Short term loans online in California
When a bill or an emergency can’t wait for payday, borrow $100 to $255 online. One simple loan, one payment on your next payday, and every fee shown before you sign.
- Licensed in California
- Direct lender
- No impact to your FICO® Score
Short term loan calculator
(14 to 31 days)
Estimated costs. Your exact terms are shown before you sign.
One loan, many names
Payday loan, cash advance, short term loan, emergency loan. In California these all describe the same product, with the same rules, whatever a lender calls it.
Payday loan
Named for when you repay it: in one payment on your next payday.
Cash advance
An advance on money you are about to be paid, so you are not short until then.
Short term loan
Borrowed for weeks, not months or years. In California, 31 days at most.
Emergency loan
What most people use it for: a bill, repair or trip that can’t wait.
The law calls it a deferred deposit transaction. You authorize a check or payment of up to $300, receive up to $255 now, and repay it in one payment on your next payday. Every licensed lender in California follows the same rules.
Rates and terms, in plain numbers
One flat fee of 15% of the check amount, the most California allows, at every loan size. If you repay on time that fee is the full cost, there is no fee to apply, and your exact fee, total and due date are shown before you sign.
Example APR: $255 for 14 days with a $45 fee is about 460% APR. Short term loans are meant for short term needs.
- Loan amount
- $100 to $255
- Fee
- 15% of the check amount ($45 on $300)
- Due date
- Your next payday, 14 to 31 days
- Payments
- One
- Loans at a time
- One
- Returned payment fee
- Up to $15
Short term loans vs. other ways to borrow
Installment loan, credit card cash advance or a cash advance app? See how a Cash in Flash short term loan stacks up when you need a small amount before payday.
| Compare | Best for small, fast needsCash in FlashShort term loan | Installment loanBank or online lender | Credit cardCash advance | Cash advance appPaycheck advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | A small, one time expense before payday | Larger expenses you repay over months | When you already have a card with cash available | Small amounts, if your direct deposits qualify |
| How much you get | $100 to $255 | Usually larger amounts | Up to your card’s cash limit | Often a small amount to start |
| What it costs | One flat 15% fee, shown before you sign | Interest for every month you borrow | A cash advance fee, plus interest from day one | Membership, instant transfer or tip fees |
| How you repay | One payment on your next payday | Several payments over months | Monthly, with your card bill | Taken from your next paycheck |
| No credit card needed | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Done in one payment | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Apply now |
Short term loan vs. installment loan
A short term loan is repaid in one payment on your next payday, so you are done in weeks. An installment loan spreads a larger amount over several months of payments, with interest the whole time. For a small, one time expense, a short term loan is usually the simpler choice.
Payday loan vs. credit card cash advance
A credit card cash advance needs a card with cash available, and it usually adds a fee plus interest from the first day. A payday loan from Cash in Flash needs no credit card: one flat fee, shown before you sign, then one payment on payday.
Payday loan vs. cash advance apps
Cash advance apps often start you with a small amount and may charge a monthly membership or a fee for instant transfers. A payday loan from Cash in Flash is $100 to $255 with one flat fee, no membership, and the money sent to your bank.
Other options vary by lender, card and app. See more in alternatives to payday loans.
Is a short term loan right for you?
We would rather you borrow only when it helps. A quick gut check before you apply:
A good fit when
- A one time expense you can cover from your next paycheck
- You need a small amount quickly, $255 or less
- You want one flat fee you can see before you sign
Think twice when
- The expense comes back every month, like rent
- Repaying it would leave you short again next payday
- You need more than $255; look at the options above
How to get a short term loan online
No store visit and nothing to print. Three simple steps from wherever you are in California.
Apply in minutes
Answer a few questions from your phone or computer. It takes about 5 minutes and won’t affect your FICO® Score.
Get a fast decision
We review your application right away. Most decisions come within minutes.
Get your money
Once approved, we send the money straight to your bank account, often the same day.
What you need to apply
- Live in CaliforniaAnd be 18 or older
- Valid government IDSuch as a driver license or state ID
- Proof of incomeSuch as a recent pay stub
- Active bank accountIn your name
- Social Security numberTo verify who you are
What our customers say
Real reviews from Cash in Flash customers.
“Fast, easy, and stress free. Cash in Flash really came through when I needed it.”
“It’s rare to find a company that has such excellent customer service.”
“Very nice owner and very reliable service with reasonable payment options.”
Short term loan FAQ
Straight answers before you borrow. Still have a question? Call us at (888) 999-9859.
Last updated October 2026
What is a short term loan?▾
A short term loan is a small loan you repay in weeks instead of months or years. At Cash in Flash it is a California payday loan: you borrow $100 to $255 and repay it in one payment on your next payday, no more than 31 days later.
Is a payday loan the same as a cash advance?▾
Yes. In California a payday loan, a cash advance and a short term loan from a licensed payday lender are the same product. The law calls it a deferred deposit transaction, and the same rules apply whatever it is called.
Can I get an emergency loan online in California?▾
Yes. You can apply online from anywhere in California in about 5 minutes. If you are approved, we send the money to your bank account, or to your debit card with instant funding.
How much can I borrow?▾
You can borrow $100 to $255. California caps the check or payment you authorize at $300, which includes the fee. The amount you qualify for is set during your application.
How much does it cost?▾
One flat fee of 15% of the check amount, the most California allows. For example, you receive $255 and repay $300, a $45 fee. If you repay on time, that fee is the full cost of the loan, and there is no fee to apply. Your exact fee and due date are shown before you sign.
When do I repay?▾
In one payment on your next payday, 14 to 31 days after your loan. The payment is taken from the bank account you choose, and you can also log in to your account to make a payment.
What do I need to apply?▾
You must be at least 18 and live in California. Have a valid government ID, proof of income, an active bank account and your Social Security number ready.
How fast will I get my money?▾
Once you are approved, we send the money to your bank account. Many customers receive it the same day, and most by the next business day.
Can I get a short term loan with bad credit?▾
Yes, you can apply. We look at more than your credit score, including your income and ability to repay. Applying will not affect your FICO® Score.
Can I have more than one loan at a time?▾
No. California law does not allow a lender to give you a new payday loan while you still have one open with that lender.
What if I cannot repay on time?▾
Call us before your due date at (888) 999-9859 and we will go over your options with you.
Is Cash in Flash a licensed lender?▾
Yes. Cash in Flash is a trade name of Dhan Corporation, licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law, License #10DBO-84940.