Cash advances in San Francisco follow California law: up to $300, fee 15% of face value ($17.65 per $100 advanced), term Max 31 days. The state’s typical $300 loan costs $45 in fees and repays $345 — about 460% APR.
| Max amount | $300 |
|---|---|
| Max fee / rate | 15% of face value ($17.65 per $100 advanced) |
| Term | Max 31 days |
| Rollovers | Forbidden |
| APR on the typical loan | 460% |
| Regulator | California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation |
Statute: Cal. Fin. Code § 23000 et seq. · details on the California state page
| County | San Francisco County |
|---|---|
| Population | 870,887 |
| Median household income | $81,294 |
| Rank in California | #4 by population among covered cities |
| State rules apply | Allowed · cap $300 |
High-cost lenders size loans against your deposit flow, not your address. In San Francisco, where the median household brings in $81,294 a year, a $300 advance with a $45 fee is one of the smaller recurring hits a budget can take — which is exactly why the cap exists.
Derived from ’s own worked example (a $300 loan carrying a $45 fee). Round figures in dollars.
| Amount | Fee for the term | Total repaid | APR ballpark |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $1,500 | $1,600 | 460% |
| $255 | $3,825 | $4,080 | 460% |
| $300 | $4,500 | $4,800 | 460% |
| $500 | $7,500 | $8,000 | 460% |
Fee rate: 15% of face value ($17.65 per $100 advanced) · statute Cal. Fin. Code § 23000 et seq.. Some states hand you the amount minus the fee; others fund the full amount — your contract controls.
Composite scenarios built from typical situations and the cost math on this page — not quotes from named individuals.
An urgent prescription lands between paychecks, full price at the counter. A small advance gets the prescription the same day; the loan costs $38 and settles at $293 with the next check.
Small advances are where app-based options are usually cheaper than any loan.
A refrigerator dies in summer. A used replacement is available today at a cash price. The advance buys the replacement now instead of rent-to-own; the $45 fee on a $345 repayment is a one-time cost against months of installments.
One-time fees compound slower than weekly rental contracts — compare totals.
A household is one bill behind and the utility sets a reconnect deadline later this week. Borrowing now keeps the power on and avoids a reconnect charge; repaying $575 on payday costs $75 for the bridge.
Reconnect fees plus deposit requirements often exceed the advance fee — but only compare before borrowing.
California law sets one price for the whole state: up to $300 with 15% of face value ($17.65 per $100 advanced). A typical $300 advance costs $45 and repays $345. City does not change the price — state does.
Storefront locations change often; this site does not list individual stores. The national chains and independents price at the same state cap — verify any location with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation before you sign. Our cash advance places guide covers the chains and the license check.
Lenders typically want steady income with a deposit history in your account — a pay stub or benefits letter is enough at most no-credit-check lenders. Median household income in San Francisco is $81,294; lenders set no city-specific threshold.
Yes — storefront lenders pay cash during business hours, and app advances with instant transfer reach a debit card in minutes. Online ACH loans usually arrive the next business day.
The closest covered pages are linked above, with distances. Statewide rules and the full city list are on the California state guide.
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