Probably not. In California, Usury is defined as interest over 10% for personal purposes, if you are not within an exemption (i.e., have a bank charter or the account is revolving trade credit, etc.). I would not make that loan if I were you, because you could not enforce it if you have to. Also, you should think twice about your employer asking you for a loan…

You will never get your money.
This person is not offering you anything in writing upfront.
If this person has such bad credit, they probably have a horrible credit score.
That means that this person has a lot of debt that have not been paid off.
AND - creditors can send you to collections and court.

Don’t do it - if you ever want to see your money again.
Tell that person you can’t and send them to a bank.
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