
Hardship Loans: How to Borrow Money During a Financial Setback
A hardship loan can help you weather a financial challenge. Compare loans with other options before you borrow.

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Learn how personal loans work, compare your borrowing options, and build your understanding with detailed guides and insights from NerdWallet.
Money borrowing apps can deliver quick cash into your account, but beware of fees and repeat borrowing.

Kikoff offers lines of credit starting at $750, plus some add-on products to help you build credit.

Defaulting on a personal loan can have serious consequences, including a damaged credit score.

You can pay off a personal loan early, but check for fees and consider other debts.

Deferring a personal loan payment can relieve financial stress for a month or two, but the total cost could go up.

See how the top companies offering debt relief stack up on fees, minimum debt requirements and potential savings.

Accredited Debt Relief offers debt settlement plans that can help you get out of debt, but it’s risky. Compare debt settlement with other debt payoff alternatives.

Most lenders review your credit score, credit history, income and debt-to-income ratio on a personal loan application.

You can use a personal loan to pay for almost anything, including debt consolidation and home improvement projects.

Non-citizens who are permanent residents and have a Social Security number or ITIN may qualify for a personal loan.

With 250+ articles and 80+ years of combined expertise, our team helps you make confident financial choices. Discover more from NerdWallet's writers and strategists.

Current offers cash advances up to $750 with no mandatory fees, but funding time may be slower than other apps.


Brigit offers cash advances up to $500 with free funding within a few days, but you’ll need to email Brigit to opt out of the subscription fee.


If you don't have the cash available, start by asking for help with payments, then move on to low-cost borrowing options.


MoneyLion offers cash advances up to $500 with no mandatory fees, but funding time may be slow.


Chime offers cash advances up to $500 with free one-day funding, but you’ll need to have a Chime checking account.


EarnIn offers cash advances up to $150 per day. Funding takes one to two business days or you can pay a fee to receive the funds within minutes.


Tilt offers cash advances up to $400 that fund within one business day for free, but you’ll need to pay a fee if you want the money sooner.


Dave offers cash advances up to $500 that fund instantly to your Dave checking account, but it charges multiple mandatory fees.


See how the top companies offering debt relief stack up on fees, minimum debt requirements and potential savings.


JG Wentworth offers debt settlement plans that can help you get out of debt, but it’s risky. Compare debt settlement with other debt payoff alternatives.


ClearOne Advantage offers debt settlement plans that can help you get out of debt, but it’s risky. Compare settlement with other debt payoff alternatives.


CreditAssociates offers debt settlement plans that can help you get out of debt, but it’s risky. Compare debt settlement with other debt payoff alternatives.


Ascend Debt Relief offers debt settlement plans that can help you get out of debt, but it’s risky. Compare debt settlement with other debt payoff alternatives.


Pacific Debt Relief offers debt settlement plans that can help you get out of debt, but it’s risky. Compare debt settlement with other debt payoff alternatives.


Peer-to-peer lending involves individual investors — rather than banks — that fund a loan. Peer-to-peer loans may have less stringent borrowing requirements.


When you're short on cash, a payday loan may seem like the only option — but there are alternatives. Consider these nine options.


When you need money fast, consider quick personal loans that fund the same or next day after approval.


Some online lenders, credit unions and banks offer small personal loans of $1,000 or less to cover urgent expenses.


You can get a debt consolidation loan from an online lender, even if you have bad credit. Compare loan offers to find the best rate.


Money borrowing apps can deliver quick cash into your account, but beware of fees and repeat borrowing.
