How to get an emergency loan in 5 simple steps

Getting an emergency loan can be as easy as filling out an online application, providing details about your paycheck and job and adding bank information. 

Emergency personal loans can give you quick cash to pay for the unexpected. They are a type of personal loan that borrowers can use for a crisis, such as medical bills or important home repairs. They tend to be small and are funded within days.

If you need money urgently but don’t have the cash to cover it, you’re not alone. The 2024 Bankrate Emergency Savings report found that over half of U.S. adults (56 percent) wouldn’t pay for an emergency expense of $1,000 or more from their savings account.

Knowing how to get different types of emergency loans and comparing emergency loan rates may help you find the right one in a bind.

How to get an emergency loan

Stress can make it difficult to make an informed loan decision. You may be dealing with doctors in a hospital emergency or insurance companies after a car accident.

Regardless of the circumstances, there are five steps you can take to help you choose the right emergency loan for you.

1. Decide if you need a fast emergency loan

Consider your timeline for needing cash. Situations that require fast emergency cash include paying for a major car repair, a deductible to get admitted to urgent care or a roof repair company upfront.

But perhaps you have time to plan for your dental work or your insurance covers a rental while your car’s being repaired. If you have at least a few days before you need money, it gives you time to shop around. You may find better rates and terms.

2. Compare loan types and lenders

Always compare rates and terms offered by at least three different companies. The right emergency lender depends on your financial situation and how quickly you need the money.

Emergency loan types

Several types of emergency loans are available. Each has its pros and cons, and some may better fit your situation and finances than others.

If you need money within a day or two to fund your emergency bills, personal loans, payday loans, credit card cash advances and title loans offer the fastest cash. Of those options, personal loans have the lowest costs and fewest drawbacks.

If your cash needs are not as time-sensitive, you can also consider a home equity loan or HELOC. 

3. Get prequalified

Most emergency lenders prequalify you based on the information you provide them when you start shopping around. The key to getting the best loan for you will depend on several factors.

Credit score

Lenders use your credit score as a measure of risk for personal loans, home equity products and credit cards. If your credit score is below 669, you may need to shop for loans offered by fair and poor credit lenders. If you have no credit history, you may need to settle for a payday or title loan.

If you opt for a personal loan, home equity loan or HELOC, you may see a temporary drop in your credit score due to a hard credit check. Consistent, on-time and in-full payments can help boost your credit score. 

But that’s only true if the lender reports to one or more of the three main credit bureaus. Payday and title lenders typically do not.

Repayment terms

Choose the shortest repayment term you can comfortably afford so a one-time emergency doesn’t turn into a long-term debt payment. The faster you can pay the balance off, the less interest you’ll pay in the long run.

Payday loans typically require repayment within 14 days. Home equity loan terms may be as long as 30 years. Personal loan terms range between one and seven years.

Interest rates

HELOC and home equity loan rates are typically lower than those of other emergency loans. Personal loan rates can be as low as 8 percent for excellent credit borrowers and up to 36 percent for bad credit borrowers.

Payday and title loan rates are extremely high because the loans aren’t usually based on your creditworthiness. When shopping for an emergency loan, pay close attention to APR. It includes both interest and fees. You can use the APR to calculate your payment and your total interest cost.

4. Fill out the application

Once you pick the best emergency loan lender, you must complete an application and provide any documents needed once approved. You may need documents like pay stubs, proof of address and your driver’s license for a personal loan.

A new HELOC or home equity loan may require the same documents you needed when you bought your home, including assets, tax returns and possibly even a home appraisal. Provide documents as quickly as possible to get your cash in the shortest amount of time.

5. Wait for a decision and funding

The time to get your decision and funding will depend on the type of loan you take out. Funding is usually directly deposited into your bank account with automatic payments set up for future payments.

Where to get an emergency loan

A number of financial institutions offer emergency loans. The right one for you may vary depending on when, where, and how your emergency situation occurs.

Online lenders

Securing an emergency personal loan online is fairly simple and requires you to fill out some personal information from the comfort of your home. Taking out your loan online will also allow you to compare different loan options all at once, and they may be available during hours when most banks are closed.

Online lenders offer speedy funding. If you are in a precarious financial situation and need money as soon as possible, an online lender is your best bet.

Payday lenders

You can find payday lenders online or in local strip malls in most areas. The applications usually only require proof of employment and how often you’re paid. 

These loans come with APRs in the triple digits and high fees that are difficult to understand. They should only be considered if you can’t qualify for a bad credit personal loan. 

Car title lenders

Like payday loans, car title loans don’t require a credit check. You can get the funds quickly with basic information about your vehicle. However, these loans tend to have extremely high interest rates and fees.

Banks

Your local bank may offer you an emergency loan at more competitive rates and better terms if you have a longstanding relationship. 

The main benefit of borrowing from a bank is knowing who you’re borrowing from in a face-to-face setting. They may offer financial advice so you don’t need to borrow money for emergencies in the future.

Credit unions

Like banks, credit unions typically offer you fair terms and interest rates on the money you borrow. They may also offer fast turnaround times for HELOCs and home equity loans. 

Credit unions may be a better option than banks for those with less-than-perfect credit. They tend to have more lenient credit and income requirements.

The bottom line

Getting an emergency loan can provide financial relief in times of crisis. You can take five simple steps to secure an emergency personal loan. Carefully consider your options and compare lenders to ensure you get the best rates and terms. Only borrow what you need and have a repayment plan in place.

By taking these steps, you can be prepared for any unexpected costs and avoid falling into a cycle of debt. If you are not currently in crisis, work to build an emergency fund so you don’t need to borrow when life happens.