What is a quick loan?

A quick loan is a loan that offers both approval and funding within a few days of application, as fast as the same day in some cases. In contrast, many personal loans take 7 business days or more to get approved and funded.

Much like all loans aren’t quick, not all quick loans are the same. There are several main types – personal loans, payday loans, auto title loans and pawn shop loans. But personal loans are the only quick loans that are really worth considering because the other types are too expensive.

TYPES OF QUICK LOANS:

Personal Loans: It’s possible to get some personal loans as soon as the same day you apply, but usually it takes up to a week. A personal loan is an unsecured loan (meaning there’s no collateral) that you can use for anything. They usually last for 12 to 84 months, offer amounts of $1,000 to $100,000, and have APRs of 6% to 36%. Major personal loans set their credit score minimums at 585 or higher, and you’ll need a score of 660+ to avoid an origination fee.

Payday Loans: You can get a payday loan the same day you apply. A payday loan offers a small amount (usually less than $1,000), which you pay back from your next paycheck in 2 - 4 weeks. You’ll also owe a fee that is equal to having a very expensive APR, often over 400%. Payday loans may not require a credit check.

Auto Title Loans: You can get an auto title loan the same day you apply. Auto title loans are secured by your car, so if you can’t pay them back, the lender will take ownership of your vehicle. They let you borrow 25% to 50% of your car’s worth for 15 to 30 days, in return for finance charges totaling up to a quarter of what you borrow. Auto title loans may not require a credit check.

Pawn Shop Loans: Pawn shops don’t require you to apply and will give you money for your valuable items the same day. You won’t get the item’s full worth, only 20% to 60%. But if you pay that amount back within a certain number of months, along with 2% to 25% interest per month, you’ll get your item back. If not, the shop will sell it.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Another way people get quick loans is by borrowing from friends and family. To get a loan from an individual, you will have to agree upon the terms of lending, such as the APR and payoff timeline. You might be able to get money faster than by submitting an application with a traditional lender. But you should still take time to draw up an agreement and sign it.

Moving forward, you should also start building an emergency fund by setting aside some money each month. That way, you can give yourself a quick loan the next time unforeseen expenses come up.