It’s usually better to pay cash than to borrow money, but sometimes life throws a curveball, and you need to find other options.
Not all forms of borrowing are created equal, though, and some have more financial drawbacks than others.
Whether you need money fast or want to get the best rate possible, carefully consider the different ways to borrow money and assess the benefits and risks of each option.
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Summary: Best ways to borrow money
Fastest ways to borrow money
Cheapest ways to borrow money
Fastest ways to borrow money
Typically, the easier you can get the money, the riskier or more expensive it tends to be. That said, here are your best options for the fastest ways to borrow money:
1. Personal loan from an online lender
Online lenders boast convenience and speed compared to traditional lenders like banks or credit unions. Their application and funding processes are fully online. Some banks, in contrast, require new customers to visit a branch to complete the process.
Many loans from an online lender can fund as quickly as the same day or the next day, whereas some personal loans from traditional banks take around a week to fund.
» MORE: Best online loans
Loan amounts typically range from $1,000 to $50,000 or more, and repayment terms often range from two to seven years.
Some online lenders have a one-time charge called an origination fee for processing the personal loan, typically ranging from 1% to 10%. This fee is often deducted from your loan funds, so you may need to increase the amount you borrow to cover the cost.
Pre-qualify and compare lenders to find the best annual percentage rate (APR), which largely depends on factors like your credit score and income. Pre-qualification only requires a soft credit check, so you can rate shop without impacting your score.
Online lenders also cater to a wider variety of consumers. Bad-credit borrowers are more likely to get a personal loan with an online lender than a bank.
» MORE: Pros and cons of personal loans
Pros
Fully online application process.
Same- or next-day funding may be available.
Options available for fair and bad credit.
Cons
High APRs for fair- and bad-credit borrowers.
Potential origination fee.
2. Cash advance app
If the amount of money you need is a few hundred dollars or less, cash advance apps provide small advances on your paycheck, sometimes instantly — though you’ll likely pay a fee for expedited service. Typical no-fee funding times are between one and three days.
Most cash advance apps charge a subscription fee or ask for an optional tip. EarnIn, which provides advances up to $150 per day and up to $750 per pay period, doesn't charge interest, but it requests a tip up to $13 for each advance.
Pros
Most fees are optional.
Option to receive cash instantly.
Cons
May charge a fee for instant access to cash.
Short repayment terms.
Small borrowing amounts.
3. Cash advance from a credit card
You may also have access to cash advances through your credit card. Think of it as using your credit card to "buy" cash rather than goods or services.
Cash advances can be capped at a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, but they’re quick and easy to get. If your credit card has a PIN, simply visit an ATM to withdraw. If you don’t have a PIN, take your card and ID to a bank that offers advances through your card's payment network, such as Mastercard or Visa. You might also be able to write a convenience check to access funds.
Though it’s a fast way to get money in your hands, it’s costly. You will likely encounter a combination of cash advance fees, ATM or bank fees and a higher interest rate than what you pay to make purchases. Also, the interest starts to accrue immediately.
Pros
No application or approval process if you already have the card.
As easy as visiting an ATM or bank or writing a check.
Cons
High fees.
Interest accrues immediately.
Borrowing amounts may be low.
4. Loan from family or friends
Though it can be difficult to ask, borrowing from someone you know could be a fast and affordable solution. You’ll avoid the sometimes lengthy formal application and approval processes required by other types of lenders. There’s also no credit check with this type of loan.
However, approach a family loan with caution. Loans between friends and family can create conflict. To formalize things, put mutually agreed-upon terms, including interest and a repayment schedule, on paper and have that document notarized.
Pros
No application or approval process.
Potentially no or low interest.
Cons
Can lead to conflict.
5. Pawnshop loan
Like a secured loan from a bank, a pawnshop loan requires you to put up an item as collateral. Think jewelry, antiques or electronics. Once you bring the item in, the pawnshop assesses its value, condition and resale potential and makes you an offer, usually about 25% to 60% of the item’s resale value.
If you accept the loan, you walk away with the cash and a pawn ticket. Upon repayment, you can collect your item. If you fail to repay by the deadline — 30 days on average — the pawnshop keeps it.
A pawnshop loan doesn’t have a loan approval process and can be a quick way to borrow money without requiring your credit score. However, in addition to interest, some pawnshops charge fees for storage, appraisal and insurance that can result in an APR as high as 200%.
Pros
No application or approval process.
Immediate access to funds.
Cons
Potential to lose a valuable item.
Short repayment terms.
Cheapest ways to borrow money
Borrowing almost always comes with a cost, but some types of lending are more affordable than others, especially if you have good or excellent credit (a score in the mid-600s or higher). Here are your best options:
1. Personal loan from a bank or credit union
Banks or credit unions typically offer the lowest APRs for personal loans. Some banks provide an APR discount to existing customers. They may also offer perks like flexible payment options to help you manage loan repayment.
» MORE: Best bank loans
Many banks let you pre-qualify to preview the loan’s rate and term before you submit a formal application. If you don’t have good credit, however, it may be hard to get approved through a bank.
Credit unions may offer lower rates than banks, especially for those with bad credit (a score in the high 500s or lower). Federal credit unions cap rates at 18%. Loan officers may consider your overall financial picture, instead of relying heavily on your creditworthiness. But you’ll need to become a credit union member before applying.
You may improve your odds of qualifying if your bank or credit union allows you to add a co-signer or co-borrower to your application. A co-signer agrees to repay the loan if you don’t make payments but doesn’t have access to the loan, whereas a co-borrower shares access to funds and responsibility for payments. Another option may be to get a secured loan by using your vehicle or bank account as collateral.
» MORE: Requirements for a personal loan
Pros
Lower APRs than other types of personal loan lenders.
Perks like flexible payments and APR discounts for existing customers.
Cons
May need good or excellent credit for a bank loan.
Must become a member to apply for a credit union loan.
2. 0% APR credit card
A 0% APR credit card can be one of the cheapest ways to borrow money if you pay off the balance within the card’s zero-interest introductory period — typically 15 to 21 months. You often need good or excellent credit to qualify.
Say you use a 0% APR credit card with a 15-month introductory period to cover an unexpected expense like a medical bill or car repair, and you pay off the balance nine months later. You’ll have borrowed that money at zero interest.
» MORE: Best 0% APR credit cards
Pros
Pay no interest on purchases during the introductory period.
Card may include special perks like cash back or travel rewards.
Cons
Need good or excellent credit.
Must repay the balance in a short period.
3. Buy now, pay later
You can purchase items now and pay for them over several weeks, usually without interest or fees, using a "buy now, pay later" plan. Many major retailers partner with BNPL companies to offer these payment plans at checkout.
Afterpay and Affirm are two buy now, pay later companies that don’t charge interest on their short-term payment plans, but Afterpay may charge a late fee.
If you get a zero-interest payment option, buy now, pay later could be a cheap way to borrow money for necessary expenses. These plans can also be appealing because most don’t require a hard credit check. But because it's easy to get, it can also lead to overspending.
» MORE: Compare buy now, pay later apps
Pros
No interest or fees with some plans.
Offered at many major retailers.
Usually don't require a hard credit check.
Cons
Some plans charge interest or fees.
Can lead to overspending.
4. 401(k) loan
A 401(k) loan allows you to borrow money from your retirement fund. Unlike with a 401(k) withdrawal, you don’t have to pay taxes and penalties on a loan as long as you stick to the repayment terms.
These loans offer some of the lowest rates available. Interest on a 401(k) loan typically equals the prime rate — the benchmark that is used by banks to set rates on consumer loan products — plus one or two percentage points. Also, the interest you pay goes back to your retirement account.
401(k) loans don’t require a credit check. They’re usually repaid through automatic withholdings from your paycheck, but if you don’t make payments on the loan for any reason, the default won’t be reported to the credit bureaus. However, you’ll typically owe taxes on top of an early withdrawal penalty (if you’re younger than 59 ½) if you default on a 401(k) loan.
The downside of a 401(k) loan? You’re borrowing from your future self, which lessens your retirement nest egg and its growth in a tax-advantaged account. And if you leave your job before the funds are repaid, you may have to repay the remaining balance quickly to avoid penalties.
Pros
Borrow money from yourself instead of a third party.
Low interest rates.
Interest paid goes back to your retirement account.
Missed payments do not hurt your credit score.
Cons
Reduces retirement nest egg and its ability to grow.
May have to repay the loan quickly or face penalties if you leave your job.
5. Personal line of credit
Personal lines of credit are offered by some banks and credit unions and behave like a hybrid between a loan and a credit card. Like a loan, a lender approves your application based on your credit profile, income and other debts. Like a credit card, you draw what you need and only pay interest on the amount you use.
This can be ideal for borrowers who aren’t sure how much they need to borrow. Good- or excellent-credit borrowers likely have the best chance of getting the lowest rates.
Pros
Draw money based on what you need and pay interest only on what you use.
Credit limit replenishes as you make payments.
Ideal for those who are unsure of total borrowing needs.
Cons
Need good or excellent credit.
6. Home equity financing
If you’re a homeowner, you may qualify for a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC), both of which allow you to borrow against your home’s value, minus what you owe on the mortgage. Your home serves as collateral, but you can expect lower interest rates than unsecured loans or credit lines. These options are best used to fund projects that increase the value of your home.
With a home equity loan, you get a lump-sum payment, which you’ll repay over a period up to 20 or 30 years.
With a HELOC, you’ll only withdraw and pay interest on the money you need, similar to a personal line of credit. You can access the funds during the “draw” period, which is typically 10 years. Then, you’ll repay the money over a term of up to 20 years.
Pros
Lower interest rates than unsecured loans or credit lines.
Long repayment periods.
Cons
Risk losing your home if you don’t make payments on time.
Long funding timeline.
Borrowing options to avoid
1. Payday loans
A payday loan is a type of small, short-term loan that’s meant to be repaid with your next paycheck. While funds can be obtained almost instantly, payday lending is extraordinarily costly and should be a last resort. Loans can cost $15 for every $100 borrowed, which amounts to an APR of 391% for a two-week loan.
Research from the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shows that most borrowers end up paying more in fees than they originally received in credit, creating a cycle of debt.
2. High-interest installment loans
High-interest installment loans have repayment terms of up to two or three years and interest rates above 36%, the maximum rate that most consumer advocates consider affordable.
For example, a $1,000 loan with a six-month term and a 60% APR would cost $182 in interest. The same loan with a 20% APR would cost $59 in interest. It’s best to avoid high-interest installment loans if possible, as high APRs can make it difficult to pay these loans off.
3. No-credit-check loans
A no-credit-check loan allows you to borrow money without a lender evaluating your credit history or ability to repay the loan. Lenders may qualify you using your employment status and income, as well as alternative data like bank account information and rental history.
No-credit-check loans often have interest rates on par with payday loan APRs, though the repayment terms are typically longer. If a lender doesn’t check your credit, consider it a red flag and ask them how they underwrite loans. No-credit-check loans should be avoided unless it’s a true emergency and you’ve exhausted all other options.
What to consider when borrowing money
Here are five things to weigh when choosing the best borrowing method for you.
How much money you need. Different lenders have different minimum and maximum loan amounts, so it’s important to first determine how much money you need to borrow. If you need a couple hundred dollars, for example, a cash advance app might be suitable. But if you need $5,000, , a personal loan would be more appropriate.
Credit and collateral requirements. Getting a traditional bank loan may be easy if you have good or excellent credit, but you may need to explore alternatives, like online lenders or a cash advance app, if you have bad credit. Also, consider any collateral requirements and whether you’re willing to put your asset at risk in order to borrow money.
APR. APR represents the total cost of borrowing money. You could borrow money at 0% APR if you qualify for a zero-interest credit card and pay off the balance before the interest-free window ends, or if a family member or friend is willing to lend you money. At the other extreme, payday loans have APRs of nearly 400%.
Monthly payment. Make sure that borrowing money won’t cause you to fall behind on your bills. If you’re considering a loan, use NerdWallet’s personal loan calculator to estimate your monthly payment.
Time to fund. Personal lines of credit or home equity loans can be good ways to borrow money if you’re seeking long-term financing, but they aren’t great choices if you need your funds within a couple of days. If you need fast funding, consider online lenders or a cash advance.
Paying back borrowed money
Once you’ve decided how you’re going to borrow the money, make a plan to pay it back. You don’t want a financial setback transforming into long-term or ever-increasing debt.
Not sure where to start? One good option for creating a budget is the 50/30/20 rule since it’s an easy-to-follow strategy that accounts for your basic living expenses, wants, debt obligations and savings.
You can lessen your chances of needing to borrow in the future by carefully monitoring your money and building a healthy emergency fund.
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