Best emergency loans for bad credit from top direct lenders
Even if you manage your finances well, sometimes life hits you hard enough to put you in financial peril.
It could be paying tuition or repairing something in your house. Whatever the reason, what is important is that you should have emergency funding to deal with these problems.
Well, it is no news that having a bad credit score will tamper with your chances of getting funding. It will make the already tricky process of getting a loan even more complex. This can be heartbreaking, especially when you are in dire need of money to handle emergencies. Even if you get lucky enough to secure funding, the interest rates can be terrible with a short repayment period.
But, do not lose hope because we have good news for you. Fortunately, some companies offer emergency loans even with bad credit scores. These companies typically do not use your credit history to evaluate your eligibility. Instead, they use other criteria like average income, total expenditure, and total budget to assess your eligibility.
List of Online Payday Lenders to Get Emergency Loans
1. MoneyMutual – Top Pick for Best Emergency Loans for Bad Credit
2. BadCreditLoans – Get Instant Bad Credit Loans with Guaranteed Approval
3. CashUSA – Emergency Cash Immediately with Bad Credit
4. Personal Loans – Instant Personal Loans at Low Interest
1. MoneyMutual – Top Pick for Best Emergency Loans for Bad Credit
Overview
MoneyMutual was founded in 2010 and has over two million customers worldwide who trust the platform. Since about four in ten Americans cannot come up with $400 in an emergency, MoneyMutual decided to build an online marketplace that connects borrowers to lenders.
MoneyMutual has a core ambition of processing fast approvals for short-term loans, coupled with a tight security system. The process is quick and easy. You can complete the loan application in minutes, and the company can deliver the money to your account within 24 hours. MoneyMutual offers loans up to $5,000 and provides educational resources, so users can understand the loans they need.
In addition, MoneyMutual belongs to the Online Lenders Alliance (OLA), which is a professional organization that promotes best practices in the short-term loan industry. With MoneyMutual, you get connected with more than 60 lenders at once, saving you time and stress. You do not pay any fees when using their services, as they operate free of cost. Additionally, Norton 256-bit encryption secures the website, so you do not have any security issues.
It is important to note that MoneyMutual is not a lending website. Instead, it bridges the gap between lenders and borrowers, acting as a loan middleman. When you connect with a lender, MoneyMutual directs you to their website, where you will make additional loan agreements. Furthermore, MoneyMutual does not interfere with any loan details, as they do not determine the rate, interest, etc.
Last but not least, on their website, you can use live chat assistance if you do not understand any part of the application.
Highlights
Quick Turnaround Time: Their network of over 60 lenders makes it possible to get your loan faster than other platforms. MoneyMutual understands how devastating emergencies can be, so they value your time.
Zero Cost: It is interesting to note that there are not any fees when you use MoneyMutual, with no hidden charges or maintenance fees whatsoever. However, when you visit any lender’s website, you may be required to pay some fees, but MoneyMutual itself does not charge any.
Simple Form: MoneyMutual provides a simple form that you can fill quickly without wasting time. The simple form makes everything fast, thereby making your loan process less stressful.
Competitive Rates: There are many lenders on MoneyMutual, and this enables competition. You can compare different interest rates and offers from many lenders and choose the best one for you.
Educational Resources: MoneyMutual offers educational materials on its website that guide you through the loan application and teach you all you need to know regarding loan applications.
Pros
● No fees
● Fast approval
● Simple online form
● Online educational materials available
Cons
● Requires a regular income source
● Unavailable in some states of the U.S.
2. BadCreditLoans –Get Instant Bad Credit Loans with Guaranteed Approval
Overview
BadCreditLoans is an online marketplace that has been in the loaning business since 1998. They specialize in getting you the best rates for emergency funding, and their network includes both state and tribal lenders.
You get loan quotes from different lenders willing to lend you money by completing a simple online form. You can borrow any amount starting from $500 up to $10,000. However, BadCreditLoans does not lend money to people, but they help connect borrowers to lenders.
In addition, BadCreditLoans does not charge any fees for using their website. Also, their loan terms differ from 3 months to 36 months with different interest rates of 5.99% to 35.99%.
If you do not find a lender, the website will help you by showing ads for other lending companies. However, there is no need to worry, as your private information is secure. BadCreditLoans can only give them your contact information so they can reach you.
BadCreditLoans has an active service that is always available anytime you need a loan. In terms of security, the website uses a line of data encryption to secure customers’ information. Once you get your loan approval, you can expect your funds the next business day.
Highlights
Ease of Application: The application process is a simple one that involves three stages. First, you submit an online request using the form provided on the website. After that, BadCreditLoans uses your information to find matching lenders for you. When you get approval, review the terms of the loan and accept. That is all.
Varying Interest Rates and Fees: The lenders set the interest rates and fees, not BadCreditLoans. The interest rates vary from 5.99% to 35.99%. However, the majority of the lenders charge an interest rate between 15% to 27%.
Available Anytime: BadCreditLoans offers active services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means you can apply for an emergency loan anytime and get approval at any time. In addition, they use advanced encryption technology to keep your data secure. You can contact them through phone or email (available on the website).
Availability of Informational Articles: BadCreditLoans ensures its users access educational materials that give them more information about loans. It also includes scam alert articles on different types of loans, so users do not become victims of fraud.
Pros
● Flexible loan terms
● Speedy online process
● Zero fees for using the platform
● Ability to compare lender options
Cons
● Not a direct lender
● Short repayment term
3. CashUSA – Emergency Cash Immediately with Bad Credit
Overview
CashUSA is an American company that provides users with a platform to link borrowers to potential lenders. It is one of America’s most trusted resources for loans, and the website leverages its large platform to help individuals that need emergency funding.
With more than one million users every month, CashUSA provides a simple, easy user interface. Users need to provide their details on the website, and then they are linked with different reputable lenders. The applications do not take long. Then, you can review the offers and accept one that is suitable for you.
On the website, you can apply for loans between $500 and $10,000, and their network of lenders includes both state and tribal lenders. However, keep in mind the tribal lenders’ rate may be higher than that of state lenders, as they are under federal and tribal laws. Additionally, there is the option to repay the loans within 3 months to 72 months.
CashUSA provides a secure platform using industry-standard encryption for the protection of personal information. In addition, they have a fast online process, as you can receive your funds on the next business day.
Highlights
Quick Loan Processing: In contrast to traditional banks, CashUSA offers fast online loan processing. Once you make a request, it is sent quickly to lenders that provide you with funding. This is very impressive compared to the lengthy processing it takes at any traditional bank.
Responsive Customer Support: CashUSA is ready to answer all of your questions and complaints. If you have any queries, you can submit a form on the website. You can also contact CashUSA directly, either through phone or email. In addition, you can reach them on social media, as they are on Facebook and Twitter.
Privacy and Security: CashUSA is committed to protecting your data and uses the best possible means to secure your information. The website employs standard encryption to make users’ private data safe from hackers. Furthermore, it conducts daily tests to maintain the platform’s security.
Automatic Payments: Making payments on CashUSA is as stress-free as possible. There is the option to set up automatic payments, so you do not have to worry about the deadlines. Once you set up automatic payments, your bank deducts the money from your account monthly and pays the lender. In turn, this improves your credit score and your loan record.
Pros
● Free to use
● Available 24/7
● Variety of offers
● Available in all 50 states
● Acceptance of all credit types
● Instant loan application process
Cons
● Not a direct lender
● High-interest rates
● Maximum loan amount is $10,000
4. Personal Loans — Instant Personalized Loans at Low Interest
Overview
Through their network of lenders, Personal Loans offers you the opportunity to connect and gain easy access to loans, and it acts as a ‘middleman’ between lenders and borrowers. With Personal Loans, you can borrow between $1,000 and $35,000 from the comfort of your home, as everything is completed online.
With a short loan request form on the website, it is easy for them to link you with potential lenders. In addition, the personal loan approval process is quick, as you can get your loan within one business day. Furthermore, the repayment period depends on the lender’s loan term and varies from 3 months to 72 months.
Inclusively, Personal Loans does not charge any fees for using the website, and there is no obligation to accept any loan offer. If there is no lender to offer you a loan, the website will assist you by displaying ads from other lending platforms. In addition, they can connect you to further debt relief offers and similar services. The website does not spill out sensitive information, and they only provide your personal information to contact you.
Personal Loans is a proud member of the Online Lenders Alliance (OLA). Although Personal Loans does not request any fees, the lenders might charge some. However, these costs vary depending on the lender. This is why you must carefully read the terms of the loan before agreeing. Moreover, you do not know the expenses you will face until you get a loan offer.
Highlights
Flexible Options: While many loan websites limit their customers to rigid policies and short repayment terms, CashUSA offers a lot of flexibility. The loan range is impressive, as it starts from as little as $1,000 to as high as $35,000. Aside from this, you can repay loans from 90 days to 72 months, depending on the loan type you obtain.
Various Loan Types: While many loan sites offer only one loan type, CashUSA provides a variety of loan types. You can choose from multiple options ranging from bank loans, installment loans, or peer-to-peer loans. Depending on the type of loan you choose, the credit score requirement will differ as well.
Member of the OLA: As an OLA member, Personal Loans ensures fair practices and the security of your information. They are required to comply with all federal laws and protect their users from online fraud and thefts. In addition, the OLA ensures that its members do not mislead users, display fake information, and maintain the utmost integrity. All of this makes Personal Loans safe and secure.
Excellent Customer Support: You can find relevant information about the company on their website. They provide enough information to guide customers so they can have a seamless experience using the website. Furthermore, you can contact their support through phone, email, or online contact form if you need answers to certain things. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Pros
● Quick funding
● Big lender network
● Does not require collateral
● High loan limit of $35,000
Cons
● APRs can be high
● Not a direct lender
How We Made This List
The first step involved is conducting thorough online research. After this step, we ended up with a long list of companies that provide emergency loans with bad credit. However, we were still far from the finished product, as we still had to sift through the suspicious companies. Therefore, we analyzed each company using different factors like company reputation, fees, and interest rates, among several factors.
Our search did not end there, though, as we used other factors like the quickness of loan approval, repayment period, and loan limits. After excluding companies that did not meet our criteria, we narrowed down the list to four of the best emergency loans with bad credit.
We Looked For
● Interest Rates and Fees: Different companies have varying interest rates and fees, and it is essential to check them out before collecting any loan. Some emergency loan companies offer very exorbitant fees and interest rates. However, the companies in this list provide reasonable interest and fees to their customers.
● Loan Term: Every lender sets a monthly loan term for every loan. The repayment is calculated so you can gradually pay off your debt within the loan term. A short loan term means you will accrue lesser charges, and you will be off your debt quickly. However, longer loan terms mean you will comfortably pay off your debts over a more extended period but with higher interest rates.
● Loan Limits: The loan limits allow you to know the minimum and maximum loans you can obtain. Some companies have low maximum loan limits, which can hinder those who need large amounts of money.
● The Quickness of Loan Approval: Financial crises call for prompt funding, and the last thing you want is slow fund approval. Fast emergency loan companies grant loans on the next business day after approval, and our list consists of companies that offer fast approval to customers.
● Company Duration: Company duration also plays a vital role in our check. It is most likely that any company that has spent a significant number of years delivering quality value is trusted.
● Customer Service: This aspect cannot be neglected. Some emergency loan companies are reliable but have terrible customer service. So, we checked for each company’s customer service responsiveness to ensure the companies on our list offer prompt customer services to users.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Emergency Loans with Bad Credit
Sometimes, financial emergencies happen, and we are caught in the web of looking for quick loans to finance the crisis. Even the best financial planners sometimes get into a financial mess. Once this happens, the next thing is to get a loan.
When searching for companies that offer emergency loans with bad credit, you cannot just apply online to random emergency loans. You must take specific measures to ensure you get the best service. Furthermore, carefully considering these factors saves you from the risk of fraud and poor service.
If you are searching for emergency loans that accept bad credit, you must properly consider the following factors.
APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
This is one of the most important factors when deciding on the best emergency loans with bad credit. The Annual Percentage Rate varies with different lenders, and mainly, it falls between the range of 5.99% to 35.99%. In most cases, it is always advisable to choose a lender with a low APR, as it makes the loan repayment cheaper. Carefully review the loan options to check for the APR and see how it affects your total repayment. This makes it easier to determine if the loan offer is the best for you.
Security of the Platform
Security is paramount to prevent vital, private information from leaking into the hands of dangerous hackers. Because you will be entering sensitive information on the website, ensure the security is strong enough to prevent breaches. In addition, you can check for any previous violations or lawsuits. If it turns out the company has experienced some breaches, then that website may not be safe, and you should find a more secure one.
Regulatory Agency
You should check for appropriate regulatory agencies of the loan company, as this signifies their genuineness. Ensure you verify the validity of the body the loan company is registered with. If a loan company is not under any regulatory agency, you may have to think twice before using such a website.
Repayment Term
Depending on the type of emergency loan you obtain, there are different repayment terms. Some repayment terms take months and years, while some take just weeks. Before deciding on a loan, be sure you are okay with the repayment term contained in the loan agreement.
Loan Limits
Each website has different loan limits. Some emergency loans offer low loan limits; therefore, this may not be favorable for users with high loan demand. For instance, someone who needs an emergency loan of $20,000 cannot be satisfied with obtaining a loan from a website with a maximum limit of $10,000. So, always check for the minimum and maximum loans obtainable before using any loan website.
Check for Collaterals
Collaterals help to minimize risks on the part of the lender in case the borrower defaults. Some emergency loans require collateral, and some do not. Protecting your loan with collateral gives you low interest rates and more borrowing power, even with bad credit. However, it is advisable to go for emergency loans that do not need collateral. But, if the loan you are applying for requires you to drop some collateral, ensure you have a repayment plan in place to avoid losing your property.
FAQs: Emergency Loans
Q1. What Qualifies as a Bad Credit Score?
According to VantageScore’s credit scoring model, you can use a range of credit scores between 300 and 850. Credit scores below 661 are considered ‘’bad,” and scores between 601 and 660 are deemed fair. If a score falls between 500 and 600, it is considered poor, and credit scores below 500 (300 to 499) are considered horrible.
Q2. How Much Can I Borrow?
The amount you want to borrow depends on your personal needs. If the lender’s minimum amount is higher than what you intend to borrow, it is a good idea to back off. You should not borrow more than you can afford to pay back. Instead, search around and compare other options that fit your loan budget. Smaller loan requests tend to get approval and cost you less in interest.
Q3. How Should You Pick an Emergency Loan?
When you file for a loan application, the lender reviews your qualifications to see if you are fit for the loan. They do this so they can weigh the risks of having you as their customer. Similarly, you should do your assignment by researching the company that wants to offer you a loan.
We have provided some valuable tips above to help you in your decision-making when considering emergency loans. Weigh the positives and the negatives of any loan option and ensure you are okay with the loan terms before finalizing any agreement. In addition, ensure you compare several lenders, so you have a good chance of picking the best deal for you.
Q4. Can an Emergency Loan Affect My Credit Score?
Some emergency loans can impact your credit score, while others will not. It mainly depends on if it shows on your credit report with the credit bureaus. If you are in good standing with your lender and do not report your account to the credit bureaus, it will not affect your credit rating. In addition, if you repay your loan on time, then your credit score may finally improve. However, if you pay your debt late, an emergency loan can negatively affect your credit score.
Q5. How Fast Can I Get an Emergency Loan?
An emergency loan should get quick approval — after all, that is the essence of the loan. The loan websites we listed above offer immediate funding for emergency loans. Moreover, other loan websites guarantee quick financing as fast as even the same day of approval.
In some instances, loan funding may take time to get approval because some lenders take time to process the loan application. That is why you must ensure the lender has a good history of quick funding if you need an emergency loan.
Q6. Do Emergency Loans Have Alternatives?
In a difficult financial situation, emergency loans can be the best option. However, adding up more debt to your already-destabilized financial situation is not good.
If you cannot meet the monthly payments, it is better to go for an alternative. There are other emergency loan alternatives, like hardship payment plans. In addition, you can try making minimum payments on your credit card to free up more money. Furthermore, you can ask your employer to give you a paycheck advance.
Q7. How Can I Spot a Fake Lender?
Genuine lenders will ask you to apply before handing out funds, and an illegitimate lender will not review your credit history. Legit lenders review and confirm any information you supply them. Also, check if the lender is registered in your state. You can do this by calling your state’s financial regulator or checking their website.
Furthermore, if a lender asks you to send some funds upfront, it is most likely a scam. Legit lenders will not ask you for any kind of advance payment before concluding the loan deal. Therefore, do not send money to any lender upfront.
Conclusion
Improvements in technology have made it easy to access emergency loans with bad credits.
Nowadays, there are a lot of emergency loans available for individuals that need quick funding.
Through our in-depth research, we have selected the best four for you, out of which MoneyMutual is our personal favorite platform. All that is necessary for you is to meet the lender’s requirement, and you will get funding.
Bad credit history is no longer a hindrance to getting loans. Although with a bad credit score, you will have fewer loan options and high-interest rates. Unlike traditional banks, where you have to fill in a lot of paperwork, applying for loans online comes easy. You just visit a loan website, compare the options of each lender, and pick the most suitable offer for yourself.
Before agreeing to any lender’s loan terms, do your research so you do not end up regretting it. In addition, do not depend on only the lender’s information. Instead, compare rates and interests. You can check out buying guide section for some tips when choosing any loan option.
Finally, once you obtain your loan with bad credit, do your best to pay on time, and make sure you do not miss any monthly payments. If it seems like you will make a late payment, inform your lender, and they may extend your pay time. This improves your credit rating in contrast to making late payments.
You can even set up automatic payments if your lender has that option. That way, you will never miss a payment, and your credit history will become better.