount depends on various factors such as income, employment history and other existing loans.
Payday loan approvals are often as fast as within1 to 4 hours on the same day.
On your next payday usually within 1 to 4 weeks. You repay the full amount, principal + interest + fees in one payment.
Contact your respective moneylender immediately options may include restructuring the payment or to extend the loan. Late fees in Singapore are capped at $60 per month but it's best to communicate with your lender early.
Payday loans are designed for one repayment on your next payday. If you need monthly instalments, consider a fast cash or personal loan.
Yes but only if you borrow from licensed moneylenders regulated by the Ministry of Law. Avoid borrowing from unlicensed lenders “Ah Long” and report any illegal moneylending activity to the national crime prevention council’s ‘X Ah Long’ hotline at 1800-924-5664.
Yes, approvals are possible even with bad credit as licensed moneylenders look at your full profile including income, employment, loan repayment history and other existing loans not just credit score.
Payday loans: Smaller amounts usually between $500 to $3,000, shorter repayments between 1 to 4 weeks and one repayment on the next payday.
Fast cash loans: Larger amounts usually between $1,000 and $10,000, longer repayments typically between 1 to 12 months and repayments in monthly instalments.

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Today's Application
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and Time To Offer Average

LAST UPDATE
12 Feb 2026

Application Submitted

in the last 30 days
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Time to Offer

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