When an unexpected expense hits, $600 can be the difference between getting back on track or falling further behind. If you find yourself short of cash, the good news is that there are some ways you may still qualify to borrow money with bad credit. Here’s how you might be able to secure a $600 loan even if your credit isn’t perfect.
Key Takeaways
- There are a few paths to borrowing $600 – personal loans, cash advances, or payday alternative loans.
- To borrow $600, you generally need to be 18 years or older, have a checking account, provide a valid ID, and show proof of income.
- Always explore low-cost alternatives first to avoid high-interest debt.
How to Get a $600 Loan?
The right choice for borrowing $600 depends on your credit history, income, and the urgency of your situation. Here are three practical lending routes to consider.
1. $600 Personal Loan
A $600 personal loan is used to borrow money now and repay it over several months in fixed payments. Some online lenders may consider offering small-dollar loans to individuals with poor credit. Although credit scores matter, some small-loan lenders also weigh other factors, such as current income, when determining creditworthiness. However, approval is not guaranteed.
If approved for a $600 personal loan, some online lenders may fund the loan within 24 hours. Unlike payday loans, a $600 personal loan gives more time to pay it back, typically between three and 12 months, making repayment more manageable.
The average APR for a personal loan is over 20%. However, a lower credit score may result in the personal loan incurring an even higher interest rate. Personal loan applicants with lower credit scores are considered riskier for lenders, which is why those with subpar credit scores receive higher interest rates. These loans are usually unsecured, which means the borrower typically doesn’t need to put up collateral for funding.
The good news is that if the borrower makes timely payments, they’ll likely improve their credit score. Consider planning your budget before borrowing to ensure you can afford the monthly payments in addition to your regular bills. Missing payments will hurt your credit score even more and make future borrowing even more difficult.
2. 600 Dollars Cash Advance
A $600 cash advance is essentially a form of borrowing against one’s credit card limit or bank account balance. It’s usually fast, as consumers can get cash immediately from an ATM or their bank.
Cash advances can be expensive, with APRs ranging from 20% to 30%. Additionally, many card issuers charge a transaction fee of 3% to 5% on the amount withdrawn. While a $600 cash advance usually requires no application or approval wait, they’re among the most expensive borrowing methods. There’s no grace period, so interest and fees pile up from day one.
Alternatively, some checking accounts may also offer an overdraft line of credit or overdraft protection feature that can cover payments or ATM withdrawals when the client’s balance is low. With an overdraft line of credit, the bank advances funds up to a preset limit, usually between $500 and $1,000, when the balance hits zero. With bank overdraft protection, the bank may allow the client to cover a $600 withdrawal or bill, with flat-rate fees or interest charged on the overdraft amount.
While overdraft protection may be an automatic feature, depending on the bank, an overdraft line of credit is a different feature that typically requires application and approval before usage.
3. Payday Alternative Loans (PALs)
A Payday Alternative Loan (PAL) is a small-dollar installment loan offered by federal credit unions as a safer, more affordable alternative to payday loans. A PAL I loan is limited to a maximum of $1,000 and a six-month maturity. Introduced in 2020, a PAL II loan is limited to a maximum $2,000 and a 12-month maturity. The NCUA caps them at a 28% APR plus a one-time $20 application fee.
One must join a federal credit union to qualify for a PAL. Credit unions manually underwrite PALs, meaning they consider their overall relationship with the client, not just their credit score.
How Can You Qualify for a $600 Loan?
Although each lender has its requirements, the core criteria to secure a $600 loan are similar across many options. The applicant will usually need to provide proof that they:
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have an active checking account
- Have a valid home address, email address, and phone number
What to Watch Out for When Borrowing $600
Even though $600 might not seem like a huge loan, choosing the wrong kind of financing can snowball into bigger money problems. Here are a few things to keep an eye on when you’re weighing your options:
- Sky-High Interest Rates: Some lenders charge incredibly high interest on small loans. These loans can be hazardous if the repayment period is short. Interest adds up quickly, and if you fall behind, it can spiral into a much bigger financial problem.
- Sneaky Fees: Always read the fine print. Some lenders add extra charges, such as origination fees, late payment penalties, or even prepayment fees for paying off the loan early. Those added costs can make your loan much more expensive than it looks upfront.
- Borrowing Extra: It might be tempting to ask for a little extra “just in case,” but overborrowing can put extra strain on your monthly budget and hurt your credit if you can’t keep up with payments. Stick to the amount you truly need and know you can repay.
Before signing anything, carefully read the terms and conditions. Look beyond the monthly payment and check the total repayment cost. Ensure you thoroughly understand the contract before agreeing.
Alternatives to $600 Loans
Before taking on debt, consider these practical options that may help you get the cash you need to cover your $600 expense while saving money on interest and fees:
- Use Your Emergency Fund: If you’ve already set aside an emergency fund, this might be the time to tap into it for $600. Using your savings costs nothing and avoids interest. Just be mindful to leave yourself a small buffer, so you’re not left completely exposed. Replenish the fund as soon as possible to be prepared for future emergencies.
- Borrow from Friends or Family: They might be able to help you out with no interest if you approach them honestly. When borrowing money from family or friends, consider treating it like a formal loan. Draft a simple IOU agreement outlining the amount borrowed, repayment dates, and other agreed-upon conditions.
- Sell Unwanted Items: You can sell unwanted items such as old electronics or furniture by listing them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. If you price them slightly under comparable listings, you may attract faster offers. This can help raise quick cash in a few days.
- Pawn Valuable Things: Another option is to pawn a piece of jewelry or any other valuable item that you don’t regularly use. You can also gather multiple items to increase your leverage. Negotiate by showing competitive online resale prices, as many pawnbrokers will match a reasonable offer if you can back it up with the item’s market value.
- Ask Your Employer for a Paycheck Advance: Approach HR or payroll directly and explain your situation. Many companies have policies for small advances, and framing it as a one-time request with a clear repayment plan shouldn’t hurt your relationship with your workplace.
- Get a Side Gig: If time allows, sign up for work via on-demand platforms like Uber, DoorDash, or TaskRabbit and block out a weekend dedicated only to earning. Depending on your skills and local demand, covering $600 can take as little as a few 12-hour days.
Needing $600 can be stressful, especially if your credit’s not in great shape. But you still have options. Whether it’s a personal loan, a credit union loan, or an alternative route like selling items or asking your employer for an advance, make sure you choose what fits within your financial reality. If you decide to borrow, make sure to calculate the total cost of the loan over its lifetime. Asking a few questions, reading the terms, or comparing offers could end up saving you a lot of money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a $600 Personal Loan with Bad Credit?
There might be ways to qualify for a $600 loan with bad credit. Some lenders may consider other factors, such as your current income and employment history. Keep in mind that applicants with bad credit usually receive higher-than-average interest rates.
How Much Does It Cost to Borrow 600 Dollars?
Borrowing $600 can cost anywhere from $30 to over $200 in fees, depending on the lender, interest rate, and loan term. Always compare options and read the fine print before applying for a loan.
Are There Cash Advances with Guaranteed Approval?
Be cautious of lenders advertising “guaranteed approval,” especially if they offer to skip a credit check. Unfortunately, bad actors often use promises like this to exploit individuals who are already under stress. Always double-check a lender’s reputation — look for reviews, check their BBB rating, and make sure their terms are transparent and fair.
Can I Get a $600 Loan Without a Credit Check?
It’s rare to get a $600 loan with no credit check at all. Most lenders perform at least a soft credit check or verify your financial background to assess your ability to repay the loan. Even payday lenders or “no credit check” ads usually review income, bank activity, or use alternative credit reporting systems.
Can I Get a $600 Loan with No Job?
Possibly. Some lenders can offer a loan without a job. They ususally accept alternative income sources like Social Security, disability benefits, or unemployment payments. However, you’ll need to show you have enough income to repay the loan. Lenders assess your ability to repay, even if you’re not traditionally employed.
Do I Need Collateral for a $600 Loan?
Most $600 loans are unsecured, meaning you don’t need to provide collateral. However, some lenders may offer title loans or pawn loans that require collateral. These often carry higher risks if you default, you could lose your asset.
Sources
- National Credit Union Organisation, “Principles for Making Responsible Small-Dollar Loans”, NCUA. Accessed 30 June, 2025.
- Responsiblelending, “Payday and Other Small Dollar Loans,” Responsiblelending, Accessed 1 July, 2025.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “What are the costs and fees for a payday loan?” CFPB. Accessed July 9, 2025.