Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk.
Please note: High-cost short-term credit is unsuitable for sustained borrowing over long periods and would be expensive as a means of longer-term borrowing.
Weekend loans can be handy if you find yourself in a pinch and short on cash, but short term borrowing is also expensive. Use the table below to compare payday lenders that offer loans with weekend approval.
Table: promoted deals, sorted by total payable
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How long do you need to borrow for?
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Please note: You should always refer to your loan agreement for exact repayment amounts as they may vary from our results.
We compare payday/short term loans from
What is a weekend short term loan?
A weekend short term loan refers to any loan from a payday or short term lender that you can apply for and receive on a weekend. While banks and traditional lenders only process loan applications on business days, many short term lenders fund loans over the weekend, which can be helpful to those who may need additional money at short notice.
Can I really get a cash loan on the weekend?
Yes, some short term direct lenders will approve and fund your loan on a weekend. However, while it’s easy to apply for emergency financing on the weekend, how quickly lenders process your application and issue the funds varies from lender to lender.
Some online direct lenders process loan applications instantly and automatically, no matter what day it is. But for some applications, even these lenders may want to take a closer look and potentially discuss the loan with you first.
What are my weekend loan options?
If you’re in need of emergency weekend funds, consider some of the options below:
An authorised overdraft. Depending on your bank and your personal circumstances, you may be able to negotiate an authorised overdraft or an extension to your existing authorised overdraft limit.
An online short term lender. Some online lenders accept and approve applications electronically outside of normal hours, and if the lender operates on a Saturday or Sunday, you can, in some cases, receive your funds that same day.
A high street money shop. Many lenders who operate out of storefronts can accept applications and hand over approved funds quickly after approval. If you can find a lender in a convenient location open on the weekend, this could be an option to consider.
How does the application process work?
The process depends on whether you apply online or in-store. If you opt for an online application, some short term loan providers can process the application and approval in as little as 15 minutes. Once you agree to the loan offer, the funds are sent to your nominated bank account.
If you opt to apply in-store, there is a short application process followed by the lender reviewing your application and providing you with an answer almost there and then.
Whether you apply online or in-store, you have to repay your loan on the day(s) stated in your loan offer.
What features do weekend short term loans offer?
While many weekend short term lenders offer the same features, there are some differences to watch out for to help you find the best loan to apply for.
Multiple loan options. You can choose to approach lenders directly, or you can use a loan-matching service to assist you with the process.
Quicker processing time. Some short term loan providers give out your funds soon after approval, but if the approval itself takes time, you could end up waiting longer for your money.
High fees. The Financial Conduct Authority recently introduced regulations to cap the fees associated with payday loans. Still, it’s worth checking what fees you’ll have to pay before you apply.
Access to an in-store network. Some short term loan providers have store networks across the UK, and many operate online. You’ll generally find it hard to locate stores that remain open over the weekend. In this case, your best bet is to get an online loan from a lender that transfers the funds electronically.
Did you know?
In 2015, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) capped interest and fees on all high-cost, short-term credit loans at 0.8% per day.
They additionally capped all default charges at £15 and the total cost (interest, fees) of loans at 100% of the original sum. This means you’ll never have to pay more than double the amount borrowed.
Short term loan cost comparison
Loan amount: £200
Loan term: 4 months
Interest rate: 292% (fixed)
Monthly repayment: £83
Total cost: £332
Loan amount: £200
Loan term: 6 months
Interest rate: 292% (fixed)
Monthly repayment: £64
Total cost: £386
Pros and cons of weekend short term loans
Benefits
You’ll get your money anytime, from anywhere. Some short term loan providers let you get short term loans any day of the week, day or night. Since they offer loans online, you can apply for one just about anywhere.
You can use the funds for any purpose. Short term loan providers don’t place restrictions on how you use the money you get as long as you use it for legitimate purposes.
A bad credit score is okay. Unlike traditional lenders, short term lenders accept applications from individuals with poor or bad credit history. What’s important is demonstrating an ability to repay the money you borrow.
Drawbacks
You’ll pay a higher APR. One of the biggest drawbacks of short term loans is high fees. Make sure you’re aware of how much you’ll be expected to repay. These can change depending on what your credit score is like.
The loans are only short term. No matter how much money you borrow, expect to repay the entire amount on your next payday. Short term loans are not a solution to larger debt.
Predatory lenders. When you need money now, it’s easy to go with the first lender you find, but check if it’s reputable before signing a loan contract. This will save you time and money in the long run.
How to choose the right weekend loan
Work out how much you need to borrow. Short term loans can be very expensive, so it’s important you don’t borrow more than you need.
Understand your budget. Make sure you also understand how much you can afford to repay each week or month so you don’t fall behind in repayments.
Compare lenders. Look for the loan that lets you borrow as much as you need but also offers the lowest rates or total payable amount.
Check your eligibility. Make sure you meet the lender’s criteria and have all the necessary documents you’ll need.
Apply for the loan. Complete the application form and then wait for your lender’s decision. Most weekend loans offer instant decisions.
When should you avoid a weekend short term loan?
Avoid a loan you can’t repay. If you think you’ll have trouble repaying your loan, don’t take it out. Late or missed payments will lead to extra charges, costing you more money.
Avoid skimming your loan offer document. Before you accept the loan, take time to go through its terms and conditions carefully. This should give you a clear picture of the fees and charges you might have to pay under various circumstances.
Avoid bad terms. If you have a loan offer that is extremely costly and full of fees, you’re under no obligation to accept the terms. There are lender matching services that can help you find a better loan.
Example: Bill's car needs a repair
Bill works weekends in a restaurant. He has a 30-minute drive to work each day, but one morning, his car wouldn't start. It was 3 days before his paycheque came through, and he didn't have the spare £400 for his mechanic.
Bill went online, compared weekend loans and applied. He found a lender with 24/7 application processing and got his loan funded the next business day after being approved.
* This is a fictional, but realistic, example.
Bottom line
Whilst payday loans offer a quick financial solution to unexpected circumstances that may crop up, they are a very expensive means of borrowing and should only be considered a last resort. They aren’t a good idea for sustained borrowing. Look at your financial situation and see if there are alternatives better suited to you.
Getting a credit card or taking out a personal loan are alternate forms of borrowing that are less costly than payday loans. Is the expenditure absolutely necessary? If you can defer a purchase, then you can save yourself money in the long run. As with any loan, you should only take one out if you can make the repayments.
Frequently asked questions
A loan matching service does not provide loans directly. Instead, it works in matching your application with suitable direct lenders from its panel. This can help you to compare, but your ultimate loan contract will be with the provider, not the matching service.
The maximum amount you can borrow depends on your choice of lender. The lender lists the maximum loan amount on its website.
Lenders have minimum age requirements (18 or over), plus you’ll need a steady source of income and the ability to repay the amount borrowed. Each lender has a range of income requirements, and others may need you to be employed.
There could be several reasons your loan hasn’t hit your account yet. This could be due to your bank, the lender you applied to or the fact you haven’t been approved. Check with the lender first before seeking more loans.
We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Joelle Grubb as part of our fact-checking process.
Chris Lilly is Head of publishing at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more. See full bio
Chris's expertise
Chris has written 609 Finder guides across topics including:
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