When unexpected expenses pop up—whether it’s a car repair, a medical bill, or a last-minute travel cost—you may need quick access to cash. While fast loans can be a lifesaver in these situations, they can also come with delays, fees, or high interest rates depending on the lender, your bank, and the time of day you apply.
We’ve put together a list of the best quick loan options available right now, along with smart tips to help you choose the right one—and alternatives to avoid costly debt traps.
Best Quick Loans by Category
| Best For | Lender |
|---|---|
| Existing bank customers | Wells Fargo |
| Less-than-perfect credit | Avant |
| Small cash advances | Earnin |
| Buy-now, pay-later purchases | Affirm |
| Larger loan amounts | LightStream |
| Member benefits | SoFi |
| Payday loan alternative | Possible Finance |
| Credit union borrowers | Alliant Credit Union |
What Is a Quick Loan?
A quick loan is a personal loan or cash advance that can deliver funds in as little as a few minutes to one business day. It’s designed to help you manage emergencies or cover short-term cash flow issues.
However, speed often comes at a price—some lenders offering “fast funding” charge high interest rates or fees. If possible, look for lenders with APRs under 36%, flexible repayment terms, and no prepayment penalties.
Our Top Quick Loan Picks
🏦 Wells Fargo – Best for Existing Customers
Why it stands out: Existing customers may receive same-day funding after approval.
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Loan Amounts: Up to $100,000
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Pros: No origination or prepayment fees, competitive interest rates
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Cons: Must be a Wells Fargo customer for at least 12 months
🔄 Avant – Best for Less-than-Perfect Credit
Why it stands out: Offers loans to fair-credit borrowers with potential next-day funding.
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Loan Amounts: Varies; repayment terms from 24–60 months
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Pros: Accepts lower credit scores, flexible terms
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Cons: High APRs (up to ~36%), administrative fees up to 9.99%
💵 Earnin – Best for Small Cash Advances
Why it stands out: Lets you access a portion of your paycheck before payday.
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Advance Limit: Up to $100/day or $750 per pay period
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Pros: No credit check, no mandatory fees
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Cons: Direct deposit required, not suitable for all job types
🛍️ Affirm – Best Buy Now, Pay Later Option
Why it stands out: Offers flexible payment plans at checkout for eligible purchases.
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Loan Types: Pay in 4 (no interest), monthly plans (may include interest)
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Pros: No late or service fees, available online and in stores
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Cons: Not available in all states, higher interest on monthly plans
💸 LightStream – Best for Larger Loans
Why it stands out: Unsecured personal loans with same-day funding for strong-credit borrowers.
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Loan Amounts: $5,000–$100,000
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Pros: No fees, low rates, rate beat program
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Cons: Requires good-to-excellent credit, no prequalification
🌟 SoFi – Best for Member Perks
Why it stands out: Personal loans come with access to financial planning, member events, and other perks.
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Loan Amounts: From $5,000+
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Pros: No impact on credit to check rates, direct creditor payments
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Cons: High minimum loan, possible origination fee for lower rates
🔁 Possible Finance – Best Payday Loan Alternative
Why it stands out: Offers small installment loans that build credit with on-time payments.
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Loan Amount: Typically around $500
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Pros: Soft credit check, reports payments to credit bureaus
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Cons: High APR, not available in every state
💳 Alliant Credit Union – Best Credit Union Option
Why it stands out: Offers low starting rates, same-day funding, and autopay discounts.
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Loan Amounts: Up to $100,000
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Pros: Competitive rates, flexible terms
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Cons: Must be a member, not a traditional in-person credit union
How to Get Emergency Money Fast
Here are the most common ways people get fast cash—and what to avoid:
⚠️ High-Cost Loan Types to Avoid:
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Payday Loans: Typically due by your next paycheck, with APRs up to 400%.
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Car Title Loans: Uses your vehicle as collateral; miss a payment, risk repossession.
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Pawn Shop Loans: Short-term loans using personal valuables—often with high fees.
✅ Safer Options:
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Personal Loans from Credit Unions: Check out Payday Alternative Loans (PALs) capped at 28% APR.
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Cash Advance Apps: Like Earnin or Possible Finance.
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Credit Cards: Use only if you can pay off the balance before interest accrues.
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Ask Creditors for Extensions: Some creditors may allow you to defer a payment in an emergency.
How to Choose a Quick Cash Loan
Here are key factors to consider before applying:
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💰 Know Your Budget: Make sure you can comfortably afford the monthly payment.
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🔍 Compare Rates: Prequalify with multiple lenders to find the best offer.
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📜 Watch for Fees: Look out for origination, late payment, and prepayment penalties.
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✅ Funding Speed: Make sure the lender can deliver funds in the time frame you need.
Smarter Alternatives to High-Interest Debt
If you’re not approved for a traditional loan, here are a few other ways to get help:
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Co-Signer: A family member or friend with good credit can help you qualify.
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Credit Card: A short-term option if you pay it off in full.
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Emergency Savings: Start building one if you can—even $25 a month can add up.
How We Chose These Loans
Creditvana reviews dozens of lenders and evaluates them based on:
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Affordability: Competitive rates and low fees
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Customer Experience: Flexible terms, direct payments for debt consolidation, same-day funding
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Transparency: Clear loan terms, no hidden fees, prequalification availability
Estimate Your Loan Costs
Use Creditvana’s Loan Calculator to estimate your monthly payments and total loan cost before you commit.
Quick Loan FAQs
How fast can I get a loan?
Some lenders offer same-day funding, especially if you apply early in the day and meet all requirements. However, bank processing times can still delay access.
Can I get a fast loan with bad credit?
Yes—lenders like Avant and Possible Finance offer fast loans to borrowers with fair or poor credit. Prequalification can help you see if you’re eligible without hurting your credit score.
Need cash fast? Be cautious, compare your options, and choose a loan that fits your budget—not just your timeline.
Start comparing rates now at Creditvana.
