Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will always identify, all opinions are our own. Credible Operations, Inc. NMLS # 1681276, is referred to here as "Credible."
If you’re facing a financial emergency and don’t have enough money set aside in savings to cover the expenses, emergency loans might help.
These are personal loans with quick funding times to quickly get you the money you need.
Here’s what you should know about emergency loans and how to get them:
- Emergency loans
- How to qualify for an emergency loan
- How to compare emergency loan lenders
- How to apply for an emergency loan
- Be careful with other types of emergency loans
- Alternatives to emergency loans
- Build an emergency fund
Emergency loans
There are several lenders that offer emergency loans. Keep in mind that you’ll likely need good credit and verifiable income to qualify, though some lenders have less strict requirements than others.
Here are Credible’s partner lenders that provide emergency loans:
| Lender | Fixed rates | Min. credit score | Time to fund |
|---|---|---|---|
Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
| 9.95% - 35.99% APR | 550 | As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday) |
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Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
| 6.79% - 17.99% APR | 740 | Next business day |
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Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
| 4.99% - 35.99% APR | 600 | As soon as 1 - 3 business days after successful verification |
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Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
| 5.99% - 24.99% APR | 660 | As soon as the next business day after acceptance |
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Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
| 15.49% - 35.99% APR | 580 | As soon as the next business day |
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Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
| 2.49% - 19.99% APR | 660 | As soon as the same business day |
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Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
| 18.0% - 35.99% APR | None | As soon as the same day, but usually requires a visit to a branch office |
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Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
| 6.95% - 35.99% APR | 640 | As soon as one business day |
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Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
| 8.93% - 35.93% APR7 | 560 | Within one day, once approved9 |
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Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
| 5.94% - 35.97% APR | 560 | Within a day of clearing necessary verifications |
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Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
| 4.37% - 35.99% APR4 | 580 | As fast as 1 business day6 |
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Avant
With Avant, you could get a personal loan up to $35,000 with funding as soon as the next business day. Avant could also be a good choice if you’re looking for a personal loan for bad credit.
- Rates: 9.95% - 35.99% APR
- Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5*
- Loan amount: $2,000 to $35,000**
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: Autopay
- Eligibility: Available in all states except CO, IA, HI, VT, NV NY, WV
- Min. income: $1,200 monthly
- Customer service: Phone, email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 550
- Time to get funds: As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday)
- Loan uses: Debt consolidation, emergency expense, life event, home improvement, and other purposes
*If approved, the actual loan terms that a customer qualifies for may vary based on credit determination, state law, and other factors. Minimum loan amounts vary by state.
**Example: A $5,700 loan with an administration fee of 4.75% and an amount financed of $5,429.25, repayable in 36 monthly installments, would have an APR of 29.95% and monthly payments of $230.33.
Axos
Axos offers personal loans for up to $35,000 with time to fund as soon as the next business day. To qualify for a personal loan with Axos, you’ll generally need good to excellent credit.
- Rates: 6.79% - 17.99% APR
- Loan terms (years): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Loan amount: $5,000 to $35,000
- Fees: No prepayment penalty
- Discounts: None
- Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
- Min. income: Does not disclose
- Customer service: Phone
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 740
- Time to get funds: Next business day
- Loan uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, self-employment, and other purposes
Axos Bank personal loans review
Best Egg
Best Egg loans are available for up to $50,000 and are typically funded in one to three business days after verification. You might also be able to qualify for a lower interest rate with Best Egg than you’d get with a traditional lender.
- Rates: 4.99% - 35.99% APR
- Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5
- Loan amount: $2,000 to $50,000
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: None
- Eligibility: Available in all states except DC, IA, VT, and WV
- Min. income: None
- Customer service: Phone
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 600
- Time to get funds: As soon as 1 - 3 business days after successful verification
- Loan uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Best Egg personal loans review
Discover
Discover offers several types of financial products, including personal loans ranging from $2,500 to $35,000. With a Discover personal loan, funds could be sent as soon as the next business day after acceptance.
- Rates: 5.99% - 24.99% APR
- Loan terms (years): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Loan amount: $2,500 - $35,000
- Fees: Late fee
- Discounts: None
- Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
- Customer service: Phone
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 660
- Time to get funds: As soon as the next business day after acceptance
- Loan uses: Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding
Discover personal loans review
LendingPoint
LendingPoint loans are generally geared toward borrowers with poor or fair credit, which could make it easier to get approved. With LendingPoint, you can borrow up to $36,500, with funding as soon as the next business day.
- Rates: 15.49% - 35.99% APR
- Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4
- Loan amount: $2,000 to $36,500
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: Autopay
- Eligibility: Available in all states except NV and WV
- Min. income: $20,000
- Customer service: Phone, email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 580
- Time to get funds: As soon as the next business day
- Loan uses: Home improvement, consolidate debt, credit card refinancing, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes
LendingPoint personal loans review
LightStream
If you need a larger personal loan, LightStream could be a good option. LightStream offers personal loans up to $100,000 and funding potentially as soon as the same business day.
- Rates: 2.49% - 19.99% APR
- Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (up to 12 years for home improvement loans)
- Loan amount: $5,000 to $100,000
- Fees: None
- Discounts: Autopay
- Eligibility: Available in all states except RI and VT
- Min. income: Does not disclose
- Customer service: Phone, email
- Soft credit check: No
- Min. credit score: 660
- Time to get funds: As soon as the same business day
- Loan uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
LightStream personal loans review
Prosper
With Prosper, you can borrow $2,000 to $40,000 with a repayment term of three or five years. If you’re approved, you could have your loan funded in as little as one business day.
- Rates: 6.95% - 35.99% APR
- Loan terms (years): 3, 5
- Loan amount: $2,000 to $40,000
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: None
- Eligibility: Available in all states except IA and WV
- Min. income: None
- Customer service: Phone, email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 640
- Time to get funds: As soon as one business day
- Loan uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, vehicles, small business, new baby expenses, and other purposes
Universal Credit
Borrowers with poor credit can get a loan up to $20,000 with Universal Credit. Repayment terms are three to five years, with funding as soon as one day, once approved.
- Rates: 8.93% - 35.93% APR7
- Loan terms (years): 3 to 5 years 8
- Loan amount: $1,000 - $50,000
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: Autopay
- Eligibility: A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; not available in DC, IA, SC, WV
- Customer service: Phone, email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 560
- Time to get funds: Within one day, once approved9
- Loan uses: Debt consolidation, pay off credit cards, home improvements, unexpected expenses, home and auto repairs, weddings, and other major purchases
7Personal loans made through Universal Credit feature APRs of 10.97%-35.93%. All personal loans have a 4.25% to 8% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.98% APR (which includes a 14.32% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $343.33. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,359.97. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Information on Universal Credit’s lending partners can be found at https://www.universal-.credit.com/landing/lendingpartners
8Your loan terms are not guaranteed and are subject to our verification and review process. You may be asked to provide additional documents to enable us to verify your income and your identity. You may be required to have some of your funds sent directly to pay off your credit cards. This rate includes an Autopay APR reduction of 0.5%. By enrolling in Autopay your payments will be automatically deducted from your bank account. Selecting Autopay is optional. Annual Percentage Rate is inclusive of a loan origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. Personal loans made by Universal Credit's lending partners. Information on Universal Credit's lending partners can be found at https://www.universal-credit.com/landing/lendingpartners. Please refer to Universal Credit's Terms of Use and Borrower Agreement for all terms, conditions and requirements.
9Accept your loan offer and your funds will be sent to your bank or designated account within one (1) business day of clearing necessary verifications. Availability of the funds is dependent on how quickly your bank processes the transaction. From the time of approval, funds sent directly to you should be available within four (4) business days. Funds sent directly to pay off your creditors may take up to two (2) weeks to clear, depending on the creditor.
Upgrade
Upgrade is another lender willing to work with borrowers with less than stellar credit. You could get a loan up to $35,000 with Upgrade, with funding as fast as a day of clearing verifications.
- Rates: 5.94% - 35.97% APR
- Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000 ($3,005 minimum in GA; $6,005 minimum in MA)
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: Autopay
- Eligibility: Available in all states except West Virginia
- Min. income: Does not disclose
- Customer service: Email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 560
- Time to get funds: Within a day of clearing necessary verifications
- Loan uses: Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, home improvement, and other purposes
Upstart
Loans from Upstart are available from $1,000 to $50,0005. With Upstart, you could get your funds within one to three business days.
- Rates: 4.37% - 35.99% APR4
- Loan terms (years): 3 to 5 years4
- Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,0005
- Fees: Origination fee
- Discounts: None
- Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
- Min. income: $12,000
- Customer service: Phone, email
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Min. credit score: 580
- Time to get funds: As fast as 1 business day6
- Loan uses: Payoff credit cards, consolidate debt, take a course or bootcamp, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes
4The full range of available rates varies by state. The average 3-year loan offered across all lenders using the Upstart platform will have an APR of 21.97% and 36 monthly payments of $35 per $1,000 borrowed. For example, the total cost of a $10,000 loan would be $12,646 including a $626 origination fee. APR is calculated based on 3-year rates offered in the last 1 month. There is no down payment and no prepayment penalty. Your APR will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will be approved.
5This offer is conditioned on final approval based on our consideration and verification of financial and non-financial information. Rate and loan amount are subject to change based upon information received in your full application. This offer may be accepted only by the person identified in this offer, who is old enough to legally enter into contract for the extension of credit, a US citizen or permanent resident, and a current resident of the US. Duplicate offers received are void. Closing your loan is contingent on your meeting our eligibility requirements, our verification of your information, and your agreement to the terms and conditions on the www.upstart.com website.
Your loan amount will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will qualify for the full amount. Loans are not available in West Virginia or Iowa. The minimum loan amount in MA is $7,000. The minimum loan amount in Ohio is $6,000. The minimum loan amount in NM is $5100. The minimum loan amount in GA is $3,100.
6If you accept your loan by 5pm EST (not including weekends or holidays), you will receive your funds the next business day. Loans used to fund education related expenses are subject to a 3 business day wait period between loan acceptance and funding in accordance with federal law.
Learn More: Where to Get a Personal Loan
How to qualify for an emergency loan
Qualifying for a personal loan for emergencies is similar to getting approved for most other loans. The lender will typically consider your credit history, income, and ability to repay the loan in the future to determine if you’re eligible.
Here are a few ways you could improve your odds of loan approval:
- Avoid taking out other new credit
- Keep your credit card balances low
- Make any existing loan payments on time
Not all lenders allow for a cosigner on personal loans though, so be sure to check.
Just keep in mind that a cosigner is legally responsible for the loan if you can’t make our payments.
Learn More: No Credit Check Personal Loan
How to compare emergency loan lenders
While personal loan lenders might look similar on the surface, it’s important to compare them to find a loan that fits your needs.
Be sure to consider as many lenders as possible when searching for an emergency loan. A few important factors to consider include:
- Interest rates
- Repayment terms
- Any fees charged by the lender (such as origination fees)
Before you borrow, estimate how much you’ll pay for a loan using our personal loan calculator below.
Enter your loan information to calculate how much you could pay
With a $ loan, you will pay $ monthly and a total of $ in interest over the life of your loan. You will pay a total of $ over the life of the loan.
Need a personal loan?
Compare rates without affecting your credit score. 100% free!
Checking rates won’t affect your credit score.
Learn More: How to Get a Fast Personal Loan for Quick Cash
How to apply for an emergency loan
While emergencies are tough situations, getting an emergency loan doesn’t have to be. Follow these four steps to apply for an emergency loan:
- Shop around and compare lenders: Start by looking for lenders that could meet your needs. Consider credit and income requirements as well as interest rates and loan limits. This way, you can likely narrow down your list of potential lenders.
- Fill out the application: Once you decide which lender you like best, you’ll need to complete a full application for the loan. You might also need to submit documentation, such as proof of income.
- Get your funds: If your loan is approved, the lender will send you your funds. The fastest way to get funds in many cases is through a direct deposit.
If you’re ready to find your loan, Credible can help you streamline the process. With Credible, you can see your prequalified rates from multiple lenders in just two minutes after filling out just a single form.
Ready to find your personal loan?
Credible makes it easy to find the right loan for you.
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Checking rates won’t affect your credit
Be careful with other types of emergency loans
If you’re facing an emergency, you might be tempted by other types of fast-access loans, such as:
- Payday loans are unsecured, short-term loans designed to be paid back by the next payday. While they typically don’t require a credit check, they can come with interest rates ranging from 300% to 500%.
- Pawn shop loans are a type of loan where you leave a valuable item with a pawn shop to borrow money. Like payday loans, pawn shop loans usually come with extremely high interest rates. If you pay the loan back as agreed, you’ll get your item back. But if you don’t, the pawn shop can sell it.
- Title loans put your car’s title on the line as collateral. If you don’t pay the loan back as agreed, you might lose your vehicle.
Check Out:
Alternatives to emergency loans
If an emergency loan doesn’t seem right for you, here are a few alternatives that you might consider:
- Credit union loans: Because credit unions are nonprofit organizations, you might be able to get a lower interest on a credit union. However, you’ll need to be a member of the credit union to apply.
- 0% APR credit card: Some credit cards offer 0% APR introductory periods. If you’re able to repay the balance by the end of this period, you won’t owe any interest. Keep in mind that if you can’t pay off the balance by this time, you might be stuck paying hefty interest charges.
- Payment plan or hardship options: If you’re facing an emergency or hardship, your creditor might be willing to work out a payment plan. Some creditors also offer hardship options. Reach out to see what your options might be.
- Ask family or friends for help: Temporarily borrowing money from family or friends could help you navigate a financial challenge. However, this could impact your relationships, so proceed with care.
- Paycheck advance: If you have a steady job, your employer might be willing to offer a payroll advance in some circumstances.
Build an emergency fund
Having an emergency fund can help you cover unexpected expenses. Generally, an emergency fund should contain even money to cover three to six months’ worth of your expenses.
Having an emergency fund could help you avoid the need for an emergency loan in the future.
Another option is to sign up for a high-yield savings account. These accounts offer higher interest rates compared to standard savings accounts, which could help you increase your savings more quickly.
Keep Reading: How Personal Loans Impact Your Credit Score
About Rates and Terms: Rates for personal loans provided by lenders on the Credible platform range between 4.99-35.99% APR with terms from 12 to 84 months. Rates presented include lender discounts for enrolling in autopay and loyalty programs, where applicable. Actual rates may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown and will be based on the lender’s eligibility criteria, which include factors such as credit score, loan amount, loan term, credit usage and history, and vary based on loan purpose. The lowest rates available typically require excellent credit, and for some lenders, may be reserved for specific loan purposes and/or shorter loan terms. The origination fee charged by the lenders on our platform ranges from 0% to 8%. Each lender has their own qualification criteria with respect to their autopay and loyalty discounts (e.g., some lenders require the borrower to elect autopay prior to loan funding in order to qualify for the autopay discount). All rates are determined by the lender and must be agreed upon between the borrower and the borrower’s chosen lender. For a loan of $10,000 with a three year repayment period, an interest rate of 7.99%, a $350 origination fee and an APR of 11.51%, the borrower will receive $9,650 at the time of loan funding and will make 36 monthly payments of $313.32. Assuming all on-time payments, and full performance of all terms and conditions of the loan contract and any discount programs enrolled in included in the APR/interest rate throughout the life of the loan, the borrower will pay a total of $11,279.43. As of March 12, 2019, none of the lenders on our platform require a down payment nor do they charge any prepayment penalties.
