When you need to borrow money, you can’t always afford to wait years until you’re a perfect loan candidate. That’s where lenders like Rise Credit come in, offering quick personal loans to people with bad credit.
Need cash, like, right now? EarnIn lets eligible users access up to $300 from their earned wages with no interest or mandatory fees.¹ First-time users may be eligible for expedited funding at no cost.²
EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1-2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not be available at all times and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply; see the Lightning Speed Fee Table and Cash Out User Agreement for details and eligibility requirements. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.
Lightning Speed is an optional service that allows you to expedite the transfer of funds for a fee. Depending on the product, the fee may be charged by EarnIn or its banking partner. Lightning Speed may not be available in all states and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply. See the Lightning Speed Fee Table for details.
It’s not so simple, though. Even by Rise Credit’s own admission, “this is an expensive form of credit,” and it’s only available in about half of U.S. states. It’s better than a payday loan because it can actually help you build credit, but if you’re looking for more affordable options, check out these loans like Rise Credit:
Table of Contents
1. EarnIn
Why it’s a great alternative to Rise Credit
If you only need a relatively small amount of cash and not an entire loan, EarnIn’s Cash Out feature might work better. You’ll link your bank and employer details, and depending on the work you’ve already done, you may be able to borrow up to $150 per day ($1,000 per pay period) against your future paycheck.
- Doesn’t require a subscription fee like many other cash advance apps
- Free if you can wait 1 – 2 business days for standard transfers
- Not available if you don’t work for a traditional employer
- Data privacy concerns with ongoing GPS and bank account monitoring
| Max. advance | $1,000 per pay period |
| Fees | $0 for standard delivery (1–3 days); $2.99 – $5.99 for Lightning Speed |
| Direct deposit required? | Yes |
| Credit check? | No |
2. Upstart short-term relief loan
Why it’s a great alternative to Rise Credit
Upstart personal loans are already known as one of the best options for those with bad credit. But Upstart also offers a short-term relief loan. The relief loan is a good payday loan alternative because it offers similar loan amounts at a much more affordable rate. Plus, it can help you build credit.
- No late fees (but overdue payments still affect your credit)
- Partially refunds your finance charge if you repay the loan early
- Not available in 14 states and D.C.
- Requires $12,000 minimum annual income
| Rates (APR) | Up to 35.99% |
| Loan amounts | $200 – $2,500 (for short-term relief loans; Upstart also offers traditional personal loans up to $75,000) |
| Repayment terms | 3 – 18 months (3 – 5 years for traditional personal loans) |
| Funding time | Next business day |
| Min. credit score | 300 (lowest possible) |
3. Oportun
Why it’s a great alternative to Rise Credit
Compared to Rise Credit, Oportun personal loans cost less, are spread out over a longer period of time, and are repaid with biweekly (versus monthly) payments. That can often help with payment affordability, especially if you get paid twice a month. It also gives you a better shot at building good credit.
- No credit history required
- May be able to use collateral or a cosigner
- Expensive admin fee with every loan
- Terrible J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
| Rates (APR) | Up to 35.99% |
| Loan amounts | $300 – $10,000 |
| Repayment terms | Based on loan size, rate, fees, and terms. Payments are fixed installments. |
| Funding time | Within 1 business day |
| Min. credit score | None |
4. OneMain Financial
Why it’s a great alternative to Rise Credit
Sometimes you need to get creative to get approved, and if you need a larger loan amount and more affordable terms than what Rise Credit can provide, OneMain Financial personal loans are better. It’s still not cheap, per se, but it offers more pathways to get approved than similar lenders.
- More than 1,300 local branches for fast in-person service
- Allows you to apply with a coborrower or with collateral
- Poor customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power
- Loan fees and high interest can make the loan hard to repay
| Rates (APR) | 18.00% – 35.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,500 – $20,000 |
| Repayment terms | 3 or 5 years |
| Funding time | Next business day |
| Min. credit score | 300 (lowest possible) |
Bonus suggestions
Loans like Rise Credit can be a big help if you need to borrow cash fast while you’re still on your credit-building journey. But before you hit the “apply” button, it’s always best to consider how the debt will affect your finances in the long run and to look at other options first. In some cases, you may not even need debt.
Here are some good alternatives to taking on more unsecured personal loan debt, particularly if you’re already in a tough financial spot:
- Use collateral: Pledging your vehicles or savings accounts as collateral can help you score better approval odds and lower rates. But be careful not to use anything you can’t afford to lose, just in case you default on the debt.
- Get a co-borrower: Similarly, finding a more creditworthy person to apply with you can help boost your approval odds and loan affordability. But they’re listed on the loan, too, so it’s especially important to pay it back on time, if not early.
- Tap into home equity: Homeowners with enough home equity (usually 15% or more) can often borrow against their house to get lower rates. Again, though, make sure you can repay the loan so you don’t lose your house.
- Ask creditors for forbearance: If you’re going through a short-term financial hardship and you have other debts, like student loans or a mortgage, you may be able to free up some cash flow for a bit by asking your lenders for temporary forbearance.
- Check with local credit unions: These nonprofit institutions often provide better financial support to their members. Credit unions usually do this by offering better rates across the board, but they also often offer affordable payday loan alternatives.
- Ask friends and family for a loan: If your social network trusts you, it’s worth asking someone whether they’ll lend you some cash at an affordable rate. You can make it official and ease everyone’s minds by drafting a payment schedule and signing a loan contract, too.
- Tap into local financial support systems: Don’t be shy about visiting resources like local food banks if you need them. They’re meant to help and can free up cash flow for other things. If you need help locating resources in your community, call or visit 211.org.
- Call a nonprofit credit counseling agency: The National Foundation for Credit Counseling can help connect you with a reputable member agency that offers free or low-cost, guided support in navigating your options during difficult financial times.
Recap of loans like Rise Credit
Article sources
At LendEDU, our writers and editors rely on primary sources, such as government data and websites, industry reports and whitepapers, and interviews with experts and company representatives. We also reference reputable company websites and research from established publishers. This approach allows us to produce content that is accurate, unbiased, and supported by reliable evidence. Read more about our editorial standards.
- Rise Credit, Personal Loans
- Rise Credit, What It Costs
- Upstart, Short-Term Relief Loans
- Upstart, Can I Apply for a Loan? How to Find Out What Loan Products Are Available in Your State
- EarnIn, Cash Out
- EarnIn, Cash Advance Loans and Alternatives for the Self-Employed
- OneMain Financial, Personal Loans
- OneMain Financial, Apply for a Personal Loan
- Oportun, Personal Loans That Put You in Control
- J.D. Power, Consumer Loan Satisfaction Stagnant as Financial Health of Customers Declines, J.D. Power Finds
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About our contributors
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Written by Lindsay VanSomerenLindsay VanSomeren is a personal finance writer living in Suquamish, Washington. She's passionate about helping people manage their money better so that they can live the life they want. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and learning new languages and hobbies.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their three senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.