5 Flexible Ways to Access $100 — Without a Credit Check
Sometimes it takes just $100 to make a big difference in your financial situation, whether that means filling your gas tank so you can get to work, picking up groceries for the week, or paying a bill before it goes delinquent.
Facing an emergency expense for a couple hundred dollars and struggling to afford it can happen more often than you might think. According to the Federal Reserve’s Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households 2024 survey, 37% of Americans said they wouldn’t be able to cover a $400 emergency expense within a month.
If you’re experiencing a similar situation and have bad credit or no credit, traditional loans may not feel like an option. But there may be fast alternatives to raise $100 without turning to high-interest payday lenders or credit cards. This guide shares five practical, short-term options you can consider when you need money now and want to avoid a credit check.
Option 1: Cash advance apps with no interest
Some cash advance apps can help you access $100 from your upcoming paycheck without charging interest. Apps like Dave or Brigit are consistently among these cash advance app options, which can offer small-dollar cash advances with flexible repayment dates.
With EarnIn — which is considered an earned wage access (EWA) app — you can use its Cash Out1 feature to access up to $150 per day, with a maximum of $750 each pay period. These are wages you've already earned, you're just getting them before your official payday. There's no interest or mandatory fees. There's also no credit check or impact to your credit score.
Standard transfers usually arrive in 1–2 business days with no added fee, while the Lightning Speed2 tool can move the money into your account in minutes for a small fee (starting at just $3.99 per transfer). This can be especially useful if you’re trying to cover a grocery bill before payday or fill your gas tank so you can get to work.
Eligibility typically requires:
- A regular paycheck
- Direct deposit
- A linked checking account
Option 2: Selling items locally for instant cash
Selling unused items is another way to raise $100 without borrowing. Electronics, tools, small appliances, or clothing in good condition often sell quickly.
You can sell stuff online using platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Craigslist to list items locally for potential buyers. If you price items fairly, they may sell in a matter of hours.
This approach works well if:
- You have items of value on hand
- You need cash in hand, not digital funds
- You want to avoid sharing personal financial information with apps
It may not suit you if you don’t have items people want, or if you’re uncomfortable meeting buyers in person. For your safety, ensure that you always plan to meet buyers in a safe, public area and negotiate the price in advance to avoid a confrontation.
Option 3: Gig apps with instant payouts
If you can pick up work today, gig apps may help you earn $100 in just a few hours if there’s sufficient demand in your area. Some of the best money-making apps are platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart, which let you deliver food or groceries, or Uber and Lyft, which offer rideshare income.
Many gig apps let you cash out your earnings the same day for a small fee. For example, a driver might complete a few rides and transfer their pay that night to cover gas or bills.
This may be a good fit if:
- You already drive or have access to a vehicle
- You can commit a few hours today to earn money
- You want the flexibility of working on demand
It may not be right for you if you don’t meet the app’s requirements or if there isn’t enough demand close to where you live.
Option 4: Local community and nonprofit resources
Sometimes the fastest help doesn’t come from an app or a no-credit-check lender but from your community. Nonprofits, churches, and social services often provide assistance that may cover the emergency expense, like:
- Food banks or pantries that provide free groceries
- Churches and local groups that may offer gas cards, vouchers, or small stipends
- The 2-1-1 helpline, which connects you to local aid programs for rent, food, or utilities
Local services can be a good option if you’re facing urgent needs like food insecurity or a utility shutoff. It may not suit you if you need actual cash in hand immediately or if there are limited resources in your area.
Option 5: Borrow from friends or family
Borrowing from people you trust can be another way to get $100 without a credit check. But it can also quickly create tension amongst the people you love the most. Be sure you have a plan to pay back the amount you borrow before you approach a friend or family member with a request.
Your ask might look like a small loan (which you could pay back) or a gift (which there is no expectation to repay) from a close relative, roommate, or friend. If they agree, you can use a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app like Venmo or Zelle to get the money quickly.
Borrowing from loved ones can work best if:
- You have trusted people in your circle who have the resources to lend
- You don’t have a history of borrowing from them before
- You agree upfront on repayment terms to avoid misunderstandings
It may not be the right choice if borrowing could create tension or if you’d prefer to keep financial matters private.
What to avoid when you need $100 now
When you’re under pressure, it’s tempting to say yes to anything that looks fast. But some “solutions” can create more stress in the long run. Try to avoid:
- Payday loans or “guaranteed approval” offers with extremely high annual percentage rates (APRs)
- Mandatory fees from predatory lenders
- Credit card cash advances, which may come with immediate interest and transaction fees
Find a safer way to get $100 fast
When you need $100 quickly, it can be appealing to take the first option available. But you may also want to consider other ways that don’t involve risky debt. From cash advance apps to gig work, selling items, or community programs, you can often find a solution that suits your situation.
If you meet eligibility requirements, the EarnIn app's Cash Out1 feature — which taps your earned wages — may be a safer alternative than borrowing. You can access up to $150/day, with a max of $750 each pay period, with no interest, mandatory fees — or credit checks. Standard transfers are free and take 1–2 business days, and Lightning Speed2 lets you get your money in minutes for a small fee, starting at $3.99 per transfer.
FAQs
Can you really get $100 with no credit check?
Yes, but typically not through traditional loans. Other options can include cash advance apps, selling items, gig apps, or nonprofit assistance. Be cautious of lenders that advertise “guaranteed approval.”
What’s the fastest way to get $100 today?
It depends on your situation. If you already have a steady paycheck and direct deposit, an app like EarnIn — which is considered an earned wage access (EWA) app and doesn't check your credit — may be the fastest. If not, gig apps or selling items locally can be other quick options.
Are payday loans for $100 safe?
Payday loans may come with triple-digit APRs and high fees, which can trap you in debt. Safer alternatives to payday loans include EWA apps like EarnIn, small credit union loans, or short-term community help.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.
EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out.
1
A pay period is the time between your paychecks, such as weekly, biweekly, or monthly. EarnIn determines your daily and pay period limits (“Daily Max” and “Pay Period Max”) based on your income and financial risk factors as outlined in the Cash Out Maxes section of our Cash Out User Agreement. EarnIn reserves the right to adjust the Daily Max and Pay Period Max at its discretion. Your actual Daily Max will be displayed in your EarnIn account before each Cash Out.EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1–2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not be available at all times and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply; see the Lightning Speed Fee Table and Cash Out User Agreement for details and eligibility requirements. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.
2
Lightning Speed is an optional service that allows you to expedite the transfer of funds for a fee. Depending on the product, the fee may be charged by EarnIn or its banking partner. Lightning Speed may not be available in all states and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply. See the Lightning Speed Fee Table for details.
