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Best emergency loan rates for September 2025

Updated Sep. 12, 2025

What to know first: Emergency loan rates may be below 7 percent for the most qualified borrowers, or up to 36 percent for those with bad credit. The best emergency loans can help you access the funds you need to pay for unexpected expenses with fast funding and flexible repayment terms.

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Bankrate has helped thousands of borrowers secure emergency funding when they need it most
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Best for thin or no credit
PERSONAL LOAN
Upstart
4.7
6.70- 35.99%
Min credit score
300
$154
Loan amount
$1k-$75k
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See details
Best for bad credit
PERSONAL LOAN
Avant
4.5
9.95- 35.99%
Min credit score
550
$162
Loan amount
$2k-$35k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best secured option
PERSONAL LOAN
Best Egg
4.6
6.99- 35.99%
Min credit score
600
$155
Loan amount
$2k-$50k
See offersArrow Right
See details
|
Best overall
PERSONAL LOAN
Upgrade
4.6
7.99- 35.99%
with AutoPay
Min credit score
600
$157
Loan amount
$1k-$50k
See offersArrow Right
See details
|
Best for customer experience
PERSONAL LOAN
Discover
4.8
7.99- 24.99%
Min credit score
660
$157
Loan amount
$2.5k-$40k
See offersArrow Right
See details
|
Best for no fees
PERSONAL LOAN
LightStream
4.5
6.49- 25.14%
* with AutoPay
Min credit score
660
$154
Loan amount
$5k-$100k
See offersArrow Right
See details
Best for peer-to-peer loans
PERSONAL LOAN
Prosper
4.5
8.99- 35.99%
Min credit score
600
$159
Loan amount
$2k-$50k
See offersArrow Right
See details
|
Best for borrower perks
PERSONAL LOAN
SoFi
4.7
8.99- 35.49%
* with Autopay
Min credit score
300
$159
Loan amount
$5k-$100k
See offersArrow Right
See details

How Bankrate works

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Our team researched the best emergency loan rates available so you can compare lenders in one place.

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Fill out a quick form to be matched with lenders that meet your needs. The details you provide are for prequalification purposes only and will not impact your credit score.

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Choose a loan from a Bankrate partner and receive your funds if you qualify.

A closer look at our top emergency loan lenders

Here's a deep dive into the lenders we picked, why each is the best in its category and which borrowers would benefit most from borrowing from the lender.

Upstart: Best for thin or no credit

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Est. APR
6.70%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$75k
Min credit score
300
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
Up to 12%
Pros
  • Flexible qualifying requirements beyond credit score
  • Competitive APRs
  • Bankrate Award-winner for bad credit loans
Cons
  • High origination fees compared to competitors
  • Limited repayment terms
  • Pricey maximum APRs
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with little or no credit looking to cover small and large emergencies alike. The lender’s competitive starting rate may also be a good match for borrowers with good credit.

OneMain Financial: Best for fast funding

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Est. APR
18.00%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1.5k–$20k
Min credit score
Not specified
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
1%-10%
Pros
  • Good secured loan options if you don't qualify for dealership financing
  • Low minimum loan amount
  • In-person service is available at 1,400 branches nationwide.
Cons
  • Expensive origination fees
  • High minimum APR
  • Limited loan amount range
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers in need of funds fast could receive money from the loan in as little as one hour after closing if they use their debit card. They could also receive a check the same day or get a direct deposit of funds within one business day.

 

Avant: Best for bad credit

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
9.95%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$35k
Min credit score
550
Loan term
2-5 yrs
Origination fee
Up to 9.99%
Pros
  • Low fees compared to other bad credit debt consolidation or payday lenders means more cash for debt payoff
  • Income of household member may be used to qualify
  • Low minimum credit score makes Avant a good alternative to payday loans
Cons
  • Limited repayment term options may make the payment unaffordable
  • No cosigners or co-borrowers
  • High minimum rates, which may not be a good match for good or excellent credit
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with lower credit scores. Avant’s minimum credit score requirement is just 550 — much lower than most of its competitors. This lower score requirement makes securing a more competitive rate easier for those with fair credit or higher. It also offers an alternative to payday loans.

Best Egg: Best secured option

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Est. APR
6.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$2k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
3-5 yrs
Origination fee
0.99%-9.99%
Pros
  • Lower rates for loans secured by home fixtures or your vehicle
  • Low minimum rates for qualified borrowers
  • Low minimum credit score
Cons
  • High origination fees
  • Fewer repayment options
  • Higher minimum loan amount
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with fair credit or better might qualify for a lower rate, thanks to the Best Egg's secured and unsecured loan options. It may also benefit those who need to pay off credit cards used for something urgent.

Upgrade: Best overall

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Est. APR
7.99%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Min credit score
600
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
1.85%-9.99%
Pros
  • Direct payment to creditors
  • Joint applications available
  • Rate discounts for autopay and debt consolidation
Cons
  • High potential origination fees
  • High maximum APR
  • Late and returned check fees
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers with fair credit or better who need quick cash to spread the payment longer on a major expense, like an unexpected home repair. Upgrade’s loans may also be good for consolidating debt before an emergency to take advantage of additional discounts and direct payment to creditors.

Discover: Best for customer experience

Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Est. APR
7.99%–24.99%
Loan amount
$2.5k–$40k
Min credit score
660
Loan term
3-7 yrs
Origination fee
None
Pros
  • Option to pay creditors directly
  • Low fees
  • Prequalification offered
Cons
  • Can't be used on a Discover card
  • No discounts
  • No joint applications
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who experience an emergency any day of the week. Many lenders do not offer weekend customer service, but Discover has customer service available until 6 p.m. ET on Saturdays and Sundays. Good credit borrowers who need fast funding may also benefit from applying since Discover offers next-day funding.

 

Lightstream: Best for no fees

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Est. APR
6.49%–25.14%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
660
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
None
Pros
  • High maximum loan amount
  • No fees
  • Long repayment terms
Cons
  • No preapproval offered
  • High minimum loan amount
  • Cannot change due date
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who need a higher loan amount and wish to spread repayment out longer. Lightstream also doesn't charge an origination fee, helping borrowers avoid extra expenses when they're facing an emergency.

SoFi: Best for borrower perks

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Est. APR
8.99%–35.49%
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Min credit score
300
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Origination fee
Optional fee up to 7%
Pros
  • Co-applicants allowed
  • No late fees
  • Member rewards program
Cons
  • High minimum loan amount
  • Possible origination fee
  • High maximum APR
WHO'S IT FOR:

Borrowers who want added bonuses, like no late fees, a user-friendly mobile app and a program that awards points for making good financial moves. You can use earned points for statement credits, cash and travel.

Calculate your emergency loan payment

Use Bankrate's calculator to find the perfect emergency loan repayment plan for you. Enter different loan amounts, terms and interest rates to compare estimated monthly payments and see how much you'll pay in total interest.

Remember: A shorter term has a higher monthly payment but costs you less overall interest. A long repayment term has lower monthly costs but costs more over the life of the loan.

How to compare emergency loans

When it comes to comparing personal loan offers for an emergency, you may want to prioritize speed over anything. However, if you have some time before you need the funds, the following steps are worth knowing. 

  • Find out how quickly you can get your funds: Some emergency loans are funded the same day you apply, if your application is received first thing in the morning. Other lenders, however, take a few business days to issue a loan decision, and another few days to disburse funds. 
  • Learn the approval requirements: Some lenders cater to excellent credit borrowers, while others specialize in bad credit. Check if the lender requires a minimum credit score, allows for co-applicants and offers the loan amount you need.
  • Review interest rates and fees: Personal loan APRs vary widely based on your credit score and the lender. Watch for origination fees, which can be as high as 12 percent of your loan amount and are deducted from the amount you borrow when your loan funds.
  • Run payment scenarios on different repayment options: Most loan terms range between one and seven years.  See what repayment term gives you the most affordable monthly payment while paying the least total interest.
  • Look for special perks and read lender reviewsYou may be eligible for rate discounts for automatic payments or have some flexibility around your due date. Read personal loan lender reviews for extra information about customer service hours, contact information and what other borrowers' experiences have been.
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The author’s expert insight

"As someone who used to broker loans for a living, I know that the lowest rate lenders are not always the best choice for your circumstances. Those low rates may come with extra fees, short terms, and requirements that don’t fit your financial needs or that you can’t qualify for. A lender that offers slightly higher rates but longer terms may give your budget more breathing room than a lender that offers super low rates on loan balances you have to pay off quickly at a high monthly payment."

– Denny Ceizyk, Bankrate Senior Loans Writer

Emergency loan interest rates

The interest rate you're offered will depend on several factors, including your credit score, your income, your current debts, the Federal Reserve's actions, the type of loan you're interested in and the repayment term you choose.

Average rates as of September 10, 2025

Personal loans 12.37%

To get an up-to-date picture of industry rates, Bankrate's Market Analysis team conducts the weekly Bankrate Monitor survey. The rate we share is the average offered by America's largest banks and thrifts to customers with a 700 FICO score, $5,000 loan amount and three-year repayment plan.

What this means if you're shopping for the best rates:

  • Your rate could be much lower or higher than the average depending on your credit score or loan term.
  • You may want to check out online lender rates since they aren't reflected in this average.

Average personal loan interest rates vary significantly based on borrowers’ credit scores. Lenders offer borrowers with fair or bad credit higher rates because they see them as more likely to default.

Borrowers with good or excellent credit are more eligible for the lender's most competitive rates and terms. Lenders often also charge lower rates for shorter terms, higher loan amounts and may offer discounts for automatic payment set up. Other factors beyond your control also influence lender rates, including the Federal Reserve's actions.

Check your credit score to calculate your potential interest rate.

What are emergency loans?

An emergency loan is a type of personal loan that's used for emergency situations, like medical bills, vehicle repairs or household appliance repairs. Most borrowers seek out these loans for quick access to cash — which many lenders can deposit directly into your account within one business day of approval after verifying your income and credit score.

Emergency loans are typically installment loans, meaning you receive all your funds in a lump sum and repay the balance in fixed payments. Repayment periods are generally between one and seven years. Unlike credit cards, emergency personal loans feature fixed rates, giving you a predictable payment for the life of the loan.

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Bankrate insight

Many standard personal loans are branded as “emergency loans.” Always check the advertised funding times — some lenders offer same-day funding which may come in handy if you need cash faster than the one to two business days most lenders take to fund an emergency loan. Consider starting or beefing up your emergency savings fund to avoid borrowing for unexpected issues in the future.  

Types of emergency loans and their uses

There are many ways to get funds in an emergency. Some carry more benefits than others. A few of the most common types of emergency loans include the following.

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Personal loans are a good option for emergencies because you can get money quickly sometimes the same day you’re approved. Many credit cards have interest rates of 20 percent or more, while the average personal loan interest rate hovers just above 12 percent, making them a cheaper emergency funding choice. People with excellent credit and a strong income can score rates below 8 percent.

In terms of risk, personal loans are often unsecured. This means you won't lose any collateral if you default on a personal loan.

  • Better for: This option works best for borrowers who need money quickly and have stable income and a bad to excellent credit score. Excellent credit borrowers may benefit from single-digit rates to keep their payments low. Bad credit borrowers may avoid triple digit payday loan rates. 

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are less common for emergency uses since they take longer to fund. However, they usually come with the lowest rates since they're secured by your home.

  • Better for: Home equity loans and HELOCs are best for borrowers who don’t need the funds immediately and have substantial equity in their homes. The risk of losing your home if you can’t repay the balance or default on the loan makes them a last resort option for emergency funding.

Your credit card company may extend you a short-term loan in the form of a cash advance. This type of loan is one of the fastest ways to access money since you get the cash from a credit card you already have. The drawback is the interest rates and fees can be higher than those for standard purchases with your card. Also, unlike with a standard purchase, there's typically no grace period, so interest starts accruing immediately.

  • Better for: A cash advance can be a good option for borrowers who need same-day funds and have enough available credit on their credit card to cover the expense. It could also be useful if you can repay the debt within a few months, but be mindful of potentially high interest rates. An added caveat: If you max a credit card out with the advance, your credit scores could tank because of the rise in your credit utilization ratio.

Payday loans are short-term loans that don't require a credit check and typically must be repaid with your next paycheck. They are extremely risky with triple-digit APRs and high fees. Failing to make payments could send you deeper into debt.

  • Better for: This type of loan is best used as a last resort for borrowers who can’t qualify for a bad credit personal loan and need the funds to cover essentials like heat or food for their family. 

Title loans are a type of short-term loan typically repaid within 15 to 30 days after getting the funds. Like payday loans, they often don’t require credit checks. These loans, while convenient, carry increased risk, like sky-high interest rates and fees. They also use your car as collateral and the lender could seize your vehicle if you default on your loan.

  • Better for: Borrowers who can’t qualify for an emergency loan with a traditional lender and have a vehicle with no current loans on it.

For small emergencies bills — usually between $100 and $500 — check out early payday apps. They don’t typically require credit checks and come with low or no fees. However, the apps need to verify a history of paychecks deposited into your bank account to qualify. Some charge fees for quick cash access. But remember that the money will come out of your future paychecks, meaning they’re best used only in a temporary pinch.

  • Better for: Borrowers who need a small amount of money and can afford it coming out of a future paycheck.
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Financial health check

Borrowing money to pay for an emergency is a sign that your savings health may need a checkup. Bankrate’s 2025 Annual Emergency Savings Report found that 19 percent of U.S. adults have no emergency savings as of March 2025. Consider automating your savings, even if it's a small amount, to build a fund to pay cash for the unexpected rather than racking up interest charges with an emergency loan.

Pros and cons of an emergency loan

When you're in a pinch, it can be hard to take the time to consider the pros and cons of emergency loans. But knowing how they can assist you and what may be at stake will help you make the right choice for your urgent needs.

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Pros

  • You can use the funds to pay for just about any emergency expense.
  • You can get money very quickly, sometimes the same day you apply.
  • You can split a big-ticket expense in manageable, monthly payments.
  • Interest rates are fixed, so your payment won’t go up.
Red circle with an X inside

Cons

  • You might have to pay a high interest rate, which can increase the overall cost of what you're fixing.
  • It can turn a one-time expense into long-term debt.
  • It could send you down a debt spiral if you don’t correct bad savings habits.
  • You may have to settle for a smaller loan amount than you want.

How to get an emergency loan

Getting an emergency loan is similar to getting a regular personal loan, but you'll need to pay close attention to each lender's funding timeline. Have the necessary documentation on hand before beginning the process.

Try some of these tips to improve your odds if you get denied on the first couple of attempts: 

  1. Apply for a secured loan. Some personal loan lenders offer secured loans, which are insured by an asset, such as your car. This asset serves as collateral and reduces the lender’s risk, which may result in more flexible credit criteria and lower interest rates.
  2. Add a joint applicant. While not every lender offers these options, using a creditworthy co-borrower or cosigner can increase your approval odds and help you secure a more competitive rate.  
  3. Target your search. Some personal loan lenders specialize in emergency loans for bad credit borrowers. However, these are often much more expensive than traditional loans. But if you have a serious need, it may be worth looking into bad credit loans to avoid predatory lending alternatives. 

Where to get an emergency loan

There are a few places to get an emergency loan. Some of the most common sources include banks, credit unions, online lenders and comparison sites.

  • Banks and credit unions offer several advantages in rates and loan terms, but their loan processes take longer than other options. If you need money right away, consider an online lender. 
  • Online lenders are often the fastest source of emergency loan funding. Some even offer immediate, same-day or next-day approval. However, rates and fees may be significantly higher than bank or credit union offerings.
  • Comparison sites like Bankrate allow you to compare the rates, terms and eligibility requirements of several lenders in one place. Bankrate also provides reviews and awards vetted by our expert writers to help you determine whether the lenders are a good fit for your emergency loan needs.

Importance of building an emergency fund

Unemployment, an urgent medical procedure, emergency repairs and sudden death or disability can easily put your finances under pressure. While you can't completely prepare for unexpected hardship, you can at least build yourself a buffer. 

An emergency fund is a separate account that ideally should house between three to six months' worth of expenses. Putting aside even a little bit of money at a time into a dedicated savings account can help you prepare for any setbacks.

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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

What is the relationship between emergency funds and loans?


Bankrate Expert Contributor, Student Loans

An emergency fund provides money to cover the cost of unforeseen expenses, such as car repairs or unemployment. You should save half a year’s salary in an emergency fund in case you need it. A loan, on the other hand, is borrowed money that must be repaid. The difference is with an emergency fund, you save in advance, while with a loan, you pay afterwards. But, you may not always be able to get a loan in an emergency, and a loan costs more than an emergency fund.

Senior writer, Loans

Emergency loans exist because most consumers don’t keep enough cash in an emergency fund to pay for unexpected expenses. The balance in an emergency fund should grow with every asset you acquire. If you buy a new car, you should stash cash to pay for a tire blowout, a check-engine light repair or regular maintenance items like oil changes. If you own a home, consider adding funds for an unexpected plumbing or air conditioning crisis to avoid turning to credit cards or loans. The beauty of an emergency fund is that it allows you to pay in full for those rainy day moments. Monthly payments on emergency loans are like constant reminders of a one-time crisis.

Frequently asked questions

How we made our picks for the best emergency loans

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

48

years in business

45

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

900

data points collected

To select the best personal loans, Bankrate’s team of experts evaluated over 50 lenders. To earn a spot on our emergency loan list, a lender must offer same-day approval, next-day funding and a maximum rate below 36 percent and be available in at least 80 percent of states. The best overall lender meets additional criteria, including a minimum FICO credit score under 620, a joint borrower option and a Bankrate score of at least 4.5 of 5 stars.

We also assign each lender a Bankrate score based on a meticulous 20-point system, focusing on four main categories: 

Denny Ceizyk
Written by
Senior writer, Loans
Read more from Denny

Denny Ceizyk joined the Bankrate Loans team as a Senior Writer in 2023, providing 30 years of insight from his experience in loan sales and as a personal finance writer to help consumers navigate the lending landscape on their financial journeys.
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Credentials
  • Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO)
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Expertise
  • Personal loans
  • Debt management

Katie Lowery
Edited by
Katie Lowery
Editor II, Loans
Mark Kantrowitz
Reviewed by
Mark Kantrowitz
Bankrate Expert Contributor, Student Loans