Emergency Cash Immediately: 12 Legit Ways to Get Money Today

The fastest ways to get emergency cash, compared

Emergency cash with no loan

1. Ask the biller for more time

If the emergency is a bill, call before it is due. Utilities, landlords, hospitals and phone companies often offer a payment plan, a due-date change or a hardship program. It costs nothing and keeps the money you do have for food and fuel. Ask specifically: "Do you have a hardship program or a payment arrangement?"

2. Ask your employer for a paycheck advance

Many employers will advance part of your next paycheck for a genuine emergency, especially if you ask HR or payroll directly. There is usually no fee. The amount is deducted from your next check.

3. Use earned wage access

Some employers offer an app that lets you take part of the pay you have already earned before payday. Check your benefits portal or ask payroll. Fees are usually small, and some transfers are free if you can wait a day or two.

4. Get help from charities and 211

Call or text 211, or visit 211.org, to reach a local specialist who can connect you with emergency help for rent, utilities, food and medicine. Local branches of groups such as The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul often help with one-time bills. For heating and cooling bills, ask about your state's LIHEAP energy assistance program.

5. Sell something

Electronics, tools, game consoles and furniture sell fastest. Local marketplace apps can get you cash the same day; resale shops pay less but immediately.

6. Pick up same-day gig work

Delivery, rideshare and task apps often let you cash out earnings quickly, sometimes the same day for a small fee. Sign-up and background checks can take several days, so this works best if you are already approved on a platform.

Low-cost ways to borrow

7. Pawn loan

A pawnshop lends you cash against an item for a set period, often 30 days or more depending on your state. There is no credit check and nothing goes on your credit report if you don't repay. You simply lose the item. Fees are set by state law and can be high, so only pawn something you can afford to lose.

8. Cash advance app

Cash advance apps can cover roughly $20–$500 based on your direct deposits, with repayment taken on your next payday. Most charge optional tips, monthly memberships or fees for instant transfers. Free transfers usually take one to three business days. If you bank with Chime, check MyPay and SpotMe first. Compare apps in cash advance apps like Dave and EarnIn.

9. Credit union payday alternative loan (PAL)

Federal credit unions can lend $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR, plus an application fee of up to $20. If you are already a member, this is usually the best-priced emergency loan available. See payday alternative loans.

10. Credit card cash advance

If you already have a credit card, you can withdraw cash at an ATM with your PIN. Expect a cash advance fee (often a percentage of the amount) and a higher APR that starts immediately, with no grace period. It is still usually cheaper than a payday loan.

11. Family or friends

Put the amount and repayment date in writing, even in a text message. It protects the relationship as much as the money.

12. Same-day and payday loans

If nothing above works, a short-term loan can get you money quickly. Storefront lenders can often give you cash the same day. Online lenders usually deposit by the next business day, and some can fund the same day if you are approved early. Read emergency same-day loans for how to apply, what you need, and what it costs.

If you are unemployed, have no bank account or bad credit

• Unemployed: apply for unemployment insurance through your state right away, because delays can push back your first payment. SNAP food benefits can be expedited within 7 days for households with very little money. Some lenders accept unemployment or other benefit income. See emergency cash for the unemployed.
• Single parent: see emergency cash for single mothers for TANF, WIC and other programs.
• No bank account: pawn loans, storefront lenders that pay in cash, or a loan to a prepaid card. See loans without a bank account.
• Bad credit: most of the options above need no credit check. For loans, see direct lender payday loans for bad credit.

How to spot emergency cash scams

• Upfront fees. A real lender never asks you to pay a fee, buy a gift card or send money before you get a loan.
• "Guaranteed approval." No legitimate lender can promise approval before reviewing your application.
• "Free government cash." Government grants are not handed out to individuals for personal emergencies through ads or phone calls.
• Pressure to act now, or requests for your online banking password. Hang up.

Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Frequently asked questions