Cash Advance Alternatives: Where to Turn When Money is Tight

Sometimes, there is more month than money. If you find yourself in this position, it can be hard to know where to turn. Often, people turn to Cash Advances or FinTech (Financial Technology) products to bridge the gap. These solutions include:

• Cash Advance
• Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
• Payday Loans

These options can offer easy access to funds in the short term. But in the long run, they can also present problems, like creating a cycle of debt. 

SaverLife members report struggling with the automated repayment cycle associated with some of these short-term lending products. This is in large part due to money being pulled out of accounts automatically, leaving borrowers short on essentials. One SaverLife member said, “payday morning could feel like my paycheck never even existed.”

Yes – sometimes, these products are helpful, and often feel necessary in the short term to make ends meet. However, with the fees, automatic payments, and lack of transparency, they can make a bad situation worse. It’s important to know about all the places you can turn when money is tight. Here are alternatives to products like Cash Advance that can help bridge the gap and start building more stability.

Talk to Your Employer

Talking to your employer about your money situation probably isn’t your first thought, but your workplace could be a great resource during a financial crisis. Before you take a payday loan or Cash Advance, it’s worth asking your employer if they have any options. Talk to your HR to see if any of these options are available to you:

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): These programs are typically linked to mental health help, but they often include financial counseling or referrals to local resources.
• Financial Wellness Resources: As the impact of financial stress becomes clearer, some employers are providing financial wellness programs. These programs can include free coaching, budgeting help, and debt repayment planning.

If you are struggling financially, contact your HR department. Often, their financial resources aren’t well-publicized, but they may have resources that can support you.

Visit a Local Credit Union or Community Bank

When it comes to small emergency loans, big banks and Cash Advances aren’t your only choice. You may be able to get a small loan from a local credit union or community bank.  Here are a few benefits of looking to local credit unions or community banks for help:

• Lower rates: These institutions often offer small personal loans with better interest rates.
• More Flexibility: Credit unions often offer a more personal approach. Even without perfect credit, they may still work with you. Other factors like your income, banking history, or relationship with the institution can be used to get a loan.

Seek Help from Nonprofits and Community Programs

If your crisis is temporary, there may be direct assistance available that doesn’t involve borrowing money at all.

You may find grant programs or other assistance in your community. Local nonprofits, churches, and mutual aid groups often provide small one-time grants for rent, utilities, or essential expenses in emergencies. 

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) also offer fair loans. CDFIs are typically mission-driven lenders that serve low-income and underserved communities.

As you look for help in your community, here are assistance programs you might qualify for:

• Rent
• Utility bills
• Groceries
• Food banks
• Transportation costs

Even if the support isn’t cash, these programs can free up your income to handle immediate needs.

Where to Start:

• United Way’s 211: Dial 211 or visit 211.org to get connected to local resources based on your ZIP code.
• Modest Needs: Offers short-term financial assistance for individuals just above the poverty line facing unexpected expenses.
• Local Housing Programs: Cities and counties often have rent relief funds, especially if you’re facing eviction or behind on utilities. A great resource for local help is www.findhelp.org. You can search based on your zip code for assistance programs in your area.

Try a Side Gig

One of the fastest ways to cover a shortfall is to earn extra money, even if it’s just temporary.

Fast Ways to Earn:

• Food Delivery: Apps like DoorDash, UberEATS, and Grubhub often let you start within 24–48 hours.
• Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: Use Rover or local Facebook groups to find clients.
• Freelancing: Freelancing can pay you decent money to use your skills. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer short projects you can do for cash. Skills like writing, graphic design, or data entry are typically in demand.
• Tutoring: Are you really good at Spanish or math? Do you play the guitar? You could make extra money tutoring others. Online platforms like Wyzant or neighborhood groups are good places to offer your services and expertise.
• Sell Items: If you have unused clothing, electronics, or household goods, you can list them for sale on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Poshmark, or eBay.

Even bringing in $50–$100 quickly can help you avoid overdraft fees or late payments, without interest or debt.

Ask for Help

It can be tough when you’re struggling to ask for help. But there could be free or low-cost financial help options available in your community. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFFC) and its member agencies, like Saverperks partner MMI, provide access to financial counseling. There may also be local organizations in your community that provide similar credit counseling or financial coaching.

These organizations can help you create a spending plan to better work with the resources you have. You can also create debt repayment plans to help manage your debt. With help, you can avoid traps like payday loans. You can also have someone in your corner. They can support you through conversations with creditors and help advocate on your behalf.

Negotiate or Delay Your Bills

One of the most overlooked tools in a financial emergency is to talk directly to the companies you owe. Talking to your creditors, lenders, or utility providers can help if you are in a pinch.

What to Ask For:

It can be tough to ask for help. Here are specific things you can ask if you can’t pay:

• A Payment Plan: Break up a large bill into smaller, more manageable payments.
• A Due Date Change: Often, utility providers and creditors can work with you to move your payment. This allows you to get your next paycheck, then make the payment.
• Waived Late Fees: If you’re generally a reliable customer, you’d be surprised how often companies will say yes.

Who to Ask:

Consider reaching out to the following providers if you’re having trouble paying your bill. 

• Student Loan Servicers
• Other Loan Servicers
• Credit Card Companies
• Utility Companies
• Medical Providers
• Service Providers (internet or phone)

Most companies would rather work with you than send you to collections. But they can’t help unless you ask.

Final Thoughts

When you’re low on cash, it’s easy to feel like you’re left without options or time. A Cash Advance or payday loan may seem like the only choice, but it’s often the most expensive one. The good news? There are real, practical alternatives that can help you handle emergencies without digging yourself deeper into debt.

You can start by checking with your employer. Alternatively, pick up a side gig, or call your utility company. Taking small steps helps you regain control.

And if this isn’t a one-time crisis? Just remember, many people live paycheck to paycheck, not because they’re irresponsible, but because the system is tough. There are people and resources that can help you. You’re not alone – and there is always a way forward.