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I Need Money Fast: 20+ Ideas to Borrow or Make Quick Cash

Compare quick financing options for good, fair and bad credit.

For money management tools

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  • $5.99 monthly membership fee
  • Borrow up to $250
  • No credit check required
  • No interest on cash advances
  • Connect bank account to access cash advance

Good for no-fee, 0% interest cash advances

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  • Borrow up to $750 per pay period
  • No credit check
  • No monthly fees or interest

Good for borrowing more

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  • Borrow up to $4,000
  • Get cash as soon as same business day
  • Easy application
  • Quick approval

Need money fast? There are lenders that offer same-day or even instant cash advances and lenders that work with borrowers who have good or bad credit. Fast funding has traditional requirements, such as being at least 18 years old and having a regular income. You’ll likely pay more for the convenience of getting a loan immediately, since fast loans are often more expensive than loans with a longer turnaround time.

12 fast loans for bad credit

If you have poor credit and need cash quickly, then a payday loan, short-term loan or cash advance app are a few options. While many payday lenders and cash advance providers don’t have strict credit score requirements — and may not even check your credit — these loans can get pricey. You can read more about a specific lender by selecting Read Review or Go to site.

ProviderLoan TypeTurnaround timeMin credit scoreRates or fees
OpploansInstallment loan1 business dayNone160% - 179% APR APR, varies by lender
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AlbertCash advance appInstantNone$14.99/month
EarnInCash advance app1 to 3 business days or instant for a feeNoneFree
Ace Cash ExpressPayday loanAs soon as same business dayNoneVaries by state
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DaveCash advance appUp to 3 business days or instant for a fee up to $25NoneRequires monthly membership fee (undisclosed)
LendYouConnection serviceAs soon as same business dayVariesVaries by lender
Go to site
CleoCash advance app3 to 4 days or instant for a fee. of $3.99 to $9.99None$5.99 a month
BrigitCash advance app2 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee.None$8.99 to $14.99 monthly membership fee
OneMain FinancialPersonal loanAs soon as the same dayVaries18% to 35.99%
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Chime MyPayCash advance appWithin 24 hours or instant for a fee of $2NoneFree
Check Into CashPayday loan1 to 2 business daysNoneVaries
Read review
Speedy CashPayday loan1 business dayVariesVaries
Read review

7 fast loans for good and fair credit

These lenders can be a good option if you have a credit score of 580 or higher, and you want to avoid the high rates of payday lenders or cash advance apps. Plus, you could get your loan funded within one business day if you apply online.

ProviderTurnaround timeMin credit scoreRates
Upstart1 to 3 business days3007.40% to 35.99%
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Upgrade1 to 4 business days5809.99% to 35.99%
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LightstreamAs soon as the same day6607.49% to 25.49%
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RocketloansAs soon as the same day6409.116% to 29.99%
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AvantAs soon as the next business day5809.95% to 35.99%
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CredibleAs soon as 1 business dayFair to excellent credit6.99% to 35.99%
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BestEggAs soon as the next business day6407.99% to 35.99%
Go to site

How to apply for a fast-money loan

Follow these steps to help you borrow money as fast as possible.

  1. Check your bank or credit union. Call, stop by or look on the website to see if it offers fast personal loans that you can qualify for. If available, this option could be your fastest and least expensive.
  2. Check your credit score. Get an estimate of your credit rating before you compare lenders so you don’t waste time with providers you can’t qualify with.
  3. Compare all options available to you. Look into all options available to people with your credit score, income and state of residence. One easy way to do this is to use a connection service to prequalify with multiple lenders.
  4. Get your documents ready. Have PDFs ready for applying, such as your last three bank statements and a copy of your most recent pay stubs, proof of residence, valid ID, etc. Having these items ready can speed up the process.
  5. Apply. If you’re applying online, you typically need to fill out a form with information about your income, debts and personal finances.
  6. Review and sign the contract. Make sure you understand the costs, loan terms and when your payments are due. Also, look out for any information about late or prepayment penalties.

8 ways to borrow money fast

Depending on your credit score and income, you may have less emergency fast-funding loan options. Banks and credit unions typically require a good credit score, but even if you’re lacking in that department, there are multiple routes to explore if you need money fast.

1. Credit card cash advance

  • Turnaround: Instant
  • Amount: Up your to borrowing limit

If you already have a credit card, you can withdraw a cash advance from any ATM. But this can be one of the most expensive options out there — even more expensive than payday loans for smaller amounts.

2. Pawn shops

  • Turnaround: Instant
  • Amount: 40% to 60% of the item’s value

If you have valuables like jewelry or electronics, you can often pawn them for around 40% to 60% of their value. You’ll get your money instantly — and your item back after you repay the money plus interest, at rates sometimes as high as 200%. However, you have a limited time to retrieve your item, usually up to 30 days.

3. Personal loan with your bank

  • Turnaround: Same day to one business day
  • Amount: Typically up to $50,000

Some banks offer fast, low-cost personal loans to current customers in good standing. If approved, you won’t have to wait for an ACH transfer — and you’ll usually get your funds that day.

4. Personal loan with your credit union

  • Turnaround: Same day to one business day
  • Amount: Typically up to $50,000

Credit unions work similarly to banks and often offer lower rates to people with fair credit. They also usually have options for borrowers who need smaller loan amounts. But for a fast loan, you may need to already be a member in good standing.

5. Payday lenders

  • Turnaround: Same-day funding
  • Amount: Around $100 to $500

Payday lenders often offer between $100 and $500 in same-day loans if you apply at a location or the next business day if you apply online. A few lenders will pay a percentage of your paycheck. But these often come with rates as high as 700% APR, and you risk getting caught in a cycle of debt. Consider other options first.

6. Cash advance apps

  • Turnaround: Same-day funding to three business days
  • Amount: Around $50 to $600

You can check out cash advance apps like EarnIn if you’re an hourly worker and try to get an advance on wages you’ve already earned this pay cycle. Instead of interest, you may have to pay for a monthly subscription. Many offer instant or same-day funding, though faster transfers usually carry a fee.

7. Online lenders

  • Turnaround: Next business day funding
  • Amount: Varies

Online lenders use algorithms instead of bankers to underwrite their loans, meaning you can get approved within minutes. But it usually takes a day to transfer the funds to your bank account. Online loans are easier to qualify for than a traditional bank loan, though rates may be higher.

8. PTO cash advance

  • Turnaround: As little as minutes after approval
  • Amount: Varies

A PTO cash advance can offer you a way to turn your hard-earned PTO into cash when you’re in a pinch. How much you qualify for depends on how much unused PTO you have. In some cases, you’ll make interest-only monthly payments on your loan until you leave your job or your term is up.

Loans below $1,000

Many personal lenders have minimum loan amounts starting at $1,000. If you need less than that, then a payday lender may be the route for you. Just keep in mind that it can be a pricey option.

What to watch out for with fast loans

Fast loans can help you out in an emergency, but they can come with some major drawbacks.

  • High interest rates and fees. The fastest loans often cost more than traditional loans. Payday loan APRs can often top 700%.
  • Short repayment periods. Payday loans can require repayment within a few weeks or a month, which can be difficult to afford. Plus, if you roll over your repayment, you’re typically charged an additional fee.
  • Cycle of debt. If you roll over your loan more than once, you could end up racking up fees at a rate that makes it difficult to repay. This situation is called a debt cycle, which can lead to default. In the worst cases, your lender could even sue you for nonpayment.

Other ways to generate fast cash

Sometimes it makes more sense to find other ways to get some extra cash rather than taking out a loan. Consider these ways to generate cash if you need money fast.

  • Sell stuff online. If you have anything of value you don’t need — such as old electronics, clothing or furniture — you could try selling it online. Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are two options. Just watch out for scammers.
  • Sell your gift cards. Websites like CardCash and others allow you to sell your gift cards for cash, although you won’t get the full value. In some cases, it could take a few days to receive funds, especially if you have to mail the card in.
  • Short-term gig work. You can search Craigslist or other sites to find listings for short-term work that pays upon completion of the job.
  • Dog walking. Are you a dog lover? You could sign up with a dog walking service like Rover or ask friends or family if they need any dog walking or pet-sitting services.
  • Ridesharing or delivery services. If you have a reliable vehicle, you could drive for a ridesharing or delivery service to make some extra money. Uber even has an option where you can cash out your earnings up to six times a day.
  • Look for community assistance. Many federal, state and local agencies can provide assistance to those in need if you’re short of cash for necessities like food, rent or utilities.
  • Tap into your retirement account. If you have an individual retirement account (IRA) or a 401(k), you may be able to dip into those savings if you really need to. However, you may have to pay taxes or penalty fees, and if you don’t repay it, you’re shorting yourself for your retirement years.
  • Ask for an advance on your paycheck. Rather than paying fees and subscription charges from a cash advance app, you could ask your boss to float you some cash until your next payday.
Megan B. Shepherd's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Megan B. Shepherd as part of our fact-checking process.
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Written by

Writer

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

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84 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    boniface@yahoo.co.keSeptember 26, 2017

    Am Boniface Elim. I need same $50000 to help me to go back to school.

      Default Gravatar
      GruSeptember 28, 2017

      Hello Boniface,

      Thank you for your interest in borrowing funds to go back to school.

      If you live in the US, there are different types of student loans that you may be eligible to apply for including federal student loans and student loans from private lenders.

      You can compare your loan options to help you find one that best suits your circumstances. Remember to check all the eligibility criteria and read through the Terms and Conditions before applying and making a decision on whether it is right for you.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Gru

    Default Gravatar
    PAULPRABHUSeptember 24, 2017

    How will get money for how much % interest rate?

      AvatarFinder
      JoanneSeptember 25, 2017Finder

      Hi Paul,

      Thanks for reaching out.
      The release of your loan or funds would be dependent on the loan provider you select and the interest rate would also depend on how much you’re borrowing and for how long. You can read more about loan interest rates and how it works.

      Cheers,
      Joanne

    Default Gravatar
    LahiruSeptember 23, 2017

    I need $30000 loan. Please help me

      AvatarFinder
      AnndySeptember 24, 2017Finder

      Hi Lahiru,

      Thanks for your question.

      We do have a list of different personal loans. Please check them out and see which one would best fit your needs.

      Kindly review the eligibility criteria and the terms and conditions of the loan before submitting your application.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

    Default Gravatar
    GovindaSeptember 20, 2017

    Hi I need money urgent, please help me.

      Default Gravatar
      JonathanSeptember 21, 2017

      Hello Govinda,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      You can consider quick loans for your financing needs. These lenders vary according to your location, so select the state of your residence first before choosing on the comparison table.

      Most of these lenders can complete the funding in one business day as long as you have complete requirements and undergo smooth approval.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

    Default Gravatar
    SachinSeptember 10, 2017

    Urgently required

      Default Gravatar
      JonathanSeptember 11, 2017

      Hello Sachin,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      You are on the right page! :). Please review your eligibility, loan terms and state laws applicable to ensure you are qualified.

      You may click “Go to Site” green button of your chosen lender to proceed with your application.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

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