Desire a Cash Advance? Check Out These Native Loans

By Melissa Bowles


For the working poor, pay day loans can be a necessary part of their life. In the present economy, financial constraints have meant greater reliance on this expensive debt instrument. First established in Tennessee in 1993, lenders who offer this financing vehicle have now become a multibillion dollar industry. Indian Tribal Loans are a new portion of this trade.

Essentially this mechanism is a partnership between tribes and lenders who use sovereignty to avoid the purview of state laws. Recently much criticism has been made of this new relationship as some lenders have offered loans carrying higher than normal interest rates. It is pointed out that Native Americans disproportionately use this kind of debt themselves. For poor tribes the appeal is in income generation for them.

The fundamental formula is a high interest, small, short term loan with a potential for rollover and an income stream for the creditor. The average amount loaned is about 300 dollars. Borrowers provide a postdated check or an account withdrawal authorization. In return, they receive cash for a fee. Typically fees range from 15 to 20 dollars per 100 dollar amount borrowed.

Normally for terms under a month, interest charged on such loans is amounts to a yearly 300 to 500 percentage rate. To avoid nasty repercussions, quick repayment is key. Any failure to pay off the amount in full leads to additional late fees and the potential for continued renewal. An onerous burden already cash strapped borrows can ill afford.

Lending cycle continuation is an expected part of this selling plan. The ultimate effect is an extremely expensive form of lending for vulnerable consumers. But there is a rationale for industry expansion over the years. This market segment is ignored by mainstream lenders. About a quarter of American households are either underbanked or they are unbanked. Minority users make up a major part of these customers. Over 50 percent African-Americans and over 40 percent Hispanics and Native Americans are unbanked or underbanked.

As Capital Appreciation Bond revelations in California school districts reveal, the high interest charging formula is a mainstream financing technique. The shared feature of these bonds and payday advances is a potentially inflated cost. Consequently, one district is due to spend over 55 million on just a 4 million debt while another will pay almost a billion on a 105 million debt. Consider this state is only thirty percent of such bond issuers.

It is claimed that unscrupulous lenders have found a cover under tribal sovereignty. In essence this refuge provides an on shore off shore residency. Other lenders have also use off shore bases and the internet to avoid state regulations. Tribes have an interest in protecting their independence and their people by weeding out the unscrupulous.

There is an expanding need to make ends meet by a growing number of people. This is why the industry has blossomed. Indian tribal loans, subprime credit cards and check cashing operators, are essential services for a rising number of consumers. Consumers are advised to read the terms carefully. They should avoid the offer, if they think the repercussions from such a debt is unaffordable for them.




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