I liked how easy it was to apply here in South Portland. I really appreciated that they gave me time to read through everything.
I wasn’t sure they’d approve me because of my credit history, but they focused more on my current income. Everything else was explained clearly.
I’m not used to taking loans and had no idea what to do. The application wasn’t complicated, and the money was in my bank account the next day.
Special thanks to the staff for being patient and answering all my questions. That helped me to feel more comfortable about the whole process.
Cash Loans Bear has been helping residents of South Portland since 2021 by providing quick access to funds when emergencies come up and can’t be postponed until the next paycheck. We’ve simplified the borrowing process, so there are no complicated requirements or piles of paperwork.
You can apply online or stop by the store at 194 Maine Mall Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, located in the same building as Guitar Center. We work with applicants in different financial circumstances, including those with less-than-stellar scores or limited credit history. As a legitimate company, we can’t guarantee approval, but we focus mainly on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan rather than their credit score alone.
The city borrows too, mostly to pay for roads, buildings, and sewer upgrades. The figures below come from South Portland’s audited financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, and its proposed capital plan for fiscal 2026–2032.
What matters most for residents is how this shows up in household bills. The city collected 97.7% of property taxes in fiscal 2025, and the final tax rate for fiscal 2026 went up 3.4%1. Sewer customers may want to watch for rate changes, too: South Portland expects to issue revenue bonds in late 2026 for about $50 million in pump station and dewatering upgrades, and it has hired a firm to work out the sewer rates needed to repay that debt1 . If a higher bill arrives before payday, compare the full cost of any short-term loan before you sign.
The amount you may qualify for depends on the loan type, your financial profile, and your current needs. Under Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection guidelines, payday loans in Maine are typically limited to $1,000. If that amount isn’t enough to cover your expenses, you may consider an installment loan instead, which may offer higher limits, often up to $5,000, depending on your eligibility. Before you sign, make sure the lender is licensed: in Maine, anyone who makes consumer loans with an annual finance charge above 12.25% needs a supervised lender license from the Bureau3.
Most approved applications are funded by the next business day. However, you may receive the funds on the same day if the loan is processed before the bank’s cutoff, typically before 10 a.m.
Apply online in just a few minutes.
Submit your application and receive a quick decision.
Get funds sent 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.
Bad credit isn’t a dealbreaker — Approval based on current income
No hard credit check — No damage to your credit score
Brief application — No long forms to fill out
Online or in-store service — Whichever you prefer
Same-day funding — Available in some situations
Transparent terms — Outlined before the agreement is signed
Unlike traditional lenders, we don’t base our decision on the credit score alone. What matters more to us is your current financial situation and stable income, as we need to assess the risks of missed payments or defaults.
Applying online is the simplest way to get the cash needed, especially if you value your time. You can apply on our website by providing all the required details so we can review your request.
Yes. The City of South Portland runs an Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund for eligible businesses located in the city. It offers loans with interest rate incentives for facade and exterior improvements, capital expenses, working capital, and technical assistance. To apply, contact the city’s Economic Development department4.
City of South Portland
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025 — city debt and taxes. February 2026.
City of South Portland
Fiscal Year 2026–2032 Manager’s Proposed Capital Improvement Program — capital borrowing plan. March 2025.
Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection
Supervised Lenders — lender licensing threshold. 2025.
City of South Portland
Business Financial Assistance Programs — local business loans. 2026.
