Here are 3 options to get the Cash You Need

June 16, 2024

When you’re in need of money, finding the right financial solution is crucial. Based on your unique situation, we’ve carefully selected the best offers available to help you secure the funds you need.

There’s no need to worry or spend time searching for options—we’ve already done the hard work. These offers are tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you get access to the most favorable terms on the market.

1. Get a Paycheck Cash Advance

Access your paycheck up to two days early and get instant cash advances when you need them most. Manage your money effortlessly with minimal fees and robust security features. Our top-rated banking apps offer the financial flexibility and control you need to navigate life’s hurdles.

Get your paycheck up to two days early to pay bills on time and avoid late fees. Access up to $750 instantly for urgent expenses with no interest, no credit  checks, and minimal fees. Avoid costly fees with automatic overdraft protection. Enjoy no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and free ATM access.

Why Choose a Banking App?

Financial Flexibility: Get early direct deposits and instant cash advances up to $750.

Security: Avoid costly fees with overdraft protection.

Cost-Effective: Enjoy minimal fees to keep more of your money.

Convenience: Manage your finances from your smartphone, anytime, anywhere.

Build Credit: Improve your score with a secured credit card using your funds.

Start Saving: Save effortlessly with automatic round-ups and high-yield accounts at 4% APY.

Our banking apps offer flexibility, protection, and affordability. Manage your money with ease, enjoy robust security, and minimal fees. Whether handling unexpected expenses or planning financial goals, our apps support you every step of the way. Trust us to help you achieve financial stability and peace of mind.

Build your credit score with a secured credit card using your existing funds. Save effortlessly with automatic roundups and high-yield savings accounts offering around 4% APY. Achieve financial stability and peace of mind with our innovative banking solutions.

2. Find a Lender With no Credit Check

Not all lenders have strict credit score requirements. Some alternative lenders look at the applicant holistically and have no credit check. Instead, they take into account other factors including your income and employment history when assessing loan applications. 

Take a look at community institutions like credit unions and local banks which offer loans with more lenient requirements. There are also a lot of online lenders who specialize in loans for bad credit.

These online lenders can be a lifeline when you need money fast but know that they typically charge higher interest rates and fees to offset the risk of lending to people with bad credit. Always consider how much the loan will cost and if you can afford to make the monthly payments before you take out a no credit check loan.

Where to Find Loans for Every Credit Score:

Banks and Credit Unions: Traditional banks and credit unions offer personal loans, emergency loans, and debt consolidation options. They often provide competitive interest rates, especially for those with good credit. Credit unions, in particular, are known for their customer-friendly terms and lower fees.

Online Lenders: Numerous online lenders cater to a wide range of credit scores with varying interest rates and terms based on your creditworthiness. Online lenders often have quick application processes and can provide funds rapidly.

Credit Card Issuers: For cash advances, your existing credit card issuer is the go-to source. You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card or request an advance online or by phone.

Peer-to-Peer Lending: Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms match borrowers with individual investors. P2P lenders can offer loans to borrowers with a wide range of credit scores, often with more flexible terms than traditional lenders.

Specialized Lenders for Bad Credit: If you have bad credit, specialized lenders offer personal and emergency loans designed for those with lower credit scores. These loans may come with higher interest rates, but they provide an option for accessing necessary funds.

Personal, emergency, and debt consolidation loans offer financial support for expenses and debt management. Options exist for all credit scores through banks, online lenders, and credit unions.

3. Reduce Your Debt

Another common reason for declined loans is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is too high. Most lenders want a DTI of 36% or less. A higher DTI is viewed as riskier and indicates to lenders they might not get their money back on schedule. Pay down your other debts and you’ll be in a better position next time you apply.

Consider a debt management plan (DMP) if you’re having trouble reducing your debt. A DMP is an agreement between you and your creditors, managed by a nonprofit credit counseling agency, to pay off your debts over a set period. You make one affordable payment each month to the agency and they distribute it to your creditors. Often, the agency can negotiate lower interest rates and/or get lenders to waive fees making repayment more manageable. 

A DMP is a helpful way to reduce your debts but it will cause your credit score to dip temporarily. As soon as you start making timely payments your score will start to rise. Complete the DMP and your score should go up even more.

Why are personal loan applications denied?

Understanding why a personal loan application might be denied can help you improve your chances of approval in the future. Lenders assess multiple factors when deciding whether to approve a loan, and knowing the common reasons for denial can be a valuable step towards financial preparedness.

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio to ensure you can manage additional debt. A high DTI ratio indicates that a significant portion of your income is already committed to existing debt, which can lead to loan denial. Reducing your outstanding debt can improve this ratio.

Credit Score: One of the primary factors lenders consider is your credit score. A low credit score suggests a higher risk of default. If your credit score is below the lender’s minimum requirement, your application will likely be rejected. Improving your credit score by paying off debts and making timely payments can enhance your chances of approval.

Employment History and Income: Stable employment and a consistent income are crucial for loan approval. Lenders prefer borrowers with a steady job history, as it indicates reliability and the ability to repay the loan. If you have a short employment history or irregular income, lenders might view you as a higher risk.

Insufficient Credit History: If you have a limited or no credit history, lenders may not have enough information to assess your creditworthiness. Building a credit history by opening a credit card account or taking small loans and repaying them on time can help establish your credit profile.

Errors on Application: Mistakes or omissions on your loan application can lead to denial. Ensure all the information you provide is accurate and complete. Double-check your application before submitting it to avoid unnecessary complications.

Bankruptcy or Foreclosure: Recent bankruptcy or foreclosure can significantly impact your loan eligibility. These events remain on your credit report for several years and indicate a history of financial instability.

By understanding these common reasons for loan denial, you can take proactive steps to address any issues and improve your chances of securing a personal loan in the future.

Alternative Options to a Personal Loan

If your personal loan application has been denied or if you’re exploring other financing options, several alternatives can help you meet your financial needs. Understanding these options can provide you with the flexibility to manage your finances effectively.

  1. Credit Cards: Credit cards can be a viable alternative for short-term financing needs. Many credit cards offer 0% introductory APR periods, allowing you to borrow without paying interest if you can repay the balance within the promotional period. However, be mindful of high-interest rates after the introductory period ends.
  2. Peer-to-Peer Lending: Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms connect borrowers with individual investors. These platforms often have more flexible lending criteria than traditional banks and can be a good option if your credit score is less than perfect. However, interest rates can vary widely based on your creditworthiness.
  3. Credit Union Loans: Credit unions often offer more favorable loan terms and lower interest rates than traditional banks. Membership requirements vary, but if you qualify, a credit union loan can be a cost-effective alternative.
  4. Family and Friends: Borrowing from family or friends can be a quick and interest-free solution. Ensure that all terms are clearly defined and put in writing to avoid misunderstandings and maintain healthy relationships.
  5. Personal Savings or Retirement Accounts: Using your savings or borrowing from your retirement accounts (such as a 401(k) loan) can be an option. While this avoids interest payments, it’s crucial to consider the long-term impact on your financial security and retirement plans.
  6. Salary Advances or Employer Loans: Some employers offer salary advances or low-interest loans to employees facing financial difficulties. Check with your HR department to see if this option is available to you.

By exploring these alternatives, you can find a financing solution that best fits your needs and financial situation, ensuring that you can manage your expenses effectively without solely relying on a personal loan.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why was my personal loan application declined?

Lenders can have various reasons for declining loan applications. Some common ones include having a low credit score, a high debt-to-income ratio, incomplete documentation, a history of late payments or defaults, frequent job changes, or asking for a loan amount that is too high compared to your ability to repay.

2. Can I still get approved for a personal loan after being rejected?

Yes, you can still be approved in the future. Find out why you were rejected and then take steps to fix the problems. It may be as simple as staying at your job longer or maybe you need to increase your credit score. It’s important to make the necessary adjustments to increase your chances of approval.

3. How long should I wait to reapply for a personal loan after being denied?

How long you should wait before reapplying for a loan depends on the reason you were denied. In general, you should wait at least six months between applications so as not to hurt your credit score. If you were denied due to a credit score issue or an error on your credit report, waiting a few months will give you time to fix the issue. However, some lenders may allow you to reapply quickly if you have a co-signer.

Does a rejected personal loan application affect my credit score?

A rejected personal loan application does not directly impact your credit score. That said, when you applied for the loan the lender likely did a hard credit check and this will temporarily decrease your credit score. It should bounce back in a few months. It’s important to note that multiple loan applications within a short period can have a negative impact on your credit score.

The Bottom Line

Facing a personal loan rejection can be discouraging, but it’s not the end of the road. There are proactive steps you can take to improve your chances of getting a loan next time around. But remember not to apply again too soon as multiple applications in a short time can damage your score.

Instead, focus on building your credit and reducing your debt. These steps will work wonders in your financial life. Not only will this put you in a much better position to apply again in six months to a year but will help you secure lower interest rates and more favorable terms.

If you need a loan now and can’t wait there are alternatives. Try to get a secured loan, find a co-signer, or look for a lender with more lenient requirements. You could also look into peer-to-peer lending and ask family and friends, just be sure to get a loan agreement in writing to reduce the chances of strained relationships.

There are plenty of alternatives out there to traditional loans. So go ahead and improve your credit, reduce your debt, and look into no credit check loans. They may just be the lifeline you need.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.
2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.
3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.
4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.
5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC
6. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.
7. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.
8. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.
9. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.
10. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.
11. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.
12. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.
13. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
14. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
15. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
16. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
17. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
18. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
19. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
20. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
21. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
22. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.
23. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
24. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.
25. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
26. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
27. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.
28. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
29. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
30. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.
31. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.
32. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
33. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.
34. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.
35. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.
36. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.
37. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.
* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

About the author

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.