It can be a stressful situation when you need to be somewhere, your car is running on fumes and you realize you don’t have money for gas. If there’s no one to borrow from in a pinch and you’ve already scoured the couch for loose change — consider cash advance apps, short-term loans or community assistance programs that may be able to get you fast cash for gas.
Here are a few solutions when you need money for gas. Some options can provide immediate funding, while others could take a few hours to a day or two.
One of the fastest ways to get cash for gas money is with cash advance apps, which offer amounts anywhere from $10 to $250 or more. Providers typically don’t charge interest or late fees and don’t do credit checks. Plus, you can usually receive the funds within minutes if you request an instant transfer. All you need to do is download an app, link your bank account and get verified. You’ll repay the advance on your next payday or the date of your next deposit.
However, most cash advance apps aren’t free. Many require monthly subscriptions, with charges ranging from around $5 to $20. Most providers offer a free transfer option that can take up to a few days to hit your bank account. But instant transfers can cost a fee anywhere from $2 to $25, depending on the advance amount and the app you use. But a few apps don’t charge subscription fees, meaning in most cases, they’re virtually free except for instant transfer fees.
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Another way to get money for gas (relatively) quickly is through short-term loans. This category can include payday loans, installment loans, loans from credit unions or community banks or even pawn shop loans. Short-term loans typically have fast turnaround times — some as soon as the same day you apply — and lenient requirements to qualify. Plus, they can be more flexible than cash advance apps, with larger loan amounts and longer repayment terms.
But the downside to some short-term loans is that you’ll typically pay higher interest rates and fees than with cash advance apps or more traditional personal loans. In fact, some of these loan options come with triple-digit APRs and can end up putting you into a deeper hole than you were to begin with.
You may want to first check with your local bank or credit union to see about a hardship loan or a payday alternative loan (PAL) before having to resort to an expensive payday or installment loan.
If you need gas money — or other types of financial assistance — numerous programs and services may be able to help you out. One option is to contact your local United Way office. You can call 211 from any phone or go to its website to explore services in your area. You may not be able to get a gas card or voucher directly from the United Way, but they’ll send you to organizations that can.
You may also want to try places like the Salvation Army, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or Catholic Charities. These organizations may offer gas cards or gas vouchers, or like the United Way, they may be able to give you other options. Local churches and homeless shelters are other resources that may know of programs in your community that could help.
Finally, if you need ongoing assistance, you can go to USA.gov/financial-hardship to learn about benefits programs you may be eligible for.
Gas prices vary depending on where you live, and the mileage you get depends on the fuel efficiency of your car, the speed you’re driving and other factors. The chart below shows the range of costs to drive the following distances based on your vehicle’s fuel economy and the average cost of gas in the US this week.
Cutting down on your gas expenses is one way to stretch an already tight budget. Here are some tips that might help you save a few bucks on gas.
You may also want to consider these alternatives when you find yourself short of gas money.
Short-term loans or cash advance apps can help when you need gas money right now. Or in case of any cash emergency, like loans for rent or medical bills. Just be aware of the rates, fees and terms of these agreements. You may also want to look into community assistance programs or explore ways to save money on gas going forward.
If you have roadside assistance — such as AAA or through your car insurance — call, and they’ll bring you gas. However, some providers may charge you for the fuel if not the visit. You could also call a friend or family member to help.
If you’ve exhausted all your options to find gas money, you may need to ask someone for a ride, walk or ride your bike. If you need gas to get to work, you should call your employer as soon as possible to explain the situation — they might be able to help you out or at least get your shift covered.
Is there any gas in the can you use to fill your lawn mower? That’s typically the same kind of gas we use in our cars and could be enough to get you where you need to go.
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Borrowing a $100 can be a quick and painless process. This article covers exactly what you need to know when you need a little cash between paydays.