Same-day emergency loans usually fall into three categories: cash advance apps, same-day personal loans, and emergency lines of credit. Most people who need money fast end up using a cash advance app for smaller gaps or a same-day personal loan for larger expenses.
Need cash, like, right now? EarnIn lets eligible users access up to $300 from their earned wages with no interest or mandatory fees.¹ First-time users may be eligible for expedited funding at no cost.²
EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1-2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not be available at all times and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply; see the Lightning Speed Fee Table and Cash Out User Agreement for details and eligibility requirements. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.
Lightning Speed is an optional service that allows you to expedite the transfer of funds for a fee. Depending on the product, the fee may be charged by EarnIn or its banking partner. Lightning Speed may not be available in all states and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply. See the Lightning Speed Fee Table for details.
This guide helps you choose the fastest, safest option based on how much you need and your credit.
We recommend avoiding payday loans because they’re expensive and can trap borrowers in repeat borrowing.
Table of Contents
Quick answer: Best same-day emergency loan options
- Fastest for small amounts ($10–$500): Cash advance apps (often minutes for a fee)
- Best for larger emergencies ($1,000+): Same-day personal loans (often same-day or next-day)
- Same-day lines of credit: Usually only if you’re an existing customer
| Option | Best for | How fast | Our top pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash advance app | $50 – $1K | In minutes, often for a fee |  Visit site |
| Same-day personal loan | $1K – $100K | As soon as same day |  Read our review |
| Bank line of credit | Existing customers | As soon as same day |  Read our review |
Best emergency same-day loans (pick based on how much you need)
- Small amount (less than $1,000): Cash advance apps
- $1,000+: Personal loan
- $1,000+ and you already bank there: Personal line of credit
Cash advance for emergency cash (fastest for small amounts)
The apps below can deliver cash the same day. However, note that you may not be approved for the maximum advance, especially if it’s your first time using the app:
Same-day personal loans for emergencies (best for $1,000+)
We included these personal loan lenders because same-day funding is available, but it isn’t guaranteed. (Those with great credit and a high income are the most likely to be approved and receive funds the same day. Lenders might need to verify more information if your credit score is, say, fair, or your income is low.)
Emergency lines of credit (best if you already bank there)
Lines of credit can be fast only if you’re already an eligible customer. Otherwise, a same-day personal loan is usually faster.
I initially recommend having an established emergency fund of at least three months’ worth of living expenses, using your average annual living expenses as the basis for the fund.
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 a personal loan marketplace if you need a large amount quickly, particularly if you have a fair to good credit score.
If you’re less confident that you’ll be approved for a traditional personal loan but need funds right away, I recommend starting with Engine by MoneyLion.
Erin Kinkade CFP®
How to get an emergency loan the same day
Here’s what to do in six steps:
- Decide how much you need ($100 vs $5,000 changes the best option)
- If using an app, confirm your next payday and linked bank account
- If using a personal loan, prequalify first (soft credit check when available)
- Have ID, income info, and bank details ready to avoid delays
- Choose instant transfer only if the fee is worth it
- Avoid payday loans and title loans
Scenarios: Which same-day option to choose
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 | Personal loan |
| As much cash as possible | Personal loan |
| Help with recurring emergency expenses | Line of credit |
| Manageable monthly payments | Line of credit |
| To build credit | Personal loan or line of credit |
Alternatives to a same-day loan
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.
Savings
Tapping into your emergency fund 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 situations like this.
Friend or family loan
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.
Credit card
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.
Request an advance from your employer
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.
How to plan for emergencies in the future
A same-day loan can provide financial relief during an emergency. However, preparing for an emergency and building your cash reserves can make a loan an option rather than 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.
FAQ
What is the easiest loan to get immediately?
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, Tilt, and Dave, provide fast funding without a credit check, often offering funds within minutes.
What can I use an emergency loan for?
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.
What if I can’t repay my emergency loan?
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.
Recap of the best emergency same-day loans
| Option | Best for | How fast | Our top pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash advance app | $50 – $1K | In minutes, often for a fee | Visit site |
| Same-day personal loan | $1K – $100K | As soon as same day | Read our review |
| Bank line of credit | Existing customers | As soon as same day | Read our review |
About our contributors
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Written by Marc Guberti, CFPC®Marc Guberti is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor® and a freelance writer who specializes in investing, loans, personal finance, banking, business financing, and other finance topics. He regularly shares his analysis of stocks and financial products with his readers.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their three senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.
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Reviewed by Erin Kinkade, CFP®Erin Kinkade, CFP®, ChFC®, works as a financial planner at AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust. Erin prepares comprehensive financial plans for military veterans and their families.