10 Emergency Loans for Good and Bad Credit (2026)

When your car breaks down or your furnace quits, it can put you in a tough spot and make you wonder where to turn for an emergency loan. Fortunately, personal loans, payday loans and cash advance apps are some of your best sources in an emergency.

Personal loans are ideal for larger expenses, while payday loans and cash advance apps offer smaller amounts — usually between $20 and $1,500. However, payday loans can be quite expensive, while cash advance apps are typically low-cost or even free.

Here, we break down the ten best personal and payday loans to help you decide which is best for your situation.

Compare emergency personal loans

Get your money as soon as the same day or the next business day with these quick personal loans.

• SoFi's terms and conditions

  Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates at the time of application and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and other factors. If SoFi is unable to offer you a loan but matches you for a loan with a participating bank, then your rate may be outside the range of rates listed above. Rates and Terms are subject to change at any time without notice. SoFi Personal Loans can be used for any lawful personal, family, or household purposes and may not be used for post-secondary education expenses. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2025 was around $32K. Information current as of 07/20/26. SoFi Personal Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). See SoFi.com/legal for state-specific license details. See SoFi.com/eligibility for details and state restrictions.
  
  Fixed rates from 6.99% APR to 35.49% APR. APR reflect the 0.25% autopay interest rate discount and a 0.25% member rate discount.
  
  SoFi Platform personal loans are made either by SoFi Bank, N.A. or , Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, operating from its Delaware branch, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. SoFi may receive compensation if you take out a loan originated by Cross River Bank. These rate ranges are current as of 07/20/26 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See SoFi Personal Loan eligibility details at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/#eligibility-personal. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors.
  
  Loan amounts range from $5,000– $100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 9.99% of your loan amount for Cross River Bank originated loans which will be deducted from any loan
  proceeds you receive and for SoFi Bank originated loans have an origination fee of 0%-7%, will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.
  
  Autopay: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
  
  Member Rate Discount: To be eligible for an additional 0.25% interest rate reduction on a Personal Loan, you must, within 31 days of loan funding, either (1) meet SoFi Plus eligibility criteria, (2) receive an Eligible Direct Deposit into a SoFi Checking or Savings account, or (3) receive at least $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits into a SoFi Checking or Savings account. You must continue to meet at least one of the above eligibility criteria every 31 days to maintain the discount. See the SoFi Plus terms for details on SoFi Plus subscription. For more details on Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits, please see https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
  
  Once you become eligible during the initial period, the discount will be removed or reinstated depending on whether the criteria have been met. Each time your loan is re-amortized, your monthly payment amount will change based upon the interest rate that was in place. SoFi reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time for unenrolled participants. You are not required to meet these criteria to be approved for a loan.
  
  Direct deposit. To be eligible to receive an additional (0.25%) interest rate reduction on your Personal Loan (your “Loan”), you must set up Direct deposit with a SoFi Checking and Savings account offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., or enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee, all within 30 days of the funding of your Loan. Once eligible, you will receive this discount during periods in which you have enabled Direct Deposit to an eligible Direct Deposit Account in accordance with SoFi’s reasonable procedures and requirements to be determined at SoFi’s sole discretion, or during periods in which SoFi successfully receives payment of the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. This discount will be lost during periods in which SoFi determines you have turned off Direct Deposit to your Checking and Savings account or in which you have not paid for the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. You are not required to enroll in Direct Deposit or to pay the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee to receive a Loan.

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How do borrowing costs vary by state?

The costs for payday and installment loans vary by state due to differences in state regulations. States with fewer consumer protections tend to have higher costs for payday and installment loans, sometimes exceeding 600% APR or more. Lenders in states like Delaware, Missouri, Texas and Wisconsin tend to have some of the highest borrowing costs.

Learn more about emergency personal loans

Here’s a closer look at our top picks for lenders offering emergency personal loans, who they’re best for and how fast you can get funds.

SoFi®

If you’ve got good credit, SoFi could be a good option. It offers personal loans from $5,000 to $100,000 with rates starting at 6.49% APR, and no fees for things like late payments or prepaying your loan. You might even get your money the same day you’re approved. SoFi is best if your credit score is in the mid-600s or higher and you’re looking for a lender with more competitive rates, a clean user experience and no surprise costs.

How fast can you get it? Same-day financing after approval.

Tips to get your money fast

• Apply for a loan online or by using the SoFi app, available in the App Store and Google Play. Submit a complete and accurate application and be sure all required documentation is provided during the application process.

LightStream

If you have good to excellent credit, LightStream is one of the best options for an emergency loan. It’s known for having competitive rates, no origination fees, fast funding, high loan amounts and repayment flexibility. It offers a generous autopay discount, and its “Rate Beat” program is unique in the industry. If you get a better rate offer elsewhere, it will beat it by 0.1%.

How fast can you get it? One business day after approval or same-day if your approval is before 2:30 p.m. ET on a business day.

Tips to get your money fast

• Apply early in the day. Apply online and close the loan before 2:30 p.m. ET on a business day to get your money the same day.

Best Egg

Best Egg is a solid choice for fair to excellent credit borrowers. It offers fast funding, fixed APRs up to 35.99% and loans amounts up to $50,000. You won’t have to worry about prepayment penalties and borrowers may qualify for secured loan options to bring down rates. Plus, its straightforward online application makes it easy to find out if you qualify.

How fast can you get it? After approval, funds can be deposited into your bank account in as little as 24 hours.

Tips to get your money fast

• Submit a complete and accurate application and be sure all required documentation is provided during the application process.

Albert

Albert is a flexible, unsecured personal loan option for borrowers seeking fast funding. It offers borrowing amounts ranging from $1,000 - $10,000 and flexible loan terms. Catering to borrowers of most credit scores, the maximum APR sits at 36%. Once your loan application is approved, you can receive your funds within minutes – it’s free if you have an Albert Cash account, or you can pay a fee to get fast funding. Otherwise, your funds may take a few business days to land in an external bank account.

How fast can you get it? Once you’ve accepted the loan terms, receive funds in as little as 10 minutes.

Tips to get your money fast

• Open an Albert Cash account and you’ll get access to the cash immediately with no extra fee.

Learn more about other types of emergency loans

Here’s a closer look at our top picks offering emergency payday, cash advance and installment loans.

Current

Current offers a free paycheck advance feature that allows you to borrow up to $750 of your upcoming paycheck with no interest or credit check. Eligibility requires receiving at least $500 of qualifying direct deposits into your Current account.

How fast can you get it? Advances are available within three business days for free, or instantly for a fee.

Tips to get your money fast

• Download the app. Install the Current app and set up an account.
• Set up direct deposit. Ensure you receive at least $500 in eligible payroll deposits into your Current account.
• Use Instant Access. Opt for the Instant Access feature to receive your advance immediately for a fee.

Chime MyPay®

Chime MyPay gives eligible members access to between $20 and $500 as a line of credit between paydays, with no interest, no credit check and no mandatory fees.

How fast can you get it?Standard transfers are free and arrive within two days. Instant transfers are available for a fee of 3% of the advance amount ($500 minimum, $5 maximum).

Tips to get your money fast

• Download the app. Install the Chime app and set up an account.
• Set up direct deposit. Ensure you receive qualifying direct deposits into your Chime Checking Account.
• Use Instant Access. Opt for the instant advance feature to receive your funds immediately for a fee of 3% of the advance amount ($500 minimum, $5 maximum).

Cleo

Cleo is a budgeting and cash advance app that lets you borrow up to $250 between paydays. While not a large amount, it’s interest-free and can be enough to cover small expenses. Cleo is also a good option for gig workers and freelancers. Unlike other cash advance apps, Cleo doesn’t require a minimum of recurring deposits to qualify for cash advances.

How fast can you get it? Three to four business days or same-day for a fee.

Tips to get your money fast

• Download the app. Download the Cleo app and create an account.
• Link your bank account. Link your bank account so Cleo can verify your direct deposit activity. This allows you to become eligible for cash advances.
• Pay an express fee. Use Cleo’s express transfer option to get your money the same day.

OppLoans

OppLoans is an online installment loan lender that provides bad credit emergency loans from $500 to $5,000. Its online application process is fast, and it only conducts a soft credit check, which doesn’t affect your credit scores. It offers funding as soon as the same day, but APRs run between 129% - 195% APR, depending on your state.

How fast can you get it? As soon as the same day you apply.

Tips to get your money fast

• Apply early in the day. Apply online and close the loan before 1:00 p.m. ET on a business day to get your funds the same day.

EarnIn

EarnIn is a free app that lets you borrow $150 a day and up to $1,000 of the money you’ve earned each pay period with no interest. With EarnIn, your advance amount depends on the hours you’ve worked, which you can verify with a work schedule, a work email address or GPS tracking.

How fast can you get it? One to two business days for free or within minutes for a fee starting at $3.99.

Tips to get your money fast

• Download the app. Download the EarnIn app and set up an account.
• Verify your paycheck. Follow the instructions in the app to verify your paycheck earnings.
• Use Lightning Speed. Use EarnIn’s optional Lightning Speed service to get your funds within minutes. A fee applies for this service.

Credit Ninja

CreditNinja provides unsecured installment loans ranging from $300 to $5,000, catering to borrowers with various credit backgrounds. These loans feature fixed interest rates and manageable monthly payments. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a recurring source of income, and possess an active bank account. While CreditNinja does perform a credit check, they consider applicants with a wide range of credit scores.

How fast can you get it? If approved, funds are typically deposited directly into your checking account via direct deposit, often as soon as the same day.

Tips to get your money fast

• Apply Online. Visit CreditNinja’s website and complete the online application form.
• Sign Electronically. If approved, sign the loan agreement electronically to expedite the funding process.

Credible

Credible allows you to compare personal loans from multiple lenders that cater to a wide range of credit scores. Lender partners offer loans up to $250,000, and flexible repayment terms. It offers an easy-to-use online application process that allows you to prequalify and check rates without impacting your credit score. Plus, Credible offers a Best Rate Guarantee, offering a $200 gift card if you find and close a better rate with another lender.

How fast can you get it? Funding times vary by lender, some offer funds as soon as the same day, while others may take 1 to 3 business days after approval.

Tips to get your money fast

• Applying early during a business day can expedite your application process. Some lenders have cutoff times for same-day funding, so submitting your application before these deadlines may increase the likelihood of receiving funds quickly.

ACE Cash Express

ACE Cash Express offers quick online or in-store payday and installment emergency cash loans to poor credit borrowers. It has over 800 store locations nationwide, and in some states, you can apply online and pick up your funds the same day. The company gets good ratings on Trustpilot, but it charges steep fees, making this option best for emergencies only.

How fast can you get it? As soon as the same day you apply.

Tips to get your money fast

• Apply online and send funds to a debit card or visit a store. Apply online and send the funds to a debit card for instant funding, or pick up the cash same-day from a store if there’s one near you. These options may not be available to everyone.

Pros and cons of emergency payday loans

Are emergency personal loans better than emergency payday loans?

It depends on your needs. Most personal loans charge between 7.5% and 35.99% APR. However, the lowest rates are reserved for excellent credit borrowers. If you have bad to fair credit, your APR could be closer to 20% or even 32%. However, this is still less than what you’d pay on a payday or installment loan.

But if you only need to borrow a small amount with a payday or installment loan and you can pay it off by your next paycheck, it could be cheaper than taking out a larger personal loan with a high interest rate that you pay off over several months or years. You could also use a cash advance app with 0% interest, although they sometimes require a monthly membership and fees for fast transfers.

How to pick the best emergency loan for bad credit

• Compare your options. If you have bad to fair credit, consider a bad credit lender like Avant, OneMain Financial or Upstart. But if you have truly poor credit and don’t qualify for a personal loan, you may need to go with a payday or installment lender.
• Use a cosigner or collateral. Adding a cosigner or co-borrower to a personal loan application can improve your chances of loan approval, and you can typically qualify for a lower rate. OneMain Financial is one bad credit personal loan lender that allows cosigners and collateral.
• Consider alternatives. While bad credit loans are an option for people with poor credit, borrowing against your credit card could be cheaper — and there’s no application process if you already have a card. However, be mindful of interest rates, which are usually higher for cash advances than for purchases.
• Consider the amount you need to borrow. Some loan options may offer larger amounts for more expensive emergencies like your car breaking down, while other loans are better suited for smaller emergencies like needing gas money quickly.

Can I get guaranteed approval for an emergency loan with poor credit?

There’s no such thing as guaranteed approval for an emergency loan, even with a payday or installment lender.

While these bad credit lenders tend to have flexible approval requirements, like loans with no credit check, you still need to show some type of regular income to qualify — like from a job, government benefits or child support. You may also consider looking into cash advance apps with no credit check, which offer small amounts of money quickly.

Can I get an emergency loan with no job?

Yes, it’s possible to get an emergency loan with no job, as long as you can show some other type of regular income, such as child support or alimony, a divorce settlement, Social Security or disability benefits, pension payments, rental income, investments or other sources.

Other ways to borrow money fast

If you don’t qualify for a personal loan or you don’t want to rely on a payday or installment loan, consider these other options to borrow money fast:

• P2P lending platform. Solo Funds is just one community lending platform that provides small-dollar loans. There’s 0% interest, but members are encouraged to leave tips.
• Employer advance. If you need cash before payday, ask your employer. If it’s a one-time situation, HR may be willing to help by advancing part of your paycheck.
• Payday alternative loan (PAL). Some federal credit unions offer PALs — loans up to $1,000 — at reasonable rates to customers in good standing, but you’ll typically need to be a member for at least a month to qualify.
• Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) app. BNPL apps let you purchase items you need and pay them back in four installments. Choose from the best BNPL apps for cash-free purchases today.
• Pawn store. If you have items of value, like jewelry or electronics, you could consider pawning them. But you risk losing your items if you can’t buy them back in time.

Compare local resources and more payday loan alternatives to explore more alternative funding options.

Bottom line

Emergency cash loans are available from personal loan lenders, payday lenders and cash advance apps — which can get you funds as soon as the same or next day in case of emergencies like paying for rent or handling a medical bill. If you have fair to excellent credit, consider a personal loan. But if you have poor credit and don’t qualify for a personal loan, try a zero-interest cash advance app — or a payday loan as a last resort.

Frequently asked questions

How will I receive my emergency loan funds?

You can get emergency funds in several ways. The fastest could be in cash if you apply in-store or send them to a bank-issued debit card. If you want your funds transferred to a bank, it could take one business day or longer.

How can I get an emergency loan fast?

The fastest way to get an emergency loan is to apply online or in-app with a lender that has an automated 24/7 system. For example, the EarnIn cash app allows early access to your earned wages within minutes.

How do I get an emergency loan with no credit check?

Payday loans and some installment lenders, as well as cash advance apps, don’t require credit checks, and you could access emergency funds within minutes or hours.

What is a hardship loan?

Hardship loans are small personal loans meant to help people with temporary financial difficulties, such as medical bills, car repairs or household emergencies. These loans are typically offered by small banks and credit unions.

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.

Written by

Lacey Stark

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