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Recently, I had to fund a major car repair, a vet bill, and some other personal expenses that I couldn't delay. I burned through my emergency fund and had to turn to my credit card, which left me wondering, how can I get money fast without a loan?
Believe me, I know the effort it takes to recover from unexpected expenses. However, there are several ways to do it without a loan, and relatively quickly.
When I need to make money quickly, I look for options like a cash advance or even assistance programs first. Then, I look for side hustles that pay out based on my schedule, such as delivering food or groceries, or taking paid surveys during my downtime from other work projects. Once you meet the payout minimums, you can choose when to be paid based on what works best for you.
5 ways to get money fast without a loan
1. Use paycheck or cash advance apps
Paycheck or cash advance apps can be good options for getting money quickly, but you need to be careful about using them.
Payday and cash advance apps offer short-term loans that typically get repaid on your next payday. They can be a convenient way to get access to cash quickly, but they often come with high fees and may increase the risk of overdrafts. They can also keep you locked in a cycle of borrowing from every paycheck.
Look for a company that charges little (or no) interest or fees on your advance, and read customer reviews to ensure you aren't getting scammed. Two of the ones I like are:
Chime
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Its MyPay program offers early access to your paycheck once you open a Chime account and meet specific eligibility requirements, including setting up one or two direct deposits.
MyPay may not be available in every state, but it doesn't charge interest or have fees, and advance amounts can range from $20 to $500, depending on your eligibility.
You can also choose how quickly you receive your advance. Chime will deposit your money within 24 hours for free, or you can pay a $2 fee and have instant access to your cash.
You'll automatically repay the advance when your next paycheck is deposited into your account.
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- Get no fee overdraft up to $200 with SpotMe®1 <p>SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest / no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Chime Card service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime® Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Visa® Credit Card or Chime Visa® Debit Card.</p><br> <p>Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s or its banking partners’ discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Chime Card, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Chime Card won’t cover non-card transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">SpotMe on Chime Card Terms and Conditions</a>.</p>
- Get paid up to 2 days earlier than you would with some traditional banks2 <p> 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.</p>
- 24/7 live support with a real human
- FDIC insured through The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC
Current
Similarly, Current is a fintech company and one of the best cash advance apps. It offers a program called Paycheck Advance. This payday loan allows you to access your money within three business days with no fees or within an hour for a fee. Depending on your eligibility, you may qualify for an advance of up to $750.
To qualify for Current's Paycheck Advance, you'll need to open an account with Current and provide your ID, proof of employment, and income verification. You'll also need to set up an eligible direct deposit to see if you qualify.
Like Chime, you'll repay your Current Paycheck Advance when your next payroll deposit hits your Current account.
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2. Deliver food or groceries
Delivering food or groceries for others is one of my go-to methods for earning extra cash fast. While multiple apps and sites can help you earn money, especially if you can deliver during peak hours, DoorDash and Uber Eats are two of the most reliable ways to make quick cash I've found.
However, you generally need to cover your own expenses like gas, vehicle maintenance, and car insurance. Depending on the time of day and your location, you may also encounter significant competition from other delivery drivers.
DoorDash
One of the things I like most about DoorDash is that you can set your own schedule for both deliveries and payments.
To drive for DoorDash, you'll need to fill out an application, and once approved, you'll be able to accept deliveries or tasks in your area. You must be at least 18 years old, depending on the state you live in (Dashers in California must be 21 years old or older).
Additionally, you'll need to have access to a car, scooter, or bicycle (the latter two are only allowed in select cities). You also need to have a driver's license and a Social Security number to determine your eligibility.
DoorDash offers a base pay rate plus tips and promotions or challenges that help you earn more.
DoorDash automatically pays out weekly through a direct deposit to your bank account. If you need it faster, you can opt for daily payments through Fast Pay for a $1.99 fee per transfer. If you sign up for DoorDash Crimson, which is a personal banking account for Dashers, you may receive your payouts instantly without a fee. You also gain access to a debit card, cash back, and other perks.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats offers deliveries via car, scooter, bicycle, or on foot in select areas. Like DoorDash, you must have a valid driver's license, pass a background check, and provide proof of car insurance to drive for Uber Eats. It also requires that all drivers be at least 19 years old, unless you are delivering via bicycle or on foot, which only requires you to be 18.
Uber Eats pays drivers based on the estimated time and distance required to complete a trip as well as the number of pickups and drop-offs and other factors. Drivers receive 100% of tips.
Uber Eats also offers a weekly bank transfer and a debit card (called Uber Pro Card) that allows you to access your earnings almost instantly, free of charge. If you don't want to use the Uber Pro Card, you can cash out up to six times a day for a small fee using Instant Pay.
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3. Get paid to take surveys
I have multiple survey apps downloaded and get-paid-to sites bookmarked on my phone, and I browse them for opportunities whenever I need a break from my day. You may not earn much if you only answer one or two surveys occasionally, but if you use these apps consistently, you could earn enough to supplement your gas or grocery budget.
Survey Junkie
I like using Survey Junkie because it has a simple interface and generally only offers surveys and a few focus groups. Survey Junkie awards points for surveys, which you can redeem for cash. You can also opt in to the Survey Junkie Surf to Earn browser extension that tracks your browsing history and helps you qualify for higher-paying surveys.
Most surveys earn less than $1 but only take between five and 20 minutes. I've found you can usually complete a few within an hour. You only need $5 (or 500 points) to cash out, and you can choose between bank transfer, PayPal, or e-gift cards.
Freecash
If I want to get paid to play games in addition to taking surveys, I use Freecash. Like Survey Junkie, Freecash will give you points that you can redeem for money for taking surveys, but it also pays you for completing offers or reaching certain levels in the games you download.
I have found surveys to be hit or miss with Freecash, but it's worth checking out since there are occasionally high-paying options available.
Freecash allows users to cash out via bank transfer or PayPal, but it charges a 5% processing fee on those withdrawals. Bank transfers can take up to two business days to process, but PayPal and gift cards are generally processed instantly.
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4. Sell unused items
Selling items you own but don't use anymore is another great way to earn money quickly, especially if you have electronics or designer clothes with high resale value.
I'm a big fan of reselling clothes, in particular, since it helps clear out space and earns me some extra cash.
Poshmark
If you have designer brands or are ready to part with the latest 'it' item, Poshmark can help you sell your gently used clothing and home items. You get to decide what to charge for any items you list, and creating a listing on the site is relatively easy.
You'll need to snap photos of all of the items you're posting. When photographing your listing, use good lighting and a neutral background. Research how much similar items are selling for on Poshmark or other sites to help you set the best price.
You can cash out within three days of the buyer receiving their order. Poshmark charges a flat fee of $2.95 for sales under $15. If the sale is $15 or more, Poshmark charges a 20% commission.
eBay
If you have collectibles, clothing, shoes and accessories, or even car or home improvement parts, learn how to sell on eBay.
You'll need to create an account and a listing for each item you want to post. Include as many specifics as possible, like the brand name and included accessories as well as the item's condition.
Depending on the type of items you sell, you'll pay a final value fee as a percentage ranging from 2.35% to 15.3% of the total order, plus a per-order fee.
Locally
While selling online can be convenient, if you need money quickly, selling items locally may be your best bet. Check out local resale shops such as Buffalo Exchange, Plato's Closet, or other local resale options. Pawn shops can be helpful for electronics and other high-value goods.
Do your homework before walking into the store, review the shop's resale guidelines, and have a rough idea of how much you're willing to accept for your items. Be prepared to negotiate and realize you may receive a smaller payout in exchange for selling your item the same-day.
5. Tap community and government resources
If you need help keeping your heat on, making rent, or buying food, consider reaching out to your local non-profit community or government resource providers. Often, your County Department of Human Services has a list of resources and grants available to help those in need of assistance.
Contacting 211 through phone, text, or their website can help you locate resources in your area. Although benefits differ by state, you can generally find help with housing, utilities, food, and even medical expenses. You can also use the USA.gov Benefit Finder to help you see which benefits you qualify for.
FAQs
How can I get quick cash without a loan?
If you need cash quickly without a loan, consider requesting a paycheck advance. Many banks and financial technology companies offer cash advances to customers who have set up eligible direct deposits. Look for options that don't charge fees or interest, and be careful about borrowing more than you can comfortably pay back from your next paycheck.
How can I earn $1,000 right now?
To earn $1,000 right now, consider using multiple methods and apps to maximize your earnings. No one activity is likely to earn you that amount on its own. You could, for example, sign up to drive with DoorDash or Uber Eats, sell unwanted items, and use get-paid-to sites to help you increase your income during your downtime. You can also look for freelance work or odd jobs, though that may take longer.
Where can I get money immediately?
You can generally receive money immediately by signing up for a cash or paycheck advance app (as long as you have a qualified direct deposit) or by selling unused gift cards or high-value electronics. Once your application is accepted, you can also become a delivery driver for DoorDash or Uber Eats, which offer immediate cash-out options.
Bottom line
Finding ways to make money today without a loan requires effort, but it is possible. While it's scary to be in a financially difficult situation, take a deep breath and spend a little bit of time brainstorming ways to help yourself recover.
Look at all your available options and check out our list of the best side hustles to help you get started. Consider using a paycheck advance app or finding some of the best get-paid-to sites to help you earn money in your downtime to give yourself a little financial wiggle room.
