Whether you’re looking for extra cash to consolidate credit card debt, pay a medical bill or take a vacation, it can be stressful if you don’t know what your choices are.
We’ve rounded up eight different borrowing options, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Let’s walk through each option so you know what to consider before you decide if borrowing money is right for your financial situation.
- Banks
- Credit unions
- Online lenders
- Cash advances
- Cash advance from a credit card
- Buy-now, pay-later apps
- 401(k) retirement account
- Family and friends
1. Banks
Taking out a personal loan from a bank can seem like an attractive option. For example, some banks offer perks like no loan origination fee. An origination fee often ranges from 1% to 8% — lenders say it covers administrative expenses for processing your application and paying you the money.
You may also qualify for an interest rate discount — sometimes referred to as a relationship discount — if you’re an existing customer at a bank that offers this perk. Some banks offer loyalty discounts on personal loan interest rates if you maintain qualifying bank accounts.
But keep in mind that some big banks don’t offer personal loans at all. And some banks may require you to have a minimum of good or excellent credit to get approval for a personal loan.
2. Credit unions
A personal loan from a credit union might be a better option than a personal loan from a bank. Why?
A credit union may offer lower interest rates and fees than a bank. Since credit unions are nonprofits dedicated to serving their members, their goal is to return profit to members instead of shareholders.
One drawback is that you must meet a credit union’s eligibility requirements in order to become a member. This can include residence in certain counties, a connection to a specific school or employer, or family ties to a current member.
Some credit unions also offer payday alternative loans, which are short-term loans for small amounts designed to help members avoid costly payday loans.
3. Online lenders
Online lenders don’t have the costs that come with maintaining physical branches. And they often offer the user experience that people have come to expect from digital loan applications.
Many online lenders promise fast funding, with money deposited into your bank account in as little as one or two business days if you’re approved.
But if you’re not familiar with the lender, research its reputation online and check with traditional lenders to see if they can offer better interest rates and terms.
4. Cash advances
If you need just a little bit of money to tide you over during a financial emergency or until your next paycheck, a number of companies offer small cash advances that can come with favorable terms compared to traditional payday loans.
These companies often have mobile apps, and they’ll advance you up to $500 a pay period if you meet qualifications. Some may come with a monthly membership fee, while others ask for optional tips to use their services.
5. Cash advance from credit card
Using a credit card to access cash can seem like an appealing option. Since you already have the card, you don’t have to fill out an application or go through a credit check to get what essentially is a short-term loan against the line of credit available on your credit card. Plus, you can typically access the money quickly.
But the simplicity of a credit card cash advance can come at a price. Some card issuers charge a fee to get a cash advance along with an interest rate that’s usually high. Also, most credit cards don’t offer a grace period for cash advances, meaning that the interest charges start the moment you withdraw the cash.
6. Buy-now, pay-later apps
If you’re looking to spread out a large purchase over several months, a loan from a buy-now, pay-later app is another option to consider. These apps partner with retailers and even airlines and hotels to help you finance these items.
Just make sure to consider any fees you may be charged for late payments — which may also affect your credit scores negatively.
7. 401(k) retirement account
If your 401(k) plan allows loans, borrowing money from your employer-sponsored 401(k) requires no credit check. Traditionally, a 401(k) loan allows you to borrow up to $10,000 or 50% of your vested account balance with a cap of $50,000, whichever is greater.
The loan must be repaid within five years, and the interest you pay on the loan goes back into your 401(k).
Though accessing cash from your 401(k) sounds simple, consider some of the consequences. For instance, if you leave your job, you could be forced to repay the loan in full before your next federal tax return is due. If you can’t repay the loan, you might be hit with tax penalties.
And don’t forget that you’ll be missing out on investment returns on money you pull out of your 401(k).
8. Family and friends
Getting a loan from a family member or friend may seem like an uncomplicated way to get cash when you need it. After all, a family loan might come with no contract — or a basic contract — and you might get a very favorable interest rate even without excellent credit.
But things can get complicated if a dispute arises over repayment of the loan. What if you still owe $5,000 to Aunt Denise? That can cause a lot of awkwardness. Another drawback: Since your friend or relative can’t report your loan payments to the three major credit bureaus, you won’t reap any credit-building benefits.
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