How to Get Fast Cash When You Need Money Quickly

You’re not alone if you are saying, “I need money now!” and aren’t sure where to turn. Various approaches are available to get money now. However, avoiding predatory options is important to protect yourself from fraud, unexpected debt, and other risks.

The financial experts at Tower Loan share legitimate, low-risk strategies for getting quick cash, including real online loans.

Alternative Financial Resources

One of the easiest ways to get fast cash is to seek out alternative financial resources.

1. Safely Borrow from Family or Friends

It can be awkward to ask family members and friends for money, but loved ones could be the best source of quick cash when facing an emergency.

To avoid straining your relationships, create a written repayment plan that specifies the amounts, dates, and terms of a loan agreement with someone you know. Some people close to you may be willing to offer an interest-free loan, but make sure to establish fair loan terms for both parties involved.

2. Installment Loan from Tower Loan

Tower Loan offers traditional installment loans that you can use for urgent needs. We have a quick and easy application process online, over the phone, or in person at our branches. The benefits of installment cash now loans are flexibility, predictability, convenience, and no entrapment risk.

3. Early Paycheck Access Apps

Paycheck apps like EarnIn offer solutions to “I need money now.” EarnIn allows you to borrow up to $500 of your paycheck, while Brigit has a maximum payment amount of $250 and funds you within eight hours. MoneyLion, Empower, Dave, Payactiv, and Albert are other early paycheck access apps to look into.

These are good options if you have a steady job and need to access funds you’ve already earned, but your payday just hasn’t come yet.

4. Borrow Against Life Insurance

Whole and universal cash value policies can provide immediate liquidity when you need fast money. Before borrowing against your life insurance, understand the potential risks, such as reducing the death benefit.

Sell or Rent What You Already Own

Have you ever considered selling or renting things around your house? Not only will you get cash fast, but you’ll also reduce clutter and simplify your rooms.

5. Sell Unused Items

Walk around your house and assess your furniture, electronics, appliances, and collectibles. If there are valuable items that you no longer need or want, put them up for sale on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Craigslist, or eBay. When posting sale items, make sure to take good photos and write detailed descriptions to entice potential buyers.

6. Sell or Trade Gift Cards

Sites like GiftCardGranny and Card Cash offer opportunities for quick conversions if you have gift cards you are willing to sell or trade. This fast cash strategy is easy and offers a fast payment turnaround.

7. Rent Out Extra Space

How can I get cash quickly if I have extra space on my property?

Consider renting out a room or larger part of your home through a vacation rental site like Airbnb or Vrbo. You may also be able to rent out storage space on your property for someone else to use. Just make sure you understand local regulations governing home rentals and any tax implications that may apply.

8. Sell or Pawn Valuable Items

Certain high-value items around your home offer easy solutions for how to make money today. You may be able to pawn off watches, other jewelry, sporting goods, power tools, antiques, and musical instruments.

When you take your items to a pawn shop, you may be able to get more money than just selling them to an individual. However, there may be interest fees and strict deadlines associated with pawning, so make sure you understand the pawn process when you visit a local shop.

Leverage Your Skills and Time

If you have nothing left to sell, rent out, or pawn off, consider your skills and what you have to offer that people would pay for. You may be able to make quick cash by picking up odd jobs or side work with quick payment turnaround times.

9. Freelance Your Expertise

Various websites dedicated to freelance work exist, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. You can pick up remote, online work doing writing, editing, tutoring, consulting, graphic design, or something else that matches your skillset.

To build a strong portfolio quickly and attract potential clients, pick a niche that you are experienced in and highlight your best-quality work in that field. Request feedback from past clients to include testimonials about your work, and create a simple portfolio website to demonstrate your professionalism. Business-focused social media platforms like LinkedIn are great for networking and finding freelance clients.

10. Gig Economy Jobs

Our modern times have opened up to a world of possibilities for gig economy work.

Examples of gig jobs for fast cash include food delivery jobs through DoorDash and Uber Eats. You can also look into package delivery jobs through Amazon Flex. If you want to learn how to get money now, look for gigs that offer convenient flexibility and immediate payouts.

11. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

Pet care apps like Wag and Rover offer opportunities to earn fast cash by walking dogs and pet-sitting in your home or someone else’s home. The average hourly pay for pet sitting varies by location, as well as the number and types of pets involved. You can often earn $20 to $30 per hour by pet sitting, but with some good past customer reviews on your profile, you can gradually increase your rates.

12. Babysitting

If you’d rather take care of children than pets and have experience with kids, consider babysitting as a solution if you need cash fast. Look for babysitting work through Care.com or local community groups to ensure trust and credibility. Word-of-mouth recommendations go a long way with babysitting, so tap into your social media contacts, local moms groups, and parenting resources for client leads.

Unlock Hidden Cash Resources

There are also lesser-known avenues to explore when you need fast cash. Here are some examples.

13. Open a High-Yield Savings Account with a Bonus

Banks sometimes offer cash incentives for opening up new accounts. Learn about the requirements and time frame allotment for bonuses associated with a new high-yield savings account.

14. Turn Coins into Cash

If you have jars of coins around your house, visit a Coinstar kiosk or your local bank to cash them in. Coin collections can be helpful for small, immediate expenses.

15. Take Advantage of Paid Research Studies

If you have some extra time, consider participating in a research study. Medical studies may require testing and treatment, while non-medical studies may involve just filling out consumer surveys. ClinicalTrials.gov is a reliable source for finding medical studies worldwide. Other study participant sources are Respondent.io, PaidStudies.com, and UserInterviews.com.

Short-Term Solutions for Cash Flow

So, how can I get money right now for short-term needs?

16. Forbearance on Bills or Loans

One option is to contact your utility, phone, and credit card providers for help. Some providers offer short-term hardship programs if you can prove your need. Forbearance on loans and bills can temporarily free up some quick cash without causing long-term damage.

17. Consolidate Debt

Another creative, fast cash solution is consolidating debt for lower interest rates and more cash flow. Consolidating debt can help you improve your credit by simplifying payments and making payments on time. Tower Loan offers debt consolidation personal loans with affordable monthly installments. Consider this option if you need a same-day deposit loan. 

Creative Hustles for Quick Cash

Now, let’s get creative with how you can get money now!

18. Flip Free or Discounted Items

Visiting thrift stores or Craigslist’s free section can be profitable and fun to flip items for fast cash. Furniture and electronics can often be flipped into profit with minimal investment effort.

19. Offer Handyman or Housekeeping Services

Nearly everyone needs help around the house at times, so put your skills and work ethic to use as a handyman or housekeeper. You can create a profile on sites like TaskRabbit and Nextdoor to find work pulling weeds, mowing lawns, making minor repairs, and cleaning houses.

20. Participate in Short-Term Rentals of Tools or Equipment

Do you own extra tools and equipment that you don’t use all the time? Look into platforms like Spinlister and Fat Llama for renting out equipment. You can set your own prices, but rental costs often vary from $10 to $100 daily and include insurance.

Get Cash Fast in a Safe, Legitimate Way

Almost everyone needs fast cash solutions at some point, especially during emergencies. To avoid short-term fixes and prevent urgent financial needs, make building an emergency fund a priority.

But when unexpected situations arise, Tower Loan is here for you. We can assist you with real online loans and get you quick access to loan money now, affordably and responsibly.

For the fastest turnaround time, please complete our online application today or visit a branch near you.