Sometimes, you just need a $50 loan to make it to payday, but most traditional lenders don’t offer loans that small. That’s why cash advance apps are often your best option. Many of these apps may charge a monthly membership fee, so make sure the cost is worth it. If you only need a $50 loan once, signing up for an app with a monthly fee can be expensive.
From credit card advances to cash advance apps, you have a few avenues to turn to when looking to borrow $50 fast:
Cash advance apps. Getting a $50 instant loan is easy with most cash advance apps on the market today. Some apps are basically free, while others require a monthly subscription, but they almost all offer $50 instant loans.
Paycheck advance apps. Very similar to straight-up cash advance apps, apps like One@Work or EarnIn offer advances up to $50 or more based on wages you’ve earned but haven’t been paid for yet. You’ll repay the loan out of your next paycheck — potentially without any fees.
Pawn loans. You could quickly borrow $50 in exchange for valuables worth around $85 to $200. Pawn shops hold the item for a fee of around 10% to 20% per month.
Credit card cash advances. This option is one of the simplest ways to get $50 fast because you can withdraw the funds from an ATM in minutes. But it’s expensive — you’ll typically have to pay a transaction fee and an even higher interest rate than purchases.
Bank account overdrafts. As a last resort, you could overdraft your checking account. Most checking accounts allow you to go negative on your balance — for a fee of around $35. That flat fee makes it the most expensive option to borrow $50.
Payday loans. You might be able to get a fast $50 loan from a payday lender, but not all lenders offer this amount — and they’re not legal in every state. Plus, fees are steep and typically equate to APRs of around 400% or more.
While there are a number of ways to get a fast $50 loan, most options are expensive — or maybe even off the table, depending on your situation. But cash advance apps are typically cheaper, easier and available to practically anyone with a bank account. Here’s how to get one:
Compare apps. Do a little research to find the best cash advance apps. Weigh factors like fees, eligibility requirements and turnaround times.
Compare providers. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few apps, dig a little deeper and look at factors like income or deposit requirements, total costs and how repayments work. Also, check out customer reviews to make sure you’re working with a legitimate provider.
Sign up. Once you’ve picked your favorite, go to an app store and download the app. Follow the prompts to set up an account and link your bank. It may take a few minutes to get verified.
Request an advance. Most apps tell you how much you’re eligible for, which could be as much as $50 or more.
Receive your funds. It can typically take up to three days or so to get a free $50 transfer. However, most apps have a faster transfer option, which usually only costs a few dollars to get a $50 loan instantly.
5 questions to ask yourself before using a $50 instant loan app
From how much it costs to if you’re even eligible, asking yourself a few key questions can help you find the best option for your situation:
Which apps offer $50 loans? This one is easy. All cash advance apps provide $50 loans, though some may initially offer less. The loan amounts from most apps range between $10 and $500, sometimes even more.
How long will it take to get the funds? If you need the money now, make sure the app has an instant transfer option — some “instant” transfers might actually mean within a few hours or sometime that day, which may not be soon enough.
Am I eligible? Check the lender’s basic requirements and make sure you meet them. Most apps don’t run a credit check for advances, but they might require direct deposit or have minimum income requirements to qualify.
How much will it cost? Consider the total cost of a $50 instant loan app. Some providers might require a monthly subscription fee, plus you’ll have to factor in the charge for instant transfers.
How long do I have to repay? With a few exceptions, you’ll usually have to repay the loan on your next pay date. Make sure you can afford the full repayment when it’s due before you take out an advance.
Pros and cons of cash advance apps
A cash advance app is a handy tool when you need a $50 loan before you get paid, but they’re not free. Be sure to consider the benefits and drawbacks before you take an advance.
Pros
Good for emergencies
No credit check required
No interest or late fees
Instant transfers available
Cons
May require a monthly subscription
Free transfers can take a few days
Usually a fee for instant transfers
May require direct deposit
5 alternatives to $50 instant loan apps
Cash advance apps might not be the right move in every situation. If you don’t meet the requirements or need to borrow more than $50, consider these alternatives.
Get a personal loan. For larger loan amounts — typically $500 or more — you may want to consider a personal loan. Funding is typically fast, but you’ll need a decent credit score to get a competitive rate.
Ask your employer. You may be able to get an advance on your paycheck. Some companies even partner with paycheck advance apps as an employee benefit.
Negotiate with your landlord. If you’re a little short this month, see if you can request an extension to free up cash for other needs.
Turn to friends or family. It can be awkward to ask a friend or family member to loan you money, but it might be worth it. If it makes you more comfortable, you can draw up a contract with specific rates and terms for repayment.
Reach out to local nonprofits and charities. Many offer assistance to people who need help with small, short-term expenses like gas money, groceries and even medical bills.
Bottom line
You have several options if you want to borrow $50 today, from pawn shop loans to overdrafts. However, you might have better luck with a cash advance app — they’re easy to qualify for, typically have low fees and you can’t beat the convenience. You may also want to compare other small loan options to find the best fit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a cash advance without a bank account?
You don’t necessarily need an account with a traditional bank or credit union — although that will give you more options — but you at least need an account with the cash advance provider. Cash advance apps use your deposit and transaction history to determine if you qualify for advances, and you’ll also repay the advance from your account, usually through direct debit.
What app gives you $250?
With very few exceptions, most cash advance apps offer advances of up to $250 or more. However, most users won’t qualify for $250 at first. You typically have to demonstrate a history of repaying smaller advances to qualify for a $250 loan.
Can I get a cash advance with bad credit?
Yes. Most cash advance providers aren’t concerned with your credit score, only your ability to repay the loan within the agreed-upon time frame, which is usually by your next pay date.
Lacey Stark is a freelance personal finance writer for Finder, specializing
in banking, loans, investing, estate planning, and more. She has 20
years of experience writing and editing for magazines, newspapers, and
online publications. A word nerd from childhood, Lacey officially got her
start reporting on live sporting events and moved on to cover topics
such as construction, technology, and travel before finding her niche in
personal finance. Originally from New England, she received her
bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver and completed a
postgraduate journalism program at Metropolitan State University also
in Denver. She currently lives in Chicagoland with her dog Chunk and
likes to read and play golf. See full bio
What to know before applying for an Uprova loan and 6 alternatives.
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