My boiler broke down two weeks before my payday. The application was almost instant, and I got the loan terms in an hour.
I needed a small emergency loan and didn’t want it to be complicated. Everything was explained in detail, with no further surprises whatsoever.
My credit score doesn’t allow me to borrow from the bank when I need it. Imagine my surprise when Cash Loans Bear did. Highly recommended!
I applied in-store and didn’t know how all that worked. The manager helped me with the application and answered all my questions.
Cash Loans Bear provides Maryland residents with borrowing options when traditional financing isn’t available. Our services include small personal loans, along with installment loans that allow repayment over time. We work with direct lenders in Maryland who follow the Maryland Consumer Loan Law (Md. Code, Com. Law § 12-301 et seq.), which limits interest to 2.75% a month (33% a year) on the first $1,000 of a small loan and 2% a month (24% a year) on larger balances.1
Many of our Germantown customers are budgeting around high housing costs: 31% of households in the Germantown area spend more than 30% of their income on housing, and per capita income is about three quarters of the Montgomery County average.2 A small loan can cover a car repair or a medical bill between paychecks, and the lender will show you the full repayment amount before you sign.
You can apply online or in-store by filling out a quick request form. Our team will then assess your eligibility. Once approved, funds will be deposited directly into your checking account on the next business day. Clear loan terms and structured payments help borrowers better see the full picture.
The amount you can borrow depends on your income and existing debts. In Maryland, we offer installment loans of up to $5,000.
Maryland sets the maximum interest a lender can charge on any consumer loan of $25,000 or less, and the limit drops as the loan gets bigger.1 Every offer you receive through Cash Loans Bear must stay within these limits.
| Loan amount | Max per month | Max per year |
|---|---|---|
| First $1,000 of a loan of $2,000 or less | 2.75% | 33% |
| Next $1,000 of a $2,000 loan | 2% | 24% |
| Loans over $2,000 (entire balance) | 2% | 24% |
Source: Maryland Office of Financial Regulation.1
| Loan | Monthly payment | Total interest | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 over 6 months at 33% | $183.07 | $98.42 | $1,098.42 |
| $3,000 over 12 months at 24% | $283.68 | $404.15 | $3,404.15 |
| $5,000 over 12 months at 24% | $472.80 | $673.58 | $5,673.58 |
Illustrative examples assuming equal monthly payments and no other fees. Your actual rate, term, and payment come from the lender and may be lower.
Fill out your online application in just a few minutes.
Submit your details and get a quick approval decision.
Funds may be deposited directly to your debit card or bank account.
Additional documents may be required.
For more information about identification and lending requirements, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
A small loan works best for a one-time expense you can repay on schedule. If you’re already behind on your mortgage, the numbers below show why a housing counselor is often the better first call.
31%
of Germantown-area households spend over 30% of income on housing2
6,542
notices of intent to foreclose sent to Montgomery County homeowners in FY 20253
$6,363
median amount needed to catch up on a Montgomery County mortgage default3
+14.3%
rise in Montgomery County foreclosure filings, Q2 2025 vs Q2 20244
Selected Maryland counties vs the statewide median
Source: Maryland Office of Financial Regulation, FY 2025 foreclosure notice data.3
The typical Montgomery County homeowner who received a notice was 64 days behind and needed $6,363 to catch up, 24% more than the statewide median.3 That is more than the largest loan offered on this page. When a notice arrives, Maryland’s Office of Financial Regulation mails homeowners a letter that connects them with free or low-cost housing counseling and legal help.3
Bad credit considered — Income matters most
Quick application — Easily completed in less than 10 minutes
Online or in-store — Whichever is more convenient
No hard credit check — No damage to your FICO score
Upfront terms — Outlined before you agree
Transparent process — No hidden fees and terms
In most cases, approved applications are funded on the next business day and deposited directly into the checking account you provided. Same-day deposits may be available if they are processed before the bank’s cutoff time, typically before 10:00 a.m.
Because we primarily consider your current income and financial situation, your credit score may not be a deciding factor. You can apply regardless of your credit history, as long as you can repay the loan. Learn more about income-based loans for bad credit.
You can apply on our website by filling out the form so we can review your request and determine whether you meet our requirements.
Germantown borrowers are covered by Maryland’s statewide limits. On loans of $2,000 or less, the cap is 33% a year on the first $1,000 and 24% on the next $1,000. On loans over $2,000, the cap is 24% a year on the whole balance.1
Traditional two-week payday loans with triple-digit APRs are not available in Maryland because the state’s rate caps apply to anyone lending $25,000 or less, with limited exceptions.1 That’s why Cash Loans Bear offers installment loans in Maryland instead.
Yes. Since October 1, 2025, companies offering earned wage access in Maryland need a state license.3 Check the provider on NMLS Consumer Access before you use an app to get paid early.
Under laws that took effect on October 1, 2025, medical debt can no longer be reported on Maryland credit reports, and it can’t be used to place a lien on your home.3
Maryland Office of Financial Regulation
“Payday” Loans: Your Protection Under Maryland Law — state loan rate caps. September 2026.
Montgomery Planning
Germantown Sector Plan Amendment: Existing Conditions Report — local income and housing costs. February 2025.
Maryland Office of Financial Regulation
Annual Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025 — foreclosure notices, licensing, new laws. Fiscal Year 2025.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Property Foreclosure Events in Maryland, Second Quarter 2025 — county foreclosure filings. 2025.
Montgomery County Department of Finance
Economic Development Fund Annual Report, Calendar Year 2025 — county microloan program. March 2026.
