How to Get a 50-Dollar Loan with Bad Credit

December 15, 202511 min read
Grayson Hale Writer
Avery Quinn Editor
James Robinson Reviewer
Table of content

We have all had that moment where we open our wallet and think, “Great…I’m short by fifty bucks.” When that happens, a 50-dollar loan can save the day. It is small, fast, and often much easier to get than people think, even with bad credit. 

The real challenge is knowing which options are safe and which ones actually send you the money without making things complicated. 

Let’s go over how you can get the help you need without the stress. 

Key Takeaways

  • You can request to borrow $50 through apps, lenders, and local options, even with poor credit.
  • Small loans can get expensive fast if you ignore fees.
  • Having a clear repayment plan helps you avoid future headaches.

Common Ways to Borrow 50 Dollars

There are several ways to borrow a small amount, and the right choice depends on how fast you need the cash, whether you have a bank account, and how comfortable you are using online tools. 

Below are the most common answers to your question ‘where can I borrow 50 dollars?’, especially when your credit is not on your side. 

Local Short-Term Loan Solutions

Some people prefer visiting a place in person because it feels more direct. Local loan options sometimes focus more on your income than your credit score, which makes them helpful if you have had trouble with credit in the past. 

Community Assistance Programs

If you only need a 50-dollar loan to cover a basic need like food, transportation, or medication, a local assistance program might help without requiring a loan. Community centers, churches, and nonprofit groups often provide emergency support. 

Pawn Shops

If you have something small but valuable, like headphones or a smartwatch, you may be able to pawn it for about $50. Pawn loans usually require ID and include a written pawn ticket or loan agreement. You will get your item back when you repay the amount plus a small fee. Costs can be high, and you may risk losing your item if you cannot repay on time.

Selling a Small Item

Sometimes you don’t even need a loan. You might have something lying around that you no longer use. Think of a gadget, a coat, a set of speakers, or even a video game you no longer use. This may help you get $50 now without applying for a loan or dealing with lenders. 

Borrowing from Family or Friends

This is not always comfortable, but asking money from your closest onesit can be the easiest and cheapest option when you find yourself saying, ‘I need to borrow $50.’ Keep the conversation simple, tell them what the money is for, and when you plan to return it. This keeps the relationship healthy. 

Money Borrowing Apps

Borrowing apps are designed for small advances. They are fast, user-friendly, and usually do not require good credit, as most of them look at your job or bank activity rather than your credit score.

Paycheck Advance Apps

These apps simply let you get part of your upcoming paycheck early. They are helpful when your income is predictable.

Earnin

Earnin lets you take out small amounts based on the hours you have already worked. You connect your bank account, turn on location tracking so the app knows when you arrive at work, and request an advance. There is no interest. You can choose to leave a tip. Instant transfers through Lightning Speed can include a separate fee.

Dave

This app offers a feature called ExtraCash that gives you small advances. Dave may charge a small membership fee of up to $5, an ExtraCash service fee (often around 5% of the amount, with a minimum charge), and if you want instant delivery, you pay a separate 1.5% fee of the amount transferred. 

Brigit

Brigit can send a small advance of up to $500 to your bank without checking your credit, depending on your eligibility and state rules. It also helps you see upcoming bills so you can plan better. Some users also pay a monthly subscription fee, usually between $8.99 and $15.99, for access to certain features.

Buy Now, Pay Later Apps

If you need groceries, medicine, or household items, you might not need actual cash. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services let you split your purchase into four payments. This can help you make a small purchase now while paying the balance over time.

Apps like Klarna, Afterpay, and PayPal’s Pay in 4 work in many stores. Instead of paying the full fifty dollars now, you are simply delaying part of the cost until later. 

Keep in mind that BNPL plans sometimes charge late fees when you miss a payment. Also, while not all pay-later options charge interest, some do.

Micro Loan Apps

Some apps offer small loans that are deposited directly into your bank account.

Possible Finance

Possible Finance is designed for people who have had trouble getting approved elsewhere. It offers short-term installment loans with less emphasis on your credit history. You repay the loan over several weeks, which makes it easier on your budget. Costs may be high depending on your state. Payments are also reported to major credit bureaus.

MoneyLion Instacash

This app lets you withdraw small amounts, working almost like a $50 instant cash advance when you’re in a hurry. It is not a traditional loan because it is an advance based on your recurring deposits. There is no interest, and express delivery like Turbo transfers is available and may incur a fee if you want the money right away.

Chime SpotMe

SpotMe is a helpful buffer if you already bank with Chime. It is not a loan, but it lets you overspend your account by a small amount. If your balance is low, SpotMe covers the purchase until your next deposit arrives. 

What to Consider Before Taking a $50 Cash Advance

Learning how to borrow 50 dollars safely can save you money and stress. So before lending, take a moment to think through a few questions. 

How Fast Do You Need the Money?

Some apps deliver funds within minutes, while others take a day or two. If timing matters, choose a method that promises quick delivery to your bank. 

What Will It Cost?

Small loans often come with fees. A $5 fee on a $50 loan might sound tiny, but it is a noticeable percentage. Make sure the cost is worth the convenience. Fees can be much higher than that in some cases.

Are You Able to Repay on Time?

Short-term loans usually have quick repayment schedules, especially if you’re using something like a $50 payday loan that comes due on your next paycheck.

Is There a Cheaper Alternative?

Sometimes, selling something, using a buy now, pay later option, or asking a trusted friend or family member can avoid extra charges. If avoiding fees matters to you, consider these instead. 

Do You Trust The Lender or the App?

Stick to well-known apps or local credit unions with strong reputations. Avoid lenders whose fees are unclear or whose websites look suspicious.

FAQ About 50 Dollar Loan

How Can I Get 50 Dollars Instantly?

Instant options may include paycheck advance apps, borrowing from someone you trust, using a pawn shop, or accessing overdraft service like Chime SpotMe. Many apps charge a small fee for instant delivery, but they may get the money to you within minutes.

How to Get $50 Using Cash App?

Cash App sometimes offers small loans through its Borrow feature, which typically works on a flat-fee pricing model and is provided through its bank partners. Not everyone has access to it, though. It depends on how you use Cash App, how much you deposit, and how consistently you use your account. 

Can I Get a 50-dollar Loan with Bad Credit?

Many lenders, apps, and local programs offer small loans without placing too much emphasis on credit scores. When you want to borrow $50 with bad credit, they mostly want to confirm that you receive income and can repay the amount within a short period.

Is it Safe to Borrow 50 Dollars?

It can be safer if you choose legitimate apps or credit unions, but any loan or form of borrowing carries risks. 

Will Borrowing 50 Dollars Improve My Credit Score?

Most small advance apps do not report to major credit bureaus, so they will not affect your score. Possible Finance and some credit unions do report their microloans, which can help if you repay on time. 

How Quickly Will I Need to Repay a $50 Loan?

Many short-term loans must be repaid relatively quickly. Paycheck advance apps usually collect repayment on your next payday. Some instalment options and buy now pay later plans may stretch over several weeks or even a few months.

Grayson Hale Chief Editor

Grayson Hale is a Chief Editor with over five years of experience in financial writing. He specializes in investment strategies, risk management, and financial planning. Grayson frequently contributes to financial publications and speaks at industry conferences.

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