Key takeaways
- Instant cash advances are widely available but often carry high costs or fees.
- Salary advances, personal loans, and using BNPL services can be the most affordable options for fast cash.
- Always compare fees, interest rates, and repayment terms before choosing a quick-cash option.
From time to time, everyone needs a little extra cash. Perhaps payday is too far away, or you’ve been hit with unexpected car repairs or medical bills. Whatever the reason may be, there are plenty of ways to find funds. You can try to make money by selling items online or taking on a side hustle, or you can borrow.
If you decide to take out a loan, make sure that it is legitimate and affordable. Too many lenders are predatory, especially when you need funds quickly.
Here is a list of loans that offer instant access to cash.
Jump to:
- Use cash advance apps
- Apply for payday loans
- Prequalify for a personal loan
- Get a credit card cash advance
- Try peer‑to‑peer lending platforms
- Check cashing services
- Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services
- Visit a pawn shop
- Use an auto title loan on your vehicle
- Salary advance from your employer
- Compare instant loans
- Bottom line
1. Use cash advance apps
Cash advance apps send you money in minutes based on your earnings. These apps typically link to your bank account, assess your spending habits, and let you borrow small amounts before your next paycheck. They don’t conduct a credit check or charge interest, but they will automatically deduct the money on payday.
The best cash advance apps have minimal fees and flexible due dates. They may charge an instant transfer fee, subscription fee, flat fee, or request a tip. You may be able to change your due date, or they have protections in place to prevent overdrafts.
How to apply for instant cash advance apps with no credit check
Decide which cash advance app you want to use, download it, and create an account. You will have to link your checking account and verify your identity. Many apps will ask you for details about your employer and may require you to submit electronic timesheets.
After you set up your account, you can request an advance. The app may request a tip or a small fee to receive the money in minutes. Otherwise, it will deposit the funds into your linked bank account within one to three business days for free.
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Instant advances
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Easy to qualify for
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No credit check
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No interest
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Minimal fees
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Low borrowing limits
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Small fees add up
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Can lead to a cycle of borrowing
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Instant delivery comes with a fee
2. Apply for payday loans
Payday loans are high-cost, short-term loans for small amounts of money that you repay with your next paycheck. They are easy to qualify for as there’s no credit check or lengthy approval process. Some lenders can deposit money into your bank account or debit card within an hour. Often, all you need is a paystub and a checking account.
The problem with payday loans with no credit check is that they are costly. Most lenders charge a finance fee of $10 to $30 per $100 borrowed. On a two-week loan, this translates to a triple-digit annual percentage rate (APR). The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that four out of five borrowers either default or extend the loan.
Which payday loan is the easiest to get?
Payday loans from online lenders are often the easiest to get since you can apply from anywhere. Many lenders offer $255 payday loans online, same day. While easy to obtain, payday loans are debt traps that you should avoid.
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Fast approval
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Same-day funding
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No credit check
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Simple application
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Extremely high fees
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Short repayment terms can lead to a debt cycle
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Not available in all states
3. Prequalify for a personal loan
Many online platforms let you prequalify for a personal loan without hurting your credit score. The lender will conduct a soft credit check and then provide you with estimated rates and terms. You can gauge whether you meet the criteria and what rates you’ll receive. Prequalifying makes it easier to shop around safely and secure the best loan for you.
Try to prequalify with at least three different lenders. Compare the offers to find one with a low interest rate, few fees, and affordable monthly payments. Often, a shorter loan term will have higher monthly payments but cost less in interest over the life of the loan. Select a loan with the most favorable terms, and then formally apply for it.
How to get a personal loan with bad credit
You can get a personal loan with bad credit. Your best bet is to apply with online lenders that specialize in borrowers with poor scores. They will offer higher interest rates, but often consider other factors besides credit.
Credit unions are another good option. They often have lenient criteria, and some even offer loan products specifically for members with low credit scores. Federal credit unions cap interest rates on personal loans at only 18%.
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Compare offers
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Does not affect credit
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Gauge your chances of approval
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Extra step
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Loan scams targeting poor credit are common
4. Get a credit card cash advance
If you have a credit card, you can visit an ATM or bank and withdraw cash. Credit card cash advances are instant, with no additional application or credit check required.
The problem with this option is the fees. The credit card provider will charge a fee of 3% to 5% the advance amount or a flat fee, whichever is greater. The ATM may have a transaction fee. You will also have to pay interest at a higher rate starting the day you take out the money.
How to get a cash advance from a credit card
Credit card cash advances are one of the fastest ways to receive cash. All you have to do is visit an ATM or a bank connected with your credit card issuer. When visiting a bank, bring your photo ID to confirm your identity, and the teller will be able to provide you with cash.
At the ATM, you will need to insert your credit card and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Select “Cash Advance” or “Withdrawal” from the menu and enter the desired amount. The ATM will ask you to review the fees and confirm the transaction before providing cash.
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Instantly withdraw cash
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No application
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No credit check
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Available through most major credit cards
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High interest rates with no grace period
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ATM and transaction fees
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Quickly increase your credit card balance
5. Try peer‑to‑peer lending platforms
Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms are an alternative to traditional financial institutions. They are similar to online loan marketplaces, but instead of connecting you to lenders, they connect you with individual investors.
The appeal of this system lies in the fact that investors may offer better rates and more flexible terms than traditional banks. They may also approve and fund a loan even if your credit isn’t perfect.
Application steps
Select a P2P platform, create an account, and fill out a loan request form. You will need to specify the amount you wish to borrow and why you need it. They will also require basic personal and financial information, such as income, employment history, and credit score.
After you submit your form, investors will review it. They may take hours or a few days to approve a loan. If you agree on a loan, the investor will send the funds directly to your bank account. Funding often takes one to three business days.
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May offer better rates
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Some platforms consider more than just your credit score
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Loans have flexible use
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Approval isn’t instant on most platforms
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Requires sharing personal and financial information
6. Check-cashing services
Check-cashing services are not loans. They let you convert checks – payroll, government, and personal – to cash if you don’t have a bank account.
You can find check-cashing services at convenience and grocery stores like Kroger, Publix, and Walmart. There are also dedicated check-cashing businesses, such as ACE Cash Express and Check City. All charge fees, often based on the check amount.
Is it safe to use a check-cashing service?
Check-cashing services are generally safe. They are regulated by federal and state laws and must comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
The primary issues are the high fees and limited consumer protections compared to banks. Before choosing a service, ensure they are transparent about fees, have positive reviews, and don’t require upfront payments.
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Instant access to cash without a bank account
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Easy to find and use
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Accepts most types of checks
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High service fees can eat into your cash
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Limited consumer protections compared to banks
7. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services
BNPL services let you pay for part of a purchase upfront and the rest in equal installments. Most installments are paid biweekly over three weeks, with no interest if paid on time.
These services are easy to use, with instant approval and no credit check. While not traditional cash advances, BNPL can free up cash by deferring payments on essential purchases.
Do BNPL services affect credit scores?
Most BNPL services do not affect your credit score. Lenders do not conduct hard inquiries or report payments unless you default.
Some providers are starting to report payments to the credit bureaus. Pay on time, and using one of these BNPL apps can help improve your credit.
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Easy to qualify for instantly
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Soft credit check or none at all
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Lets you delay payment while keeping cash on hand
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Often interest-free if paid on time
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Missed payments may hurt your credit
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Can lead to overspending
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Some plans charge fees or interest for longer terms
8. Visit a pawn shop
If you own valuable items like jewelry, electronics, or instruments, you can visit a pawnshop for fast cash. Pawnshops are known for buying and reselling used items and valuables.
Do pawn shops give loans?
Besides buying items, pawnbrokers give short-term secured loans. You can obtain a pawnshop loan for fast cash without a credit check or proof of income.
To obtain a pawnshop loan, bring in a valuable item, and the pawnbroker will provide you with cash based on its resale value. You reclaim your item by repaying the loan, plus any fees and interest, within 30 to 90 days. If you do not pay on time, the pawnbroker may sell the item to recoup their losses.
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Instant funding
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No credit or income check
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You won’t go into debt
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No impact on your credit score
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Low loan amounts compared to the item’s value
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High interest and fees
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Risk of losing your item if you don’t repay
9. Use an auto title loan on your vehicle
Auto title loans let you borrow money using your vehicle’s title as collateral. You hand over the title, and the lender gives you a loan that’s 25% to 50% of the car’s market value. The lender typically does not check credit, but you must own your vehicle outright to qualify.
The catch with title loans is the high costs and short repayment window. Most lenders charge fees equivalent to a 300% APR and require payment in full within 15 to 30 days. Title loans are a last resort, and many states do not allow them.
How to get a car title loan
Find a licensed lender in your state that offers no credit check title loans. Submit your car title, proof of identity, and income documents. Some lenders require pictures of the vehicle and even a set of keys.
The lender may inspect your vehicle and then offer you a loan based on its value.
If you agree to the terms, sign the contract and hand over your vehicle’s title as collateral. Repay the loan and fees on time, and you’ll receive your title back.
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Fast access to large sums of cash
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No credit check
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Easy to qualify for
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You can still drive your car
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Risk of losing your vehicle if you default
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High interest rates and fees
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Short repayment terms may be difficult to meet
10. Salary advance from your employer
Some companies allow employees to request a salary advance to cover unexpected expenses. You can typically only advance wages you’ve earned but haven’t received yet. Your employer will deduct the amount from your next paycheck.
Salary advances are often interest-free and don’t affect your credit. Your employer may charge a small fee to cover the extra work required by payroll.
Do you have funds in a 401(k)?
How to request a salary advance from an employer
First, learn if your company offers salary advances and what the process is. You may need to file a written request. Write the reason for the advance, the amount required, and a repayment plan. If your company does not have a specific form, schedule a meeting with your supervisor or HR to discuss your request.
Be prepared to answer questions about your financial situation and negotiate repayment terms.
If your employer approves your request, get the agreement and repayment plan in writing. Then send a thank-you note for their consideration.
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No interest or credit check
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Few fees
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Fast access to funds without third-party lenders
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Doesn’t impact your credit score
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Not all employers offer this option
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Reduces future take-home pay
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May require a formal approval process
Compare instant loans
You can find a solution when you need money now, but can’t get a loan. Refer to the chart below to quickly compare the loans we’ve reviewed and their associated costs.
Loan type | Funding time | Average APR | Best for |
Cash advance via app | Minutes to 3 days | 260% APR | Small expenses |
Payday loan | 1 -24 hours | 300%-600% APR | Cover emergencies |
Personal loan | 1-7 days | 6.74% to 26.74% APR | Larger expenses |
Credit card cash advance | Instant | 20-30% APR + 3% – 5% fee | Small emergencies |
P2P lending platform | 1-3 days | 8%-13% APR | Larger sums |
Check cashing service | Within minutes | Potential high fees | Receive cash without a bank account |
BNPL service | Instant | Free | Larger essential purchases |
Pawn shop loan | Instant | 200% APR | Avoiding debt |
Title loan | 1-24 hours | 300% APR | Large emergency expenses |
Salary advance | Instant to a few days | Minimal fees | Immediate expenses |
Frequently asked questions
1. Where can I get a small cash advance that can be deposited into my checking account within minutes?
You can get a small cash advance within minutes by using a cash advance app and paying for an instant deposit. These apps will send money directly to your bank account.
2. Is there any way to get a $500 cash advance fast?
Consider $500 payday loans online same day, cash advance apps, or credit card cash advances. Many online lenders offer same-day funding with minimal requirements.
3. What app pays real money fast?
Payday advance apps let you access your earned wages early. These apps link to your bank account, track income or work hours, and let you borrow small amounts before payday. You can receive funds within a few days for free or instantly if you pay an instant transfer fee.
4. How can I get money instantly with no credit check?
You can get money instantly without a credit check through cash advance apps, salary advances, pawn shop loans, and credit card cash advances. None of these options considers your credit, and all give fast or instant access to cash.
5. How can I borrow $100 asap?
To borrow $100 immediately, consider using a cash advance app, which can deposit funds within minutes. You can also apply for a $100 dollar loan through online lenders that offer same-day funding. Check the interest rate, fees, and repayment terms to ensure the loan is affordable before borrowing.
Bottom line
Numerous lenders offer instant or near-instant access to cash. Whenever you find that you need to borrow, take the time to consider all of your options. Many lenders that have lenient requirements and fast funding also have predatory terms. They count on you not being able to repay the money on time.
Before borrowing, ensure that you can afford the loan and create a repayment plan. Having a plan in place helps prevent you from entering into a cycle of debt. Then take your funds and use them however you see fit.