Most people don’t have a big cushion when the unexpected happens. A recent survey found that only 41% of U.S. adults could cover a $1,000 emergency expense from savings. So how to get cash now could be a priority for many.
But speed isn’t the only factor. Some options deliver money quickly but pile on costly fees, while others give you breathing room without trapping you in debt. Below, we break down eight ways to access cash fast, with key details on risk, speed, and flexibility.
1: Try Earned Wage Access (EWA) apps over cash advance
Cash advance apps let you borrow against future income, while earned wage access (EWA) apps allow you to tap into wages you’ve already earned. EarnIn's Cash Out1 feature is EWA — not a loan. With Cash Out1, you can get up to $150/day, with a max of $750 per pay period — with no interest or mandatory fees.
- Speed: Minutes with Lightning Speed2, or 1–2 business days standard.
- Risk: Varies. Some apps charge monthly fees or interest. EarnIn doesn’t.
- Flexibility: A short-term cushion between paychecks.
Other popular apps include Dave, Brigit, MoneyLion, and Albert. For a deeper comparison, see EarnIn’s guide to cash advance and early pay apps.
2: Consider emergency loans and payday lenders (but know the risks)
Payday lenders like ACE Cash Express or Speedy Cash promote instant approval, but the trade-off is steep. The Certified Federal Credit Union reports that payday loans often carry Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) near 400%.
- Speed: Same day if approved.
- Risk: Extremely high. Fees add up fast if you miss repayment.
- Flexibility: Low — repayment is typically due on your next payday.
Instead, check whether your local credit union offers payday alternative loans (PALs), which are capped at 28% APR.
3: Apply for a personal loan or credit union small-dollar loan
Personal loans from banks or online lenders (think: Wells Fargo personal loans) may be more affordable. Many credit unions also provide PALs as another alternative to payday borrowing.
- Speed: 1–7 business days; sometimes faster online.
- Risk: Lower than payday, but approval depends on credit history.
- Flexibility: High. Payments are spread over months or years.
If you can wait a few days, a personal loan or credit union PAL may give you the cash you need without the sky-high costs of payday loan borrowing.
4: Use a credit card cash advance — with caution
Most major banks, including Capital One and Chase, allow cardholders to withdraw cash at ATMs. But costs stack up quickly: expect a 5% transaction fee on average, plus interest rates close to 30% — with no grace period.
- Speed: Immediate at an ATM.
- Risk: High. Interest begins the moment you withdraw.
- Flexibility: Quick access, but expensive.
See EarnIn’s guide on cash advance fees for a cost breakdown of what different banks charge.
5: Consider buy now, pay later (BNPL) services
BNPL providers like Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay divide purchases into smaller installments. While not a true “cash now” option, they can delay upfront costs.
- Speed: Instant approval at checkout.
- Risk: Medium. Missed payments may trigger late fees or credit reporting.
- Flexibility: Works best for essentials; not bills or rent.
While BNPL can ease upfront costs instantly, it's best for essentials — not bills — and missed payments can add up.
6: Take on quick gigs that pay fast
Rideshare and delivery apps are a common way to generate extra income quickly. Uber and Lyft typically pay weekly, while DoorDash offers same-day "Fast Pay" for a small fee. TaskRabbit, Rover, and Instacart are other flexible options.
- Speed: A few hours to a few days, depending on onboarding.
- Risk: Low — requires your time, not debt.
- Flexibility: High. You set your own schedule.
Quick gigs can get cash in your pocket fast — no debt required. For even more ideas, check out EarnIn’s full list of money-making apps.
7: Use money-making and cash back apps
Apps like Ibotta, Swagbucks, and Upside provide rewards for purchases or small tasks. While payouts are modest, they’re a low-risk way to stretch your budget.
- Speed: Days to weeks.
- Risk: Very low.
- Flexibility: Good for savings, not urgent bills.
These apps are an easy way to boost your savings a little at a time. For more ways to earn, check out the article, 10 Best Secret Websites to Make Money in 2025.
8: Borrow from friends or family
Sometimes the fastest solution is personal. You might ask relatives, close friends, or coworkers for a short-term loan. To formalize repayment, you could also explore peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms like LendingClub or Prosper.
- Speed: Immediate if a friend or family member agrees.
- Risk: Medium. Borrowing can strain relationships and isn’t always reliable.
- Flexibility: Useful in rare cases, but should not be your primary option.
Borrowing from loved ones or using P2P platforms can be quick, but always handle these loans carefully.
Side-by-side comparison of fast cash options
Option | Speed | Risk | Flexibility |
Payday loans | Same day | High | Very low |
Cash advance apps | Minutes–days | Medium | Medium |
No credit check options | Minutes–days | Medium | Medium |
Personal loans / credit union | 1–7 days | Low | High |
Credit card cash advance | Immediate | High | Low |
Buy now pay later (BNPL) | Instant | Medium | Medium |
Gigs (Uber, DoorDash) | Days | Low | Medium |
Borrow from family | Immediate | Medium | Low |
Cash back apps | Days–weeks | Low | Low |
EarnIn's Cash Out1 (EWA) | Minutes–days | Low | High |
Summary of risks
- High-risk options: Payday loans, credit card cash advances, BNPL (if payments are missed).
- Moderate-risk options: Personal loans, cash advance apps (depending on fees), borrowing from friends or family.
- Low-risk options: Gigs, cash back apps, and EWA apps like EarnIn Cash Out.1
Can you really get cash now with no credit check?
Some payday lenders advertise “no credit check,” but their APRs are extreme. Cash advance apps may review account history, and some run soft pulls.
By contrast, EarnIn's Cash Out1 feature requires no hard or soft credit check. You can access up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays — without interest or mandatory fees.2
That makes EWA one of the safest no-credit-check options available.
Get cash now — without the debt traps
Speed matters when bills hit, but so does avoiding debt cycles. Payday loans may provide instant cash, but the risks can linger for months.
Alternative tools — like EarnIn's Cash Out1 — give people access to their own money when they need it most. “A $250 Cash Out from EarnIn helped me avoid missing rent.” — says one EarnIn user.3
For millions living paycheck to paycheck, it’s not about borrowing more. It’s about accessing money you’ve already earned. Sign up with EarnIn in minutes.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to get cash now without a credit check?
Earned wage access (EWA) apps like EarnIn can deliver funds in minutes using Lightning Speed.2
Can you get same-day cash online with no credit check safely?
Yes. Payday lenders may advertise this, but it's risky. EarnIn provides same-day access with no credit check, no interest, and no mandatory fees.
Which cash-now options have the lowest risk and fees?
Low-risk options include EarnIn, cash back apps, and quick gigs. Payday loans and credit card advances carry the highest risk.
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; 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. Actual transfer speeds depend on your bank. See the Lightning Speed Fee Table for details.3
This testimonial was given without compensation, and the opinions reflect a genuine EarnIn experience.Popular articles
Oct 31, 2025
7 min read