Top 7 Loans for Rent When You Need to Pay Tomorrow

Emergency same-day loans can be a lifesaver when rent is due and you’re out of time.

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Updated August 11, 2025 Advertising disclosure
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Key takeaways

  • Same-day personal loans from online lenders and credit unions can help cover rent when you’re in a financial bind.
  • Options like cash advance apps and employer paycheck advances may offer fast funding with fewer fees.
  • If you have bad credit, emergency cash is still possible, but it’s important to compare lenders and avoid high-cost traps.

Realizing that you don’t have enough money to pay rent is a stressful and all-too-common experience. The National Low Income Housing Coalition found that 70% of extremely low-income families are heavily cost-burdened. These households pay more than half of their income on rent, which is unsustainable.

Fortunately, you have options to get the money and prevent eviction. Rental assistance programs can help you make ends meet and find affordable housing. Many lenders offer same-day approval and funding for rental loans.

Let’s go over where you can find loans to help you stay afloat and rental assistance programs to explore.

1. Personal loans for rent

Personal loans from online lenders or credit unions can help you cover rent in a pinch. These are typically installment loans for larger amounts that you repay over a few months or years. The fixed monthly payments make them easier to budget for. Most legitimate lenders will offer APRs under 36%, even if you have bad credit.

Many online lenders offer same-day approval and funding, especially if you apply in the morning. Some specialize in working with consumers who have less-than-stellar credit or no credit history at all.

Credit unions frequently offer loans with competitive interest rates and more lenient requirements. Some provide hardship loans for bad credit to members in need. Federal credit unions cap interest rates on personal loans at an 18% APR.

While you can get a personal loan with bad credit, expect higher interest rates, additional fees, and fewer options. Many lenders charge origination fees ranging from 1% to 12% of the loan amount and may impose prepayment penalties.

Pros:
  • Funding within hours or days

  • Longer repayment terms

  • Equal monthly payments

  • Some lenders accept borrowers with bad credit

Cons:
  • High APRs for poor credit borrowers

  • Some lenders charge origination or prepayment fees

2. Payday loans for rental assistance

If rent is due and you’re out of options, payday loans may seem like a quick fix. These short-term loans are easy to qualify for and provide small amounts of cash instantly. Typically, all you need is a pay stub and an active checking account; however, a prepaid debit card may also suffice.

Small payday loans online are fast, but they come at a high price. Lenders charge a finance fee of $10 to $30 per $100 borrowed and require repayment within two weeks. The high fees, coupled with short loan terms, cause most borrowers to take out a second loan to cover the first.

Pros:
  • Instant access to cash

  • Minimal requirements

  • No credit check

  • No collateral

Cons:
  • Extremely high fees

  • Short repayment window

  • Easy to fall into a cycle of debt

3. Cash advances for rent payments

When you’re short on rent and payday is still days away, cash advance apps can bridge the gap. These apps link to your bank account and review your transaction history to determine how much to lend you. You can usually advance from $20 to $500 interest-free and without a credit check.

Cash advance apps have varying fee structures. Some charge a flat fee or subscription fee, while others rely on optional tips. If you choose an app with a monthly subscription fee, make sure you will benefit from its other features.

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The best cash advance apps can help you cover urgent expenses without incurring high fees. Look for apps that do not charge mandatory fees and will not overdraft your bank account. Some apps offer overdraft protection, while others allow you to change the due date for free.

The key to using cash advances is to keep your costs as low as possible. When you request an advance, only leave a small tip or none at all. Also, give yourself a few days to receive the money. That way, you can avoid paying a fast funding fee and get your cash for free.

Pros:
  • Minimal fees

  • No interest

  • No hard inquiry

  • Instant transfers

  • User-friendly apps

Cons:
  • Advance limits are often under $250 for new users

  • Optional tips and express fees can add up

  • Requires proof of steady income or bank activity

4. Emergency loans for rent

Emergency loan options can be a lifesaver when rent is due and you don’t want the high expenses of a payday loan. Many online lenders and credit unions offer loans with same-day or next-day funding. Often, you can apply in the morning and receive approval and funding in the afternoon.

While it’s an emergency, take the time to compare rates and terms to ensure you get the best deal. Most lenders offer instant prequalification with only a soft credit check. You can gauge your chances of approval without impacting your score.

Alternatively, you can formally apply for a few loans simultaneously. Credit bureaus consider multiple applications for the same type of loan made within 14 to 45 days as a single inquiry. Instead of multiple hard inquiries, you will have one on your credit report.

Comparing loans is vital, as many lenders that provide bad credit loans charge higher rates and fees. Verify that the loan is affordable before borrowing and establish a payment plan.

Pros:
  • Approval and funding are often within 24 hours

  • Can cover the entire rent

  • A wide range of credit scores is accepted

Cons:
  • High APRs for poor credit borrowers

  • May require proof of income or employment

5. Instant credit card funds

If you’re short on rent, learning how to get cash from a credit card could give you fast access to emergency funds. You visit an ATM or bank branch to withdraw cash up to a specific limit. Since you already have the credit card, there’s no application process.

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Credit card cash advances can help you cover rent, but use them cautiously. Your issuer will charge an advance fee, and interest will accrue immediately.

Cash advance fees range from 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn or $10, whichever is greater. The APR is higher than usual, coming in close to 30%. Even small advances can become costly.

Pros:
  • Receive cash instantly

  • No separate application

  • No credit check

  • No due date

Cons:
  • High APRs and transaction fees

  • No grace period

  • May reduce your available credit and hurt your score

6. Pawn shop loans

Pawn shop loans are a quick way to turn valuables into cash, requiring no credit check and minimal documentation. They are secured loans where you borrow money against the value of the item you bring in. Typically, the loan you receive will be only 25% to 60% of the item’s worth. Repay the loan within 30 to 90 days, plus fees, to reclaim your valuable.

While convenient, pawn shop loans can be risky since if you’re unable to repay on time, the pawnbroker will keep your item. The fees can also add up to a high APR, although not as high as those of payday loans. Lastly, you would receive more for your item if you sold it to the pawnbroker outright.

Pros:
  • No hard inquiry

  • No proof of income

  • Quick cash

  • You won’t go into debt if you default

Cons:
  • Loan amounts are limited by item value

  • High interest rates and fees

  • Risk of losing property

7. Employer paycheck advances

Ask your employer about a paycheck advance. Some companies offer early access to earned wages with little to no fees. They will deduct the advanced amount from your next paycheck.

Employer paycheck advances can be one of the least expensive ways to receive emergency cash immediately. While they are a safer solution, you need to budget for a smaller payday. Not adjusting your budget can lead to a cycle of borrowing.

Not all employers offer paycheck advances. If yours does not, consider looking into an Earned Wage Access (EWA) app. These apps advance you money you’ve earned but haven’t been paid yet. Some apps work directly with your employer, while others require an electronic timesheet to track your hours.

Paycheck advances from your employer or an EWA app can help you make ends meet, but not overpay for them. You also need to be careful not to become overly reliant on early wages.

Pros:
  • No interest or credit check

  • Direct access to earned wages

  • Doesn’t impact your credit score

Cons:
  • Not all employers offer this option

  • Reduces your next paycheck

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What to do if you need money to pay rent tomorrow

When you need money to pay rent tomorrow, consider borrowing it or looking into financial assistance programs. State and local organizations can provide rental assistance or help with other bills to free up cash.

Local charities, nonprofits, and religious organizations can also provide assistance with essential needs. If they don’t help with rent, they may assist with groceries or utility bills, which can free up money to pay your landlord.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can you get a loan for rent?

You can take out a loan to help cover rent. Most personal loans can be used for any purpose, including paying rent or bills.

2. What happens if I can’t pay the rent?

If you can’t pay rent, your landlord may charge late fees or begin eviction proceedings. Beyond eviction, a landlord can sue you in court to recover unpaid rent.

3. How to find help for a rent emergency?

Call 211 to find local rental assistance programs. Non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army, United Way, or Catholic Charities often provide emergency rental assistance. HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can also offer guidance on your housing options and resources.

4. Where can I get a loan to pay my rent?

Online lenders and credit unions often offer personal loans on the same day. Many will consider applicants with less-than-perfect credit.

Bottom line

Paying rent builds credit and helps you avoid eviction, but it can be costly. If you cannot afford your bill this month, speak with your landlord immediately. You may be able to work out a solution, such as payment plans, waiving late fees, or extending the payment deadline.

You can always take out a loan or an advance to pay your rent and get back on track. If you decide to borrow, ensure that the loan is affordable and establish a payment plan. Defaulting on the loan can land you in a worse financial situation.

Better yet, consider accepting support from the government or non-profit organizations. These organizations help low-income households cover rent and utilities. You’ll avoid eviction without taking on debt.

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. Paycheck Advance is an earned wage access service and is not a loan or credit product.
3. Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and/or Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card, which may be issued by Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, and the Current Visa® secured charge card, which is issued by Cross River Bank, are all issued pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. A Current debit account is required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.
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. Debit card: Fees may apply, including out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party fees, cash load fees, inactivity fees, account closure fees, international transaction fees, replacement card fees, express mail fees and escheatment fees.                                                                                                                                                       Build Card: 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 Eligible Direct Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 35-day period and fulfill other requirements subject to Current’s discretion. Negative balances must be repaid within 60 days of the first Eligible Transaction that caused the negative balance. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions. Individual Current Accounts only.
11. For eligible customers only. You may earn Points in connection with your Build Card purchases at retailers whose merchant code is classified as: Dining (e.g., restaurants) and Groceries (e.g., supermarkets) 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. Points will expire 365 days after they settle. For more information (including specific eligibility criteria), please refer to the Current Points Terms and Condition.
12. 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.
13. 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. No minimum balance required. 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%. To earn a Boost rate of 4.00%, the sum of your Eligible Payroll Deposits over a rolling 35-day period must be $500 or more, with at least one Eligible Payroll Deposit equalling a minimum of $200. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.
35. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
36. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.
37. 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.
38. 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.
39. 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.
40. 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.
41. MyPay is only offered in select states
42. To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply.
43. Not affiliated with Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America (www.empower.com).                              Not everyone will qualify. Offers range from $10-$300 for first-time customers; $10-$400 for all others. Offers are based on our eligibility requirements and can go up with on-time payments. In Feb 2025, the average offer was $95 for first-time customers; $187 for all others. Instant delivery is optional—see fees in Empower’s Terms.                              Empower offers a 14-day trial for first-time customers followed by an auto-recurring $8/month subscription fee. Cancel anytime.
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About the author

Author Rachel Alulis 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.