How Can I Get a $200 Loan Today? 6 Options and Alternatives

Life happens. Maybe you have to pay a medical bill or your car needs an unexpected repair. Whatever the situation, sometimes the only way to move forward is to borrow money. If you find yourself thinking, “I need 200 dollars now!” you’ll want to check out this guide. 

Below you’ll find some safe, secure ways to help you get a $200 loan. 💸

MoneyLion offers a service to help you find personal loan offers. Based on the information you provide, you can get matched with offers for up to $100,000 from our top providers. You can compare rates, terms, and fees from different lenders and choose the best offer for you.

What is a fast cash loan? 🏃‍♀️

Fast cash loans are different from traditional personal loans because, as their name implies, they are faster. Lenders can process these loans very quickly and sometimes instantly. As a borrower, you could access funding right away, which is what makes these last-minute loans so appealing. 

3 Options for a $200 loan today

Take a look at some of the ways you may be able to access a $200 loan sooner rather than later.

1. Income-based advance

An income-based advance  (also known as Earned Wage Access) gives you money upfront according to how much you earn or expect to earn. Based on your income, you can receive your hard-earned money early, but bear in mind there are usually fees or interest when you pay it back. This is not a loan.

The benefit to you is that your money is more accessible. This is not a loan, but an advance on your current or future income. This means it doesn’t require collateral, so you don’t risk losing your personal assets.

Check out Earned Wage Access and other cash advance offers below.

2. Credit card

If you have a credit card, you may be able to withdraw a $200 cash advance or use your credit line to cover an urgent expense. But if you don’t have a credit card or enough credit to qualify for a loan, these will not be feasible options. Fees for credit card cash advances are notoriously high, so even if you have a credit card, that’s probably not your best option. 

3. Payday loans

Payday loans are another popular option. Unlike a personal loan, a payday loan is a short-term, high-interest loan typically taken out by individuals who need immediate cash and plan to repay the loan with their next paycheck, often resulting in a cycle of borrowing and high fees.

You might think that if you can’t take a cash advance, a $200 payday loan (or any amount you need) is the only alternative for a last-minute loan. 

However, payday loans have interest rates that can trap consumers in a cycle of debt. The high rate (APR) can quickly put you in a situation of borrowing more to pay off the loan (or its fees). For many people, these high rates — 400% to 600% is not uncommon — can become a debt trap, making their financial situation even worse. 

3 Alternatives to a $200 loan

Not interested in any of the highlighted options above? Not to worry, these alternatives to a $200 loan can still be a worthwhile way to get extra cash.

1. Instacash by MoneyLion

One of the most popular alternatives to payday loans are cash advances with no interest, like InstacashSM advances by MoneyLion. Instacash is a 0% APR cash advance, there’s no interest, no monthly fee, and no credit check. Once you’re qualified, you can get cash in minutes in a few simple steps. You can access Instacash through the app and get up to $500 deposited into your bank account within minutes. 

You’ll pay the money back when you receive your next paycheck, so you won’t have to worry about falling behind on your loan. The best part? No credit check is required to sign up for or use Instacash. 

To start using Instacash, download the MoneyLion app and use your email address to create an account. From there, link your checking account to your account and request Instacash directly. 

If you have direct deposits set up in your bank account, you could get up to $50 or more right away. Your eligibility for Instacash will be based on the details of your checking account, primarily whether or not there is a presence of recurring direct deposits.

Get Instacash

2. Ask a friend or family member

If you’re struggling to come up with fast cash, consider reaching out to your immediate circle for a $200 loan. However, proceed with caution. Be sure to communicate clearly to avoid things getting complicated when everyone has different expectations. Clearly state when you will pay them back, and follow through. 

Miscommunications can easily arise regarding the terms of repayment, and other issues can stem from there. In some scenarios, these problems can potentially damage your meaningful relationships. 

It’s a good idea to specify in writing the loan amount, any interest on the loan and when you will pay it back, as well as any other relevant details. This procedure will ensure that everyone is on the same page, which will minimize potential conflicts. 

👉 Need Money Today? Learn How To Get Cash Now

3. Sell things

You may have valuable items sitting in your closet, kitchen or garage. From unused kitchen appliances to sports equipment and clothing, selling unused items reduces clutter and brings in fast cash. You can hold a yard sale, advertise on social media or use websites like Poshmark or eBay. 

Selling your items can be time-consuming. It can take effort to find buyers, and some things may not sell for weeks or even months. To sell items faster, hold a yard sale or price items online under their value. While selling items is not the best option for instant cash, it is a safe way to earn some money and save it for a moment of need.

👉 30 Best Side Hustle Jobs in 2026 

Explore other funding solutions

In the meantime, check out MoneyLion’s content library to learn how to get access to other funding amounts. Just remember – you should only borrow as much as you need and never more than you can reasonably afford to repay.

• $200 Loan

• $250 Loan

• $500 loan

• $1,000 loan

• $2,000 loan

• $10,000 loan

• $20,000 loan

Final Thoughts on How to Get a $200 Loan or Cash Advance

Unexpected expenses can be scary, but they don’t have to derail your long-term financial plans. MoneyLion understands that taking control of your finances requires daily decisions to build savings, investments and long-term wealth. That’s why we’ve got the tools to help you automate budgeting, savings and investing.  

If you are not interested in getting a $200 loan, Instacash is a simple, interest free way to get money you need. Whether you qualify for up to $200 or up to $500, getting started with MoneyLion will mean you’re prepared for the next emergency. We want to see you succeed, and we’ve got the resources to help you get there.

FAQs

Where can I get a $200 loan?

You can get a $200 loan from a friend or family member or with MoneyLion Instacash. You can also consider a payday loan.

Is it possible to get a $200 loan with bad credit?

Yes, it is possible to get a $200 loan with bad credit. Payday loans and MoneyLion Instacash both don’t require a credit check.  

Check out credit-building offers with our partners here.

What’s the average interest rate on a $200 cash advance?

The average interest rate for a $200 cash advance is around ​​24.80% but can be as high as 600%.