Best Quick Loans for Fast Cash in 2024

You could get cash today with these quick loans

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LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
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Best lenders for quick loans

Written by Amanda Push and Carol Pope | Edited by Jessica Sain-Baird and Emilia Benton | Updated January 11, 2024
How Does LendingTree Get Paid?
LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
LenderUser ratingsBest for…Funding timelineAPR rangeLoan amountsMinimum credit score
Alliant Credit Union logoUser ratings coming soonBorrower protectionsSame dayStarting at 11.49%$1,000 - $100,000Not specified
Avant logo
(1,526)
User Ratings & Reviews rating-reviews-tooltip-icon

Ratings and reviews are from real consumers who have used the lending partner’s services.

Low-credit borrowersNext day9.95% - 35.95%$2,000 - $35,000580
Discover logo
(2)
User Ratings & Reviews rating-reviews-tooltip-icon

Ratings and reviews are from real consumers who have used the lending partner’s services.

Excellent customer serviceNext day7.99% - 24.99%$2,500 - $40,000720
LendingPoint logoSmall loansNext day7.99% - 35.99%$2,000 - $36,500660
LightStream logo
(2)
User Ratings & Reviews rating-reviews-tooltip-icon

Ratings and reviews are from real consumers who have used the lending partner’s services.

Home improvement loansSame day8.49% - 21.47% (with autopay)$5,000 - $100,000Not specified
Rocket Loans logoMid-sized purchasesSame day9.116% - 29.99% (with autopay)$2,000 - $45,000640
SoFi logoComplimentary financial planningSame day8.99% - 25.81% (with discounts)$5,000 - $100,000680
Upgrade logoJoint loansNext day8.49% - 35.99%$1,000 - $50,000580
Upstart logoThin or no creditNext day6.40% - 35.99%$1,000 - $50,000300

Quick loan lenders at a glance

Alliant Credit Union logo

Best for quick loans with borrower protections

Funding timelineSame day
APR rangeStarting at 11.49%
Loan terms12 to 60 months
Loan amounts$1,000 - $100,000
Origination feeNone
Minimum credit scoreNot specified
ProsCons

 Could cancel remaining loan balance in case of death, disability or unemployment with Debt Protection plan

 Loan Assistance program offers reduced interest rates and monthly payments during times of financial hardship

 Competitive APRs

 Must pay a monthly fee for Debt Protection plans

 Unclear eligibility requirements

 Must be a member for at least 90 days before getting a loan

Avant logo

Best for quick loans for low-credit borrowers

Funding timelineNext day
APR range9.95% - 35.95%
Loan terms12 to 60 months
Loan amounts$2,000 - $35,000
Origination feeUp to 9.99%
Minimum credit score580
ProsCons

  Low minimum credit score requirement

 Origination fee lower than some competitors

 Short minimum loan term

 Charges an origination fee

 No cosigner options

 Not available in all states

Discover logo

Best for quick loans with excellent customer service

Funding timelineNext day
APR range7.99% - 24.99%
Loan terms36 to 84 months
Loan amounts$2,500 - $40,000
Origination feeNone
Minimum credit score720
ProsCons

 97% customer satisfaction rating from LendingTree users

 Multiple repayment assistance options in case of financial hardship

 No origination fees

 $39 late payment fee

 No cosigners

 Need at least good credit to qualify

LendingPoint logo

Best for quick small loans

Funding timelineNext day
APR range7.99% - 35.99%
Loan terms24 to 72 months
Loan amounts$2,000 - $36,500
Origination fee0.00% - 10.00%
Minimum credit score660
ProsCons

 Clear eligibility criteria

 Considers more than just your credit score

 Loan terms longer than some

 No cosigners

 Potential for high origination fee

 High maximum APR

LightStream logo

Best for quick home improvement loans

Funding timelineSame day
APR range8.49% - 21.47% (with autopay)
Loan terms24 to 144 months
Loan amounts$5,000 - $100,000
Origination feeNone
Minimum credit scoreNot specified
ProsCons

 No fees

 Extra long loan terms

 Large loan amounts

 Cannot prequalify

 High minimum loan amount

 Only approves good-to-excellent credit

Rocket Loans logo

Best for quick loans for mid-sized purchases

Funding timelineSame day
APR range9.116% - 29.99% (with autopay)
Loan terms36 or 60 months
Loan amounts$2,000 - $45,000
Origination feeUp to 9.00%
Minimum credit score640
ProsCons

 Competitive APRs

 Offers autopay discount

 Verifies income, employment and bank account information electronically during application process

 Limited loan terms

 $15 per occurrence late payment fee

 Charges an origination fee

SoFi logo

Best for quick loans with complimentary financial planning

Funding timelineSame day
APR range8.99% - 25.81% (with discounts)
Loan terms24 to 84 months
Loan amounts$5,000 - $100,000
Origination fee0.00% - 6.00% (not required)
Minimum credit score680
ProsCons

 Complimentary financial planning available

 No late payment fees

 Competitive APRs with multiple discount opportunities

 Origination fee required for lowest APRs

 High minimum loan amount

 Need good credit to qualify

Upgrade logo

Best for quick joint loans

Funding timelineNext day
APR range8.49% - 35.99%
Loan terms24 to 84 months
Loan amounts$1,000 - $50,000
Origination fee1.85% - 9.99%
Minimum credit score580
ProsCons

 Allows joint applications

 Accepts fair credit

 Secured loans available

 Mandatory origination fee

 High maximum APR

  $10 late payment fee

Upstart logo

Best for quick loans if you have thin or no credit

Funding timelineNext day
APR range6.40% - 35.99%
Loan terms36 and 60 months
Loan amounts$1,000 - $50,000
Origination fee0.00% - 12.00%
Minimum credit score300
ProsCons

 One of the lowest minimum credit requirements around

 Flexible loan amounts

 Ultra-competitive minimum APR

 Higher-than-average maximum origination fee

 Only two term lengths

 No co-applicants

What is a quick loan?

A quick loan is simply a personal loan with a fast funding timeline. While the definition of a fast funding timeline can vary, we consider this to be same-day or next-day funding.

When a lender approves you for a personal loan, it will send your funds as a lump sum (minus an origination fee, if applicable). Then, you’ll pay back your loan in monthly installments, plus interest.

There are plenty of reasons you might need a quick loan. You can use your funds for almost anything, but borrowers often take out a quick loan to pay for emergencies. These could include:

  • Car repairs
  • Home improvements
  • Sudden and essential travel
  • Funeral costs
  • Vet bills
  • Dental emergencies

How to speed up the loan process

In many ways, you’re at the mercy of your lender regarding when you’ll get your loan. But there are a few things you can do that might expedite the funding process.

Target online lenders

Getting an online loan can be quick and convenient. You don’t need to schedule an appointment or leave the comfort of your own home. Many online lenders also specialize same- or next-day loan funding.

You can compare up to five lenders at once on LendingTree’s personal loan marketplace. See what rates you could qualify for today. Checking rates won’t affect your credit score.

Pay attention to approval and funding timelines

Although some lenders offer quick loans, not all do. Review your potential lender’s approval and funding timelines before applying. You can usually find this on the lender’s homepage or by combing through its FAQs. If you’re going with a brick-and-mortar lender, ask the loan officer for more details.

Apply before noon on a business day

Even if a lender advertises same-day funding, this typically depends on when you apply for your loan.

SoFi, for instance, states that the majority of their applicants receive their loans the same day they apply, but only if they do so before 7 p.m. EST on a business day. LightStream also advertises same-day loans, but only if you complete the verification process by 2:30 p.m. EST on a business day.

Gather documents in advance

Every lender has a different application process, but generally, you’ll need to provide bank and tax statements, W2s and your government-issued ID.

You might be able to confirm this information through an electronic verification system. Still, have this information handy in case you need to send copies by email or fax.

Take time on your paperwork

When you’re in a hurry, it can sometimes pay to slow down. Fill out your loan application carefully. Mistakes can cause delays in your loan disbursement. For example, Discover mentions that errors or typos on your application can cause a delayed disbursement.

Consider direct deposit

You might have a choice between getting your loan as a paper check or as a direct deposit. Opt for direct deposit to get your funds faster.

What could slow down the loan process

Some aspects of your borrowing profile or loan application can make loan approval take more time, including:

Having challenged credit

When you apply for a loan, a loan underwriter or AI program will determine your creditworthiness. Each lender has its own guidelines, but it will generally review factors like your credit score, debt-to-income ratio and payment history.

If you have a checkered financial history, the lender will have more to review. This could mean the lender will need more time to make an approval decision.

Being self-employed

Being self-employed doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get a personal loan. You may, however, have to submit extra documents that don’t apply to a borrower with a traditional job. These could include profit and loss statements, business and personal tax returns.

In short, the lender will scrutinize your business to make sure you’ll be able to pay back your loan.

Adding a co-signer

If you have bad credit, adding a co-signer can boost your personal loan approval odds. But including a co-signer means the lender will have a second person to underwrite, possibly increasing the time it needs to make a decision.

Quick loans for bad credit

Getting a personal loan if you have bad credit can be a challenge. Some lenders may deny your application. You may only qualify for high APRs with others, sometimes as much as 36%.

However, there are plenty of trustworthy personal loan lenders that provide bad credit loans on a fast timeline. Avant and Upstart, for instance, have low minimum credit score requirements and can provide next-day funds.

If you’re worried about qualifying for a personal loan or getting stuck with high rates, consider applying for a loan with a cosigner or getting a secured loan.

As mentioned, cosigned (and joint loans) allow you to apply for a loan with a second person, helping you qualify for lower rates.

Secured loans require you to put down collateral, such as a savings account or vehicle. Lenders are sometimes more willing to approve borrowers who put up collateral. If you don’t pay back your loan, the lender can recoup some of its losses through repossession.

Keep in mind these routes may add some extra time to the application and approval process.

Quick loans to avoid

Needing extra cash fast can make you feel desperate. Bad actors realize this, and you might find yourself faced with a predatory lender of the likes below:

Payday loans

If you need money fast, payday lenders can seem enticing. They promise quick cash without a credit check. However, payday loans are a bad option. They’re expensive and can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt.

Payday loan fees can equate to an APR as high as 400%. What’s more, these loans have excessively short terms (one to two weeks). These short terms could force you to roll your loan over into a new one if you can’t pay on time.

For more details, compare personal loans vs. payday loans.

Pawn shop loans

Like payday loans, pawn shop loans don’t require credit checks. They are also risky and come at a high cost.

A pawn shop loan requires collateral (such as electronics or jewelry) in exchange for the loan. The amount of the loan is typically much less than what your collateral is worth. If you don’t repay your loan, the pawn shop will likely keep your collateral to offset its loss.

Car title loans

Car title loans and pawn shop loans are similar in that they both require collateral. In the case of a car title loan, it’s your car.

Car title loans come with high interest rates, often reaching triple digits. They can also carry additional, sky-high fees. Repayment terms are generally 15 days to one year, and your loan may only equate to 25% to 50% of your vehicle’s value. If you don’t repay, the lender can repossess your vehicle.

What if a quick loan isn’t right for me?

Quick loans can be a lifesaver, but they aren’t the best choice for everyone. If you don’t want (or qualify for) a personal loan, explore these alternatives.

Credit cards

Credit cards can be useful for quickly accessing funds. As opposed to the lump sum of a personal loan, credit cards offer a line of credit from which you can draw at will.

Credit cards give you a predetermined limit to spend, and you’re only responsible for interest on the amount of credit you use. Unlike personal loans, credit cards may come with variable interest rates. This means that your interest rates may change from month to month depending on the market.

Some credit cards come with a 0% intro APR period. If you pay off your charges before the intro period is over, you could avoid interest altogether.

Paycheck advance app

Paycheck advance apps let you borrow money from your upcoming paycheck. In many cases, these apps don’t require a credit check and don’t charge interest. However, some may charge a membership fee or ask for a voluntary tip.

Paycheck advance apps may also have eligibility requirements. These could include a regular pay schedule and receiving your paycheck via direct deposit. These apps offer small-dollar loans, which could be helpful if you’re struggling to make it through the week.

Friends and family

Borrowing from loved ones presents unique challenges, but it may save you on interest and fees.

It’s wise to take precautions when taking a loan from a friend or family member. To avoid a damaged relationship, set up rates and terms ahead of time. You could even write up a legal contract that both parties sign.

Hardship programs

If you need help paying a loan or utility bill, see if you’re eligible for a financial hardship program. Hardship programs may include forbearance (or a pause on your payments), loan modification, temporary APR reductions or fee waivers.

If you enter a loan forbearance program, you’ll still have to repay the loan in full eventually. Interest may also continue to accrue.

How we chose the best quick loans

We reviewed more than 14 lenders to determine the overall best nine quick loans. To make our list, lenders must offer same- or next-day funding with competitive annual percentage rates (APRs). From there, we prioritize lenders based on the following factors:

  • Accessibility: Lenders are ranked higher if their personal loans are available to more people and require fewer conditions. This may include lower credit requirements, wider geographic availability, faster funding and easier and more transparent prequalification and application processes.
  • Rates and terms: We prioritize lenders with more competitive fixed rates, fewer fees and greater options for repayment terms, loan amounts and APR discounts.
  • Repayment experience: For starters, we consider each lender’s reputation and business practices. We also favor lenders that report to all major credit bureaus, offer reliable customer service and provide any unique perks to customers, like free wealth coaching.

Frequently asked questions

Technically, no loans are instant. No matter what, you have to fill out an application. And even if you go with a no-credit-check lender, it will still need to review your basic financial information.
 
That said, many lenders can provide loans the same day you apply. These include Alliant, LightStream, Rocket Loans and SoFi. You could also opt for a paycheck advance app — these generally have a fast funding timeline.

The easiest loans to get (payday loans, pawn shop loans and car title loans) are typically the most expensive. These also include no-credit-check installment loans. Before resorting to these options, you may want to check out Upstart, Avant or Upgrade. These lenders work with borrowers with fair-to-poor credit.

They can be, but it depends on the type of loan you get and where you get it from. Above all else, avoid predatory lenders. Also, read LendingTree personal loan reviews to get a feel for the customer experience. Finally, be sure that the lender’s site is encrypted — check for the lock symbol on the left-hand side of your navigation bar.