You never know when you may need extra cash to cover an emergency expense. We’ve researched several emergency same-day loans if you need an extra financial cushion.
Some same-day emergency loans have generous credit score requirements and let you access more than enough funds. Whether you’re looking for a traditional loan or want to discover the best cash advance app around, these are the top resources if you need extra cash for an emergency expense.
It can take several days or weeks to get funds from some financial products, but same-day emergency loans cater to tight deadlines. You can choose from several emergency loans, but we recommend avoiding payday loans. Those financial products are notorious for high rates, excessive fees, and the elevated risk of a perpetual debt cycle.
The choices below give you instant cash without the significant downsides of payday loans. These are several of the top options available:
Cash advance apps review your bank account transactions to ensure you receive enough cash every payday to repay a cash advance. Many of these apps offer an instant cash advance for a small fee or give you the funds within one to three business days in exchange for no fees.
These apps pull money from your bank account when you earn your next paycheck. Although these cash advance apps have low maximums, they don’t have any credit score requirements. Cash advance apps don’t run credit checks and will not affect your FICO score in any way.
However, you won’t build credit if you pay your cash advance on time. It’s the only emergency same-day loan on this list that doesn’t boost your credit score if you pay it back on time.
After extensive research, we compiled a list of the top three cash advance apps. Each app offers the option for an instant cash advance with the flexibility of waiting a few days if you don’t want to pay a fee.
| Lender | Instant funds fee | Advance amounts |
| EarnIn | $1.99 – $4.99 | $100/day; $750/pay period |
| Empower | $1 – $8 | $10 – $300 |
| Brigit | $0.99 | $50 – $250 |
Best Overall
EarnIn is for those who need emergency cash immediately. It allows you to access money you’ve already earned from your paycheck within minutes, which is perfect for urgent situations, such as unexpected bills or emergency purchases. With no mandatory fees and no credit check, EarnIn gives you quick financial relief without the burden of high-interest loans.
| Instant funding time | Within minutes |
| Max. advance amounts | $100/day; $750/pay period |
| Instant advance fee | $1.99 – $4.99 |
| Other fees | None |
| App store rating | 4.7/5 (285K reviews)* |
To use EarnIn, you must be employed and earn a consistent direct deposit from your employer. You also need a fixed work location or to provide an employer-issued email. These requirements help EarnIn verify your work hours and income, which it uses to calculate your cash advance eligibility.
Best Overdraft Reimbursement
Empower offers fast cash advances with instant funding, making it a convenient option for those facing immediate financial needs, such as an overdraft or emergency expense. You can get money in minutes, and with overdraft reimbursement included, it’s ideal for avoiding high bank fees when you’re in a financial bind. Empower’s quick approval and simple app interface make it easy to get the money you need when you need it.
| Instant funding time | Within minutes |
| Advance amounts | $10 – $300 |
| Instant advance fee | $1 – $8 |
| Other fees | $8 monthly subscription fee |
| App store rating | 4.8/5 (195K reviews)* |
To qualify for Empower, you need a record of direct deposits in your linked bank account. This is how Empower determines your cash advance limit and ensures that you can repay the advance when your next deposit hits.
Best Repayment Flexibility
Brigit provides an easy and fast way to get emergency cash, with instant funding available within minutes of approval. It’s an excellent choice for those who may need a small cash advance to cover immediate expenses, such as groceries or utility bills. The app’s flexible repayment options make it easier to manage repayment on your own terms, while still providing the financial boost you need in a crisis.
| Instant funding time | Within minutes |
| Advance amounts | $50 – $250 |
| Instant advance fee | $0.99 |
| Other fees | $8.99 – $14.99 monthly subscription fee |
| App store rating | 4.8/5 (309K reviews)* |
Brigit requires that you have more than three recurring direct deposits from the same source to be eligible for a cash advance. This helps Brigit assess your financial stability and ensures that you have a steady source of income to cover any advances.
Emergency same-day personal loans are the best option if you need to borrow more money. Each lender on this list lets you borrow up to $100,000. However, most lenders will review your FICO score, debt-to-income ratio, and other details before determining how much you can borrow.
You’ll also have more time to pay off an emergency same-day personal loan compared to a cash advance. The lenders on this list offer loan terms that range from two to seven years. Picking a lengthier loan term reduces your monthly payments, while a shorter term will get you out of debt sooner.
Most lenders will look at your credit score, and some of them may also conduct hard credit checks. While many banks offer personal loans, you have a better chance of getting your funds on the same day if you work with an online lender.
We compiled a list of the top emergency same-day personal loans. These financial products have competitive rates and offer flexibility based on your credit score.
| Lender | Speed of funds | Rates (APR) |
| Credible | Same day | 5.40% – 35.99% |
| SoFi | Same day | 7.99% – 23.43% |
| LightStream | As soon as today | 5.99% – 23.99% |
Best Marketplace
Credible is a terrific choice for emergency loans because it connects you with multiple lenders, increasing your chances of finding one that can fund your loan the same day. You can prequalify in minutes without a hard credit check, making it a quick and low-risk option to explore your loan possibilities. With a wide range of loan amounts and terms, Credible offers flexibility for urgent financial needs, from medical bills to car repairs.
| Rates (APR) | 5.40% – 35.99% |
| Loan amounts | $600 – $100,000 |
| Funding time | Same day |
| Repayment terms | Vary by lender |
| Min. credit score | Varies by lender |
Best for Good Credit
SoFi is ideal for borrowers with good credit who need quick access to funds. While same-day funding isn’t guaranteed for every borrower, SoFi’s fast approval process makes it a reliable option when you’re in a bind. The lender also offers competitive rates and no fees, making it a better long-term choice for emergency expenses that may take longer to repay, such as large medical bills or home repairs.
| Fixed Rates (APR) | 7.99% – 23.43% |
| Loan amounts | $5,000 – $100,000 |
| Funding time | As soon as same day |
| Repayment terms | 2 – 7 years |
| Min. credit score | 660 |
Best for Excellent Credit
LightStream is perfect for individuals with excellent credit who need emergency funds as soon as the same day. Its fast approval process and competitive rate make it one of the best options for same-day loans. Whether you need funds for a home repair or a medical emergency, LightStream’s streamlined process ensures you get the money when you need it most, without the hassle of fees or high interest rates.
| Rates (APR) | 5.99% – 23.99% |
| Loan amounts | $5,000 – $100,000 |
| Funding time | As soon as the same day |
| Repayment terms | 2 – 7 years |
| Min. credit score | 660 |
You can use open lines of credit—a home equity line of credit (HELOC), for example—to cover emergency expenses. However, it can take two to six weeks to get approved for a HELOC. That’s far too long to wait when you need money for an emergency expense.
One advantage of an emergency line of credit is that you don’t need to pay it right away. These financial products have lower monthly payments during the draw period than a personal loan. However, interest accumulates, and you’ll need to repay the line of credit at the end of the term. Some lines of credit convert into traditional loans after the draw period concludes.
Credit lines allow you to borrow from them again if you repay on time. For instance, if you take out a $1,000 credit line with a five-year term and pay it back in two years, you can borrow an instant $1,000 again during the remaining three years if another emergency expense comes up.
These are the top lenders to consider. Some lenders don’t disclose their rates, but the highest rate is 35.99% APR. They offer same-day emergency lines of credit that can help you with extra expenses.
| Lender | Speed of funds | Rates |
| PNC | Same day for account holders | Undisclosed |
| Regions Bank | Same day for account holders | Undisclosed |
| Engine by MoneyLion | Same day | Vary by lender |
PNC is a terrific option for account holders who need emergency funds right away because it offers same-day funding. Whether it’s a sudden car repair or an unexpected bill, PNC provides flexible loan options with no prepayment penalties, giving you the money you need right away. The fast funding and reliable customer service make it a solid choice if you’re already banking with PNC and facing an urgent financial need.
| Rates (APR) | Not disclosed |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – $25,000 |
| Funding time | Same day (members) or 3 – 10 days (non-members) |
| Repayment terms | 6 months – 5 years |
Regions Bank offers same-day loan funding for existing customers, making it an excellent choice if you need money in a hurry. Whether you’re dealing with a medical bill or car repairs, Regions can provide emergency funds with flexible loan amounts. This quick access to cash can help you manage urgent expenses without the delays of more traditional lenders.
| Rates (APR) | Not disclosed |
| Loan amounts | $50 – $50,000 |
| Funding time | Same day for current customers |
| Repayment terms | 2 – 5 years |
Best Marketplace for Line of Credit
Engine by MoneyLion is perfect for those who need emergency access to a line of credit, with same-day results and competitive rates. If you’re facing a financial emergency, such as an unexpected medical expense or car repair, MoneyLion provides quick access to a variety of lenders that can approve your loan fast. The flexibility of terms and rates makes it a reliable option for covering urgent expenses without long delays.
| Rates (APR) | Vary by lender |
| Loan amounts | Not disclosed |
| Funding time | Same day |
| Repayment terms | Vary by lender |
I initially recommend having an established emergency fund of at least three months’ worth of living expenses, where you use your average annual living expenses as a measurement to base the need. If this is not an option—and we know it isn’t for many people, especially given the cost of living and inflation rates across the world, I recommend starting with Credible if you need a large amount quickly, particularly if you have a fair to good credit score. If you’re less confident you’ll be approved for a traditional personal loan but need funds right away, I recommend starting with Engine by MoneyLion.
Erin Kinkade CFP®
You can choose from several emergency loans that give you funds on the same day. However, some emergency same-day loans are better than others. This table presents several scenarios and outlines the strengths and weaknesses of each type of emergency same-day loan.
| If you need… | Consider… |
| A small emergency loan | Cash advance app |
| An emergency loan for bad credit | Cash advance app |
| An emergency loan online | Emergency same-day personal loan |
| As much cash as possible | Emergency same-day personal loan |
| Help with recurring emergency expenses | Emergency line of credit |
| Manageable monthly payments | Emergency line of credit |
| To build credit | Emergency same-day personal loan or line of credit |
A cash advance app is the best choice for this need. Most cash advance apps have limits that range from $500 to $1,000. You’ll need to pay a small fee for an instant transfer. However, you won’t pay a fee if you wait one to three business days for a regular money transfer.
Cash advance apps also win in this category because they don’t require credit checks. A cash advance app won’t affect your credit score in any way, regardless of whether you pay on time or take a little longer to repay the cash advance. Cash advance apps review your banking history to see how much you can borrow.
Emergency same-day personal loans are the best option for online searchers. You can choose from a wide pool of lenders, which can help you secure more competitive rates and terms. Many online lenders offer same-day funding.
It’s hard to beat emergency same-day personal loans for this scenario. Some lenders let you borrow up to $100,000. Emergency lines of credit fall short of that mark, while the best cash advance apps cap out at $1,000.
An emergency line of credit is the best choice for recurring emergency expenses. You only need to apply for it once, and you can continue to borrow against the credit line until the draw period concludes. You can pay back your credit line and then use it again when another emergency expense comes up.
While you can end up with no monthly payments for cash advance apps, some people need to borrow thousands of dollars for their emergency expenses. In that case, an emergency line of credit is the best option. You’ll make lower monthly payments during the draw period than with a personal loan.
Same-day emergency loans and lines of credit both help borrowers build their credit scores with on-time payments. Most lenders will report your payment history to the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
A line of credit can offer a slight edge with credit building because it affects your credit utilization ratio. However, you’ll only realize that advantage when you pay off most of your credit line. A same-day personal loan is also a solid choice for building credit.
Cash advance apps are the worst in this regard because those apps don’t report your payment history to any of the major credit bureaus.
If you need immediate cash but want to explore other options beyond same-day loans, several alternatives could help. These methods can offer faster access to funds without the need to go through a loan application process or incur interest rates.
Tapping into your savings is the best option when you’re in a pinch. Because it’s your own money, no repayment is involved, and you won’t need to worry about interest or fees. It’s always wise to maintain an emergency fund for these kinds of situations.
Borrowing from friends or family can be a quick way to get the cash you need without formal loan terms. Be sure to discuss repayment expectations to avoid straining relationships.
If you have a credit card, you could use it to cover an emergency expense. While this option is convenient, be cautious of high interest rates if you don’t pay off the balance in full by the next billing cycle.
Some employers may offer paycheck advances as a benefit to employees. This option allows you to access earned wages before payday without any interest, making it a cost-effective alternative to high-interest loans.
A same-day loan can provide financial relief during an emergency. However, preparing for an emergency and building up your cash can make a loan an option instead of a necessity.
Building an emergency fund is an excellent way to get started. You can allocate a small portion of every paycheck to a high-yield savings account. Using these strategies to save money will help you grow your emergency fund faster.
You can also take out a HELOC in advance as an emergency credit line. If you take out a HELOC now, the funds are ready when you need them. It’s best to treat this HELOC as “just in case” funds instead of using them for unnecessary purchases.
Picking up a side hustle and developing your career skills is the best approach in the long run. Saving money and managing your cash effectively works, but making more income will give you more preparation for emergency expenses. A higher income works better if you don’t inflate your lifestyle based on your extra cash.
The easiest loan to get immediately is to borrow from your next paycheck via a cash advance app. Designed for quick approval and minimal eligibility requirements, cash advance apps are accessible to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.
Our top-rated apps, EarnIn, Empower, and Dave, provide fast funding without a credit check, often offering funds within minutes.
An emergency loan can cover a wide range of urgent expenses that require immediate attention. Common uses include medical bills, car or home repairs, utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, and even funeral costs. These loans are typically flexible, allowing you to use the funds for any pressing financial need as long as it adheres to the terms of the loan agreement and is legal.
If you can’t repay your emergency loan, it’s important to contact your lender immediately. Many lenders are willing to offer extended payment plans, reduced payments, or loan modifications to help ease your financial burden.
Consider exploring debt relief options, such as consolidation or credit counseling, to avoid default, which can harm your credit and lead to legal action. If needed, seek assistance from government programs or local nonprofits to cover essential expenses.
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