How to get money when you can't get a loan?

Asked by: Brady O'Hara PhD  |  Last update: September 21, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (24 votes)

Consider these alternatives if you need to borrow but don't qualify for a personal loan:
  1. Credit card.
  2. Home equity loan or HELOC.
  3. Personal line of credit.
  4. Peer-to-peer loan.
  5. Life insurance policy loan.
  6. Retirement plan loan.
  7. Mortgage refinance.

What to do if no one will lend you money?

What Can I Do If No One Will Give Me a Loan?
  1. Research peer-to-peer lending.
  2. Explore loans from friends and family.
  3. Look at pawnshop loan options.
  4. Compare credit card cash loans.
  5. Seek information about government assistance programs.

Where can I get money if I can't get a loan?

Some credit cards may offer an introductory 0% APR period, so make sure you feel confident that you can pay off the debt before the high-interest rate kicks in. Payday loans are another option to access cash quickly when you can't get a loan.

How do I get emergency money now?

You can get emergency money through a personal loan, credit card cash advance or payday loan. However, some of these options aren't ideal and can cost you a lot of money. You can also consider asking family or friends for money, using a 0% intro APR credit card or tapping into a HELOC.

How to get money but not a loan?

How to get money fast
  1. Sell something. If you have unused items sitting around your house collecting dust, you could turn them into cash. ...
  2. Pawn something. ...
  3. Sell unused gift cards. ...
  4. Access your paycheck earlier. ...
  5. Take on a freelance gig. ...
  6. Try pet sitting and dog walking. ...
  7. Babysit. ...
  8. Ask for a loan from a family member or friend.

Unlock Your Home's Equity - 3 Ways to Access Cash WITHOUT Selling!

30 related questions found

What is a hardship loan?

Hardship personal loans are a type of personal loan intended to help borrowers overcome financial difficulties such as job loss, medical emergencies, or home repairs. Hardship personal loan programs are often offered by small banks and credit unions.

How to get $1500 fast without a loan?

How to Get Money Fast Without a Loan
  1. Take advantage of online survey sites. ...
  2. Organize a garage sale. ...
  3. Sell your gift cards. ...
  4. Use cashback apps. ...
  5. Get money from your retirement accounts. ...
  6. Collect money the IRS owes you. ...
  7. Offer car repair services. ...
  8. Explore affiliate marketing.

How can I get a $1000 emergency fund?

Ask your bank or credit union to transfer $100 from your checking account to a savings account every month. Talk to your local bank or credit union to set this up. 4. Watch Your Savings Grow for 10 Months – The final step is to sit back and watch your savings grow.

How to get $2000 fast with bad credit?

In addition to regular loans, many credit unions offer payday alternative loans (PALs) for amounts up to $2,000. These are an especially good option if you have fair or bad credit as rates are capped at 28%, and they're designed for borrowers who struggle to be approved for credit.

How can I get money if I'm struggling?

Facing financial hardship
  1. Food assistance. ...
  2. Unemployment benefits. ...
  3. Welfare benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ...
  4. Emergency housing assistance. ...
  5. Rental assistance. ...
  6. Help with utility bills. ...
  7. Government home repair assistance programs.

Who will give me money right now?

I need money now. Where can I borrow from fast?
  • Emergency credit. We do not recommend payday loans or other forms of high-cost credit. ...
  • Credit unions. Credit unions are local, member-owned alternatives to banks. ...
  • Grants. ...
  • Trust funds. ...
  • Help from your local council. ...
  • Track down money you have missed out on.

What if I can't get a personal loan?

Lenders are required to provide an explanation letter for rejected applications. If you're rejected, read through the letter and determine what can be remedied. For example, you can work to improve your credit score or pay down high-interest debts to improve your debt-to-income ratio.

Who can help me with money urgently?

If you need to borrow money fast, you can apply to your local credit union to find out what sort of loans and interest rates are available. Our guide Borrowing from a credit union can help you find out how it works and how to find one.

Where can I ask for help with money?

If you need help, take a look at these programs.
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ...
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ...
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) ...
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ...
  • Child Nutrition Support Programs.

Why is nobody giving me a loan?

Your credit score is too low

Good or excellent credit (a score of 690 or higher) and a history of paying other loans or credit cards on time will help you qualify for a personal loan, while fair or bad credit and a history of missed payments could get your application declined.

Can you legally borrow money?

Yes, it is. It is legal to lend money, and when you do, the debt becomes the borrower's legal obligation to repay. For smaller loans, you can take legal action against your borrower if they do not pay by taking them to small claims court. This may seem harsh, but it's important to understand up front.

How to get a hardship loan?

How to get a hardship loan
  1. Review your credit. Read your credit report to see what a lender will see when you apply. ...
  2. Calculate your monthly payment. ...
  3. Pre-qualify with multiple lenders. ...
  4. Prepare your documentation. ...
  5. Submit the application and get funded.

How to get emergency cash now?

Ways to Quickly Get Emergency Loans When You Need It
  1. Income-Based Advance. Maybe you don't need a loan, but instead an income-based advance. ...
  2. Emergency Loans. ...
  3. Borrowing against your 401(k) ...
  4. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) ...
  5. Credit Card Cash Advances. ...
  6. Payday Advances.

What to do when no one will give you a loan?

How To Get A Loan When You Keep Getting Denied
  1. Improve Your Credit Score.
  2. Ask Someone To Co-Sign.
  3. Compare Lenders.
  4. Prequalify For A Personal Loan.

What is the 50 30 20 rule?

Those will become part of your budget. The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

What is a sinking funds account?

A sinking fund refers to a savings account that is designated for a specific purpose or expense. Here are some common expenses sinking funds may be used for: Car insurance and/or maintenance. Home repairs.

What is emergency money?

An emergency fund is a cash reserve that's specifically set aside for unplanned expenses or financial emergencies. Some common examples include car repairs, home repairs, medical bills, or a loss of income.

How do you get money fast when you cant get a loan?

How to get cash fast
  1. Sell spare electronics. ...
  2. Sell your gift cards. ...
  3. Pawn something. ...
  4. Work today for fast cash today. ...
  5. Seek community loans and assistance. ...
  6. Ask for forbearance on bills. ...
  7. Request a payroll advance. ...
  8. Dip into your retirement account.

How to get $5,000 ASAP?

29 Creative Ways to make $5,000 fast
  1. Offer freelance services. ...
  2. Sell unused items around your home. ...
  3. Participate in online surveys or focus groups. ...
  4. Start a small online business. ...
  5. Offer tutoring or coaching sessions. ...
  6. Bake and sell homemade goods. ...
  7. Create and sell digital products. ...
  8. Take on odd jobs or gigs.