After being qualified for a loan, the borrower provides the lender with a postdated check or a debit authorization, both for the full amount of the loan plus added financial charges. The lender then presents the borrower with documentation describing the full terms of the loan, including annual interest rates, late fees, and financial charges. By signing the documents the borrower understands and agrees to the terms of the loan, allowing them to receive their money.
On the maturity date, the borrower will be expected to pay the full amount of the loan to the lender. Some lenders may even provide borrowers with a payment plan to help ensure full payment is made. If a loan cannot be fully paid by the end of the term, the borrower may refinance (or “rollover”) the loan; however, this comes with late charges and additional interest fees.
If loans are left unpaid past the maturity day, lenders may process the postmarked check or debit authorization, depending on which was collected. If the borrower’s account declines the debit authorization or bounces the postmarked check, due to non-sufficient funds (NSF), the borrower will typically incur NSF charges to their account. Additionally, the lender may also impose a returned item fee plus collection charges on the loan.