đ° Running short on funds can be an incredibly stressful situation. Whether you’re facing an unexpected expense, medical bill, or car repair, or just having trouble making ends meet until your next paycheck, the need for cash today is, unfortunately, all too common. đľ
The good news is there are plenty of legitimate solutions out there if you need money today. We’re ranking in the top 12. â
How can I get money now? 12 top options
Estimates suggest that between 55% to 63% of Americans are currently living paycheck to paycheck. If youâre like a lot of other people, then youâve likely found yourself in a bind and need money today.
From exploring financing opportunities to earning extra income, here are the top 11 options for getting cash now if you need funds quickly:
1. Cash advances đ¸
Some apps offer cash advances that allow you to access part of your upcoming paycheck at an earlier date without having to take out a loan.
If you need your money today, MoneyLionâs InstacashSM cash advance product provides seamless, fast access to funds. You can receive up to $500 with InstacashSM with no interest, no credit check, and no mandatory fees.Â
MoneyLion’s optional Turbo delivery shows you how to make cash today, delivering funds within minutes for a fee. MoneyLion is here to help you get in control of your finances.Â
MoneyLion can also help you find other cash advance options that fit your needs.
2. Consider exploring personal loans đŚ
Personal loans arenât the most common solution for fast cash, since lenders may take some time to review your application. However, many borrowers still opt for them since you could qualify for several thousands of dollars with repayment periods of up to several months.
The funding period for personal loans can range from a couple of business days to over a week, depending on who you work with. For the most part, online lenders tend to work faster than traditional banks.
MoneyLion makes exploring personal loans simple when you need cash now. By compiling various personalized partner offers, MoneyLion helps you find and compare loan options you could qualify for.Â
3. Credit builder loan đď¸
A credit builder loan can be a good option if you need money today and youâre looking for an accessible way to build or rebuild your credit history.
With a credit builder loan, youâll apply for a small loan amount, typically up to $1,000. However, instead of receiving the entire loan amount upfront, funds will be placed into a secure account. Youâll then make regular payments over a set term, depending on the repayment period. In the meantime, your lender will report these payments to the major credit bureaus.
After successfully making all the payments on time and in full, you should receive the original loan amount back, minus interest and fees. MoneyLion offers a free and convenient way to find offers from our trusted partners to help you improve your credit! See offers below:
4. Borrow money from family and friends đ¨âđŠâđ§âđŚ
When you’re in a bind and need to get money now, consider reaching out to family and friends who might be willing or able to help. There are thoughtful approaches to borrowing from loved ones that can protect your relationships while addressing your immediate financial needs.Â
Start by setting up a payment plan so that your family or your friends will feel confident in your promise to pay back the money you borrow. Having a plan in place is key. You can also offer to trade services for cash like mowing the lawn, taking care of the house, or even babysitting.
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5. Get a second job đŞ
Getting a second job is a great way to make money fast. The best part about this plan of action is that you wonât owe anyone money. There are many ways to get a job making money from home, so make sure to explore online opportunities.
The great thing about side hustles is that you can usually find a job you are passionate about and turn it into your primary income stream over time. It can also be a great way to try out a new career before taking the plunge in that direction.
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6. List stuff you donât need for sale online đˇď¸
Youâre bound to have something valuable hanging around the house that you no longer want, so why not try selling it?
Websites like eBay or Poshmark are great places to sell your valuables quickly and safely. For instance, maybe you have some valuable comic books or vintage clothes lying around that you can put up for sale online.
Just keep in mind that if youâre looking for a faster sale, marking an item at a considerable discount can work in your favor.
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7. Request a payroll advance from your employer đź
Some companies will provide an advance on your upcoming paycheck in cases of financial hardship or unexpected expenses. If available, this can be a great solution especially if you need money today since most employers wonât charge interest or fees.
The downside, however, is that your next paycheck will be smaller. Make sure to talk to your boss or employer to understand if itâs a possibility for your situation.
8. Pawn or sell valuables đ
Take jewelry, electronics, collectibles, etc. to a pawnshop for a short-term loan using them as collateral. Or simply sell items outright. Pawnshops will typically lend you a portion of an item’s resale value which you can then pay back with interest to retrieve your item.
Using collateral lets you get cash quickly when you need money today, while still keeping ownership if you repay the loan. The downside is losing the item if you default on payments.
For an alternative, consider MoneyLion’s InstacashSM, which offers up to $500 with no interest and no credit check. Funds can be delivered to your account within minutes for a fee with optional Turbo delivery.Â
9. Look for community and assistance programs đ¤
Local churches, nonprofits, and charitable organizations sometimes have emergency cash assistance funds available. These programs may provide small grants or interest-free loans to community members experiencing temporary financial hardship due to job loss, medical bills, or other unexpected circumstances.
The amounts tend to be limited, usually no more than a few hundred dollars, but can help cover basic needs like rent, utilities, or groceries during a crisis.
To find local assistance options, you can call 211 or visit 211.org which connects people with health, crisis, and disaster support resources in their area. Another option is contacting local churches or religious organizations or The Salvation Army to ask about cash assistance and other forms of help.
10. Earn quick cash on a gig or freelance app đ¸
Consider signing up to do rideshare driving, food/package delivery, freelance tasks, moving help, repair work, and more to earn money instantly on apps like Uber, DoorDash, Fiverr, TaskRabbit, Instacart, etc.
The gig economy has made it incredibly easy to start making money right away by putting your existing skills and assets to work. Learn how to make money from your phone.
You can drive using your personal vehicle, do deliveries by bike or car, rent out a room through Airbnb, or take on micro-gigs and odd jobs through labor apps and websites.
The beauty of these platforms is you can typically sign up and start accepting paid work shortly after. There’s flexibility to work as little or as much as needed around your schedule.
11. Start pet-sitting dogs or cats đđą
Love animals? You can make a decent side income by providing dog-walking or cat-sitting services. This is ideal if you live in a close-knit community because then you can go door-to-door offering your services to neighbors.
Plus, if youâre good at what you do, you could get hired regularly, turning your dog walking and sitting skills into another ongoing income stream.
12. Change your cell phone plan đ˛
Sometimes, simple adjustments to your regular monthly expenses will save you the most money in the end. Call your phone service provider and ask about changing your cell phone plan.
Inquire about any discounts or deals, too. Youâll be surprised to learn about the massive savings you can achieve by simply changing your cell phone plan, which will free up money that you can put toward other expenses or purchases.
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Best practices to keep in mind if you need money now
If youâre in a bind and need money right now, and decide to take out a financial product, youâll want to be mindful of the following best practices.
1. Beware of predatory lenders
While a financial crunch can feel desperate, it’s crucial to avoid the trap of predatory lenders. These lenders take advantage of people’s circumstances by charging outrageous interest rates and burying excessive fees in the fine print.
Payday loans, car title loans, and similar offers can quickly lead to an endless cycle of debt that could wreak havoc on your finances over the long run.
Several red flags could indicate whether a lender may be engaging in predatory lending practices. First, be wary of any lender that is not fully transparent about fees and interest rates upfront or that buries excessive fees in dense legal clauses.
Another telltale sign is lenders that pressure unscrupulous sales tactics or that make the loan process seem unnaturally easy without proof of income or ability to repay.
Overall, make sure to only work with reputable lenders backed by credible institutions. A little online research can go a long way in helping you safeguard your finances.
2. Only borrow what you need
It can be tempting to take out a larger loan than strictly necessary, but avoiding that temptation may be able to save you money – or even headaches down the line.
Practicing discipline to borrow only what you need can help prevent the situation from snowballing into unmanageable debt. A small loan today is far easier to pay back quickly compared to an oversized one you’ll be chipping away at for months.
3. Read the terms and conditions carefully
No matter what type of financing product you pursue, be sure to thoroughly read through all the terms and conditions before signing any agreement. The fine print can contain details about additional fees, penalties for late payments, requirements for collateral, rules around early payoff, and other crucial information.
Taking the time to understand exactly what you’re committing to can help avoid unpleasant surprises and hidden costs down the road. Don’t just skim – carefully review all the disclosures so you know precisely what you’re getting into. And donât be afraid to ask questions.
Get money for what matters most
There are many ways to get money if you need it today, but itâs important you pick the option thatâs best for you. Let MoneyLion help you get money for what matters most!
FAQ
What is the fastest way to get cash today?
The fastest options are likely getting a payroll advance from your employer, borrowing from friends/family, or using a cash advance app tied to your paycheck. Doing gig work like rideshare driving or food delivery can also be a good option.Â
Are payday loans or car title loans good options to get cash fast?
Many people may choose to leave payday and auto title loans as an absolute last resort. These predatory lending products charge exorbitant interest rates of 300% APR or higher, trapping many borrowers in unaffordable debt cycles. Itâs advisable to explore all other alternatives first.
How can I borrow money from friends and family?
If borrowing from friends or relatives, be upfront about your situation and cash needs. Agree on an amount, repayment schedule, and whether you’ll pay interest. Put everything in writing to avoid misunderstandings. Treat it like a formal loan and prioritize repaying on time to preserve the relationship.
