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Key takeaways

  • Options for a quick $200 loan include payday loans, cash advance apps, and pawnshop loans. These methods can provide immediate access to funds without a credit check.
  • While these loans can be convenient and fast, they often come with high-interest rates and fees. It’s crucial to understand the total cost of borrowing, including any potential fees for late payments or non-payment.
  • Before you apply for a loan, do your research. Always compare lenders and make sure you can repay the money.

If you need a $200 loan now to tide you over until your next paycheck, this is for you. While small-dollar loans like payday loans and cash advances can be tempting, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved before you borrow. This article explores the different types of $200 loans, how they work, the important factors to consider before taking one out, and how you can get a quick $200 loan now.

Let’s take a look at what they are. 200-dollar loans are small-dollar loans that can be a quick way to get cash when you say ‘I need 200 now.’ They come in various forms, including payday loans, cash advances, and pawnshop loans. The loan amount usually ranges from $100 to $500.

What are my options to borrow 200 dollars today?

There are three main types of personal loans where you can get a small dollar amount even with bad credit. All three offer same day funding.

Payday loans

These are short-term loans that are typically due on your next payday. The amounts tend to be small – under $500 and they often have very high-interest rates and fees, which can make them a very expensive way to borrow money instantly. 

Cash advance app

These apps allow you to borrow a small amount of money from your next paycheck. They often have lower fees than payday loans and more lenient eligibility criteria than personal loans, but they may still be expensive.

Pawn shop loans

You can pawn an item of value to get a pawnshop loan. If you don’t repay as agreed, the pawn shop can sell your item. Pawn shop loans can be a less expensive option than payday loans, but you could lose your belongings if you don’t repay the money on time.

What should I do if I need 200 dollars now?

A $200 loan can serve as a temporary financial stopgap for various needs. Here are some examples of why you might need emergency cash: covering a minor car repair cost, paying medical bills, or bridging a short gap in rent.

Here are the steps to guarantee you a $200 loan with instant approval:

  1. Choose a lender: Research different lenders like payday or direct lenders, cash advance apps, and pawn shops. Consider factors like interest rates, fees, and repayment terms.
  2. Gather requirements: Prepare documents like a government-issued ID, income verification, and bank account information. Pawn shops might require the item you’re pawning.
  3. Apply for the loan: Fill out the application form with accurate information. For payday loans and cash advance apps, this is usually done online.
  4. Review and sign the agreement: Carefully read the fine print, including interest rates, fees, and repayment schedule. Only sign if you agree with the terms and can afford the loan.
  5. Receive the funds: Payday lenders typically disburse funds electronically or through a check. Cash advance apps will deposit the money into your bank account. Pawn shops provide cash in exchange for your pawned item. All three are usually pretty fast from a few minutes to three business days.

I need 200 dollars today but I have poor credit!

If you need 200 dollars now but have poor credit it will be tough. With poor credit, you might not qualify for the most favorable terms or products. Most big banks who offer traditional loans want credit scores of 670 or more. You will likely have fewer lenders to choose from and may be restricted to short-term, high-cost loans.

Your best bet may be to try an online loan marketplace like MoneyMutual. Unlike traditional financial institutions, online marketplaces work with borrowers with any credit rating. They connect consumers with online lenders willing to work with their credit profile. You fill out one application and then can compare multiple offers without having to undergo a hard inquiry. You may even be able to get a $200 loan today when you’re unemployed.

Compare offers and choose one that gives you a good deal. Then apply directly with the lender you choose. Since you were pre-approved, there’s a high chance you’ll get the loan you want even if your credit is less than ideal.

Impact of credit score on loan approval

Lenders view low credit scores as an indicator of a higher risk of delinquency (late payments or non-payment). This means they might be hesitant to approve your application altogether.

Even if you do get approved, you’ll likely face steeper interest rates. This increases the overall cost of borrowing.

Can you get a 200 dollar loan with bad credit?

Online lenders are a common choice for borrowers who have a poor credit score. Numerous lenders don’t rely on credit scores for approval but focus on your ability to repay based on income and employment history. These lenders often have a quick approval process and you’ll likely get your loan funds within the same business day.

However, as convenient as this no-credit check small loan is, they come with very high-interest rates and fees, making the overall cost of borrowing quite expensive. Such loans are also typically due on your next payday, which can be challenging to repay if you’re already struggling financially. The high cost and short terms can easily trap you in a cycle of debt if you can’t repay the money in full on time.

An alternative to look into are personal loans offered by credit unions. These tend to be for larger amounts, lower interest rates, and have longer repayment terms than other bad credit borrowing options. You may have to be a member of your local credit union in order to apply.

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Compare direct lenders to borrow 200 dollars

There are three popular types of direct lender $200 loans:

  1. Payday Loans: These are short-term loans that are typically due on your next payday. They allow you to borrow 200 dollars instantly and typically have very high interest rates and fees, which can make them a very expensive way to borrow money.
  2. Installment Loans: This is an option for those who need a small amount of money that they would pay in fixed monthly installments over a period of time.
  3. Cash advance apps: These fintech apps send you small loans instantly usually for less than payday loans. They are a short term borrowing option with no credit check, interest charges, and few fees.

How to apply for a 200-dollar loan?

Applying for a $200 loan tends to be very straightforward. First, determine the type of loan you want and find a lender. As we’ve said before, loan marketplaces can be the way to go. Second, try to prequalify before you apply. Prequalifying does not guarantee that you’ll be approved but it shows you your odds. After you’ve prequalified for a few loans, compare the offers – interest rates, fees, repayment terms, etc. and choose the most affordable option. Then submit a formal loan request. The majority of the time you can do all of this online.

One tip is to gather all your documents together beforehand to speed up the application process.

What should you consider before requesting a 200 dollar loan?

Here are some important factors to consider if you need $200 now:

  • Costs: Bad credit loans will often come with high fees and interest rates, which can significantly inflate the repayment amount. Compare interest rates (APR) and fees from different lenders to find the most affordable option. Consider the total payday loan costs compared to the $200 benefit.
  • Reputation and reviews: Research the lender’s online reputation and customer reviews. Look for lenders with a history of fair lending practices and good customer service.
  • Eligibility requirements: Ensure you meet the lender’s basic requirements, such as age, steady monthly income, and residency in their operating state.
  • Repayment terms: A payday loan is a short-term form of borrowing, often due on your next payday. Consider if you can realistically repay the entire amount plus fees on time to avoid getting stuck in a debt cycle.
  • Repayment ability: Can you realistically afford to repay the money in full on time, along with the fees and interest? Short repayment terms can be challenging, especially for unexpected expenses. If you’re late, the lender will likely add on late payment fees that can exacerbate financial difficulties.
  • Alternatives: Explore other options to cover emergency expenses like pawning unwanted items, negotiating payment plans with creditors, or asking friends or family for help. These alternatives tend to have lower costs or more flexible terms.
  • Impact on credit score: While payday lenders typically don’t do a credit check, failing to repay on time could be reported to credit bureaus and hurt your credit score.
  • Debt trap: A payday loan can easily become a debt trap if you’re unable to repay on time and have to re-borrow or roll it over. Consider the long-term consequences before borrowing.

Submitting your loan request

Here are the boxes you need to tick before going ahead and submitting your loan requests to get your quick $200 loan:

  1. You must be at least 18 years old based on your jurisdiction.
  2. Proof of a steady income source like employment or benefits.
  3. Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
  4. An active bank account for loan deposit and repayment.
  5. Valid phone number and email address.
  6. Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
  7. Some lenders may perform soft credit checks – this does not have an effect on your credit score. However, your credit is not an essential factor for approval, so poor or bad credit borrowers can be approved as well.
  8. Complete the loan request form with accurate information. If you are after an online payday loan, make sure you are applying through a secure platform.

Fast and secure online application

Most lenders offer fast and secure online applications, but there are scammers out there. To avoid scams and make sure that you submit a secure application research the lender beforehand to ensure they are legitimate. Make sure the lender’s website has proper security measures in place. Look for a lock icon in the browser’s address bar, indicating that the site has a valid SSL certificate and that your information will be transmitted securely. If you need to submit documents, ensure that the lender has secure methods for document transfer, such as encrypted portals or secure file-sharing platforms. Only submit your application over a secure network. Avoid using public networks, as they may not be secure and can increase the risk of interception of your sensitive information.

By following these tips, you can help protect your personal and financial information when applying online.

Bottom Line

$200 loans from direct lenders can be tempting for quick cash to cover unexpected expenses, especially for those with poor credit. The problem is, the high costs and short repayment terms can lead to a worse financial situation. Carefully consider all your options and the potential consequences before borrowing money. Explore alternatives, shop around for the best rates, and borrow responsibly to avoid getting trapped in a cycle of debt.

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.