Should You Use a Personal Loan for Emergencies?

Updated: February 14, 2024

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Personal loans are a convenient financial resource, offering a way to borrow money for various personal needs. Their appeal lies in their flexibility — you're not limited to using them for a specific purchase like a home or a car. This adaptability extends to the amount you can borrow and the repayment terms, which vary to suit different financial situations.

In emergencies, personal loans can be particularly useful. Emergencies often come without warning, requiring quick financial solutions. Personal loans can provide this rapid financial assistance, often with faster approval and fund disbursement compared to other loan types. This speed and flexibility make them ideal for handling unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or urgent home repairs.

When Is it a Good Idea to Use a Personal Loan for Emergencies?

Personal loans can be a crucial lifeline when unexpected expenses catch you off guard. Understanding when to use these loans for emergencies is key. They offer a swift and flexible way to manage unforeseen costs, providing essential financial support when it's most needed.

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    Home Repairs

    Unexpected home issues like a burst pipe or electrical problems can disrupt your daily life. A personal loan can swiftly provide the funds to address these issues, preventing minor problems from becoming major ones.

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    Car Repairs

    When your vehicle unexpectedly needs repairs, the costs can quickly escalate. Personal loans offer a quick financial solution, allowing you to get your car fixed and back on the road without delay.

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    Medical Bills

    Health care emergencies often come with hefty expenses. Using a personal loan can help you handle these bills, easing the financial worry so you can concentrate on recovery.

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    Travel for Emergencies

    Sometimes, emergencies require immediate travel. A personal loan can cover the costs of urgent flights and accommodation, making a stressful situation easier to handle.

Navigating through life's unexpected turns can be challenging, but personal loans offer a financial safety net. Whether it’s for crucial home repairs, urgent car fixes, unanticipated medical expenses or emergency travel, these loans provide a practical way to manage these situations, giving you the peace of mind to focus on resolving the emergency at hand.

Pros and Cons of Using a Personal Loan for Emergencies

Using a personal loan for emergencies can be a double-edged sword, with both benefits and drawbacks. By carefully weighing these pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether a personal loan is the right choice for your emergency financial needs.

Advantages of Using a Personal Loan for Emergencies

  • Quick Access to Funds: Personal loans are known for their quick processing and disbursement of funds, sometimes within a few days. This rapid access to money can be crucial in emergencies, allowing you to address the situation immediately. Getting funds quickly helps prevent the emergency from escalating and causing further issues.

  • Affordable With Good Credit: For borrowers with good credit, personal loans can offer lower interest rates than credit cards or other forms of emergency funding. This affordability is a significant advantage, as it reduces the overall cost of borrowing during an emergency. Lower interest rates mean lower monthly payments and less financial strain over the loan's term. This affordability can make managing emergency expenses more sustainable in the long run.

  • Flexible Terms: Personal loans offer varied repayment terms and flexibility in how you use the funds. Many lenders don’t impose strict restrictions on how the loan can be utilized, allowing you to address any emergency that arises. This versatility is especially useful in unpredictable situations where the nature of the emergency isn't limited to a single category, like medical or home repair.

Moreover, the ability to choose a repayment plan that suits your financial situation helps in managing the loan effectively, making it less burdensome during and after the emergency.

Disadvantages of Using a Personal Loan for Emergencies

  • High Rates for Bad Credit: For individuals with bad credit, personal loans can come with high interest rates. This makes borrowing more expensive, especially in emergencies where funds are urgently needed. High rates mean higher monthly payments and a greater overall loan cost, which can add financial pressure during an already stressful time. As such, those with bad credit might find personal loans to be a costly option in emergencies.

  • Additional Fees: Personal loans often come with various fees, such as origination fees, late payment fees or prepayment penalties. These additional costs can make the loan more expensive than initially anticipated. In emergency situations, where funds are needed quickly, these extra charges can strain your budget further.

  • Small Loan Amounts: Depending on the lender and your creditworthiness, you might be limited to borrowing a smaller amount than you need. This can be particularly challenging in emergencies where the expenses exceed the loan amount you qualify for. Being unable to cover the entire cost of the emergency can leave you scrambling to find additional funding sources.

How to Get a Personal Loan for Emergencies

Applying for a personal loan during an emergency requires prompt action and a clear understanding of the process. Knowing each step involved is crucial to navigating the application efficiently and increasing your chances of getting the funds quickly.

1
Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for a personal loan and the terms you'll receive. Before applying, check your credit score to understand where you stand. A higher score can lead to better interest rates and terms, which is especially important in emergencies to keep costs down.

2
Shop Around for Lenders

Not all lenders offer the same terms for personal loans. It's important to compare different lenders to find the best rates and terms for your situation. Look for lenders who specialize in emergency loans or offer quick disbursement of funds. Remember, in emergencies, the speed of processing and flexibility of the loan terms can be as crucial as the interest rate.

3
Get Prequalified

Many lenders offer a prequalification process that gives you an idea of the loan terms you might receive without impacting your credit score. This step can save you time by letting you know if you'll likely be approved and on what terms, helping you narrow your options quickly and efficiently.

4
Gather Necessary Documents

To apply for a personal loan, you'll need to provide various documents, such as proof of income, employment verification and identification. Having these documents ready can speed up the application process.

5
Submit the Application

Once you've chosen a lender and gathered all your documents, it's time to complete and submit your personal loan application. Ensure that all information is accurate to avoid any delays in processing. In emergencies, any delay can be costly, so a thorough and prompt submission is key.

6
Receive the Funds

After your loan is approved, the funds will typically be deposited into your account. The speed of this process varies by lender, but some may offer expedited disbursement for emergencies. Having the funds quickly can enable you to address your financial needs immediately.

Alternatives to Personal Loans for Emergencies

In times of emergency, exploring all financial options available to you is vital. While personal loans are a common solution, other alternatives might better suit your situation or offer more favorable terms. Understanding these options ensures you make a well-informed decision that aligns with your financial circumstances and the urgency of your needs.

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    Borrow From Friends or Family

    Borrowing money from friends or family can be a quick and interest-free alternative. This option often provides more flexible repayment terms and doesn't impact your credit score. However, it's important to consider the potential impact on personal relationships and to approach this option with clear communication and mutual understanding.

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    Credit Card With 0% APR Offer

    Some credit cards offer a 0% APR period, which can be a cost-effective option for handling emergencies. This allows you to make necessary payments without accumulating interest for a set period. However, it's crucial to plan to pay off the balance before the 0% APR period ends to avoid high interest rates.

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    Use Your Emergency Fund

    An emergency fund is a savings account set aside specifically for unexpected expenses. Using your emergency fund can be the most straightforward and least expensive option, as it involves using your own money without interest or borrowing costs. Building and maintaining an emergency fund can provide peace of mind and immediate access to funds when needed.

Whether it's borrowing from friends or family, using a credit card with a 0% APR offer or tapping into an emergency fund, each alternative has its own set of advantages and considerations. Making an informed choice helps address immediate financial needs and ensures that you're taking a step that aligns with your long-term financial health and relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Loans

MoneyGeek compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you determine whether a personal loan is the right choice for your emergency needs.

How quickly can you get a personal loan for emergencies?
Which lender is the fastest at approving personal loans for emergencies?
Are there restrictions on how you can use a personal loan for emergencies?
What is the minimum credit score for personal loans for emergencies?
What are the risks of getting a personal loan for emergencies?

About Christopher Boston


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Christopher (Croix) Boston was the Head of Loans content at MoneyGeek, with over five years of experience researching higher education, mortgage and personal loans.

Boston has a bachelor's degree from the Seattle Pacific University. They pride themselves in using their skills and experience to create quality content that helps people save and spend efficiently.


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