Payday loans, whether made online, in stores or by banks are designed to trap individuals in long-term debt. Data consistently show that the majority of payday loan revenue comes from repeatedly churning borrowers, and individuals are typically indebted for most of the year. The predatory features of payday loans, and the impact of their long-term debt on consumers, have in recent years drawn the attention of legislators and regulators. Policymakers at all levels have acted to limit the payday lending debt trap, particularly in recent months.
