Welcome. This article is devoted to looking at the best sources for cash advances if you have bad credit. We will also discuss a few alternatives if you cannot get or do not want an online cash advance loan.
Indeed, cashless transactions are becoming the norm nowadays. Much of our shopping is done online; you can even buy your daily coffee via an app. Groceries, and more are bought over smartphones with our debit card information saved.
That being said, the use of cash will likely remain prevalent. And there are going to be a few situations in life when cash is what’s needed as opposed to plastic. And if you need it fast, it can be tough to know where to look.
Let’s get started with our list of the best places to get and compare online cash advance loans.
Short-Term Cash Advance Loans If You Have Bad Credit
Short-term loans in the form of cash advances (such as payday loans) are smaller-sized loans with repayment periods that last for a matter of days or even a few months. The loans are relatively simple to qualify for, even if your credit is poor. However, their fees can sometimes be quite high.
Loan fees associated with these short-term loans are included as a flat finance fee based upon the loan’s size. Some lenders might also use your credit score to calculate these fees.
Comparing your available options for these short-term loans is necessary, thanks to the high costs associated with these loans. One way to do this fast is to use the networks we will review in today’s article.
#1. MoneyMutual
MoneyMutual’s network of lenders specialize in short-term personal loans of up to $5,000. This network is composed of over 120 lenders that are capable of giving out installment, bad credit, and other loans to those that need them. MoneyMutual began operations in 2010 to help all Americans get the money they need in the event of an emergency.
You can begin your loan request by going to their website and filling out all the forms. Lenders then flock to you in a matter of seconds. This way, you aren’t forced to go to every individual site or actual brick and mortar payday loan office.
You are essentially casting a large net and getting offers quickly. They work with various short-term lenders, which makes the site ideal for those looking for a quick payday loan for important expenses, such as financial emergencies like home repair or a medical expense.
MoneyMutual is not a bank or loan company itself. Instead, they are a loan marketplace that can collect your information and pass it forward to lenders that come back with offers suited for your credit rating. It’s an excellent way to find yourself a short-term loan without having to contact multiple places individually. Plus, given that it is all online, it’s easy to do from your phone or your desktop PC.
Once you’ve figured out the lender and loan amount, you’ll go over the terms and conditions for your loan. Do this carefully, and then take the loan if you want it. Make sure that you are aware of the interest rates, payment amounts, and total amount to be repaid. Make sure you can repay it. If you have any doubts about the agreement, think over it or explore other options before signing on the dotted line.
Cash advance loans are offered with MoneyMutual. These are similar to payday loans, but they are for situations that call for cold, hard cash instead of electronic payment methods. The interest rates are huge, and there are also fees involved for using this method of borrowing.
They also offer Payday Loans. These loans are pretty common, and they are designed to carry you into the next payday when you will pay it back. These are good if you have a sudden emergency expense that you cannot cover.
The payday loans and cash advances that MoneyMutual offers are required to be paid back at the next paycheck; ergo, you will need to provide them your next pay date when signing up for a loan such as this one. It’s also necessary to have a checking account, as the money will be withdrawn upon your next paycheck to repay it in full.
Installment loans are better than cash advances, as you pay them back at scheduled payment times. These are great if your income is steady and you can pay them back when required, on time. However, be sure you read over the terms and conditions with extra care, as you might have to pay interest payments based upon the loan’s repayment dates.
Bad credit loans are also offered by MoneyMutual. A lot of lenders are only going to be interested in your credit score. But some lenders will look at your monthly income instead of as a means of determining loan eligibility. Although these loans have a higher interest rate, their eligibility requirements are not as stringent. If you are lacking employment, some lenders may not qualify you.
⇒ Visit the Official Website of MoneyMutual
#2. CashUSA
Once more, we have what’s known as a loan marketplace. This is a lending network for people who want to put the word out that they need a loan and let the lenders come to them. Just as you see with MoneyMutual, these guys are a “go-between,” and they pass your information along to lenders who can help you out. You can then choose the lender that makes the most sense to you.
Just a single application is all you need to fill out to use CashUSA. They’ll take care of all the rest. Lenders flock to you in just minutes, with loan offers based on what you put in your application.
During our time researching, we figured out that the lenders of CashUSA don’t do credit checks for borrowers. This is great if your credit is bad, but remember that loans when you have bad credit may require higher interest fees..
Loans through CashUSA can get you between $500 and $10,000. Interest begins at 5.99 and caps off at 35.99%.
Bear in mind that CashUSA is like MoneyMutual in that they are not a loan provider themselves. If you come up with any questions about your loans or their terms, make sure you contact your specific lender.
There are lots of reasons to use CashUSA if you need a cash advance. For starters, you connect with dozens of lenders. You can easily see who will loan you the money you need. This is much easier than trying to find a lender on your own. They will also make sure the lender can operate in your state, as some states have strict rules about payday loans.
The loan process is easy, another reason we give it high marks. You start by filling out a quick online form that prequalifies you. It asks for basic information such as the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and your zip code and birth year. Their site is very secure, so you don’t have to worry about releasing this information.
After that, you will click on “Get Started,” and there, you’ll complete the full form. They will ask you for some pertinent information here, such as proof of income, employer information, and driver’s license number. From there, you will start receiving loan offers.
Then you will review the terms of each loan carefully, noting down the interest rates and amount of the loan. If you decide you like a loan’s terms, you will have to supply that lender with further information to review. After that, you wait for approval, and your funds will get to you in just a single business day.
The best part is that CashUSA’s services are free and will not require you to pay any hidden costs. Do keep in mind, however, that each loan will have its own set of rates and fees. These are determined by the lender you go with, so make sure you understand these before you decide to apply for the loan formally.
Also, we noticed that it’s pretty easy to qualify for a loan with CashUSA. They work with so many lenders that even if your credit isn’t great, you can still probably get a loan with these guys. The basic eligibility requirements aren’t complicated.
You need to be at least 18 years old, earn at least $1000 monthly (can be government benefits payments/pensions/self-employment), have an email and phone number, be a permanent resident or US citizen and have a checking account in your name.
Now, your loan can be used for anything you want. This is great, and you have the freedom to do whatever you want. That being said, you should only be using your loan for things you NEED and not things you simply want.
You should also recognize that cash advances come with huge interest rates and fees. So, if possible, consider other options to get the money you need. Try to work extra hours or take a side gig to earn some cash. Ask a friend or family member for help. Use personal savings. Sell items you do not need or are no longer using.
Use the cash advance only for necessary expenses; our rule is that loans should only be used for housing, transportation, or medical costs. Some things are “nice to have,” such as a piece of jewelry or collectible that the seller might only be accepting cash for, but it’s not worth going into debt over.
If you decide to take a loan with CashUSA, it’s going to be relatively easy to pay it back. You can simply have the payments withdrawn from your checking account; that way, you are never late.
⇒ Visit the Official Website of CashUSA
Bad Credit Installment Loans
Got a day or two before you have to get funds? Try to get an installment loan. It’s more affordable than a cash advance, and the fees/interest rates are a bit more reasonable.
Once your installment loan has been placed into your bank account, you can take out the money in cash form and use it as you need. Disbursement time will differ from bank to bank, but most of these lenders can get you your money in just 24 hours.
#3. CashUSA
CashUSA ranks as our top choice for bad credit installment loans in addition to its cash advance services.
You can go read about CashUSA’s terms and conditions and how it works by checking out their website. We will use this opportunity to discuss why a person should use CashUSA specifically for an installment loan.
For starters, CashUSA is a trusted source for installment loans. They use their massive network of third-party lenders to review all the information you’ve filled out on your prequalification form/ application form to match you with a lender that fits your credit score.
There’s certainly no lack of lenders that want your business out there. So how can you be sure that CashUSA is the place to get your installment loan?
For starters, it’s safe and secure. You are going to be giving out lots of personal information here, so it’s better to be certain that where you’re putting that information down is safe. They utilize Tribal and state lenders alike, so make sure you are aware of the Tribal loan rates and terms before you agree to them.
Why go with an installment loan over a cash advance? Here are the three main advantages:
First off, you’ll pay using scheduled installments. You will repay your loan principal and accrued interest using scheduled payments, which you will be informed of before signing in your loan agreement.
Second, you have the chance to pay more than the minimum. By paying even a few dollars more, you get closer to repaying your loan in full, and you save on interest charges.
Third, some lenders may not charge a prepayment penalty. Paying your loan back early may result in a prepayment penalty with some lenders; others won’t charge such a thing. Thus, it behooves you to pay it back faster if possible.
⇒ Visit the Official Website of CashUSA
#4. Bad Credit Loans
The motto of Bad Credit Loans states, “We help when others can’t,” and this help is welcome if you’re sick of being turned away again and again for loans or cash advances. This is very encouraging to those who need some help but aren’t sure where to go for it. It’s a great chance to get a loan and repay it to rebuild or establish your credit.
You can use their installment loans for anything you like, too. Just like the other services we reviewed today, this is a lending marketplace. So, keep in mind that the loans don’t come from Bad Credit Loans. They instead come from the many lenders the organization works with.
Bad Credit Loans is very easy to use and is free. You can simply fill out a single application, and the lenders will come to you with installment loan offers suited to your credit rating. They’ve been in the business of connecting borrowers with lenders since 1998.
With more than twenty years of experience, we know they’re very good at what they do. They offer services from Tribal lenders and state lenders.
The thing to understand about Tribal lenders is that they are offered by Native American lenders who operate on sovereign lands and follow their own rules and regulations instead of the federal government. So, make sure you read the loans over carefully, as the interest rates on these loans may be higher than expected.
Your best option will be reading the loan terms over with care before agreeing to anything. That way, you can be sure you’ll pay it back and prevent late fees.
One cool thing we love about Bad Credit Loans is that it has an Education Center. There, you can read many articles about the different types of loans available to borrowers, including auto loans, student loans, business loans,and personal loans, among others.
There’s also plenty of articles about loan scams, which are worth reading because many of these scammers target those with bad credit who are down on their luck. You’ll also find that the contact information for Bad Credit Loans is readily available, and you can call or email them anytime.
Personal loan options are also offered via Bad Credit Loans. A personal loan, in most cases, can be used for anything you like, but make sure you really need what it is you’re borrowing for, as being in debt for frivolous items isn’t fun. During research for this article, we discovered that anybody with a FICO score of 500 or less will not get a loan greater than $1K.
The qualifications to get your loan or cash advance is not overly difficult. You just have to be at least 18 years old, have a regular income (Social Security payments, self-employment, unemployment, disability, or full-time employment is accepted), have a checking account in your name, a valid email address, show proof of being a US citizen or legal resident, and have work/home phone numbers available. If all these things are clear then there will be no chance of facing credit difficulties in the process.
It will take just four steps total to get your loan. First, you will complete the loan request form that indicates you’re interested in a loan. You’ll give your credit score, birthdate, loan reason, employment, banking, and contact information. Step 2 will involve reviewing the offers sent to you. Step 3 will be accepting your loan using an e-signature. Step 4 will be getting your funds and using them wisely.
⇒ Visit the Official Website of Bad Credit Loans
#5. Personal Loans
This is another great lending network that is devoted to matching up lenders with borrowers. Personal Loans began in 2017, and their headquarters are located in Utah. They aren’t lenders themselves, but rather a platform through which you can find loans to meet your unexpected financial needs.
The good news is that this service is free, so try applying, even if you don’t think your credit is that great. Also, you are under no obligation to take any loans, and you don’t have to worry about hidden fees for using this site.
The rates are also competitive here. You’re sure to find a company with rates that suits you. Also, the loans can be used for anything you like.
Funding may reach you in as little as a single business day so long as you are approved. And in the event you don’t understand something, simply call the lender up and ask questions. You can also review the information posted on their website to learn about such topics as bad credit, tax loans, and debt consolidation, among other hot finance topics.
The customer service here is out of sight! We loved that you could use email or phone to contact the staff. They are available Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 7 PM, Pacific Time. They don’t answer questions about your loan—you’ll need to call your lender for that—but they can help with any questions you might have about their website or the loan application process.
To search for loans through Personal Loans, you must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid Social Security Number, and be a permanent U.S. resident or citizen. You have to be employed full-time (self-employed is OK) or get regular Social Security payments/disability payments.
A valid checking account is also required of applicants. In terms of credit requirements, you’re more likely to get a loan if you have good credit as compared to bad credit with. You also need to ensure that there are no accounts over 60 days old, no recent charge offs, and no recent/active bankruptcies.
⇒ Visit the Official Website of Personal Loans
Cash Advances Using Credit Cards for Bad Credit
#6. Surge Mastercard
Would you like to have a credit card that works everywhere, but you can’t seem to get approved for anything? The Surge Mastercard could be the answer to your problem. This cool card offers the benefits we mostly associate with credit cards but keep in mind that the associated credit limit is quite low. This is both a good and bad thing—for starters, you won’t incur so much debt you can’t pay it back, but you also have a smaller limit to work with.
Just what are these benefits? For starters, you will enjoy $0 in terms of the card’s fraud liability. This means that if your card falls into the wrong hands and an unauthorized purchase is made, you won’t be responsible for that. You will also have your usage reported to the three major credit bureaus.
Cash advances on this card will incur an advance fee of 5% of your total advance or $5, whichever is the higher amount.
Also, all credit types are welcome. Even if you have poor credit, you should still consider applying if you need some spending power. Every applicant is guaranteed at least $300 if they are approved, which is an excellent limit for bad-credit applicants.
This card is also a way in which you can bring up your credit score. It’s a great way to demonstrate to the three credit bureaus you can be responsible with a credit card. Also, if you’ve never had any form of credit, it’s a great way to get started.
Granted, you won’t be earning points or miles using this card, but you can use this card to work up to a line of credit that allows this. You can certainly use this card in a foreign country, and the foreign transaction fees are just 3%.
It’s worth noting that this card has some pretty high annual fees—as high as $99—and may incur monthly maintenance fees in the second year of $120 per MONTH. The APR on this card averages between 24.99% and 29.99%, which is to be expected for bad-credit applicants. This means you should make every effort to pay off your balance in full and by the required due date every month. Failure to make payments on time could result in an additional $40 fee. Plus, being responsible with your payments could also net you a higher credit limit after 6 months of responsible use.
Bearing that in mind, we highly recommend this card if you don’t have great credit. It could help you bring up your credit score and is relatively easy to get approval for.
⇒ Visit the Official Website of Surge Mastercard
#7. Indigo Platinum Mastercard
To get an Indigo Mastercard cash advance is pretty easy. You can use the card at any ATM to do this. However, the interest rate will be 29.99%, and it stacks up right away. There’s also a cash advance fee. The fee is $0 in the first year, and then $5 or 5% afterward.
There will also likely be an ATM fee charged, in addition to the cash advance fee and the high APR your credit card charges.
However, you shouldn’t write the Indigo card off completely just because of its cash advance fees. After all, if you need it, you need it.
The card is advantageous in that it will report to TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. These bureaus are the ones that calculate credit scores. Just as with any credit card/loan, having a history of on-time payments is essential for creating a great credit score. So, stay on time by repaying your credit card (and do it in full every month), and slowly but surely, you will find yourself eligible for a better credit card cash advance.
The card also features Mastercard Identity Theft protection. This offers identity monitoring which covers your email addresses, Social Security Number, bank accounts, usernames, passwords for logins on the web, and so much more.
Their customer service through Genesis FS Card Services is also helpful and available from 6 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
You can also look forward to the fraud protection the card offers. Should a fraudulent transaction be made on your card, you will not be held responsible.
Based upon your creditworthiness, Indigo may elect to waive your first annual fee, but if your credit is poor, you can expect a yearly fee of $59 or $99. For new cardholders, this fee gets reduced to $75.
With its annual fee being greater depending on your credit score, this card might not be ideal for some folks. Understand that the APR on this card is 23.9%, which you typically see with subprime credit cards. Just as we stated with the Surge card, you will want to pay the balance off every month because holding a balance on this will cost you.
Before you apply, make sure you prequalify. You can do this with zero impact on your credit score.
We certainly love the Indigo card. The card looks lovely, and it’s pretty easy to get. The card is backed by Celtic Bank, its issuer, and serviced by Genesis FS Card Services. The card is accepting of many credit types- even if you’ve had a bankruptcy before, you can apply for this credit card. You also have the ability to put your own image on the card, which is a fun detail.
But having the low limit that it does means it’s not hard to get an elevated Credit Utilization Ratio, which is harmful to one’s credit even if that person is working diligently to bring that score up. For some customers, the high annual fee might make the card’s low limit not worth it.
Use Your Cash Advance with Care
By and large, the most important aspect of your cash advance is going to be using it properly. Make sure you can pay it back BEFORE you sign the agreement indicating you will pay it back. Cash advances are very pricey, and if you don’t pay them back on time, they will only get more and more expensive.
Read over the loan agreements with great care before applying for a cash advance. If you are taking out a loan, read over the loan agreement to make sure you know just what you’re getting into. Make sure you are aware of when and how much you have to pay back, plus when those payments come due.
For credit card cash advances, be aware of the interest rates, cash advance limits, and fees before contacting the card company. Also, make sure you don’t use all your credit when getting the cash advance, and make sure you can cover the fees plus the advance.
If you have any doubts about your ability to pay back the cash advance, or if you’re not 100% comfortable with the idea, consider other options before signing the agreement.
Ideally, you’d want to put in more hours at work, ask a friend or family member for help, or take a side gig to simply make the money you need and call it a day. However, we know that’s not always possible. Installment loans are another great option, as are credit cards. Some credit cards even have grace periods where no interest is charged on new purchases, for example.
Conclusion: Get the Money You Need
Most transactions nowadays are done digitally. You can use your debit card, credit card, or checking account online and in-stores for anything. Even kiosks at fairs and flea markets use devices to swipe credit cards.
But there are still situations that call for cash-only transactions. And when you need it, there’s no time to wait.
It may seem like a hardship to get cash when you have poor credit, but it’s not impossible. Just make sure you are borrowing for a necessity, and only take what you need. Make sure you’ve exhausted all other options first to avoid getting into a cycle of debt.
