Preview build — figures are being verified before launch.
SAOChoose your state
Menu
StillAnOptionAll sections

For when the bank says no

Bad credit isn't a dead end.

When the bank says no, you still have options — from free help to expensive loans. We show every one that's actually open to you, cheapest first, with the real cost in dollars.

Need money soon
Been refused
Want the real cost
A quiet kitchen table at dawn with a phone, mug, and open door

Advertiser disclosure: we're paid when you apply through some links on this site, and some lenders here are operated by our parent company. Compensation does not change our scores or the order of the cost ladder. How we make money →

Interactive tool loads when JavaScript is ready.

Cheapest first

The cost ladder

See the path from free help to the most expensive borrowing.

  1. Step 01Free help & more timeCosts nothing$0Typical cost
  2. Step 02Credit union PAL loansFederally rate-capped small loans≈ $542Total repaid on $500
  3. Step 03Paycheck advance appsSmall fees add up fast$0 – $15per advanceTypical cost
  4. Step 04Secured & bad-credit cardsBuilds credit over timeNot for cash todayTypical cost
  5. Step 05Subprime installment loansExpensive creditfrom ≈ $575up to ≈ $2,437Total repaid on $500
  6. Step 06Payday loansThe most expensive step$50 – $150per $500 per two weeksTypical cost

Step 5 range uses each lender's published APRs; the high end is the house-brand top rate, which applies to first loans up to $500 and returning-customer loans above that.

Amount to compare

Figures use verified examples where available. Terms and fees vary, so open each option for the full cost.

How we built the ladder →

Interactive tool loads when JavaScript is ready.

Start here

Lower-cost options first

Paycheck-advance apps we've verified.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps
EarnIn logo

EarnIn

Access pay you've already earned, with no mandatory fees.

Score 8.0

Still an option for

Steady paycheck with a consistent schedule and a linked checking account. Not available in Connecticut.

Amount

$0–$150

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 1–2 business days; about 30 minutes with Lightning Speed ($3.99–$5.99).

One honest con

Tips and speed fees add up if you use it every pay period; limits vary by user.

See rates at EarnIn →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

Best for

W-2 and hourly workers who need up to $150/day, $1,000+/pay period, and can wait a day or two.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Cash Out

$0–$150

Term
Repaid on your next payday
Payments
Auto-debit on payday

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

What you need: Linked checking account, verifiable work/pay schedule, direct-deposit history.

Not for: Gig workers with irregular pay; anyone who needs more than their earned wages so far.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps
MoneyLion Instacash logo

MoneyLion Instacash

Advances up to $500 — or $1,000 with a RoarMoney direct deposit — with no mandatory fees.

Score 6.9

Still an option for

Checking account 60+ days old with three recurring direct deposits from the same employer.

Amount

$25–$1,000

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 1–5 business days; instant (Turbo) for $0.49–$8.99.

One honest con

Turbo fees and tip prompts; standard delivery can take up to 5 business days to an outside bank.

See rates at MoneyLion Instacash →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

No mandatory fees. Turbo delivery $0.49–$8.99. Up to $500 standard, up to $1,000 with RoarMoney direct deposit.

Best for

Salaried workers who can move direct deposit to RoarMoney for a higher limit.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Instacash

$25–$1,000

Term
Repaid on your next payday
Payments
Auto-debit on payday (defer up to 2 weeks once per cycle)

No mandatory fees. Turbo delivery $0.49–$8.99. Up to $500 standard, up to $1,000 with RoarMoney direct deposit.

What you need: 18+, US resident, photo ID, checking account 60+ days old, 3+ recurring direct deposits from one employer.

Not for: People with irregular deposits; anyone who needs money today without paying a Turbo fee.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps
Dave ExtraCash logo

Dave ExtraCash

Up to $500 before payday with a flat percentage fee.

Score 6.8

Still an option for

Bank account active 60+ days with recurring deposits.

Amount

$5–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 2–3 business days; instant with a fee.

One honest con

Membership of up to $5/month plus a 5% fee per advance ($5 min, $15 max), plus 1.5% for express to an outside bank.

See rates at Dave ExtraCash →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.

Best for

People who need a predictable, one-time fee and up to $500.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

ExtraCash

$5–$500

Term
Repaid on your next payday
Payments
Auto-debit on payday

Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.

What you need: Linked account active 60+ days, recurring deposits, 18+, US address, SSN.

Not for: Anyone who will use it every month — the 5% fee compounds quickly.

All paycheck-advance apps →
A six-step ladder with its lower steps warmly lit

If you've been refused elsewhere

Installment loans for bad credit

This step is for people who may be approved with low scores after cheaper options are exhausted. Installment loans use scheduled payments instead of one lump-sum payoff. They are expensive, so read the total you repay before comparing payment size.

Possible Finance

No minimum credit score. Needs a bank account and about $20,000/yr income.

Example: borrow $100 → 4 payments of about $29 → $115 total repaid (98% APR)

Availability varies by state.

Read review

OppLoans

No minimum credit score, but you need $1,500/month income with direct deposit and 30+ days on a W-2 job.

Example: borrow $2,000 → $3,551 total repaid (160% APR)

Availability varies by state.

Read review

NetCredit

No minimum credit score. Needs a personal checking account and verifiable income.

Availability varies by state.

Read review
See all installment lenders →

Step one

Free help that costs nothing

Four guides

Read next

Short explainers for the rules and costs behind the ladder.

An open notebook, pencil, and simple calculator

What would it really cost?

Change the numbers to see what you'd pay back over six months.

About $126 a month, and $757 paid back in total.

Open the full calculator →

Our method

How we review

Same rubric for everyone

Every product is scored on the same criteria, whoever owns it.

Cheaper options first, always

Payment never moves a product above a cheaper step.

Re-verified monthly

Every card shows the date we last checked the numbers.

How we review →
What we score

  • Cost transparency

    Are APR, total cost and the payment schedule shown before you apply? Is there a representative example?

  • Total cost vs. peers

    Dollar cost of a $500 and a $1,000 loan versus the category median.

  • Accessibility

    Minimum score/income, bank requirements, states served, first-time caps.

  • Speed

    Decision and funding time as published and as reported by borrowers.

  • Repayment flexibility

    Installments vs. lump sum, early payoff without penalty, loyalty pricing, hardship options.

  • Customer experience

    Complaint patterns (CFPB, BBB), clarity of servicing, contact options.

By REPLACE WITH REAL NAME, REPLACE — e.g. 8 years covering consumer credit · Reviewed by REPLACE WITH REAL NAME