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5 Apps That Loan You Money Instantly Without a Job

Need to borrow money between jobs? You may qualify for one of these unemployment loans or cash advance apps.

Lacey Stark's headshot

By

Lacey Stark

Edited by

Megan B. Shepherd

Updated

Fact checked

It can be tough to get a loan when you’re unemployed, because most lenders require proof of income. The good news? You can find legitimate lenders who may approve you as long as you have steady income, even if it’s not from a job — such as unemployment benefits, child support, retirement income or disability benefits.

Key takeaways

  • You don’t need a job to qualify — but you do need income. — Legitimate lenders may approve you as long as you have steady income, even if it’s not from a job — such as unemployment benefits, child support, retirement income, or disability benefits.
  • Cash advance apps are generally the faster, lower-cost option. — Cash advance apps typically don’t charge interest or late fees, and can offer fast funding — making them a strong choice if you need a small amount quickly.
  • Borrowing isn’t always the answer. — Alternatives worth exploring include government assistance programs like SNAP and TANF, negotiating payment plans with creditors, selling belongings, or picking up a side hustle.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions.

Our top 5 picks for unemployed borrowers

These loans for unemployed borrowers could be a match if you need cash quickly.

For gig workers

Cleo

8.2 Great

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Cleo is an AI-powered budgeting and cash advance app, offering 0% interest cash advances up to $250. While its advances are handy, Cleo's strength lies in its ability to help you budget and save money. Set targets based on your income and spending habits, and its quirky AI assistant will help you stay on track.

And unlike some cash advance apps, you don't need recurring direct deposits or W-2s to qualify for cash advances with Cleo. With its combination of cash advances, budgeting, round-up saving and credit-building tools, Cleo is ideal for anyone who wants to take greater control of their finances.

Loan Amount $20 - $250
APR 0%
Turnaround time 3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.
  • Available in all states

For a cosigned loan

OneMain Financial personal loans

5.8 Standard

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The top concern for personal loan lenders is your ability to repay the loan, and usually, that means having steady income from a job. But OneMain considers other sources, such as government benefits, alimony, child support or other forms of income. It also offers a cosigned loan, which can greatly increase your chances of getting a loan, and funding is possible as soon as one hour after approval. But it charges origination fees, its lowest rate is 11.99% and you may have to visit a branch office to complete the loan process.

Min. credit score Not specified
APR 11.99% to 35.99%
Loan amount $1,500 to $30,000
  • Not available in: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont

For low fees

Chime® MyPay®

9.4 Excellent

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While many pay advance apps require monthly subscriptions and charge hefty fees for instant transfers, Chime MyPay has no mandatory fees and only one potential charge — 3% of the advance amount ($2 minimum, $5 maximum) for an instant transfer of any size. Standard transfers are free. It's a line of credit that gives eligible users access to up to $500 between paydays with no interest or credit check. Qualifying direct deposits include income from employers, gig economy payers, and government benefits such as Social Security — so you may qualify even without traditional employment. To qualify, you'll need a Chime checking account with at least $200 in qualifying direct deposits, and it's not yet available in all states.

Loan Amount $20 - $500
Turnaround time Instant transfers: 3% of the advance amount ($2 minimum, $5 maximum)
Costs No subscription fees; Instant transfer fee: 3% of the advance amount ($2 minimum, $5 maximum)
  • Not available in: Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming

For poor credit

OppLoans Installment Loans

9.4 Excellent

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OppLoans doesn't have a minimum credit score to qualify for a loan, and it's open to income from numerous sources besides employment. It also only requires a soft credit check, so there is no impact on your score — whether you're approved or not. But rates can be steep, you need to receive your income source by direct deposit and it's not available in all states.

Loan Amount $500 - $5,000
APR 129% - 195% APR
Turnaround time As soon as the same business day
Online application Yes
  • Not available in: Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia

For help managing spending

Vola Finance

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Vola Finance provides an unemployment loan of up to $300 when you connect a bank account that meets three eligibility requirements:

  • At least three months old
  • Average balance of $150
  • Proof of income and activity

The app also features spending analytics and tools to help you better manage your money. However, how much you'll pay for Vola's subscription fee is anybody's guess. Third-party and customer reviews say it's anywhere from $1.99 to $28.99 a month. But the company doesn't clearly disclose a fee structure before you sign up.

Loan Amount Up to $300
Turnaround time Within 5 hours or instant to Vola card
  • Available in all states

Methodology: How we chose these lenders

Our team of loan experts looked at dozens of cash advance apps and personal loans before narrowing them down to the best ones for unemployed borrowers. We also regularly review and update our selections to make sure our picks are the best in the market and ideally suited for their categories.

Here are the criteria we considered when choosing the best loans and apps that loan you money instantly without a job:

  • Turnaround times
  • Interest rates
  • Monthly fees
  • Origination fees
  • Transaction fees
  • Credit requirements
  • Income/deposit requirements
  • Loan amounts
  • Repayment plans
  • Better Business Bureau ratings and reviews
  • Trustpilot ratings and reviews

How to compare loans and cash advances for unemployed borrowers

Whether you’re looking for a small cash advance to tide you over or a larger loan amount, here are some key factors to compare.

  • Advance or loan limits. Loans have higher limits than cash apps, but only borrow as much as you need — especially if you’re on a tight budget.
  • Fees. Be sure you’re aware of any fees that come with unemployment loans, such as monthly charges for cash advance apps or origination fees for personal loans.
  • Credit score. Cash advance apps typically don’t check your credit, but personal loan lenders may have minimum requirements to qualify.
  • Loan terms. Consider how long you think you’ll need to repay the loan. You usually only get a couple of weeks with cash advance apps, but personal loans give you the opportunity to spread out your loan payments.
  • Turnaround times. Cash advance apps and loans can both offer fast funding, but if you need money instantly, you might have better luck with a cash advance app.

Pros and cons of cash advance apps and loans for unemployed people

Consider the benefits and drawbacks of unemployment loans.

Pros

  • Fast funding possible
  • Some options don’t require credit checks
  • Cash advance apps typically don’t charge interest or late fees
  • Personal loans offer larger loan amounts

Cons

  • Cash advance apps may require a monthly subscription fee
  • Personal loans can come with high rates
  • Fees for expediting cash advances can be steep
  • Risk of hurting your credit if you can’t make your loan payments

When to consider a loan

If you’re unemployed, you might be wondering if taking out a loan is a good idea. It might make sense if you:

  • Need to cover essential living expenses like food, rent or utilities
  • Have a medical emergency and need to pay for treatment
  • Have urgent home or car repairs
  • Are facing some type of expense that can’t be put off
  • Have a job offer letter with a start date in the next six months

Avoid taking out a loan that you aren’t certain you can repay. If you miss payments, you could end up owing multiple times what you borrowed in fees, hurt your credit and even risk facing a lawsuit from your creditor.

When to consider alternatives

Likewise, taking out a loan while you’re unemployed may not be the right option if one of these situations applies to you:

  • The thought of adding one more monthly payment to your plate stresses you out.
  • You don’t have a regular income.
  • You could sell something you own to come up with the cash instead.
  • The item you need to pay for is a “want” rather than a need.

Compare cash advance apps

6 of 6 results
Updated regularly
Finder Score Max. amount per pay period Turnaround time Costs
9.5 Excellent
Up to $150/day, with a max of $1000 between paydays
1–2 business days standard; minutes with Lightning Speed
Free to use or within minutes with a fee as low as $3.99 per transfer
Access up to $150 per day, with a max of $1000 between paydays. Not available to CT or Washington, D.C. residents. Subject to EarnIn terms & conditions.
Important information
EarnIn is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit EarnIn.com for full details. Expedited transfers available for a fee. Visit Earnin.com for full details.
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Compare product selection
8.2 Great
$20 to $250
3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.
$5.99 monthly membership fee to access cash advances
Automatically monitor your spending plus access cash advances up to $100 at a time.
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Compare product selection
9.4 Excellent
Up to $500
Instant transfers: 3% of the advance amount ($2 minimum, $5 maximum)
No subscription fees; Instant transfer fee: 3% of the advance amount ($2 minimum, $5 maximum)
Access up to $500 of your pay before payday fee-free within 24 hours. See Chime terms and conditions. MyPay is only offered in select states.
Important information
MyPay® line of credit provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. MyPay services provided by Chime Capital, LLC (NMLS 2316451). MyPay eligibility: You must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account in the preceding 36 days as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions apply. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $1000 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. See Bancorp MyPay Agreement or Stride MyPay Agreement for details. Instant funds: Option to get funds instantly for a fee of 3% of the advance amount ($2 minimum, $5 maximum) per advance, or get funds for free within 24 hours. See Bancorp MyPay Agreement or Stride MyPay Agreement for details. SpotMe: SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account. SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, "SpotMe"). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. SpotMe for Credit and SpotMe on Debit share a single SpotMe limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won’t cover non-card transactions, including ACH s, Pay Anyone s, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe terms and conditions. Early Pay: Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date. Savings: Chime® Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account. The 3.75% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is only available to members with Chime Prime status, otherwise, either the 3.00% APY for members with Chime Plus status or the standard rate of 0.75% APY will apply. The APYs are effective as of 02/26/2026, are variable and may change at any time. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest. See Chime Membership Tiers Terms and Conditions for more details. Credit Builder: Based on a representative study conducted by Experian® in Sept 2025, the top 10% of members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder, an earlier version of Chime Card, between April and August 2024, observed a FICO® Score 8 increase of 71 points after approximately 8 months. Average increase of 28 points across all participants in the study. Credit score improvement not guaranteed. Paying on time may increase your score, while late payment may decrease your score. Other credit activity can impact your score. Credit score is one of many factors creditors may consider in evaluating credit applications.
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Varo logo
9.4 Excellent
Varo Cash Advance
9.4 Excellent
Up to $250 today. Build up to $700 over time with direct deposit at Varo. Average loan: $195. Qualifications Apply.
Instant, once qualified
No membership fees, Flat Fees of $1.60 to $100
Important information
Varo Advance qualification is subject to evaluation of consumer reports and Varo account activity. If approved, initial limits range from $20- $250. Unlock higher limits up to $700 over time when you bring your qualifying direct deposit to Varo and build a positive history with us. Negative repayment history may impact credit. Fees range from $1.60 - $100 based on loan amount, and deposits to your Varo Bank Account. Your current limit and applicable fees can be viewed in the Varo App. Qualifying direct deposits are electronic deposits of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security or unemployment) from your employer or government agency to the extent that can be identified. Tax refunds and government stimulus payments, Person-to-Person payments (such as Venmo or Varo to Anyone), and funds deposited using a Varo routing number are not considered a direct deposit.
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OppLoans logo
9.4 Excellent
OppLoans Installment Loans
9.4 Excellent
$500 to $5,000
As soon as the same business day
129% - 195% APR
Not available in: CO, CT, GA, IA, MD, MA, NY, SD, VT, WV. Comes with the option to change your due date so you won’t fall behind on repayments.
Important information
The advertised APR is an estimate based on currently available information, is not final, and is subject to change. If approved, your actual rate will be determined and assigned based on your creditworthiness, income, application information, and other relevant factors. Applications submitted on the OppLoans platform will be originated by one of our bank partners and serviced by OppLoans. Please see the Rates and Terms for details regarding the availability of products in your state of residence. Subject to credit approval and verification. Actual approved loan amount and terms are dependent on our bank partners’ standard underwriting guidelines and credit policies. Funds may be deposited for delivery to your bank via ACH as soon as the same business day if verification is completed and final approval occurs before 12:00 PM CT on a business day. If approval occurs after 12:00 PM CT on a business day or on a non-business day, funds may be delivered as soon as the next business day. Availability of the funds is dependent on how quickly your bank processes the transaction. Installment loan amounts typically range from $500 to $5,000. Annual percentage rate (APR) ranges from 129% to 195%. Installment loan lengths range from 9 to 18 months. Example: A $2,000 installment loan repayable in 9 monthly payments with an APR of 160% would have monthly payments of $394.58. Loan amount, APR, and repayment terms may vary by state, please see https://www.opploans.com/rates-and-terms for additional information. Approval is not guaranteed. If approved, your actual rate will fall within the marketed range of rates, and will be determined and assigned based on your creditworthiness, income, application information, and other relevant factors. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest available rates. This is an expensive form of credit and you should determine whether the offered product(s) meets your financial needs. OppLoans’ Bank Partners may use credit report information provided by Clarity Services and Experian as part of the application process to determine your creditworthiness. The credit inquiry will appear as a soft credit inquiry on your Experian credit report and a hard credit inquiry on your Clarity report. Therefore it will not affect your FICO credit score. OppLoans and its Bank Partners report customer payment history to the three major credit bureaus. On-time payments may improve credit score.
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Albert logo
8.8 Great
Albert Instant
8.8 Great
$25 to $1,000
Within minutes
No subscription required
Advance up to $1,000 in minutes with Albert Instant.
Important information
Albert is not a bank. Savings account provided by Wells Fargo, N.A., Member FDIC. Albert plans start at $19.99/mo. Try for 30 days before you're charged. Fees auto-renew until canceled. Cancel in the app. Terms apply. Albert Instant Line of Credit is an unsecured line of credit issued by FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered bank, Member FDIC. Limits range from $25-$1,000. Draw fees apply. Terms and eligibility criteria including geographic restrictions apply. In some states, Albert may offer you an Albert Instant Advance instead. Limits range from $25-$1,000, subject to terms and eligibility criteria. No Albert subscription is required for Albert Instant Line of Credit or Albert Instant Advance. See Albert Terms of Use for additional important terms.
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What is the Finder Score?

The Finder Score crunches 3+ types of short-term loans across 65+ lenders. It takes into account the product's interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate - this gives you a simple score out of 10.

To provide a Score, we compare like-for-like loans. So if you're comparing the best short-term loans for all credit types, you can see how each short-term loan stacks up against other short-term loans with the same borrower type, rate type and repayment type.

Read the full breakdown

Alternatives to cash advance apps and personal loans for unemployed people

If a cash advance app or personal loan isn’t the right move for you, consider these alternatives to borrowing money:

  • Government assistance. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) can help with food or cash needs if you’re not working and need help making ends meet.
  • Payment plans. If you have a major car repair or a large medical bill, see if you can set up a payment plan rather than borrowing money.
  • Negotiate with creditors. If it’s existing debt that’s causing a shortfall in funds, ask your creditors about pausing payments for a month or two, getting an extension or lowering your monthly payment.
  • Sell your stuff. Make some money by decluttering your home or garage and selling your old belongings to people who can use them.
  • Find a side hustle. Whether you’re between jobs or retired, there are a ton of ways to make a little extra cash in today’s gig economy.

Frequently asked questions

Are cash apps payday lenders?

No, but they share some similarities. Both options offer short-term loans, which are usually paid back within two weeks. But cash advance apps don’t charge interest or late fees, whereas payday loans charge both.

How to get $200 instantly without a job?

Most likely your best option to get $200 fast is with a cash advance app that offers loans for unemployed people. You’ll have to pay a fee to get the funds transferred instantly, but at least you won’t have to pay interest.

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.
Lacey Stark's headshot
Written by

Writer
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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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92 Responses

    Iris's avatar
    IrisJuly 29, 2017

    If I receive weekly unemployment benefits will I qualify?

      Anndy's avatarFinder
      AnndyJuly 29, 2017Finder

      Hi Iris,

      Thanks for your question.

      The lenders above may consider you for a loan even if you are currently unemployed, but subject to other eligibility criteria.

      Since you are receiving unemployment benefits, you may want to learn more about getting a loan on welfare.

      Kindly review the eligibility criteria and the terms and conditions of the loan before clicking the “Go to site” button to submit your application.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

    Jasmine's avatar
    JasmineJuly 28, 2017

    I am a college student, unemployed and need a loan of 500$. I am willing to pay the loan back when I receive my student refund check in sept, also. I am willing to give my bank account and whenever I get money in it you can take from it. Please, I really need a loan and need help.

      Liezl's avatar
      LiezlJuly 28, 2017

      Hi Jasmine,

      Thanks for reaching out. Just to confirm, you have reached Finder, a comparison website and general information service, not actually a lender.

      There are actually lenders who offer a loan to students. Please make sure you confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria before you submit your application, as rejected loan applications can have a negative impact on your credit score.

      I hope this will help.

      Kind regards,
      Liezl

    Bonnie's avatar
    BonnieJuly 26, 2017

    I receive monthly pension of $1200 and am starting new fulltime job 8/8. My first paycheck not until last week of Aug and need to make it thru til then.
    Are there no lenders that will accept email of confirmation of my new job at the Univ of TN?! My monthly will increase a lot!!
    Thank you

      Anndy's avatarFinder
      AnndyJuly 27, 2017Finder

      Hi Bonnie,

      Thanks for your question.

      I’m not sure if there are lenders that consider email confirmations as proof of employment. Most lenders have specific criteria in regards to the length of employment.

      If you are currently receiving a pension, you could compare lenders on our page regarding pensioner loans.

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

      Cheers,
      Anndy

    Mikeh's avatar
    MikehJuly 24, 2017

    I am looking to get a 3000$ loan for 12 months

      Harold's avatarFinder
      HaroldJuly 24, 2017Finder

      Hi Mikeh,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      You may want to review and compare the options available for 12-month personal loans through our page.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

    Suze's avatar
    SuzeJuly 19, 2017

    I have not been working for the last 8 months because I needed brain surgery. I would like to re-enter the work force but I need a car to do so. I have the car lined up with a private party seller & I just need 4k but 5k works too. I’ve been approved for a car loan from a private seller from my bank, but it wouldn’t apply to the car I want to buy because it’s a 2008 model with too many miles on it. I own a car outright that would fit within their parameters (my husband needs it though) Why can’t I just sell my car to myself, get the money so I can buy the car I want? Or put my car up as collateral for a personal loan? I could show them my W-2 from last year to show income I would/could be making. I have a good credit score but no recent income. My husband has good income but he has bad credit…Suggestions?

      Liezl's avatar
      LiezlJuly 29, 2017

      Hi Suze,

      Thanks for reaching out.

      You may opt to apply for a personal loan jointly with your husband. This will increase your chances of approval since both of your details will be considered by the lender. Check our guide to compare your joint application personal loan options. Alternatively, you could use the title of your existing car to get an auto title loan. The loan is secured against the title, so you can get a lower rate while still being able to drive your vehicle as you repay the loan.

      I hope this has helped

      Kind regards,
      Liezl

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