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Quick Personal Loans: Best Fast Cash Lenders of 2021
Anytime you need money fast and it feels like you don’t have a lot of options, it can be stressful. Luckily, quick personal loans are available through banks, credit unions and online lenders. These fast cash personal loans can get you the funding you need in a time frame that might make your head spin (in a good way).
But how can you find the best quick personal loans available right now? By leaning heavily on our SimpleScore process, we compared rates, fees, customer satisfaction, support and loan amounts so you can know you’re getting the best of the best when it comes to quick cash loans.
[ Next: The Best Debt Consolidation Loans ]
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The best fast cash lenders of 2021
- LightStream – Best for same-day funding
- Discover – Best for next-day funding
- Upstart – Best for short credit histories
- Best Egg – Best for debt consolidation
- NetCredit – Best for bad credit
| Lender | SimpleScore | APR Range | Loan Amount | Funding Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LightStream | 4.8 | 2.49%–19.99% with Autopay | $5,000–$100,000 | Under 24 hours |
| Discover | 4.4 | 6.99%–24.99% | $2,500–$35,000 | 1 business day |
| Upstart | 3.4 | 6.95%–35.99% | $1,000–$50,000 | 1 business day |
| Best Egg | 3.75 | 5.99%–29.99% | $2,000–$35,000 | 1 business day |
| NetCredit | 2.25 | 34.00%–155.00% | $1,000–$10,000 | 1 business day |
Best for same-day funding – LightStream
If you’re looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, LightStream’s personal loans can get you between $5,000 and $40,000 (and in only a few hours slower than the speed of light).
If you’re looking for the fastest cash possible, LightStream’s loans may be a viable option. The company gets you a response to your loan the same day during business hours. If you return your signed paperwork by 2:30 EST on a business day, you’ll get access to your funds that same day.
- Funding time: Under 24 hours
- Minimum credit score: Not listed
- Minimum annual income: Not listed
LightStream does require you to declare your plans for the money when you apply for your loan, which will affect the APR you receive. APRs range from 2.49%–19.99% (with AutoPay), depending on your credit profile, the amount you want to borrow, the length of repayment terms and what you are using the money for.
Best for next-day funding – Discover, Member FDIC
For people looking to discover a quick personal loan option with flexible repayment, it only seems fitting to check out a lender literally named Discover.
If you have to have your money today, you’ll want to use LightStream personal loans. But if you can wait until tomorrow, that opens up some additional options like Discover personal loans. Loans are available through the same company made popular by their credit card offerings.
- Funding time: 1 business day
- Minimum credit score: Not listed
- Minimum annual income: $25,000
Personal loans through Discover come with no origination fees, fixed rates between 6.99%–24.99% APR and flexible repayment terms. Additionally, you can return the funds in under 30 days if you need to and pay no interest at all. If you’re looking for funding, speak to one of Discover’s 100% U.S. based customer service specialists.
Best for short credit histories – Upstart
Especially great for people looking for smaller loans, Upstart can get you up and started on the path to the financial help you’re searching for.
Upstart offers loans from $1,000 to $50,000. The lower end of this range is good for people looking for a smaller infusion of cash. Rates span from 6.95%–35.99% depending on your state of residence, creditworthiness and loan terms. Upstart also offers no prepayment penalties, so you’ll only pay for the time you need the money.
- Funding time: 1 business day
- Minimum credit score: 620
- Minimum annual income: Not listed
According to the company’s website, the company looks at more than just your credit score when deciding on approval. Upstart looks at your education, work experience and several other factors to make its decision.
Best for debt consolidation – Best Egg
While standard eggs are great for breakfast and protein, only the best eggs are good for debt consolidation. All puns aside, Best Egg is a phenomenal quick personal loan option for debt consolidation.
Best Egg offers personal loans between $2,000 and $35,000 to borrowers with at least a 640 credit score. This minimum score is higher than in many other places but may earn you a better rate. The rate range of 5.99%–29.99% on a personal loan is lower than most of the other options presented on this list.
- Funding time: 1 business day
- Minimum credit score: 640
- Minimum annual income: Not listed
People looking to consolidate debt can get up to $35,000 from Best Egg in a matter of minutes. If you have outstanding debt and rates are now lower, or your credit profile has changed, you may be able to save significantly.
Best for bad credit – NetCredit
It can seem hard to catch the loan you need when you have bad credit. But if you cast a wider net with a company like NetCredit, you may find the funding help you need, even if your credit score isn’t something to write home about.
While NetCredit does not list the minimum credit score it’s willing to work with, the company does boast that people are more than just a credit score. Additionally, the much higher rates signal it’s willing to take on riskier investments, which means lower credit scores.
- Funding time: 1 business day
- Minimum credit score: Not listed
- Minimum annual income: Not listed
The maximum you can borrow on a NetCredit personal loan will depend on the state that you live in. In most states, though, that maximum is $10,000. While this is a smaller amount than the other options on the list, it may be all you qualify for if you have bad credit.
How to get a quick loan
- Gather a copy of your credit report and your supporting financial documents. You’ll need all of this during the application process. If you find errors in your credit report, get them corrected first. Even if you have less-than-great credit, you may still be able to qualify for a bad credit loan.
- Begin shopping lenders to find the options that may work for you. Remember, even though you need the money fast, you still need to make fiscally smart decisions. Find the lender that offers the best rates, most favorable terms and the right dollar amount for your needs.
- Complete the approval process. Most quick cash lenders will have a preapproval process that will give you an idea of whether you will get final approval. Once you find the right lender that preapproves you, fill out the paperwork for final approval. The quicker you get your paperwork in, the quicker you’ll get access to your funds. Some lenders may be able to get you your funds the same day.
What to consider before getting a fast cash loan
Fast money sounds great, and it often is a perfect solution to our money needs. However, there are some things you’ll want to consider before getting a fast cash loan. First, the money is generally expensive. Because you need the access fast, lenders may charge you more fees and higher interest rates.
Second, you have to be careful you’re not falling into a predatory lending situation. Is the loan something you’re going to be able to pay back, or are you possibly falling into a cycle of borrowing and more borrowing? Not all of the best quick personal loans are like this, but the predatory companies love to prey on people who are in time-sensitive situations, so be extra careful.
While many of these points may seem like big drawbacks to getting a quick personal loan, they may be a necessary evil and just the cost of doing business if you really need the money fast.
[ Read: 5 Best Ways to Borrow Money in an Emergency ]
How to get money fast without a loan
Borrow from family and friends
Yes, this is technically still going to be a loan, and yes, it’s a loan you need to treat with the same respect as a loan you’d take from a financial institution. However, you may be able to get a better rate or even be able to borrow the money without interest from someone close to you. Make sure, though, that you don’t sour a relationship over money, as this becomes a real possibility when larger sums of money are involved.
Sell some of your possessions
While it’s never fun to get rid of something you own, it may be the best solution to get the fast cash you need. If you have a big-ticket item that is less important than the reason you need the money, you may want to sell it. Additionally, if you have a lot of items you don’t really need anymore, you could consider having a garage sale to pick up the extra cash you need.
Get more work
Probably the most fiscally responsible option that may be available to you is to pick up more work. Try to get more shifts at your current job or look to pick up a side job on nights and weekends. Yes, this may mean you’re going to be pretty busy for a while and will probably have to forego some social events, but it’s the best way to meet your financial goals without owing any money to anyone.
[ Read: 30 Legitimate Ways to Get Money Fast ]
Fast cash loans for bad credit
One of the toughest situations you can find yourself in is if you need a fast cash loan, but you don’t have great credit. Lenders use your credit score and your credit history to determine if they’re willing to trust lending money to you. When that score is low, approval can be hard. And even if you can get approved, the cost of borrowing could be astronomical.
[ More: What Is an Installment Loan? ]Luckily, there are still understanding companies that are willing to give you a second chance, like OneMain Financial, Peerform and NetCredit. Bad credit loan companies do exist and do have affordable borrowing options available. Again, be very careful not to get connected with a predatory company that might not have your best interests at heart
Types of quick loans
Unsecured personal loans: Unsecured personal loans are borrowing programs where you don’t have to put up collateral to get a loan. The rates are higher than secured personal loans, but the approval process is quicker.
Payday loans: While payday loans promise quick cash, they are predatory and can put you on course for a debt cycle you can’t escape. Use payday loans as a very last resort after you’ve exhausted every other possible option.
Car title loans: These quick loan options give you fast cash in return for a high-interest rate and putting your car title up for collateral. While this might seem like a quick fix, the longer-term impact can be devastating. If you default on one of these loans, you will lose your car.
Risks and alternatives to fast cash loans
The money is expensive. Access to quick cash may be more expensive than traditional loan options like secured personal loans or credit cards. If you can wait, take the additional time to seek out other cost-effective options. In addition, quick loans may make you susceptible to falling into a debt cycle. If you don’t have a plan to pay back your loan, you shouldn’t take one out. Many people find themselves trying to pay off debt with other forms of debt, which begins a downward debt cycle. Have a plan for repayment before you borrow.
If the thought of borrowing money fast and repaying it back with interest bothers you, try asking friends or family for a short-term loan. Draw up an agreeable contract that has little to no interest and see if someone will agree to lend you the cash you need to bridge those financial gaps. Furthermore, it may be possible to ask your employer for a paycheck advance if you’re really hurting for the cash.
Alternatively, using a credit card can help patch things up in a pinch. Instead of opening another line on your credit profile or paying origination fees, your current credit card can be a source of quick cash in the case of an emergency. Just be sure to pay it back as soon as possible — as you would with a personal loan — in order to avoid heft interest charges on your balance.
Personal loan FAQs
Many online quick personal loan companies do have funding options available the same day and within a few hours. To get a loan instantly, check some of the different lenders that advertise same-day financing.
Yes, you may be able to borrow $20,000 quickly, depending on your credit score and the needs you have for borrowing. Many lenders are willing to lend you $20,000 or more the same day, as long as you meet their eligibility requirements.
The easiest way for you to get approved for a loan is to reach out to several companies at the same time to see which is willing to work with you. Online, this is a lot easier because you don’t have to drive from store to store to fill out loan requests.
Yes, some personal loan lenders are willing to work with borrowers who don’t have the best credit. You may have to shop a little harder to find a company willing to work with you, and you may end up paying more for the money in the long run.
The best quick loans are the ones with easier approval, favorable repayment terms and competitive interest rates. Depending on your financial situation, the best quick loan for you may be different than the best loan for someone else.
Too long, didn’t read?
It’s not uncommon for people to run into financial emergencies that call for quick cash. However, lenders like LightStream and NetCredit make it possible to secure funding fast to mitigate and resolve those emergencies. But if the expensive form of quick cash lending leaves you uneasy, explore other forms of fast funding to get the money you need.
We welcome your feedback on this article and would love to hear about your experience with the personal loans we recommend. Contact us at inquiries@thesimpledollar.com with comments or questions.
Keep Reading
Methodology
The SimpleScore is a proprietary scoring metric we use to objectively compare products and services at The Simple Dollar.
For every review, our editorial team:
- Identifies five measurable aspects to compare across each brand
- Determines the rating criteria for each aspect score
- Averages the five aspect scores to produce a single SimpleScore
Here’s a breakdown of the five aspect scores and their rating criteria for our review of the best personal loans of 2020.
Why do some brands have different SimpleScores on different pages?
To ensure the SimpleScore is as helpful and accurate as possible, we developed unique criteria for every category we compare at The Simple Dollar. Since most brands offer a variety of financial solutions, their products and services will score differently depending on what we’re scoring on a given page.
However, it’s also possible for the same product from the same brand to have multiple SimpleScores. For instance, if we compare NetCredit’s personal loans according to our criteria for the best personal loans, it scores a 2.3 out of 5. But when we compare NetCredit according to the criteria for the best bad credit personal loans, it scores considerably higher, since the criteria for the latter review are more lenient (lenders who serve borrowers with bad credit will always offer higher rates, so we needed to adjust our category methodology to account for different industry standards).
Questions about our methodology?
Email Hayley Armstrong at hayley@thesimpledollar.com.
Rates
We looked at the maximum APR for each lender — the lower their maximum rate, the higher their score.
Loan Size
We awarded higher scores to lenders with more generous loan sizes.
Customer Satisfaction
We leveraged the J.D. Power 2019 Personal Loan Satisfaction Study℠ to see how customers rated their experience with each lender. (If a lender wasn’t included in J.D. Power’s study, we skipped this aspect and averaged the four remaining aspect scores.)
Support
We awarded higher scores to lenders with the most channels for customer support.
Fees
We looked at the three most common fees — origination, late payment, and pre-payment — and penalized lenders for each fee charged.
Reviewed by
Courtney Mihocik
Loans EditorCourtney Mihocik is an editor at The Simple Dollar who specializes in personal loans, student loans, auto loans, and debt consolidation loans. She is a former writer and contributing editor to Interest.com, PersonalLoans.org, and elsewhere.
