Key takeaways
- Emergency lenders can approve and fund loans the same or the next business day.
- The best options when you have bad credit are often loans from credit unions, as they have competitive interest rates and flexible terms.
- Payday and title loans can be tempting, but they should be avoided due to their steep fees and short repayment windows.
Financial emergencies seem to pop up when you’re least prepared for them. If you don’t have the cash on hand, you’ll need to look for outside assistance to get you through.
Many lenders offer quick cash loans, but not all are a good idea. Some have long repayment terms that keep your expenses low. While others charge excessive fees and short terms, making repayment difficult.
We’ve compiled a list of potential loans to explore, even with bad credit.
Jump to:
- Online personal loan platforms
- Installment lenders with accelerated approval
- Credit union emergency loans
- Payday alternative loans (PALs)
- Cash advances on credit cards
- Title loans
- Payday loans
- Employer salary advances
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending sites
- Borrowing from family or friends
- How to choose the best emergency loan
- Bottom line
1. Online personal loan platforms
If you’re researching how to get a personal loan with bad credit, start by exploring online lending platforms. Many online personal loan platforms let you prequalify with multiple lenders at once with only a soft credit check.
You can then compare rates, terms, fees, and loan amounts in one place. Once you’ve found a lender you want to work with, submit a formal application. Since you’ve already prequalified, you know that you meet their basic criteria.
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Quick application
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Same-day or next-day funding
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Easily compare offers
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Many lenders accept borrowers with poor credit
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Rates and fees can be high
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Potential for scams
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Lack of personalized service
2. Installment lenders with accelerated approval
Installment loans with accelerated approval provide a lump sum of cash, typically on the same or the next day. You repay the loan over several months or years in equal monthly payments. The fixed payment schedule makes them easier to manage than loans with lump-sum balloon payments.
Banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer installment loans. If you have good credit, you’ll likely secure a loan with a low annual percentage rate (APR) in the single digits. Interest rates for borrowers with poor credit can go up to 36%.
Many online lenders offer extremely bad credit loans. These loans typically come with higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms. Before you take one out, make sure that it is affordable.
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Fast approval
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Fixed payments make repayment easier
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Lower interest rates
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Longer terms
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Usually no collateral
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Interest rates can be high with bad credit
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Shorter loan terms may result in higher monthly payments
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Lenders may charge fees
3. Credit union emergency loans
Many credit unions offer emergency loans for bad credit to members facing unexpected expenses or financial hardships. These loans are typically installment loans with competitive interest rates and flexible terms.
You may be able to find small-dollar loans with minimal fees or hardship loans for bad credit. Hardship loans are specifically designed for members facing financial difficulties due to job loss, medical bills, or other unexpected events. They tend to be for small amounts, have low interest rates, and shorter repayment periods.
Credit union loans are an excellent choice because they often offer competitive interest rates and more lenient requirements. Federal credit unions cap the APRs on personal loans at 18%.
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Competitive interest rates and fees
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Flexible repayment options
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Personalized customer service
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Fast approval
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Work with members who have bad credit
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May approve based on your relationship with the credit union
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Membership required
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Approval and funding may take longer than online lenders
4. Payday alternative loans (PALs)
Payday alternative loans (PALs) are affordable, small-dollar loans offered by federally insured credit unions. They can help you cover emergencies without falling into a cycle of debt.
PALs loan amounts range from $200 to $2,000, with repayment terms of up to 12 months. The APR cannot exceed 28% and the maximum application fee is $20. Some credit unions conduct a hard inquiry, but most rely on members’ banking history and income for approval.
PALs are ideal for federal credit union members who need quick access to cash but want to avoid the triple-digit interest rates and balloon payments.
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Maximum 28% APR
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Minamal fees
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Installment loan
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Can help build credit
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Lenient requirements
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One-month membership required
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Small loan amounts
5. Cash advances on credit cards
A cash advance allows you to borrow money against your credit card’s available limit, providing quick access to funds when you need them most. You can withdraw the money from an ATM or a bank without any application process.
The problem with cash advances is that they come with high fees. Your card issuer will charge an advance fee of 3% to 5% the amount or a flat fee of $10-$15, whichever is higher. The ATM will likely charge a fee of $2 to $5 per transaction. You will also incur interest at a higher rate than for regular purchases, and the interest begins accumulating immediately.
Credit card cash advances can be helpful in a pinch, but use them sparingly and repay the money as soon as possible.
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Instant access to cash
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Withdraw money from any ATM
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No application necessary
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No additional credit check
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High rates and fees
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Interest starts accruing immediately
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The borrowing amount is limited
6. Title loans
Car title loans are secured short-term loans that use your vehicle’s title as collateral. You give the lender the title, and they provide you with a loan that’s 25% to 50% of your car’s current market value. You can often receive cash the same day without a credit check.
While initially appealing, auto title loans are expensive. Lenders often charge fees equivalent to a 300% APR and require repayment within 15 to 30 days. If you are unable to pay on time, the lender may repossess your vehicle.
Title loans are a last resort, and they may not be available in your state.
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Same
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No credit check
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Easy to qualify for
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You can continue driving your car during repayment
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You risk losing your car if you default
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High interest rates and fees
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Must own your vehicle
7. Payday loans
Payday loans are instant loans up to $500 that you repay with your next paycheck. Typically, all you need is a checking account and proof of income. Many lenders offer 1-hour payday loans with no credit check, which can be tempting in an emergency.
A $500 payday loan with guaranteed approval may sound appealing, but it comes with high fees equivalent to a triple-digit APR. Most lenders require balloon payments (the entire loan amount and fees at once) after only two weeks. The short repayment period and high costs make them one of the most expensive borrowing options available. Many borrowers end up in a cycle of debt.
Avoid payday loans since most borrowers end up in a cycle of debt.
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Fast access to cash
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No credit check required
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High approval odds
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Extremely high fees
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A short repayment window
8. Employer salary advances
Salary advances are when your employer sends you money you’ve earned but haven’t received yet. Advances are typically fee-free or low-cost. Payroll will automatically deduct the amount from your next paycheck.
If your employer doesn’t offer salary advances, you can use a third-party app. Paycheck advance apps send you small amounts of cash that you repay on your next payday. They charge fees, especially if you need the money instantly, but there’s no interest or credit check.
Paycheck advances are an example of modern income-based loans. They tend to be affordable, but be sure to budget for a smaller payday to avoid a cycle of borrowing.
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No interest
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Minimal fees
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No credit check
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Repayment is automatic
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Availability depends on your employer’s policy
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Next paycheck will be smaller
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Short repayment period
9. Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending sites
Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms connect you directly with individual investors. These investors may have more lenient requirements and accept borrowers with fair or poor credit. In return for taking on more risk, the interest rates and fees may be higher.
The application process is typically online and fast. Approval and funding may take a few days, depending on the investor’s approval process.
P2P sites are a good choice if traditional lenders have turned you down or offered loans with too high rates.
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Competitive interest rates
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Flexible qualification criteria
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Online applications with relatively quick decisions
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May offer better terms
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Approval and funding may take longer
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Fees and rates vary widely
10. Borrowing from family or friends
When you need to get 100 dollars now, turning to a trusted friend or relative can be the most affordable solution. You will likely be able to borrow without interest, fees, or a credit check.
Before you borrow, write down how and when you will repay the money. Having clear terms will prevent misunderstandings that can strain personal relationships.
A loan from a loved one can help you get back on your feet without incurring significant costs.
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No credit check, fees, or interest
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Funds can be available immediately
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Flexible repayment based on mutual agreement
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Can strain or damage personal relationships
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Borrowing may feel awkward
How to choose the best emergency loan
The right emergency same-day loan depends on how quickly you need the money, how much you need to borrow, and your credit score. While all these options are available for borrowers with bad credit, you will receive better rates if you can improve your score. Another tip is to join a credit union proactively to qualify for personal loans or PALs with competitive rates.
Loan type | Key features | Good for |
Online lending platforms | Connect with multiple lenders Compare offers | Ideal for borrowers who want to compare multiple offers quickly, especially those with bad credit. |
Installment loan | Lump-sum loans Fixed monthly payments Longer repayment terms. | Good fit for people who need fast cash and prefer predictable monthly payments. |
Credit union loan | Lower interest rates Flexible terms. | For members with limited credit who need small, affordable loans. |
Payday alternative loan | Small installment loans APR capped at 28% Repay in 1-12 months | Best for federal credit union members seeking a safer, low-cost option to cover short-term expenses. |
Credit card cash advance | Withdraw cash from ATM High fees and APR | A good fit for people who have a credit card and can repay the advance immediately. |
Title loan | Percentage of car’s value Car is collateral Risk losing your car | For people with poor credit who own their vehicle outright and need quick access to cash. |
Payday loan | Short-term loan No credit check Triple-digit APR | A solution for consumers who have no credit, need fast cash, and can repay it within a short time frame. |
Employer salary advance | Early access to earned wages Minimal fees No credit check | Best for employees who need a small, interest-free advance on wages they’ve already earned. |
Peer-to-peer loan | Loan from an individual investor Competitive rate Flexible criteria | A good choice for borrowers with fair credit looking for competitive rates outside traditional banks. |
Friend or family loan | Low cost May strain relationships | A smart choice for consumers who have friends or family they can rely on. |
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the best way to borrow money in an emergency?
The best way to borrow money in an emergency is often through credit unions. Many offer personal loans or hardship loans that give emergency cash immediately to borrowers with bad credit.
2. Which loan can lend me money instantly?
Payday loans, credit card cash advances, and paycheck advances can send you money the same day, often instantly. These options require minimal paperwork and do not require a credit check. Read the terms since many instant loans come with high fees and short repayment periods.
3. What to do when you need money desperately?
If you need money now but can’t get a loan, look into local assistance programs or ask for a paycheck advance from your employer. You might also consider gig apps or borrowing from trusted friends or family. These options can provide quick relief without the risk of high-interest debt or loan denial.
4. What app will let me borrow money immediately?
Some of the best cash advance apps that allow you to borrow money immediately include EarnIn, Empower, and Current. These apps connect to your bank account to offer instant advances with no credit check and low fees. While they help cover small expenses before payday, you need to adjust your spending for a smaller paycheck.
5. What’s the best and easiest way to get a $5,000 emergency loan?
The best and easiest way to get a $5,000 emergency loan is through online lending platforms that prequalify you with a soft pull. If you have steady income, even with fair credit, you may qualify quickly. Always compare rates and terms to avoid high interest rates and short repayment terms.
Bottom line
Borrowing cash fast with bad credit is entirely possible, but the better route is to save money. Most experts recommend having three to six months of expenses saved, so that when financial emergencies arise, you are prepared.
Make an effort to put aside any extra money in a savings account. Even a small emergency savings of $1,000 can help you avoid taking on debt. The less you have to borrow, the more money you’ll save overall.
As you save, work on your credit score. The higher your score, the easier it will be to secure loans with favorable interest rates. A good score can save you thousands next time you need an urgent loan.