Quick Cash, Quicksand

The story so far

No place in the city offers more opportunities for easy money and quick debt than the Mission District. Despite a 2007 city ordinance to keep so-called new fringe financials out, they are thriving—skirting the law’s intent by adding services or simply getting a state license and opening up shop despite the law. Mission Loc@l tracked where they are, why folks use them and the solution other states are using to effectively close them down—the 36 percent solution.

Mission Lenders and Check Cashers

15 payday lenders (green) and 32 check cashing stores (blue).

A Customer Talks