How can you find the “best” short term loan? You’ll know by the end of this page.
There are times in life where you might need money in a hurry. Your car may have run into trouble a few days before payday, a large expense may crop up that you hadn’t budgeted for, or perhaps your budget just feel short this month.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re considering a short term loan, also called a short term loan, you may be wondering how you can compare your options to find the best one.
LendUp Payday Loans
Apply for a payday loan conveniently online and borrow between $100 and $250.
- Min. loan amount: $100
- Loan term: 7–30 days
- Total costs: Depends on your state, loan product, loan amount and the term of the loan.
- Must be 18+ (19+ in Alabama)
- No security deposit needed
- Confidential and secure
- Visit the site to see if available in your state
A selection of loans you can apply for
Here are some loan providers that you can apply to. Note that the max loan amount is based on the lender’s max amount and your state of residence. Check the websites of any providers you’re interested in to confirm they operate in your state of residence.
A selection of lender matching services you can apply with
These lender matching services are not lenders, loan brokers or agents for any lender or loan broker. They also do not make credit decisions. They focus on trying to match you with a lender that might be able to provide you the funds you seek. Note that the max loan amount is based on the matching services max amount, but it will vary based on your state of residence. If you proceed with one of these services, confirm that the lender is reputable by checking with your local government.
What features make a short term loan the best for you?
When you’re searching for a short term loan you can ask yourself a few questions to narrow down your options and find the right one. Make sure to pay attention to the following points:
- Do you need a secured or unsecured loan? Finding a short term loan that doesn’t require any form of collateral should not be difficult, but there are certain short term loan providers that require you to provide collateral in the form of your car’s title. These are referred to as car title loans, with the loan amount based on the amount of equity you hold in your car.
- Is there a store network and online presence? Any lender that calls itself the best short term loan company should offer you convenience when it comes to borrowing. This may mean they have a wide network of stores across the country or that they let you apply and manage your loan online.
- How long does it take to process the loan? Some of the best short term loans of 2017 ensure that you get access to the required funds the following business day. In fact, lenders who accept in-store applications even provide instant short term loans where you get money immediately after the loan’s approval. A limited number of lenders provide instant online short term loans, but require that you use a particular debit card for the transfer.
- Are you aware of all the fees? While some of the best short term loans provide quick access to funds, take the time to find out just how much you’ll have to pay in the form of fees. The best short term loan company in this regards is the one that charges the lowest fees. Remember that how much you borrow affects the fees, as do state regulations which vary from one state to next.
- Does the lender accept bad credit applications? If you’re looking for the best bad credit short term loan, take into account that most short term lenders accept applications from individuals who don’t have good credit history. If the lender you’re looking at requires good credit history and you aren’t eligible, simply move on to the next.
Benefits and drawbacks
- You can get your money quickly.
When you’re applying for one of the best short term loans of 2017, you can get your money immediately after approval, provided you apply in-store. With certain lenders you can apply online, and then rush to your nearest store to collect the approved funds. Most good providers of online short term loans transfer approved funds to your bank account the next business day. - Freedom to use the money as you like.
You can think about applying for a short term loan no matter what reason you need the money for. Once you get your money you can use it to pay bills, repair your car, or just get that extra cash you need to see you through. - You can still apply if you have bad credit.
If you suffer from poor creditworthiness, you probably don’t stand too much of a chance in getting a loan from a prominent bank. Short term loan providers normally accept applications from people with poor credit histories, but make sure you compare other aspects when looking for the best bad credit short term loan.
- Higher than normal fees.
Even the best short term loan company will charge fees for providing loans, and short term loans tend to attract higher fees in comparison to conventional loans. A general rule of thumb is that the more you borrow, the more you pay in the form of fees. - Disreputable lenders.
If a short term lender sounds great and is offering rates too good to be true, be sure to find out if they are. Ensure the lender complies with all relevant state regulations and that they are operating legally.
Need cash quick? Let’s work out your best options
Anything that isn’t ‘the best’ with these loans?
Before you apply, ensure that you won’t have any problems in repaying the loan, and if you think you might have trouble, avoid applying in the first place. No matter how good a loan might seem, make sure you take some time to review the loan contract carefully because this gives you a clear picture of the fees you’ll have to pay as well as other terms and conditions surrounding your loan.
Know that even the best short term loans can end up costing much more than originally anticipated, especially if you don’t repay your loan on time.
Get a short term loan and have access to your funds through a prepaid debit card
Questions you might have asked
We understand that you may be cautious when applying for short term loans. Here are some of the questions our users have asked.
How long does the application process take?
Applying for a short term loan should take around five to ten minutes, provided you have all the information needed to complete the application close at hand.
Will I have to fax any documents?
While certain lenders who provide online short term loans don’t require faxing of any documents, some others do.
Are there any eligibility requirements?
Yes. You should have a steady job or earn a regular income, you should be a US citizen or permanent resident, and you should be old enough to apply as per state regulations.
When and how do I repay the loan?
You’ll have to repay the loan on your next payday, which can be up to 30 days from the date you get the loan. Most lenders require your bank account information so they can debit the repayment amount directly on the given due date.
If you apply in-store, you can provide a post-dated check at the time of application. Some of the best short term loans of 2017 allow you to make early repayments via credit cards, MoneyGram and Western Union.
Can I pay off my loan early?
Some lenders may let you pay off your loan early – it’s important to check if there are any other fees and charges associated with early repayment.
Are payday loans available in my state?
Compare short term loans in your state
Bear in mind that while the best short term loans will give you quick access to the money you need, there are a number of good short term loan providers vying for your attention, so compare all your options available before applying.
I’m in need of a small loan but don’t have a checking or savings account. Is there any other way around it?
Hi Frankie,
Thanks for your question.
If you need funds quickly but don’t have a bank account, you may consider getting a payday loan from a lender and have the funds deposited onto a prepaid debit card. You may compare your options on this page.
Please do review the requirements and eligibility criteria when you apply.
Cheers,
Anndy