I need money now: what to try, in order
When you need cash today, begin with the options that cost nothing: more time from the company you owe, local assistance and money you are already owed. Borrow only after that, starting with the cheapest loan you qualify for.
The short version
- A payment plan or extension is often free and can be arranged in one call.
- 211 connects you with local help for rent, utilities and food.
- For small gaps, apps and credit unions cost far less than payday loans.
- High-cost loans are a last step, and only from a licensed lender.
On this page
First: buy time for free
- Call the biller. Landlords, utilities, hospitals and card issuers regularly grant extensions or payment plans. Ask for the hardship department and get the new date in writing.
- Dial 211. The free helpline connects you with local programs that pay rent, utility and food bills directly.
- Collect what you are owed. Ask your employer about an advance on wages already earned, and check for unclaimed refunds or deposits.
Second: find cash without borrowing
- Sell what you no longer use. Phones, tools and game consoles sell within a day on local marketplaces.
- Pick up paid-today work. Delivery and rideshare platforms let you cash out earnings the day you earn them for a small fee; timing depends on the platform and your bank.
Third: borrow as cheaply as you can
- Cash advance app. $20 to $250 against your next paycheck, free if you can wait one to three days. See cash advance apps.
- Credit union payday alternative loan. $200 to $2,000 at no more than 28% APR, with up to a year to repay.
- Credit card. Paying the bill with a card, or a cash advance, costs less than any short-term lender.
Last: high-cost loans
- Payday, installment or title loans. They are quick and open to poor credit, and they are the most expensive way to get cash. Before you use one, read your state’s rules, price it with the calculator and confirm the lender’s license.
Anyone who asks for a fee, a gift card or your online banking password before paying out a loan is running a scam. Real lenders take their fees from the loan itself. See payday loan scams.
What it costs to borrow $300 for two weeks
| Option | Cost | You repay |
|---|---|---|
| Payment plan with the biller | $0 | $300 |
| Cash advance app, standard transfer | $0 | $300 |
| Credit union PAL at 28% APR | About $3 | About $303 |
| Credit card cash advance | About $15 to $18 | About $318 |
| Payday loan at $15 per $100 | $45 | $345 |
What to avoid when you are in a hurry
- Fees before funding. A lender that wants a payment, a gift card or “insurance” before sending money is running an advance-fee scam.
- Lenders you cannot identify. No license, no street address and no phone number means nobody to complain to.
- Borrowing more than the bill. An extra $100 at $15 per $100 costs $15 for every two weeks it stays unpaid.
- Stacking loans. A second loan to cover the first doubles the fees and leaves both balances.
Five minutes spent on checking a lender is worth more than an hour saved.
If the shortfall repeats
Needing emergency cash more than once or twice a year points to a gap between income and bills. A nonprofit credit counselor can review your budget for free and negotiate with creditors. Our pages on alternatives and getting out of payday loan debt list where to start.
Common questions
How can I get money today without a loan?
Ask the company you owe for an extension, call 211 for local assistance, request an advance on earned wages from your employer, or sell something locally.
Where can I get cash quickly with bad credit?
Cash advance apps and credit unions look at income rather than credit scores. Payday and title lenders also accept poor credit but charge the most.
How do I get $200 fast?
An established cash advance app account, a credit union loan or a credit card will usually cover it. A payday loan of $200 costs about $30 for two weeks.
Is there emergency help for rent or utilities?
Yes. Dial 211 or use USA.gov’s bill-help directory to find rental assistance, energy assistance and food programs in your area.
Does Northlight lend money?
No. Northlight is an information site. We explain costs and state rules; we do not make loans or credit decisions.
Check the rules where you live
Whether you can borrow, how much, and what a lender may charge all depend on your state.
Sources
Keep reading
- No credit check loansLenders that advertise no credit check loans still verify who you are and whether you can repay. Learn what they check, what it costs and safer options.
- Installment loansInstallment loans spread repayment over months instead of one payday. Learn what they cost, how rates vary by state and how to compare offers.
- Online loansCompare the kinds of loans you can get online, what each one costs, and the checks that separate a licensed lender from a risky offer.
- Emergency loansFacing a car repair, medical bill or rent deadline? See the assistance programs and loan options that work in an emergency, ordered by cost.
- Paycheck advanceEmployer advances and earned wage access let you use pay you have already earned. Compare the costs with payday loans and cash advance apps.
- Cash advanceCash advance can mean a payday loan, an app advance or a credit card withdrawal. Compare the cost of each in dollars and APR before you choose.