Skip to content
NerdWallet Home Page

Quick Loans: Best Lenders for Fast Cash in 2025

Updated on February 19, 2025
Annie Millerbernd
Written by
Annie Millerbernd
Assistant Assigning Editor
Kim Lowe
Edited by
Head of Content, Personal & Student Loans
Fact Checked
Nicole Dow
Co-written by
Writer
Annie Millerbernd
Assistant Assigning Editor
Kim Lowe
Edited by
Head of Content, Personal & Student Loans
Fact Checked
Nicole Dow
Co-written by
Writer
+ 2 more
+ 2 more

Quick loans from online lenders provide fast cash for emergencies and other urgent expenses. Compare rates and funding times on quick personal loans.

Show more

Check your personalized rates

|
Why Trust NerdWallet
  • Quick Loans: Best Lenders for Fast Cash in 2025
  • Our picks for the best quick loans
  • How to choose the right loan for you
  • How quick is each step of the loan process?
  • Tips to get a quick loan with bad credit
  • How to get quick cash without a traditional loan
  • Next step: Pre-qualify on NerdWallet

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. This does not influence our product evaluations or star ratings.

|

LightStream: Best for same-day funding for home improvement emergencies

Lightstream
4.5

Est. APR

6.99-25.29%

Loan amount

$5K-$100K

Min. credit score

660

See Offers
on LightStream's website
on LightStream's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

LightStream is a solid option for good-credit borrowers, with no fees and low rates that vary based on loan purpose.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 660, but can vary depending on the loan purpose and amount.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50%.
  • Minimum credit history: 3 years.
  • Income sources accepted: Employment, retirement, rental income, alimony, child support, Social Security payments and disability benefits.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old and has a U.S. bank account.
Available Term Lengths:2 to 7 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: None.
  • Late fee: None.

SoFi Personal Loan: Best for same-day funding and multiple rate discounts

2025 Best Personal Loan for Excellent Credit
🏆 Top 3 most visited
SoFi

Est. APR

8.99-29.99%

Loan amount

$5K-$100K

Min. credit score

None

See Offers
on SoFi's website
on SoFi's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

Qualified borrowers will find few lenders better than SoFi, thanks to thoughtful perks like unemployment protection and free financial advising.

Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years old in most states.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent or non-permanent resident, including DACA recipients and asylum seekers.
  • Must be employed, have sufficient income from another source, or have an offer of employment to start within the next 90 days.
  • Acceptable income sources: Employment, spouse’s income, retirement, alimony, child support, Social Security payments and disability benefits.
Available Term Lengths:2 to 7 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: 0% to 7%.
  • Late fee: None.

Rocket Loans: Best for same-day funding and flexible payments

RocketLoans

Est. APR

8.97-29.99%

Loan amount

$2K-$45K

Min. credit score

640

See Offers
on NerdWallet
on NerdWallet

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

Rocket Loans personal loans stand out for fast funding, but they lack some features other lenders offer.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 640.
  • Minimum annual gross income: $24,000.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 40% or 70% including a mortgage.
  • Minimum credit history: 2 years.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must be a U.S. resident living in one of the states where the lender does business.
Available Term Lengths:3 to 5 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: Up to 9%.
  • Late fee: $15.
  • Non-sufficient funds fee: $15.

Discover® Personal Loans: Best for next-day funding for good- and excellent-credit borrowers

Discover

Est. APR

7.99-24.99%

Loan amount

$2.5K-$40K

Min. credit score

660

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

With competitive rates and no origination fees, Discover personal loans are good options for borrowers with good and excellent credit.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 660.
  • Minimum annual household income: $25,000. Income can come from employment, retirement, alimony, child support, Social Security payments and disability benefits.
  • Must provide a valid U.S. address and email address.
  • Must be 18 years old with a valid Social Security number.
Available Term Lengths:3 to 7 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: None.
  • Late fee: $39.

LendingClub: Best for next-day funding and debt consolidation

Lending Club

Est. APR

8.91-35.99%

Loan amount

$1K-$40K

Min. credit score

600

Qualifications:

Key Facts:LendingClub personal loans are a solid option for good-credit borrowers looking to consolidate debt and build their credit.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 600; average borrower score is above 700.
  • Minimum income: None; lender requires proof of income. Borrower average is $100,000 per year.
  • Maximum DTI: 40%.
  • Minimum credit history: 36 months and two accounts.
Available Term Lengths:2 to 5 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: 3% to 8%.
  • Late fee: 5% of payment or $15 after 15-day grace period.
  • Insufficient funds: $15.

Upstart: Best for next-day funding for thin-credit borrowers

Upstart

Est. APR

7.80-35.99%

Loan amount

$1K-$50K

Min. credit score

None

See Offers
on Upstart's website
on Upstart's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

Upstart personal loans offer fast funding and may be an option for borrowers with low credit scores or thin credit histories. Upstart is a solid choice for financing large purchases.

Qualifications:
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in the U.S.
  • Must be at least 18 years old in most states.
  • Must have a valid email address and Social Security number.
  • Must have a full- or part-time job, a full-time job offer starting within six months or another source of regular income.
  • Must have a personal bank account at a U.S. financial institution with a routing number.
  • No bankruptcies in the last 12 months.
  • No current delinquent accounts on your credit reports.
  • Fewer than six hard inquiries on your credit report in the last six months, excluding student, auto and mortgage loans.
  • Minimum credit score: None.
  • Minimum annual income: $12,000.
Available Term Lengths:3 to 7 years
Fees:
  • Origination: 0% to 12%.
  • Late fee: 5% of the unpaid amount or $15, whichever is greater.
  • Insufficient funds fee: $15.

Best Egg: Best for next-day funding for fair-credit borrowers

BestEgg

Est. APR

7.99-35.99%

Loan amount

$2K-$50K

Min. credit score

600

See Offers
on Best Egg's website
on Best Egg's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

Best Egg is worth considering for borrowers looking for a secured loan or to consolidate debt, but the loans come with an origination fee.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 600.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 70% including a mortgage.
  • Minimum credit history: 3 years and 1 account.
  • Acceptable income sources: Employment, household income, alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security payments and disability benefits.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years of age.
Available Term Lengths:3 to 5 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: 0.99% - 9.99%.

Avant: Best for next-day funding for bad-credit borrowers

Avant

Est. APR

9.95-35.99%

Loan amount

$2K-$35K

Min. credit score

550

See Offers
on Avant's website
on Avant's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:Avant personal loans are a solid option for fair- and bad-credit borrowers who need fast funding, but their rates and origination fees can be high.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 550. Avant uses FICO score version 8.0 and VantageScore version 3.0 from TransUnion.
  • Minimum monthly net income: $1,200. This lender accepts income from employment alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security payments or disability benefits.
  • Must be a resident of a state where Avant’s loans are available.
  • Must provide a Social Security number.
  • Must have a personal bank account in your name.
  • No active bankruptcies.
Available Term Lengths:2 to 5 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: Up to 9.99%.
  • Late fee: $25.
  • Nonsufficient funds fee: $15.

Universal Credit: Best for next-day funding and credit-building tools

Universal Credit

Est. APR

11.69-35.99%

Loan amount

$1K-$50K

Min. credit score

580

See Offers
on Universal Credit's website
on Universal Credit's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:A Universal Credit loan is a sound option for bad-credit borrowers looking to build credit, but rates are high compared to similar lenders.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 580.
  • Minimum number of accounts on credit history: 1 account.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 75%, including mortgage and the loan you’re applying for.
  • Minimum length of credit history: 2 years.
  • Minimum income requirement: None. Lender accepts income from alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security and other sources.
Available Term Lengths:3 to 5 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: 5.25% to 9.99%.
  • Late fee: Up to $10.
  • Non-sufficient funds fee: $10.

LendingPoint: Best for next-day funding and wide repayment terms

LendingPoint

Est. APR

7.99-35.99%

Loan amount

$1K-$37K

Min. credit score

640

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

LendingPoint personal loans are funded quickly and may be available to borrowers with fair credit for a midsize expense or home improvement project.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 640. LendingPoint uses FICO version 9 and VantageScore version 3.0.
  • Minimum credit history: 2 years.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 45%, not including mortgage payments.
  • Minimum annual income: $35,000. This lender accepts income from employment, alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security and disability benefits, but not a partner’s income.
  • Must be at least 18 years old in most states.
  • Must have a Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID and a personal bank account.
Available Term Lengths:2 to 6 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: Up to 10%.
  • Late fee: 5% of the payment amount or $30.

LightStream: Best for same-day funding for home improvement emergencies

Lightstream

Est. APR

6.99-25.29%

Loan amount

$5K-$100K

Min. credit score

660
See Offers
on LightStream's website
on LightStream's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

LightStream is a solid option for good-credit borrowers, with no fees and low rates that vary based on loan purpose.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 660, but can vary depending on the loan purpose and amount.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50%.
  • Minimum credit history: 3 years.
  • Income sources accepted: Employment, retirement, rental income, alimony, child support, Social Security payments and disability benefits.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old and has a U.S. bank account.
Available Term Lengths:2 to 7 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: None.
  • Late fee: None.

SoFi Personal Loan: Best for same-day funding and multiple rate discounts

2025 Best Personal Loan for Excellent Credit
SoFi

Est. APR

8.99-29.99%

Loan amount

$5K-$100K

Min. credit score

None
See Offers
on SoFi's website
on SoFi's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

Qualified borrowers will find few lenders better than SoFi, thanks to thoughtful perks like unemployment protection and free financial advising.

Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years old in most states.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent or non-permanent resident, including DACA recipients and asylum seekers.
  • Must be employed, have sufficient income from another source, or have an offer of employment to start within the next 90 days.
  • Acceptable income sources: Employment, spouse’s income, retirement, alimony, child support, Social Security payments and disability benefits.
Available Term Lengths:2 to 7 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: 0% to 7%.
  • Late fee: None.

Rocket Loans: Best for same-day funding and flexible payments

RocketLoans

Est. APR

8.97-29.99%

Loan amount

$2K-$45K

Min. credit score

640
See Offers
on NerdWallet
on NerdWallet

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

Rocket Loans personal loans stand out for fast funding, but they lack some features other lenders offer.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 640.
  • Minimum annual gross income: $24,000.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 40% or 70% including a mortgage.
  • Minimum credit history: 2 years.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must be a U.S. resident living in one of the states where the lender does business.
Available Term Lengths:3 to 5 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: Up to 9%.
  • Late fee: $15.
  • Non-sufficient funds fee: $15.

Discover® Personal Loans: Best for next-day funding for good- and excellent-credit borrowers

Discover

Est. APR

7.99-24.99%

Loan amount

$2.5K-$40K

Min. credit score

660

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

With competitive rates and no origination fees, Discover personal loans are good options for borrowers with good and excellent credit.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 660.
  • Minimum annual household income: $25,000. Income can come from employment, retirement, alimony, child support, Social Security payments and disability benefits.
  • Must provide a valid U.S. address and email address.
  • Must be 18 years old with a valid Social Security number.
Available Term Lengths:3 to 7 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: None.
  • Late fee: $39.

LendingClub: Best for next-day funding and debt consolidation

Lending Club

Est. APR

8.91-35.99%

Loan amount

$1K-$40K

Min. credit score

600

Qualifications:

Key Facts:LendingClub personal loans are a solid option for good-credit borrowers looking to consolidate debt and build their credit.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 600; average borrower score is above 700.
  • Minimum income: None; lender requires proof of income. Borrower average is $100,000 per year.
  • Maximum DTI: 40%.
  • Minimum credit history: 36 months and two accounts.
Available Term Lengths:2 to 5 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: 3% to 8%.
  • Late fee: 5% of payment or $15 after 15-day grace period.
  • Insufficient funds: $15.

Upstart: Best for next-day funding for thin-credit borrowers

Upstart

Est. APR

7.80-35.99%

Loan amount

$1K-$50K

Min. credit score

None
See Offers
on Upstart's website
on Upstart's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

Upstart personal loans offer fast funding and may be an option for borrowers with low credit scores or thin credit histories. Upstart is a solid choice for financing large purchases.

Qualifications:
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in the U.S.
  • Must be at least 18 years old in most states.
  • Must have a valid email address and Social Security number.
  • Must have a full- or part-time job, a full-time job offer starting within six months or another source of regular income.
  • Must have a personal bank account at a U.S. financial institution with a routing number.
  • No bankruptcies in the last 12 months.
  • No current delinquent accounts on your credit reports.
  • Fewer than six hard inquiries on your credit report in the last six months, excluding student, auto and mortgage loans.
  • Minimum credit score: None.
  • Minimum annual income: $12,000.
Available Term Lengths:3 to 7 years
Fees:
  • Origination: 0% to 12%.
  • Late fee: 5% of the unpaid amount or $15, whichever is greater.
  • Insufficient funds fee: $15.

Best Egg: Best for next-day funding for fair-credit borrowers

BestEgg

Est. APR

7.99-35.99%

Loan amount

$2K-$50K

Min. credit score

600
See Offers
on Best Egg's website
on Best Egg's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

Best Egg is worth considering for borrowers looking for a secured loan or to consolidate debt, but the loans come with an origination fee.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 600.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 70% including a mortgage.
  • Minimum credit history: 3 years and 1 account.
  • Acceptable income sources: Employment, household income, alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security payments and disability benefits.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years of age.
Available Term Lengths:3 to 5 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: 0.99% - 9.99%.

Avant: Best for next-day funding for bad-credit borrowers

Avant

Est. APR

9.95-35.99%

Loan amount

$2K-$35K

Min. credit score

550
See Offers
on Avant's website
on Avant's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:Avant personal loans are a solid option for fair- and bad-credit borrowers who need fast funding, but their rates and origination fees can be high.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 550. Avant uses FICO score version 8.0 and VantageScore version 3.0 from TransUnion.
  • Minimum monthly net income: $1,200. This lender accepts income from employment alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security payments or disability benefits.
  • Must be a resident of a state where Avant’s loans are available.
  • Must provide a Social Security number.
  • Must have a personal bank account in your name.
  • No active bankruptcies.
Available Term Lengths:2 to 5 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: Up to 9.99%.
  • Late fee: $25.
  • Nonsufficient funds fee: $15.

Universal Credit: Best for next-day funding and credit-building tools

Universal Credit

Est. APR

11.69-35.99%

Loan amount

$1K-$50K

Min. credit score

580
See Offers
on Universal Credit's website
on Universal Credit's website

Qualifications:

Key Facts:A Universal Credit loan is a sound option for bad-credit borrowers looking to build credit, but rates are high compared to similar lenders.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 580.
  • Minimum number of accounts on credit history: 1 account.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 75%, including mortgage and the loan you’re applying for.
  • Minimum length of credit history: 2 years.
  • Minimum income requirement: None. Lender accepts income from alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security and other sources.
Available Term Lengths:3 to 5 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: 5.25% to 9.99%.
  • Late fee: Up to $10.
  • Non-sufficient funds fee: $10.

LendingPoint: Best for next-day funding and wide repayment terms

LendingPoint

Est. APR

7.99-35.99%

Loan amount

$1K-$37K

Min. credit score

640

Qualifications:

Key Facts:

LendingPoint personal loans are funded quickly and may be available to borrowers with fair credit for a midsize expense or home improvement project.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum credit score: 640. LendingPoint uses FICO version 9 and VantageScore version 3.0.
  • Minimum credit history: 2 years.
  • Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 45%, not including mortgage payments.
  • Minimum annual income: $35,000. This lender accepts income from employment, alimony, retirement, child support, Social Security and disability benefits, but not a partner’s income.
  • Must be at least 18 years old in most states.
  • Must have a Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID and a personal bank account.
Available Term Lengths:2 to 6 years
Fees:
  • Origination fee: Up to 10%.
  • Late fee: 5% of the payment amount or $30.

Our picks for the best quick loans

Dealing with an unexpected car or home repair, an urgent medical procedure or another emergency can really derail your finances. Even if you’ve been saving money in an emergency fund, you may find yourself in need of a loan to cover a large, urgent expense.

The best personal loans for emergencies are from reputable lenders who can fund the loan quickly. Our picks for the best quick loans cater to borrowers across the credit spectrum and can have money in your account the same day you apply or the following business day.

LightStream: Best for same-day funding for emergency home repairs

Why it made our list: LightStream’s high loan amounts and long repayment terms make it ideal for expensive home renovation projects, like a new roof or HVAC system. Approved loan applicants who sign their paperwork by 2:30 pm E.T. on a business day can get their loans funded the same day.

SoFi: Best for same-day funding and multiple rate discounts

Why it made our list: Borrowers can get same-day funding on a SoFi personal loan if they sign their loan documents by 6 p.m. E.T. on a business day. SoFi lets borrowers reduce their loan’s interest rate if they sign up for automatic payments or opt to have SoFi pay their creditors directly on a debt consolidation loan.

Rocket Loans: Best for same-day funding and flexible payments

Why it made our list: Getting a personal loan from Rocket Loans means same-day funding if you sign the loan agreement by 1 p.m. E.T. on a business day — plus the ability to change your payment due date as many times as you need. The lender lets you choose between making monthly or biweekly payments.

Discover: Best for next-day funding for good- and excellent-credit borrowers

Why it made our list: With a minimum credit score requirement of 660, Discover is a fitting option for good- and excellent credit borrowers (those with a credit score of 690 and above) who need next-day funding for an emergency or other expenses.

LendingClub: Best for next-day funding and debt consolidation

Why it made our list: LendingClub offers next-day funding plus an APR discount for authorizing LendingClub to pay your creditors directly on a debt consolidation loan.

Upstart: Best for next-day funding for thin-credit borrowers

Why it made our list: Upstart has next-day funding and may approve loan applicants who have a limited credit history. The lender uses an AI-based underwriting model that considers factors like an applicant’s education background and employment history rather than relying solely on credit scores.

Best Egg: Best for next-day funding for fair-credit borrowers

Why it made our list: Best Egg has a minimum credit score requirement of 600, which means that fair-credit borrowers (those with a score from 630 to 689) who meet its other requirements can qualify for a fast-funded loan. The lender says its typical funding time is one business day.

Avant: Best for next-day funding for bad-credit borrowers

Why it made our list: Bad-credit borrowers (those with a score below 630) looking for a quick loan may want to consider Avant, because the lender offers next-day funding and has a minimum credit score requirement of 550.

Universal Credit: Best for next-day funding and credit-building tools

Why it made our list: Universal Credit offers next-day funding after loan approval and has perks like free credit score access, credit monitoring and a credit score simulator through its parent company, Upgrade.

LendingPoint: Best for next-day funding and wide repayment terms

Why it made our list: LendingPoint can meet a borrower’s need for a quick loan with its next-day funding. It also offers repayment terms from two years to six years, so you can choose a repayment plan that best suits your financial situation.

Compare lenders’ approval and funding times

Lender

Time to approve

Time to fund

LightStream

Within 5 minutes.

Same day.

SoFi

Same day.

Same day.

Rocket Loans

Within minutes.

Same day.

Discover

Same day.

1 day.

LendingClub

Within 2 hours.

1 day.

Upstart

Instant.

1 day.

Best Egg

Instant.

1 day.

Avant

Within seconds.

1 day.

Universal Credit

1 day.

1 day.

LendingPoint

Within seconds.

1 day.

How to choose the right loan for you

Even in an emergency, it’s worth your time to understand the costs and features of any loan you’re considering. Here’s what to look for when choosing a quick loan.

Calculate the monthly payment

Review your monthly budget to determine what size loan payment you can afford. Then, use a personal loan calculator to see what loan amount, rate and repayment term you’d need to get the right monthly payment.

Compare interest rates and terms

The loan with the lowest annual percentage rate is the least expensive overall. You can use APR to compare emergency loans with other financing options. A loan with a long repayment term and low monthly payment may seem appealing, but it’ll typically cost more in total interest. Look for an offer that balances affordable monthly payments with reasonable interest costs.

Check for fees

The most common fee for a personal loan, especially from quick-funding online lenders, is an origination fee. This is typically 1% to 10% of the loan amount, and is often subtracted from the loan before you get the funds.

Watch out for predatory lending

Payday loans and high-interest installment loans are both options that offer quick funding but are very expensive and difficult to repay. Try to avoid fast loans with high interest rates whenever possible.

  • Payday loans are short-term loans that are repaid from your next paycheck. While funds can be obtained almost instantly, loans can carry an APR of nearly 400%. Payday loans are commonly offered for small amounts like $500 or less and should be considered a last resort.

  • High-interest installment loans are repaid over a few weeks to months, which allows you more time to repay the loan when compared to a payday loan. However, interest rates can be more than 36%, the maximum rate that most consumer advocates consider affordable.

For example, a $1,000 loan with a six-month term and a 60% APR would cost $182 in interest. The same loan with a 20% APR would cost $59 in interest, a difference of $123.

How quick is each step of the loan process?

Getting a personal loan can be broken down into four steps: pre-qualification, application, approval and funding. Here’s how long you can expect to move through each stage of the process.

Pre-qualification: Less than 5 minutes

Many personal loan lenders let you pre-qualify for a loan to preview prospective rates and terms without affecting your credit score. You can pre-qualify online within minutes by providing some basic information about yourself, including your address, income and Social Security number, as well as the loan amount and purpose. Pre-qualifying lets you compare rates from multiple lenders and find the least expensive loan, so it’s a step you shouldn’t miss, even if you need money fast.

Application: Less than 30 minutes

A formal personal loan application will likely ask for more information than you submitted during pre-qualification. For example, you may need to upload copies of pay stubs, bank statements or tax documents to verify your identity and income. Prospective borrowers can typically complete a loan application online within minutes.

Approval: 1 to 48 hours

The time it takes a lender to review your application and determine approval can take up to a couple days, especially if the lender requires you to follow up with additional documentation to verify the information on your application. The fastest lenders have instant or same-day approval.

Funding: 1 to 5 days

Most lenders fund personal loans within a week, but the quickest loans are funded the same day you apply or the following business day.

🤓

Nerdy Tip

You’ll improve your chances of getting a personal loan quickly if your application is accurate and complete, you meet all the lender’s qualifications and you submit the application before the lender’s cutoff time for same- or next-day funding. Some lenders, such as Rocket Loans, require loan agreements to be signed by midday for same-day funding, while others, like SoFi, have deadlines closer to the end of the business day.

Tips to get a quick loan with bad credit

A bad credit score (below 630) doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting a loan, but many lenders weigh credit score heavily on an application. If you have bad credit, having a low debt-to-income ratio and proof of stable income might help you qualify.

Here are a few additional tips to get an emergency loan with bad credit:

  • Ask for the lowest amount you need: You might not be approved for a large loan amount if you have bad credit, because loan companies may already view lending to you as a risk. Keep your requested amount as low as possible.

  • Add up income streams: Most lenders want to see that you have enough to cover regular expenses, make the new loan payment and have a little money left over. Your lender may consider Social Security benefits, alimony or child support as part of your income, so make sure to include all your income streams on a loan application.

  • Consider lenders that cater to bad-credit borrowers: A credit union may be the best option for bad-credit borrowers, because they often offer lower loan rates and look at more than just your credit score when reviewing your application. However, credit unions typically require membership and may take a few days to fund a loan. Many online lenders can fund loans faster, but check their rates and minimum credit score requirements before applying.

  • Add a co-signer or co-borrower: A co-signer or co-borrower with a higher credit score can help your chances of qualifying or getting a good rate. Just know that adding a co-signer or applying for a joint loan can potentially slow down the loan approval process since the lender has to evaluate two people’s criteria. 

  • Add collateral: Some lenders offer secured personal loans and consider the item used as collateral (usually a bank account or vehicle) when assessing an application. It can add extra time to the loan approval process, but adding collateral could improve your chances of qualifying or getting a lower APR.

How to get quick cash without a traditional loan

Before you borrow — especially if the rate you pre-qualify for is high — see if you can delay the expense or find an interest-free cash source. Consider cheaper alternatives first, even in an emergency:

Local financial assistance programs

Best for: Help meeting basic needs.

Community organizations such as charities, food banks and free loan associations can help you with home weatherization, free food, transportation to job interviews and other basic necessities. NerdWallet has a database of financial assistance programs in each state.

Friend or family loan

Best for: A no-credit-check loan with low- or no-interest for any purpose.

Though it may be uncomfortable to ask, borrowing from someone you trust may be the most affordable and safest option. A loan from a friend or family member will probably not require a credit check. You can draw up a loan agreement that includes when and how the money will be repaid as well as any interest the lender chooses to charge.

Medical bill assistance

Best for: Paying off medical debt at a low cost.

When you get a high medical bill, start with your free options: Set up a payment plan with your provider and negotiate the costs on your own. If you still need help, you can research low-cost medical credit cards or find a reputable medical bill advocate to negotiate on your behalf.

Paycheck advance

Best for: Fast cash quickly if you’re able to meet other financial obligations.

If you need money for a one-time emergency like a car repair or vet bill, try asking your employer for an advance on part or all of your paycheck. You can also use a cash advance app with potentially low mandatory fees. These options effectively let you access your own money early, rather than providing additional cash that you repay over time, so be sure you can meet all your other monthly financial obligations with a rearranged pay schedule.

Buy now, pay later

Best for: A large purchase that you want to repay over time.

Buy now, pay later” apps can help you make a big purchase such as a mattress or laptop and pay for it over time (often in four biweekly payments). This option is offered at most major retailers. Because making multiple BNPL purchases in a short period can lead to overextended finances, it’s best to make one purchase with BNPL at a time and pay it off in full before making another.

Next step: Pre-qualify on NerdWallet

When you pre-qualify for a personal loan, you get the chance to quickly compare rates, loan features and terms. Pre-qualifying on NerdWallet with our lender partners is fast and won’t affect your credit score.

PRE-QUALIFY ON NERDWALLET

Last updated on February 19, 2025

Frequently asked questions

  • Some lenders say they can approve a loan application in minutes and fund a loan in a day or two of approval, while others may take a few days for each. Generally, you should get the funds from a loan within a week of approval.

  • It is safe to get a loan online — you just need to choose a reputable lender. Features like no credit checks and annual percentage rates above 36% should be red flags. Know the signs of predatory loans to avoid a debt trap.

  • Most personal loans are for amounts of $1,000 or more. Cash advance apps, however, let borrowers access smaller amounts, like $500, from their next paycheck. You can receive the funds within hours, but watch for fees that can make cash advances expensive.

Why trust NerdWallet
  • 35+ personal loans reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
  • 20+ years of combined experience covering personal loans and financial topics.
  • Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 20+ categories and 70+ data points.
  • Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's personal loans content, including articles, reviews and recommendations, is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in consumer lending. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch and many other national, regional and local publications. They have been cited in publications including The Harvard Kennedy School, and appeared on NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast as well as local TV and radio.

Methodology

NerdWallet’s review process evaluates and rates personal loan products from more than 35 financial technology companies and financial institutions. We collect over 50 data points and cross-check company websites, earnings reports and other public documents to confirm product details. We may also go through a lender’s pre-qualification flow and follow up with company representatives. NerdWallet writers and editors conduct a full fact check and update annually, but also make updates throughout the year as necessary.

Our star ratings award points to lenders that offer consumer-friendly features, including: soft credit checks to pre-qualify, competitive interest rates and no fees, transparency of rates and terms, flexible payment options, fast funding times, accessible customer service, reporting of payments to credit bureaus and financial education. Our ratings award fewer points to lenders with practices that may make a loan difficult to repay on time, such as charging high annual percentage rates (above 36%), underwriting that does not adequately assess consumers’ ability to repay and lack of credit-building help. We also consider regulatory actions filed by agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. We weigh these factors based on our assessment of which are the most important to consumers and how meaningfully they impact consumers’ experiences.

NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodologies for personal loans and our editorial guidelines.

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Quick Loans: Best Lenders for Fast Cash in 2025

  • LightStream: Best for same-day funding for home improvement emergencies
  • SoFi Personal Loan: Best for same-day funding and multiple rate discounts
  • Rocket Loans: Best for same-day funding and flexible payments
  • Discover® Personal Loans: Best for next-day funding for good- and excellent-credit borrowers
  • LendingClub: Best for next-day funding and debt consolidation
  • Upstart: Best for next-day funding for thin-credit borrowers
  • Best Egg: Best for next-day funding for fair-credit borrowers
  • Avant: Best for next-day funding for bad-credit borrowers
  • Universal Credit: Best for next-day funding and credit-building tools
  • LendingPoint: Best for next-day funding and wide repayment terms
NerdWallet Pixel