A payday loan allows people to get cash for a short time period against their next paycheck. A payday loan is also known as a cash advance, paycheck loan, or payday advance. With an active checking account, direct deposit and a job you can receive funds in your account in as little as one hour. The money is electronically deposited to and repaid from your bank account on agreed upon dates to allow you the flexibility to handle those emergency cash situations such as unexpected medical bills, auto repairs or other short term cash needs.