8 Options for Those “Uh-Oh, I Need Cash Now!” Moments

If you need cash now, keep and achieve finance with these top 8 methods to make cash right now.

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“Get quick and easy cash… Whatever you would like it for, get cash online right away! Just fill in your personal details and get the loan application started now!”

Sounds familiar? If you need money now and nobody around has a money tree to help you at that moment of desperate need, it is obvious to look around on Google and get hundreds of such results for your search.

If you are thinking “I need cash now” then there are only two ways to get money: use a cash advance app or cash-in your belongings to make fast funds.

8 Options for Those “Uh-Oh, I Need Money Now!” Moments

Whether you need to make an extra 500 a month or looking for quick cash now — you have some options.

1. Use fee-free cash advance apps

losing your job

Cash advances on credit cards can be taxing. In order to avoid hefty credit card fees try the online cash advance options through cash advance apps. The best part of this option is that there is no hard copy paperwork or fax required as you can apply using a simple payday loan app.

Many times payday loans are confused with cash advance loans but payday loans are typically repaid on your next paycheck which is not true for a cash advance. Also, there is no obligation to accept any term that you find difficult to handle. All your queries will be taken care of and explained in a simple language. Soft credit checks and paybacks in a matter of weeks instead of months are typically attractive.

Here are the best payday loan apps that we've reviewed:

Albert: Best All in One App

albert $50 loan instant app

Albert can spot you up to $250 so you can make ends meet. No late fees, interest, credit check, or hidden hands in your pocket. As long as you have a paycheck and have repaid your past advances, you can request up to 3 cash advances per pay period.

Albert is a super app that offers:
  • Checking account with debit card: Offers one of the best sign up bonus offers currently ($150 for new users)
  • Savings account: Set your schedule or let Albert analyze your spending and automatically move money into your savings account. (On average, they save people $400 in the first six months.)
  • Cash advances: Up to $250
  • Investing: Invest yourself or enable Robo investing
  • Budgeting: AI-driven auto save feature is a big differentiator and very effective
  • Genius: Text with a certified financial advisor anytime for a $6/month fee

There’s no catch. Albert is legit and offers a free trial for 30 days through here.

Get up to $250
Albert
4.8
  • Get spotted up to $250 instantly
  • Pay a small fee to get your money instantly or get cash within 2–3 days for free
  • Costs $14.99 per month after a 30 day free-trial
Open Account Albert Review

Where to get it?

Dave: Best Option to Get Paid Today

dave cash advance app
Get $500. Bank. Budget. Dave helps over 3 million people thrive, and not just survive between paychecks.

Dave is a banking app that offers ExtraCash™ advances of up to $500 with no interest or late fees for as low as $1 per month.

It’s a reasonable choice for people who want to avoid overdraft fees. Dave offers automated budgeting tools to help you manage your finances better. 

And for freelancers, this app also offers advice on finding side hustles so you can earn some extra money. 

Over 7 million people use Dave on a daily basis to help them achieve their financial goals and you can do the same.

Get up to $500
Dave
4.5
  • Meet the banking app on a mission to build products that level the financial playing field
  • Get paid up to 2 days early, earn cash back with Dave Rewards, and get up to $500 with ExtraCash™ without paying interest or late fees
  • Join millions of members building a better financial future
Open Account Dave Review

Where to get it?

MoneyLion: Best Payday Membership

moneylion payday loan app
MoneyLion's personal loans and easy-to-use tools help you borrow for less while saving more, improve your financial health, and monitor your credit all in one place.

This payday loan app packs a big punch with a plethora of features that can help you. MoneyLion provides you with access to 0% APR cash advances, low-interest personal loans, helps track spending and savings.

The app also provides financial advice to help you improve and control your financial life. It is no surprise that the MoneyLion community has over 2,000,000 members.

How MoneyLion works:
  1. Download the MoneyLion app and enroll in free MoneyLion Core. Receive your new black debit card in approximately 7 days.
  2. Fund your MoneyLion Checking account with an instant transfer, and then use it everywhere you go with no fear of hidden fees, overdraft fees, or minimum balance fees!
  3. Add direct deposit of just $250 or more to your MoneyLion checking account to unlock instant 0% APR cash advances.
  4. Upgrade your membership to MoneyLion Plus to get any time access to a 5.99% APR credit-builder loan, $1 daily cashback, exclusive perks, and more.

Since this app has so many bells and whistles you can learn more in a comprehensive MoneyLion review that goes through each feature. MoneyLion is a wonderful choice for people who want to improve their financial situation, but cannot due to high-interest loan rates and many others. It helps them take control of their financial lives and improve their savings and can be downloaded for iOS or Android.

Get up to $250
MoneyLion
4.5
  • The maximum advance is $250
  • No interest. No monthly fee. No credit check
  • Link your checking account to qualify for 0% APR cash advances
Open Account MoneyLion Review

Where to get it?

Brigit: Best for Saving on Overdraft Fees

brigit payday loan app
Never run short on cash again with Brigit. Get budgeting tools, alerts, and up to $250 when you need it. No credit check. No interest.

With the Bridgit app, you can get up to $250 with no interest or credit check quickly. It's easy and fast relief when you need it and helps you avoid low balances.

If you have a low balance in your checking account, Brigit will see that your balance isn't enough for upcoming expenses and send you up to $250 to cover your expenses. You can save hundreds by avoiding overdraft fees with this app.

How Brigit works:
  1. No red tape. No hoops. Connect your bank account and that’s it!
  2. Brigit works with thousands of banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, Chase, Navy Federal Credit Union and 15,000+ more.
  3. Get paid up to $250 instantly.

This is best for those users who keep low balances in banking accounts and are prone to overdraft. You can learn more here.

Get up to $250
Brigit
4.0
  • Tap to get an advance within seconds
  • Get up to $250
  • No credit check is required and no interest
  • Pay it back without hidden fees or “tips"
Open Account Brigit Review

Where to get it?

2. Sell your junk for fast cash

Free Gift Cards

Run a look through your house, arrange that cluttered cupboard/ bookshelf, or take a glance at gifts you have received during the previous years.

You might find something to put on sale using selling apps like Craigslist, LetGo, Buffalo Exchange and many more. If you aren’t using the stuff or books have dust on them, it means they are not needed.

Instead, pawn or sell those books, clothes, used furniture, used phones, utensils any other possession that’s taking up space in your house so that you make room for that desperately needed cash.

You might come across unused gift cards that are lying and not expired yet. Of course, you cannot put them for sale online but you can reach your family and friends who are willing to buy them.

You can also check out our article detailing 14 Ways to Make $50 Fast.

3. Get your owed money

small investment opportunities

Put some strain on your memory and recall if you have lent cash to any of your friends, acquaintances or family members in the past.

If yes, it’s time to pick up your phone and ask them to pay back! They can understand your situation and pay your cash back. Do the same to collect debts from others whom you have helped in need.

4. Get a salary advance

career advice for millennials in the workplace

This might sound a little unusual but you won’t know if you don’t approach your employer. If you have built that rapport and trust just give it a try.

It might work for you and your boss or employer will probably grant you an advance on your paycheck.

If you get an advance of say $500 you can pay back $250 from the next two paychecks. Just make sure you pay back in time in whatever parts you can.

5. Get a credit card advance

do paid surveys really work

It is basically a short-term loan taken on a credit card credit line. When you are short of cash this option seems tempting just to pay that odd bill or purchase something online.

It seems as simple and convenient as going to an ATM, swiping the credit card with the correct pin and get the cash withdrawal done.

The catch is heavy credit fees applied for such cash advances on credit cards. Also, this might work only if you have a good credit score. What if you don’t have a credit card at all? Read on there are options better than this.

6. Get refunds for soda cans

how to get a raise a work

Many stores provide 30 days or 90 days return policy. So if you bought something new during the last few months and its unused return to the store and get some quick cash.

There are around 10 states with bottle bill, so if you reside in one collect empty soda cans at home, work and ask friends to donate it so that you can carry them to the store for the refund.

7. Get a personal loan even if you have bad credit

credit cards 101

You can apply for online personal loans as they are convenient, safe, and secure without having to leave the comfort of your house. Personal loan lenders will usually help you bridge the gap between paychecks and keep you guarded against loan sharks. Proven that you won’t pay a lot for short-termed payday loans, be careful that you do not miss even a single repayment.

Just remember that if you actually need money now, then you can opt for a personal loan. When you need money in a hurry ZippyLoan is where to go. You apply for a loan through the Zippy Loan site, if approved they send your loan application to one of many loan providers.

You review the loan details and e-sign if you like what you see. No risk in checking what offers you’ll get. You can borrow between $100 and $15,000 as soon as tomorrow. Loans service up to 60 months.

ZippyLoan connects borrowers to lenders through their network of lenders. They’ll find you the lowest interest rate and is one of the best no credit check loan. You can visit ZippyLoan here.

For excellent credit
  • 💸 Earn a $300 bonus after your loan funds.
    • APR Range: 8.99% to 29.99% (with all discounts applied)
    • Loan Amounts: $5,000 to $100,000
    • Repayment Terms: 2 to 7 years
    • Fees: Origination fees up to 7%
    • Funding Time: Most loans funded same or next day
    • Credit Score Requirement: Minimum 680
For good credit
  • Low-interest personal loans with fast funding for debt consolidation or major expenses.
    • APR Range: 5.94% to 35.47%
    • Loan Amounts: $1,000 to $50,000
    • Repayment Terms: 3 to 5 years
    • Fees: Origination fees apply
    • Funding Time: Same-day funding available
    • Credit Score Requirement: Minimum 560
For poor credit
  • Uses AI to provide personalized loan options, even for those with limited credit history.
    • APR Range: 7.80% to 35.99%
    • Loan Amounts: $1,000 to $50,000
    • Repayment Terms: 3 or 5 years
    • Fees: Origination fees up to 10%
    • Funding Time: Most loans funded within 24 hours
    • Credit Score Requirement: No minimum; considers factors beyond credit score
For no credit
  • Connects you to lenders offering up to $15,000 with same-day approvals.
    • APR Range: Varies by lender
    • Loan Amounts: $100 to $15,000
    • Repayment Terms: Varies by lender
    • Fees: Varies by lender
    • Funding Time: As soon as the next business day
    • Credit Score Requirement: Varies by lender
For excellent credit
Our Rating:
5.0
💸 Earn a $300 bonus after your loan funds.
  • APR Range: 8.99% to 29.99% (with all discounts applied)
  • Loan Amounts: $5,000 to $100,000
  • Repayment Terms: 2 to 7 years
  • Fees: Origination fees up to 7%
  • Funding Time: Most loans funded same or next day
  • Credit Score Requirement: Minimum 680
For good credit
Our Rating:
4.7
Low-interest personal loans with fast funding for debt consolidation or major expenses.
  • APR Range: 5.94% to 35.47%
  • Loan Amounts: $1,000 to $50,000
  • Repayment Terms: 3 to 5 years
  • Fees: Origination fees apply
  • Funding Time: Same-day funding available
  • Credit Score Requirement: Minimum 560
For poor credit
Our Rating:
4.9
Uses AI to provide personalized loan options, even for those with limited credit history.
  • APR Range: 7.80% to 35.99%
  • Loan Amounts: $1,000 to $50,000
  • Repayment Terms: 3 or 5 years
  • Fees: Origination fees up to 10%
  • Funding Time: Most loans funded within 24 hours
  • Credit Score Requirement: No minimum; considers factors beyond credit score
For no credit
Our Rating:
4.0
Connects you to lenders offering up to $15,000 with same-day approvals.
  • APR Range: Varies by lender
  • Loan Amounts: $100 to $15,000
  • Repayment Terms: Varies by lender
  • Fees: Varies by lender
  • Funding Time: As soon as the next business day
  • Credit Score Requirement: Varies by lender

8. Go for a personal installment loan

pay off payday loans

Sometimes you might be allowed a little longer to payback for a cash loan. Personal installment loans can be short term or long term depending on loan amount.

It can fulfill your financial need for today by allowing you to pay back one installment period at a time instead of lump-sum on next paycheck.

Remember it is a short-term lending solution for temporary financing needs, not a replacement for long-term financial arrangement.

Hence choose responsibly and apply for a loan that you would be able to repay. Follow the above tips and tricks, keep calm and let the latter take care of the rest!

Disclosures

*Chime SpotMe is an optional, no fee service that requires a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the Chime Checking Account each month. All qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on member's Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your limit. Your limit may change at any time, at Chime's discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe won't cover non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. See Terms and Condition
^Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
1 Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

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Brian Meiggs
Hi, I’m Brian Meiggs! I’m a personal finance expert and founder of My Millennial Guide, here to help you build real wealth. With a background in finance, I’ve spent years guiding people on smart, practical ways to grow their money. For stock market beginners, I recommend Acorns. It’s a simple way to start investing with just your spare change, helping you steadily grow your portfolio over time without the need to actively manage it. And if you’re interested in real estate, check out Arrived and Fundrise. I use both myself—they make it easy to start investing in property without needing huge upfront capital. These platforms are perfect for anyone looking to add real estate to their investments for passive, long-term growth. I believe these tools are great for building a balanced investment portfolio, combining stocks and real estate for a solid approach to wealth-building. You can trust this advice—my work has been featured in major publications like Business Insider, Entrepreneur, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, NASDAQ, Discover, Fox News, and MSN Money.

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