Unexpected expenses happen all the time—a car repair, medical bill, or emergency home fix can derail your finances. Coming up with $50 or $100 quickly may require taking out a small, short-term personal loan. But who has time for long loan applications or days of waiting for approval?
Instant loan apps can deposit funds directly into your bank account within hours or minutes. Their quick and easy mobile processes make getting small loans convenient. For borrowers who only need small sums fast before payday, instant loan apps may provide stopgap financing in a pinch.
However, the high-interest rates make instant loan apps unsuitable for long-term borrowing. It’s critical to compare apps and terms to find the best fit for your needs. Use caution and only borrow what you can realistically repay.
Here are the top 10 instant loan apps for $50 loans:
1. Viva Payday Loans
With Viva Payday Loans, borrowers can receive a $50 to $5,000 loan deposited directly into their bank account within one business day of approval. Viva Payday Loans offers one of the fastest ways to get emergency cash.
Key Features:
- Loans from $50 to $5,000
- APRs of 5% to 60% based on your financial profile
- Loan terms from 3 to 24 months
- No early repayment penalties
- Same-day approval decision
- Funds deposited within 1 business day
Viva Payday Loans provides a quick online application that takes just minutes to complete. It gives customized loan offers based on factors like your income, existing debt, and credit history. You can select an affordable repayment plan from 3 to 24 months.
2. Heart Paydays
While Heart Paydays advertises loan amounts from $100 to $5,000, they will provide a minimum of $50 to borrowers through their line of credit option. This flexibility makes Heart Paydays a top pick.
Key Features:
- Minimum $50 loans available
- Maximum loan of $5,000
- Interest rates from 5.99% to 35.99% APR
- Loan terms from 3 to 24 months
- Zero early repayment fees
- Fast online application and approval
- Funding as soon as 1 business day
Heart Paydays offers instant loan decisions through their online application. If approved, you could receive your funds via direct deposit within one business day. Their line of credit also allows repeat borrowing up to your approved limit.
3. Green Dollar Loans
Green Dollar Loans makes getting fast loans easy. They provide loans ranging from $50 to $5,000, with funding possible in as little as 24 hours after approval.
Key Features:
- Loans ranging from $50 to $5,000
- Interest rates from 5.99% to 35.99% APR
- Repayment terms from 3 to 24 months
- No prepayment penalties
- Quick online application with instant decision
- Funding in as fast as 1 business day
Green Dollar Loans have higher minimum income and credit requirements. However, they still offer fast access to emergency financing when you need funds quickly. The online application takes just minutes.
4. ZippyLoan
True to its name, ZippyLoan aims to provide speedy access to loans between $50 and $5,000. Applications take just minutes through their website or mobile app.
Key Features:
- Loan amounts from $50 to $5,000
- Interest rates ranging from 5.99% to 35.99% APR
- Loan terms from 3 to 24 months
- No fees for early repayment
- Instant loan decisions are provided online
- Quick funding as soon as 1 business day
ZippyLoan heavily advertises ease, speed, and convenience as their main advantages. They provide fast access to installment loans with competitive rates compared to alternatives.
5. Credit Loan
Credit Loan supplies loans between $50 and $5,000 with flexible repayment terms. They feature a quick and easy online application process.
Key Features:
- Loans from $50 up to $5,000
- APRs ranging from 5.99% to 35.99%
- Loan repayment terms from 3 to 24 months
- Zero early repayment fees
- Online application with instant decision
- Funding could occur as soon as 1 business day
Credit Loan allows you to choose your ideal loan amount and terms to fit your budget. Get matched to offers tailored to your needs for borrowing made simple.
6. MoneyLion
MoneyLion offers Instacash advances of $50 to $250 to members of its financial membership platform. Their mobile app provides access to instant funding.
Key Features:
- Instacash advances start at $50
- Low monthly membership fee of $1 to $5
- No interest is charged on advances
- Credit decisions made in minutes
- Immediate access to approved funds
- Also includes other benefits like credit monitoring
MoneyLion does not charge specific interest on advances, just small monthly fees. This and other valuable perks come with their financial membership.
7. Dave
The Dave app uses AI to analyze your spending and predict bills. It provides $50 to $100 advances without interest or hidden fees.
Key Features:
- Advances between $50 and $100
- No interest is charged on the advance
- A monthly membership fee of $1
- Immediate access to approved advances
- Connects to checking account to analyze spending
- Overdraft prevention and budgeting features
Dave offers a smart app that helps you manage cash flow and avoid overdrafts in addition to providing advances. The small monthly fee provides access to many valuable financial insights and tools.
8. CashNetUSA
CashNetUSA has offered online loans in many states for over 10 years. Qualified borrowers can obtain $50 to $750 for sudden expenses.
Key Features:
- Minimum loan amount of $50
- Maximum loan amount of $750
- Fixed fees rather than interest
- Payment schedules from 2 to 4 months
- Fast online application and approval process
- Same-day funding is available
CashNetUSA charges fixed dollar fees based on the loan amount instead of interest. They provide clear upfront pricing and quick access to funds via direct deposit.
9. Monevo
Monevo is an online lender marketplace, that connects borrowers to lenders offering $50 to $2,500 loans. The process is quick, secure, and confidential.
Key Features:
- Loans sizes from $50 up to $2,500
- Interest rates ranging from 5.99% to 35.99% APR
- Terms lengths from 90 days to 72 months
- Secure online lending marketplace
- Fast form matches you with offers
- Funds are deposited as soon as the next day
After completing one form on Monevo, you can compare personalized loan offers from their network of trusted lenders. This streamlines the application process.
10. MoneyMutual
MoneyMutual is another online lending marketplace catering to people needing $50 to $5,000 loans quickly. Their nationwide network can connect you to emergency funds in as little as 24 hours.
Key Features:
- Loan amounts from $50 up to $5,000
- Interest rates ranging from 4.99% to 450% APR
- Loan terms from 90 days to 72 months
- Simple form to get offers in minutes
- Trusted lenders with experience in underwriting
- Fast approval decisions and funding
MoneyMutual’s 60+ lenders offer cash advances, payday, and personal installment loans tailored to your situation. Submit a form and quickly compare lenders.
What To Look for in Instant Loan Apps
When evaluating instant loan apps, key factors to compare include:
- Interest Rates and Fees: Costs can vary greatly, from 0% to over 400% APR, so compare thoroughly. Avoid extremely high rates.
- Minimum/Maximum Loan Amounts: Some apps provide microloans as low as $50, ideal for quick needs. Look for flexible options.
- Loan Term Lengths: Can you select terms from 3 to 24 months? More time makes repayment easier.
- Time to Funding: The best apps deposit approved funds within 1 or 2 business days.
- Credit Checks Required: Most use soft credit checks that don’t harm your score. Apps with hard inquiries are riskier.
- Reputation and Trustworthiness: Seek established lenders with strong customer reviews and satisfaction ratings.
- Data Security: Legitimate apps use encryption and assure privacy protections for your information.
Benefits of Instant Loan Apps
When used responsibly, the top instant loan apps provide valuable benefits:
Quick Cash in Emergencies
Instant apps can provide funds in as little as 24 hours and may resolve temporary cash crunches. An unexpected bill or urgent expense doesn’t have to leave you stranded.
Convenience
Apps allow you to handle the loan process from your smartphone on your schedule. No need to visit storefronts or coordinate in-person meetings.
Range of Loan Amount Options
Whether you need an extra $50 before payday or up to $5,000 for a car repair, many apps provide flexible loan amounts. Borrow only what you require.
No Collateral Required
Instant personal loans don’t require any collateral or security. Apps make unsecured loans based on your income, credit profile, and other details.
May Improve Access to Credit
For borrowers with lower incomes or poor credit history, instant apps can provide an approval option versus other sources.
Fast Funding Times
Once approved, funds may be wired the same or the next business day. You don’t have to wait long like with traditional loans.
Risks and Drawbacks to Avoid
Despite their advantages, instant loan apps also come with some cautions:
Very High-Interest Rates
While rates vary across lenders, many instant loan apps charge exorbitant interest ranging from 100% to over 400% APR. This gets very costly.
Limited Loan Terms
Most instant apps only allow borrowing for shorter terms between 3 and 24 months. There are few long-term financing options.
Potential Late Fees
If you miss payments or default, apps may charge hefty late fees, sometimes up to $30 per incidence of nonpayment.
Credit Score Impacts
If you fail to repay on time, your credit score could take a hit just like with any other loan.
Rollover Fees
Some apps charge steep rollover fees to extend a loan’s length. This can trap you in debt.
Lack of Customer Service
Unlike banks, instant apps tend to provide little personal customer support. You may depend on FAQs, chatbots, or email.
Tips for Responsible Borrowing
When using an instant loan app, employ these tips:
- Take time to compare interest rates across multiple apps to find the best deal. Rates can range tremendously.
- Only borrow what you confidently can pay back within the term length. Avoid repeatedly rolling over loans.
- Add up the total costs—interest plus any fees—to understand the true price.
- Stick to short-term borrowing from instant apps and use them sparingly. Don’t make it a habit.
- Build an emergency fund that covers 3-6 months of expenses to reduce reliance on debt.
- Maintain on-time payments and pay off the loan early whenever possible to minimize costs.
- Communicate with the lender immediately if you anticipate any issues repaying. See if they can modify the terms.
The Bottom Line
During sudden cash shortfalls, the top instant loan apps provide quick access to emergency funds within 24 hours or less. Just be very cautious when borrowing. Compare all fees and terms thoroughly. Never take more than you can reliably pay back on the scheduled repayment plan to avoid traps. Use small instant loans as a rare, short-term solution only when needed.
He is the founder and owner of Ventures Money, a leading finance and investment website. With over 10 years of experience in the finance industry, Mustafa is passionate about helping everyday investors make smart decisions with their money.
After getting a lot of experience, Mustafa worked at several top investment banks before deciding to launch this site. His goal was to create an approachable, jargon-free resource for investing advice and market analysis.
Under Mustafa’s leadership, Ventures Money has become one of the most trusted sites for investment strategies, stock research, and personal finance tips. Every day, Mustafa and his team of finance experts work hard to break down complex financial topics into clear, actionable guidance.
When he’s not busy running Ventures Money, Mustafa enjoys spending time with his family, staying active outdoors, and learning about the latest innovations in finance tech. He lives in India with his family including his wife and one child.