How to Get a $500 Loan

Fast funds with same-day approval

Apply Now
Woman helping her friend apply for a fast $500 loan to cover unexpected expenses

When an unexpected expense hits, finding quick cash right now can feel daunting. ASAP Finance can help you bridge that gap. We offer 500 dollar loan options you can apply for entirely online. They’re designed for speed and convenience, often offering same-day approval and next-day funding.

Even if you have bad credit, you may still qualify, as many small loan offers come with no traditional credit check. The focus is on current income and how soon you can repay, not on your credit score.

What Is a $500 Loan and How Does It Work?

A $500 loan is a fast, short-term, small-dollar loan for emergencies. You’ll owe the original amount plus a one-time flat fee, returning funds by your next paycheck within 2–4 weeks. On the agreed-upon due date, the repayment is typically debited from your bank account in a lump sum.

With ASAP Finance, you can apply for cash support online, get a fast decision, and receive the funds quickly to cover a wide range of expenses, including medical bills, car repairs, travel costs, rent, or groceries.

How to Apply for a Small Loan Online

Applying for a $500 loan through ASAP Finance is a user-friendly process with just 3 steps:

Step 1: Fill out the online application. Our secure online form is straightforward and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

Step 2: Get an instant decision and loan offer. After submitting the form, you’ll receive a response within a few minutes.

Step 3: Receive your funds. If you qualify and accept the offer, the money will be deposited directly into your checking account the same day or the next business day*.

*If approved before 10:30 a.m. on a business day, online loans may be deposited the same day; otherwise, funding is typically sent the next banking day. In-store applications may receive cash immediately with a repayment check.

Apply for a flexible 0 loan online!

Requirements for a $500 Cash Advance

ASAP Finance loans have minimal requirements. You don’t need perfect credit or collateral; however, there are basic eligibility criteria you must meet:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a valid government-issued ID
  • Have an active checking account in your name
  • Provide proof of income to show you can repay
  • Specify your email address and a working phone number

How Much Will Your Loan Cost

The cost of your loan depends on your location, credit, and the specific offer you receive with ASAP Finance. Our offers include a clear flat fee per $100 borrowed, not a daily interest rate. To show what you might expect, here are cost examples for a $500 cash advance over 14 days:

Fee Charged (per $100) Total Fee Approx. APR (14-day term)
$10 $50 ~260% APR
$15 $75 ~391% APR
$30 $150 ~782% APR

Many states have specific limits: for example, Florida allows lenders to charge $10 per $100 plus a $5 verification fee, while Colorado permits up to $75 on $500 loans (20% of the first $300 + 7.5% of the rest). Some states, including Montana and North Dakota, have recognized the high cost of small loans and capped APRs at 36%. Always check your state’s regulations.

Reasons You Might Need a Small Loan

Emergencies happen. Here are some common scenarios where a short-term loan can be a real lifesaver:

  • Unexpected car repair
  • Urgent medical or dental bill
  • Electricity, water, or rent payments
  • Groceries before next paycheck
  • Daily necessities
  • Emergency travel
  • Unplanned home repair
  • Unexpected veterinary bills or pet care expenses

Alternatives to a Payday Loan

$500 payday loans can be a convenient solution as you can obtain them online and receive the funds on the same day. However, they may be expensive. Therefore, it’s wise to consider other options before applying:

Payday Alternative Loans

If you are a credit union member (or can become one), check if they offer Payday Alternative Loans. PALs are small loans ranging from $200 to $1,000, with repayment terms of 1 to 6 months. They are designed to replace payday loans at fair terms, as their APRs are capped at 28%. Credit unions often check credit and income, though good credit is not required to qualify.

Installment Loans

Instead of a two-week payday loan, you might qualify for a personal installment loan of up to $5,000, even if you have bad credit. ASAP Finance offers small personal loans to people with lower credit scores. The advantage is that you get more time to repay, spreading out the cost over 2 to 24 months. The APR on bad-credit installment loans will be higher than those on traditional options, but often lower than payday loan APRs.

Borrowing from Relatives

It might be uncomfortable, but if you have a trusted family member or friend who is financially able, asking for a $500 loan could provide money with low interest or no fees at all. Only do this if you’re confident you can pay back on time to avoid misunderstandings.

Nonprofit or Community Assistance

Depending on what the money is needed for, there may be charity or community programs to help. For example, if you can’t pay your utility or heating bill, organizations like LIHEAP and local charities sometimes provide emergency grants. Food banks and churches might help with groceries. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can sometimes direct you to local resources or even loan pools.

Why Choose ASAP Finance?

Here are several reasons why choosing ASAP Finance can be advantageous when you need money quickly and safely:

  • Speed and convenience — ASAP Finance delivers money as soon as possible. There’s no paperwork, no waiting in line, and no lengthy approval process. You can apply online from the comfort of your home 24/7 and get a decision within minutes.
  • Bad credit friendly — We do not perform hard credit checks through the major credit bureaus. Instead, ASAP Finance focuses on your current ability to repay.
  • Open process and transparent policies — As a trusted loan company, we place a high priority on honesty, secure data processing, and privacy. All loan terms are presented openly before you commit, and the policies are clear.
  • Flexible options — Depending on your qualifications and state rules, you might access installment loans with multiple payments instead of a single repayment. We always aim to provide a reasonable loan offer that fits your situation.

Reviews

See what borrowers say about using our loan options.

I applied and had the money the next day. I appreciate the quick approval.

Mark T.December 28, 2025

I have poor credit, but ASAP Finance approved me when others wouldn't.

Alicia D.November 17, 2025

The application process was straightforward. I knew exactly what to expect!

James L.September 10, 2025

Tips for Managing Your Loan Responsibly

A small loan can help cover an urgent expense, but the short repayment period means it can strain your budget. Here are some tips to help you stay financially protected:

  • Borrow only what you need. Keep the loan as small as possible. If you need $350, don’t borrow $500 just because you can — you’ll pay fees on the extra amount for no reason. Also, be realistic about what you can repay with your next paycheck.
  • Read the loan agreement and keep a copy. When you get your loan agreement, read it thoroughly. Make sure you understand the repayment date, the total amount due, and any clauses about late payments or extensions. If anything is confusing, ask the customer support team for clarification before you sign. Being informed is your right as a borrower.
  • Prepare a repayment plan early. As soon as you’re approved for the $500 loan, create a quick budget or plan for your next pay period. Mark the due date on your calendar. Determine how you will allocate your next paycheck to cover the loan plus your regular expenses. This might mean temporarily cutting non-essential spending.
  • Avoid late payments or default. Do everything possible to repay the loan on time. Missing a payment can lead to extra fees and negatively affect your financial stability. Treat the repayment as a top-priority bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

01

Can I get a small loan with bad credit or no credit check?

Yes, you can. ASAP Finance does not perform hard credit checks through the major bureaus. We typically look at your income, employment stability, and recent banking history rather than your credit score.

02

How to get $500 instantly with no bank account?

An active checking account in your name is required for electronic deposits. As an alternative, you can visit our physical store to get cash loans against a post-dated check.

03

How fast can I receive the money if I need 500 dollars now?

In most cases, funds arrive by the next business day after approval. Same-day funding is possible if you submit your application before 10:30 a.m. on a business day.

04

What if I can’t repay on time?

If you cannot repay the loan for $500 on the scheduled due date, the first thing to do is contact your direct lender right away. Explain your situation and see what arrangements can be made. Otherwise, you can face late fees and credit score drops.

05

Is a payday loan safe to get online?

Yes, we prioritize the safety of your personal information, the security of the transaction, and the legitimacy of the lending process. ASAP Finance uses secure encryption to protect any data you submit.

06

Are these $500 loans available in all states?

Each state sets its own regulations for small-dollar lending. ASAP Finance’s services may not be available in states where short-term loans are banned. As an alternative, installment loans with larger amounts and structured repayment may be accessible.

Get your $500 loan decision today! Apply Now I read and agree to Terms, Rates, Privacy Policy before submitting a loan request.

Written by Gregory Allen

Updated on Jan 9, 2026