Young woman looking for ways to get cash fast after saying, "I need money desperately!"

I Need Money Desperately [2024] Right This Second!

Maddy Scheckel By Maddy Scheckel
May 3, 2024
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Are money problems making you anxious? If so, you’re in good company. 72% of Americans say they were stressed about money at least once in the prior month. 

And there are times when you need money immediately – not next year, not next month, but now. As in right this second.

That’s a scary place to be, but there are solutions.

So, if you’re thinking, “I need money desperately,” consider the strategies outlined below. They might not be long-term financial solutions, but they can help you patch things together for now. 

And sometimes, that’s all that matters.

What To Do If I Need Money Desperately 

There are a few ways to get money almost immediately. You could borrow funds, find a new source of income, or even change your habits to improve your financial health.

And don’t worry – I’ll get more specific below.

So here are legit ways to get money when you desperately need it.

1 – Get a Personal Loan

How Quickly You Can Get Money: Within a day

A personal loan is the classic answer when you find yourself thinking, “I need money desperately.” 

Getting a personal loan is typically a 3-step process:

  • Step 1: Find a bank or credit union that offers personal loans.
  • Step 2: Fill out a personal loan application.
  • Step 3: Get approved (hopefully!) and receive the funds.

You’ll have to repay the loan by making fixed payments. You’ll also be charged interest, so this isn’t a “free” way to access money.

And remember, you’re not guaranteed to get a personal loan. When you apply, the bank or credit union will look at your financial situation to decide if you qualify. 

Here are some of the factors that could determine whether your loan application is approved:

  • Credit score
  • Income
  • Existing debts

But don’t let a low credit score keep you from applying. I’ve compiled a list of the best loans for bad credit. 

Upgrade is one option for personal loans. It’s an online lender that offers same-day funding, and you can check your interest rate before you actually apply. Check out this complete Upgrade review to learn more.

And if you want more details about how the process works, read this comprehensive guide on how to get a personal loan.

Upgrade offers fast personal loan options if you find yourself saying, “I need money desperately!” 
With Upgrade, you can check your interest rate before applying for a personal loan.
Source: Upgrade

2 – Give Gig Work a Try

How Quickly You Can Get Money: 1-3 days

Gig work allows you to earn money quickly and without the hassle of a drawn-out hiring process. And thanks to apps and digital platforms dedicated to the gig economy, you can find work right from home. 

But what counts as gig work? Basically, it’s anything you get paid to do without getting a long-term job. 

Common gigs include:

  • Caregiving
  • Pet care
  • Driving (delivery or rideshare)
  • Freelance writing
  • Tutoring

With gig work, you can typically choose your hours and be your own boss. Talk about flexibility!

If you’re interested in delivery driving, I’d check out DoorDash. And if you like the idea of caregiving – for people, pets, or a mix of both – then Care.com can be a super lucrative platform. 

If you’d like to earn money driving for DoorDash, learn how you may be able to get off the DoorDash waitlist. 

Want to see even more earning opportunities? Then read this guide on how to make 10k fast. 

3 – Take Online Surveys

How Quickly You Can Get Money: 1-3 days

The internet is full of online survey sites that will pay you just for sharing your opinions. 

Will these sites make you rich? Probably not. But that’s not your priority right now, is it? You’re just thinking, “I need money desperately,” and online surveys can give you a lifeline. 

Some of the best survey platforms include:

Also check out our answer to the question, “Is Apex Focus Group legit?” for more ways to make money with surveys and focus groups.

Check out this full list of surveys that pay cash instantly to learn more about your options. 

With each of these platforms, your first step is to create an account. From there, you can select surveys, answer questions, and earn points. Eventually, you’ll reach the site’s cashout threshold, allowing you to get your money sent to you via PayPal or some other digital method. 

Of course, taking surveys isn’t the only way to make money online. Read this article on how to make $20 fast.

4 – Play Games

How Quickly You Can Get Money: Within 2 days

I can imagine your reaction to the idea of playing games when you’re in a financial bind, “What? I need money desperately! This is no time for fun and games!”

But as crazy as it sounds, you can seriously make money through online gaming. 

Several platforms will give you points for playing games. Then, you can redeem those points for either cash or gift cards, depending on the platform. Not a bad deal, right?

Got gift cards you don’t want? Learn how to get instant cash for gift cards.

Here are some of the best gaming platforms:

  • Mistplay – With over 10 million users and a 4.1-star rating on the Google Play store, this is probably the most popular gaming app. 
  • Rewarded Play – You’ll earn more points the more you play, and you can redeem them for gift cards to Amazon and other brands.
  • KashKick – In addition to playing games, you can earn money by taking surveys and trying apps.

The key to this strategy is to avoid scam sites that don’t actually pay. That’s why you should pick from this list of PayPal games that pay real money. 

If you like playing games to win money, check out:

And don’t limit yourself to just gaming. Remember, there are lots of ways to earn online – from shopping to taking surveys. Check out this list of apps that pay cash.  

Also check out these games that pay real money instantly, and if you like competing in Solitaire tournaments to win extra cash, check out Is Solitaire King Legit?

For more opportunities to play games, take surveys, and test new apps to earn money, check out these reviews:

And if you’re in need of a gift but can’t afford one, you could try playing games to win gift cards. And learn here how to get a free DoorDash gift card.

5 – Borrow Money

How Quickly You Can Get Money: Instantly (with some borrowing methods)

Borrowing money is often the best way to get out of a pinch. Sure, you don’t want to make a habit of it, because we all know that story ends in a big pile of debt. But in true emergencies, sometimes you just have to make ends meet any way you can.

There are lots of ways to borrow money, and some are better than others. The ideal option? Probably just to borrow some cash from a relative or trusted friend. That way, you won’t have to deal with interest payments or work with a financial institution. But be careful, because unpaid debts can ruin relationships fast.

Looking for something a bit more official? Here are a few ways to borrow money:

To learn more, check out this list of the best ways to borrow money. 

6 – Cut Your Expenses

How Quickly You Can Get Money: Instantly (by saving, not spending)

One way to boost your bank account is to simply spend less. Well, I guess it isn’t “simple.” Budgeting is tough, and lots of people struggle with it.

But luckily, there are apps and platforms that make it easier.

Take Rocket Money, for example. It’s a personal finance app that helps you track your spending, create a budget, and even manage your subscriptions. Because you know all those monthly payments you’re making for services you don’t even use? Yeah – Rocket Money will help you cancel those!

Check out this complete Rocket Money review to learn more.

You might be shocked by how much you can save just with a few small lifestyle changes. Cut out your daily coffee shop visit, adjust your takeout habit, and eliminate those unplanned purchases at the supermarket – and bam, you could be saving hundreds of dollars a month!

Do you get paid twice a month and find yourself struggling to account for that in your budgeting? Learn how to budget biweekly paycheck. And if you need to ramp up your savings fast, learn how to save $3000 in 3 months.

And then there are opportunities to earn “free money.” Yes, that’s actually a thing – and I tell you how to do it in this guide to earning free money.

Rocket Money is a fantastic option to find extra cash if you find yourself saying, “I need money desperately!” 
Rocket Money makes it easy to manage and cancel your subscriptions.
Source: Rocket Money

7 – Get a Better Paying Job

How Quickly You Can Get Money: 7-30 days

Ah, the old-fashioned way to earn more money: By getting a better job. But don’t worry, this isn’t an old movie. I’m not telling you to buy a new suit and start practicing interview questions. 

These days, you can carry out an effective job search online.

There are sorts of well-paying jobs out there, and you’re probably qualified for many of them. In some fields, you can even make $100,000 without a college degree. 

Don’t believe me? Check out these jobs that pay 100k a year without a degree. Trust me, it’s possible.

Of course, breaking into six figures is ambitious, so you might need to start a little smaller in the short term.  But don’t worry, it’s not like you’ll be stuck doing drudge work. There are plenty of high-paying jobs that are actually fun.

Learn more by reading this list of fun jobs that pay well. 

8 – Open a New Bank Account

How Quickly You Can Get Money: 60 – 90 days

So you need money ASAP? Have you considered opening a new bank account?

I can hear you thinking: “What? I need money desperately, not a place to put it!”

But here’s the thing. Many banks will give you a bonus for opening a new account. And sometimes, those bonuses can be hefty. We’re talking hundreds of dollars here! 

So you won’t be opening the account just for the sake of it. You’ll be opening it to get the bonus!

While some promotional offers will only give you the bonus if you set up direct deposit, others only require you to maintain a minimum balance or make a certain number of debit card transactions.

Check out this list of banks with immediate sign-up bonus, and learn how to get a Chime referral bonus.

9 – Take Out a Cash Advance

How Quickly You Can Get Money: Instantly

A cash advance is one of the most convenient ways to get money quickly. It can be expensive, and it’s not great for your long-term financial health. But if you’re holding your head and screaming, “I need money desperately,” this could be a solution.

Here are some ways to get a cash advance:

  • Bring your credit card to your bank and ask the teller for a cash advance.
  • Insert your credit card into an ATM and withdraw money.
  • Use your credit card to send money to yourself or someone else. Check out this guide to send money with credit card to learn more. 

Keep in mind that cash advances have their drawbacks. 

For one thing, your credit card company will probably charge a cash advance fee in the range of 3%-5%. Plus, you’ll have to pay interest each month on the money you’ve borrowed. 

That’s why you should explore cheaper options first, then use a cash advance as a last resort.

10 – Rent Out Your Extra Space

How Quickly You Can Get Money: 2-3 days (after the rental period ends)

Making money is easier when you’re prepared to get creative. And luckily, the internet is full of earning opportunities, especially for people willing to think outside the box.

Just look at this list of secret websites to make money online!

And here’s one especially lucrative option: renting out the extra space you have at home.

Think about it. People pay big money to stash their belongings in storage units. Couldn’t they just pay you to keep their stuff in your extra space?

They can – and the platform Neighbor makes it easy!

Neighbor is a website that matches people looking for storage space with people looking to earn money from their extra space. 

You can create a profile on the Neighbor site and then post your available spaces – from parking areas to empty closets. And when someone takes you up on your offer, the platform will make the process simple with no paperwork required!

Commonly Asked Questions About What To Do If I Need Money Desperately

I Need Money Right This Second?

Here are 10 things to try when you find yourself thinking, “I need money desperately!”

For more ways to complete tasks like playing games, taking surveys, and signing up for subscriptions to make money, check out Is Flash Rewards Legit? and Is Rewards Giant USA Legit?

And for more ways to make some extra cash in your spare time, check out these side hustles from your phone.

I Need Financial Help Immediately? 

If you’re saying, “I need money desperately,” consider applying for a personal loan. You could get the money within a day, and then you’ll have months or years to pay it back. Upgrade has several terrific options. Also, consider helping others in this guide on how to donate plasma for money.

I Need Money Urgently Please Help Me?

If you’re desperate for money, consider these options:

And to learn which budgeting app could best help you manage your finances and boost your savings, check out these comparisons of Rocket Money vs the competition:

If you’re looking for a low-tech, hands-on budgeting method, learn about cash envelope categories. And if you need to boost your savings fast, the 60/30/10 rule budget can help.

I Need Money Now But Can’t Get a Loan?

If you can’t borrow money, you need to find a way to boost your income. I’d consider the gig economy. With platforms like DoorDash and Care.com, you could be making money within a week. You could also earn money online by taking surveys or playing games with Survey Junkie and Mistplay. 

And if you need help fixing your credit, check out our comparison of Credit Saint vs Lexington Law, or see if working with the best tradeline companies could be the right credit repair solution for you. 

Meanwhile, learn how to budget for non recurring expenses so you can be prepared for unexpected costs going forward. 

Desperate For Money/ Desperate To Make Money?

When you’re desperate for money, see if you can borrow some. You could apply for a personal loan with Upgrade, get a cash advance, or even borrow from a friend. If that doesn’t work, try to earn money quickly by using an app to find gigs, like DoorDash or Care.com. 

Here’s how to make an extra $100 a week. And learn how you could make money as a mystery shopper in this Field Agent review.

Need Money ASAP?

Here’s what to try when you need money ASAP:

Need $300 Now?

A personal loan is one of the cheapest ways to borrow $300 quickly. You can apply with an online lender like Upgrade and then get the funds that same day. And if you don’t qualify, getting a cash advance from your credit card can be your “Plan B.” 

How Can I Get Immediate Money?

You can borrow funds immediately by using a borrowing app or getting a cash advance with your credit card. And if you’d rather earn money that you won’t have to pay back, try being a gig worker through the DoorDash app or Care.com.

What To Do If You Are Desperate For Money?

If you’re desperate for money, you can pad your income with gig work like with DoorDash, online surveys on Survey Junkie, and online games through Mistplay. You can also improve your finances by cutting out unnecessary expenses and looking for a higher-paying job.

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