5 types of emergency loans and their uses

Knowing what types of emergency loans are available is critical to getting you the funds you need as soon as possible when you’re faced with an emergency expense. Most emergency loan types can provide you with quick access to cash, and some have long repayment terms to keep your payments low.

You’ll need to do your research though — some emergency loan rates are as high as 600 percent with full payment required in two weeks. Learning about emergency loans in advance may help you avoid taking on unaffordable debt in a crisis.

1. Personal loans

Personal loans give you a lump sum of cash. They are repaid in fixed monthly installments, with terms typically ranging between one and seven years. A key benefit of a personal loan is being able to get your cash as soon as the day you apply, which comes in handy in an emergency.

You can get personal loans at banks, credit unions and through online lenders. Excellent credit personal loan APRs may be below 8 percent, making them a cheaper alternative than credit cards. Bad credit loan APRs, on the other hand, may be over 30 percent — a hefty cost if you can’t pay them off ahead of schedule.

Pros

• Quick access to cash.
• Typically doesn’t require collateral.
• Lower interest rates and longer terms than other forms of emergency financing.

Cons

• Steep interest rates if you have poor credit.
• Loan origination fees are up to 12 percent of the loan amount in some cases.
• Repayment options are shorter than home equity lending options.

2. Credit card cash advances

Credit cards can be useful tools in an emergency when used responsibly. Many credit cards offer a cash advance feature that may allow you to access cash from an ATM or bank branch in a crunch. Since the cash advance is tied to your existing card’s credit limit, it doesn’t require an additional credit check.

While credit card cash advances may be a quick and easy funding choice, they typically have higher interest rates than your card’s standard variable APR. Plus, interest will also start to accrue right away on a cash advance, since there often isn’t a grace period.

Pros

• Funds are accessible from any ATM.
• Cash advance option may already be set up on an existing credit card.
• No additional credit check required for most advances.

Cons

• High rates and fees.
• Borrowing amount is limited.
• Interest begins accruing immediately.

3. Payday loans

A payday loan is a type of instant loan that lets you borrow up to about $500, usually without a credit check. Payday loans typically have to be repaid within two weeks or by your next pay period.

This kind of emergency loan is generally considered extremely risky because standard payday lender APRs are about 400 percent, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. And they can be even higher. The short repayment period combined with high fees often makes it hard for people to repay what’s owed by the due date.

Pros

• Easy to qualify for, often without a credit check.
• Fast funding.

Cons

• Extremely high APRs.
• Very short repayment period.

4. Title loans

A title loan is another type of emergency loan that gets you fast access to cash secured by equity in your car. Also called a “pink slip loan,” this option allows you to borrow against 25 to 50 percent of the current market value of your vehicle.

Unlike some other emergency loan options, title loans are secured and require you to use your car for collateral. If you can’t repay the balance by the end of your loan term, the lender can seize your vehicle as repayment.

Pros

• Quick access to cash.
• Easy to qualify for.

Cons

• A lender can repossess your vehicle if you default on the loan.
• Must own and have equity in a vehicle.

5. Paycheck advances

Some employers offer paycheck advances, which allow you to receive upfront funds from your future earnings. Employers that offer this benefit may limit advance amounts and how often you can access them.

Third-party paycheck advance apps like Dave and Earnin also offer cash advances that you repay with your next paycheck. There is usually a fee for each advance. You may be charged a monthly subscription or maintenance fee to use the services.

Pros

• Employee paycheck advances may be interest free.
• Third-party paycheck advance apps may be available.

Cons

• Advanced amount is subtracted from your next paycheck.
• Usually only for small amounts.

What can emergency loans be used for?

You can use an emergency loan for just about any unexpected expense you don’t have the cash to pay for. However, there are some urgent common scenarios that lead consumers to apply for an emergency loan.

• Car repairs. Significant repairs like an engine or bumper replacement can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $10,000. Depending on your financial situation, an emergency loan might be the only path to getting your vehicle back on the road.
• Medical expenses. Even with health insurance coverage, the average U.S. employee paid $1,735 out of pocket in 2023 before hitting their deductible, according to recent data. If the provider doesn’t offer any payment plans and demands immediate repayment, an emergency loan can help you avoid collection actions.
• Home repairs. The average household spent $1,667 on emergency home repairs in 2023, according to Angi’s 2023 State of Home Spending Report. If something breaks down and you can’t afford to cover it out of pocket, an emergency loan can come in handy.
• Natural disaster. You might not think it could happen to you, but Bankrate’s Severe Weather Financial Impact Survey found more than half of U.S. adults (57 percent) were financially affected by extreme weather events in the last 10 years. Although your insurance may cover the costs, an emergency loan may bridge the gap until your insurance settlement funds arrive.
• Funeral costs. The sudden loss of a loved one may result in unexpected funeral costs. If an emergency loan is your only option to pay for a funeral, consider jointly applying for the loan with siblings or heirs, so the responsibility for the loan doesn’t fall only on you.

How to pick the right loans for emergency bills

The right emergency loan for you depends on a number of factors, including how quickly you need the money and how much you need to borrow. If none of these fit, you may want to consider some alternatives to emergency loans before making your next move.

Bottom line

Most experts recommend saving three to six months of expenses to avoid needing to finance an emergency. To avoid paying extra interest on loans for emergency bills, do your best to stash extra cash to build up your savings.

Keeping your credit in tip-top shape can help you get the lowest rates at the best terms if you need a loan in an urgent situation.