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Emergency short-term loans
Do you have an emergency and need cash in a hurry? A short-term loan could be an option.
I have an emergency. How can I get a short-term loan?
Depending on what you need, you can apply for a short-term loan online or in-store. If you apply online, there’s often no need to fax any documents and you can receive your loan amount within a few hours straight into your bank account. If you plan to apply in-store, be sure to choose a lender that has a store network that’s convenient to where you live.
With a short-term lender that offers online loans, you have to provide details of a bank account that you’ve authorized to accept direct deposits. When you’re approved, the lender will transfer the funds directly into your bank account.
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What are the features of emergency loans?
Short-term loans can give you quick access to the money you need in an emergency situation, but it’s still sensible to compare your options before you apply. Here are some features to look for:
- Turnaround time. If you need money to deal with an emergency, the quicker you receive your approved funds the better. Some lenders can offer same-day funding, even on weekends, while others might require that you wait two to three business days.
- Maximum loan amount. State regulations govern the maximum amount you can borrow through a payday loan, but this doesn’t mean that all payday lenders will offer you loans of that amount. Some payday lenders require that you work up a tiered system before you qualify for the maximum amount.
- Fees. State regulations also govern how much a lender can charge as an Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and this translates into how much you end up paying in fees. Interest rates vary between lenders operating in the same state, as can fees and charges.
- Store network of loan provider. Even if you apply online you may have the option of picking up your approved funds in-store. This is where the store network makes a difference because not all short-term lenders have a physical presence. The number of outlets is also likely to vary.
Find out the payday regulations in your state
Benefits and drawbacks
- Quick access to funds.
Most short-term loan providers don’t follow the same loan approval process as mainstream banks, and this lets them process loan applications faster. If you apply in-store you can get access to approved funds within an hour, and if you apply online you can access approved funds on the same day or by the next business day. - Use money for any purpose.
Lenders don’t place restrictions on how you use your approved funds, as long as you use the money for legitimate purposes. - Multiple choices.
You have many lenders to choose from when it comes to emergency loans. If you don’t want to carry out a search and comparison on your own, you can consider a loan matching service. - No need for collateral.
Short-term loans are unsecured, so you don’t have to worry about providing any kind of collateral.
- High interest.
Short-term loans charge high interest when compared to other types of credit, so this needs to be taken into account before you apply. - Short term.
Short-term loans work only as short-term solutions, given that in most instances you have to repay the entire loan amount along with all applicable fees by your next payday.
Compare loans to get you through the holiday season
What should I consider before applying?
Make sure you won’t have problems repaying the loan even before you apply, and if you think you may face trouble, seriously reconsider taking the loan in the first place. Making late repayments can see you paying additional fees and it can also adversely affect your credit rating.
Take some time to go through the loan’s terms and conditions carefully, as this should give you a clear indication of what you may have to pay in fees and charges.
There is no telling when you might need money urgently, but if you’re considering applying for a short term loan, make sure you compare your options well.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for an emergency short-term loan if I have poor credit history?
Consider getting a short-term loan even if your credit score is low. Demonstrating an ability to repay is more important to most short-term lenders.
What eligibility criteria do I have to meet to apply?
You must meet your state’s minimum age requirement, be a US citizen or a permanent resident and have a steady source of income.
How can I repay the loan?
This depends on your lender and how you get the loan. If you apply for the loan in-store, the lender might require you to provide a post-dated check.
If you apply online, the lender will require you to provide your bank account details so it can deduct repayments and also transfer the loan to you. Some lenders allow you to repay your loan ahead of time using debit cards, credit cards, cashier’s checks and money orders.
Are payday loans available in my state?
Compare short term loans in your state
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Ask an Expert
I need an urgent loan today.
Hi Nelson,
Thanks for getting in touch! You can find emergency short term loans on the information above. To find and compare your options, simply go to the box that says “enter your state.” Go and enter your state and it will show a list of lenders available. Take note that short term loans charge high interest when compared to other types of credit, so this needs to be taken into account before you apply.
When you have chosen the right lender for you, you will see a MORE INFO button if you want to read more about the provider via Finder review pages. You will find the providers benefits and features and how to apply to their company. Click the GO TO SITE button if you’d like to be brought to the official website of the provider. Know that this is where you get a quote or start your application. You can also click the compare box beside each loan option and compare up to 4 options side by side for easier comparison.
As a friendly reminder, carefully review the eligibility criteria of the loan before applying to increase your chances of approval. Read up on the terms and conditions and product disclosure statement and contact the bank should you need any clarifications about the policy.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki