Apply Now - It only takes a few minutes
Jora Credit
How it works What it costs
Jora Credit ×
APPLY NOW

When you’re in need of a quick loan, there are plenty of routes you can take to get cash fast. Of course, some are better than others, and each has its pros and cons. It’s important that you evaluate all your options before you choose the one that’s right for you. Here are the advantages and setbacks of some common alternatives to payday loans:

Applying for a Traditional Loan

When you need money fast, going to a traditional lender for a loan may be the first option you think of. Unfortunately, the relationship with traditional lenders can be confusing and complicated, making it difficult to get a quick loan.

Pro:

  • Get a lump sum of money relatively quickly.

Con:

  • You need to be approved for the loan, which means your credit score must be high enough to be deemed acceptable by the lender.

Asking Friends and Family

When you need support, you can usually count on your friends and family. Financial support is always more complicated than a simple favor (like a ride to the airport or help moving house), but when you’re in a pinch and need emergency cash immediately, the people closest to you may be able to help you out.

Pro:

  • You may be able to get a quick loan without a credit check or paperwork, possibly at no interest.

Cons:

  • Friends and family may not have enough to cover your needs, or may not be able to spare or lend money when you need it.
  • Lending between friends and family have been known to ruin relationships.

Better Budgeting

When times get tough, it may be time to take a hard look at your finances and find areas in your budget where you can save. Of course, you can’t always do much to save on essentials like your rent, utility bills, and other living expenses…but you may be able to eliminate some of the less essential items (like streaming services, your morning latte, or a night out) and hold off on big purchases until your financial situation improves.

Pro:

  • Holding back on purchases could help you weather tough times.

Con:

  • When you need money now or need a large sum, cutting costs won’t help.

Getting a Side Job

If you work hard, there are always ways to pick up some extra money through a side hustle. You can drive for a ride service like Uber or Lyft, or sign up for market research like online surveys or in-person focus groups. If you’re handy, you could do handyman jobs in your neighborhood, and if you’re crafty, you may be able to sell things on an online marketplace like Etsy or Amazon Handmade.

Pro:

  • There are lots of ways to make extra cash, and you may be able to explore something you’re passionate about.

Cons:

  • You may not earn enough, fast enough, to meet your financial needs.
  • It takes a lot of hard work to be successful with a side hustle.

Selling Unwanted Items

We all own things that we don’t use, don’t need, or don’t want anymore. When your finances are tight, you may be able to take a look around and see what items you have that could earn you some quick cash. Maybe it’s clothing, furniture, appliances, or that birthday gift from Aunt Ruth that you never took out of the box. No matter what it is, you can always sell or consign things you aren’t using.

Pro:

  • Selling items is easy via online services like eBay or Craigslist.

Cons:

  • You may sell items for less than you expect or need.
  • It can take time to find an interested buyer for your item(s).
  • Meeting up with people you don’t know to sell items can be risky.

Getting an Online Installment Loan

An online installment loan is a convenient way to get emergency cash immediately. Similar to payday loans and cash advances, an online installment loan is a quick loan option that can get you money right away so you can take care of your urgent financial needs.

Pros:

  • You can get approved for cash in less than a day.
  • Pay back in manageable installments over time.

Con:

  • Pay interest as the cost for borrowing short-term cash.
It’s Your Choice. We’re Here to Help

Need money now? It’s possible you can apply, receive a decision, and if approved, have the money deposited in your bank account the same day.*

When it comes to improving your financial health, it helps to have someone looking out for you. We created Thinkflow to provide you with helpful tools to get you back on track and help improve your financial standing. To learn more about short-term loans and improving your credit scores, you can always visit our Resource Center.

;