How Can I Get Money Today?
Sometimes you don’t need a long-term financial plan—you need $50 by tonight. Whether you’re trying to keep the lights on, buy gas to get to work, or bridge the gap until payday, these are some of the fastest legitimate ways to get emergency cash today.
I have used several of these methods and each has different tradeoffs. A quick summary:
| Method | Typical Time | Typical Cost |
| Sell items | Same day | None |
| Same-Day Pay | Minutes to hours | Free to a few dollars |
| Gig apps | Same day after work | Instant transfer fee may apply |
| Pawn shop | Minutes | Interest and fees |
| Cash advance app | Minutes to hours | Subscription or express fee |
| Payday loan | Same day | Very expensive |
| Asking for payment extensions | Same day* | Free to a few dollars |
*note that payment extensions delay payments and save you from needing the money, unlike the other options in the list
The fastest legitimate ways to get money today are:
- Sell unwanted items locally
- Use your employer’s earned wage access program
- Complete work through gig apps with instant payouts
- Pawn valuable items
- Request a payment extension from creditors
- Use a cash advance app or payday loan only as a last resort
Selling Items Online
Here are the last 5 items I have sold on Facebook Marketplace:
- Toaster oven: $16
- Coleman lantern: $10
- Amazon Kindle: $50
- Artificial Christmas tree: $20
- 3pc O2 sensor socket kit: $5
Total: $101. I didn’t miss any of these items after they were gone!
When you have nothing left in your bank account, look around you for items you may no longer need. Price them low. Tell people, “If you can come pick it up today, it’s yours.”
How to sell items quickly on Facebook Marketplace
Same-Day Pay
It can be difficult to plan ahead or pay for unexpected expenses when you only receive your paycheck once or twice per month. However, your employer may participate with a same-day pay program, also called Earned Wage Access, through a service like PayActiv or DailyPay. These services offer the ability to cash out your income when you need it and get paid earlier. Some offer the ability to transfer money earned from a shift instantly, as soon as you clock out.
Unlike borrowing or pawning, same-day pay services access your own money and often have low or no fees. Just be careful to plan ahead, since your paycheck will be smaller by whatever amount you withdraw early.
How long will my bank transfer take?
Gig Apps
Uber, Ubereats, DoorDash, Instacart, and Shipt are well-known for their same-day pay. They may charge a fee for an instant transfer. Take a look at the gig apps you do work for to find out how soon you can be paid for your work.
Side gigs that can pay within 24 hours
Pawn Shops
For big-ticket items that you aren’t ready to part with forever, a pawn shop might be a better option than selling it. Many people don’t realize you don’t have to sell an item—you can use it as collateral for a short-term loan.
How Pawn Loans Work (terms vary, verify with your local pawn shops)
- Bring in a valuable item (jewelry, tools, electronics, musical instruments, firearms where legal, etc.).
- The pawnbroker evaluates it.
- They offer a loan, usually 25%–60% of what they think they could sell the item for.
- You leave the item with the pawn shop.
- You receive cash immediately.
- Within a set period (often 30–90 days, depending on state law), you can repay:
- the loan principal,
- interest,
- and any allowed fees.
- Once repaid, you get your item back.
If you don’t repay, the pawn shop keeps the item. That can be hard to swallow, but here’s the good news: there’s typically no collections, no lawsuit, and no credit reporting if you can’t repay the loan because the loan is secured by the item.
Cash Advances, Payday Loans, and Borrowing Apps
Tread with caution if turning to these types of funding. These loans are often offered with a flat fee or simple interest, but are the equivalent of up to 400% annually in some cases.
If you decide a payday loan or cash advance is your only realistic option, it’s generally safer when the money helps you generate income—such as paying for gas to get to work or complete gig deliveries—rather than simply postponing another debt. Even then, carefully compare the cost of the loan with what you expect to earn.
However, these may work as your last resort if they meet two important requirements:
- You are not using the money to pay a debt
- You are using the money to make more money
Why you should avoid using cash advances/Payday loans to pay a debt
Defaulting on your debt comes with real costs, such as late fees, penalties, extra interest, and negative credit reporting. However, in most cases, cash advances/payday loans will charge you more than what paying late would cost you. For example, if you receive a shutoff notice from your utility company, asking for a payment plan will cost you less in interest in fees than any loan.
Why you should only use cash advances/Payday loans to earn money
If you need a ride to work to avoid missing your shift, a tank of gas to drive for your gig app, or some other investment to get you started on earning money, it may be possible to make more than your cash advance/payday loan costs you in interest and fees. Make sure you consider carefully before choosing to borrow money and verify that it’s a net positive for your situation.
Asking for a Payment Extension
Sometimes the problem is not that you lack enough money for the month. The problem is that your bills are due before your paycheck arrives. One possible solution is to ask your creditors and service providers to change your due dates.
Another solution people often overlook: just ask. Many businesses offer payment plans, hardship programs, grace periods, and other options. Simply delaying your payment may save hundreds of dollars compared to borrowing!
Some examples of bills you may be able to get an extension for:
utilities
- rent
- credit cards
- medical bills
- auto insurance
- internet service
How to ask for a due-date change to match your payday
Conclusion: Which Option Should You Choose?
If you need $20–100 today, start by selling unused items or using earned wage access if your employer offers it.
If you need $100–500, consider gig work if you can complete enough deliveries or shifts, or a pawn loan if you have something valuable and intend to reclaim it.
Borrowing should generally be reserved for situations where you have a clear plan to repay the money quickly and the cost is lower than the consequences of not having the cash. In an emergency, the best solution is usually the one that solves today’s problem without creating an even bigger financial problem next month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there scams out there to watch out for?
Yes. If someone promises guaranteed same-day cash in exchange for an upfront fee, it’s almost certainly a scam. Legitimate employers, lenders, and buyers don’t require you to pay money before receiving money.
Can I get cash today without a credit check?
Yes. Selling items, gig work, earned wage access, and pawn loans generally don’t require a credit check.
What’s the fastest way to get $100 today?
Selling valuable items locally is often the fastest. If your employer offers earned wage access, you may also be able to access part of your paycheck within minutes.
Is a pawn loan better than a payday loan?
A pawn loan is secured by property rather than your paycheck or bank account. If you don’t repay it, you generally lose the item rather than facing collections, although the exact consequences depend on state law.
Can I get paid instantly from DoorDash or Uber?
Many gig apps offer instant payouts for a fee or through a linked debit card, although eligibility and timing vary.
