Sometimes, you may face unexpected expenses and need extra cash in a hurry. A $250 loan can provide a quick fix, whether it’s a car breakdown, medical emergency, urgent home repair, or unforeseen bill that is due before your next paycheck.

1F Cash Advance can help you get the money you need in minutes. Our loans come with no credit report review and are available online 24/7. We offer assistance with no surprise fees for all qualifying borrowers.

On this page, you’ll learn:

  • Where and how to apply for a $250 loan
  • What you need to qualify with us
  • Rates, terms, fees, and APR examples
  • How to borrow responsibly
  • Other ways to get cash without a loan

How to Borrow $250

Just follow these 3 simple steps:

1

Submit your application

Complete our simple form in just 5 minutes. No paperwork is needed.

Apply Now
2

Receive a quick decision

You’ll know quickly whether you’re approved, since no hard credit check is performed.

3

Get funded

If approved, e-sign the loan contract and receive the money via direct deposit.*

*Same-day funding is available for approvals before 10:30 am on weekdays. Loans originated after 10:30 am or on weekends are funded on the next business day.

What Do I Need to Apply?

Here are the basic items 1F Cash Advance asks for to approve your application:

  • Age of at least 18
  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Social Security number
  • Bank account info
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of residential address
  • Valid email and phone number

Excited man holding a bill with wide eyes, next to a message offering a $250 loan for unexpected expenses

When to Take Out a $250 Loan

Here’s how our customers typically use the funds.

Home Appliance Repairs

If the appliances you rely on suddenly break, you may seek a small loan to fix them rather than ignoring a problem.

Car Emergencies

Your car may require an emergency repair so you can get to work or pick up your kids from school. In this situation, even a few hundred dollars can make a difference.

Overdraft Fees

If you've made a transaction that brought your account into a negative balance, a small loan can help you get back to a positive amount within the grace period set by your bank.

Urgent Bills

Use a small loan to cover utilities or credit card bills that are about to be due to avoid high late fees or service disconnection.

Surprise Expenses

If you're short on cash at the end of the month and need extra funds to cover grocery bills, buy presents, or fill up the car to get to work, a $250 loan can help you bridge the gap.

Can I Get a $250 Loan with Bad Credit?

At 1F Cash Advance, we offer loans without a hard credit inquiry via major credit bureaus, which means your credit score is not a determining factor at the approval stage. We review your overall financial situation with a focus on your income, debts, payment history, and employment status. Borrowers with bad or no credit can still qualify if they can prove their ability to repay.

Terms & Rates

Small loans from 1F Cash Advance come with a flat fee structure, making it easier for you to understand the total cost upfront.

Repayment Terms

The repayment is typically made by your next paycheck, often in 2 to 4 weeks. Options with flexible payments and terms of up to 24 months may be offered.

Finance Charge

The finance charge ranges from $10 to $30 for each $100 borrowed, depending on your creditworthiness and state laws.

APR

An average payday loan issued for 14 days comes with an APR of 260.71% to 782.14%.

Fees

Origination fees may apply in some states. Late or missed payments involve NSF fees that may vary depending on the terms of your loan agreement and the state regulations.

Representative example:

If you borrow $250 for 14 days with a flat fee of $15 per $100 advanced, your total amount due will be $287.5. Total interest paid is $37.5. Your loan’s APR will be 391.07%.

Pros and Cons of a Payday Loan

A payday loan has its advantages and drawbacks. Here’s what to know before you apply:

Pros

  • Fast funding, often on the same or next business day
  • No hard credit check when you apply
  • Simple online process with minimal paperwork
  • Available to borrowers with bad or no credit history

Cons

  • Higher fees compared to traditional bank loans
  • Short repayment window, typically 14 to 30 days
  • Risk of debt cycle if rolled over repeatedly
  • Limited loan amounts that may not cover larger expenses

What Are My Options to Borrow $250 Fast?

When you need an extra $250 quickly, here are a few practical ways to get cash, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.

Payday Loans

Payday loans are popular with people who have bad or no credit. These loans often come with same-day funding and are repaid on your next paycheck. These loans allow you to get a same-day cash advance with no hard credit check and repay the funds once you receive your next paycheck. At 1F Cash Advance, you can borrow between $100 and $1,000 with an average flat fee of $15 per $100, depending on your state and credit. You can apply for a payday loan online or visit one of our store locations near you.

Approach payday loans cautiously and make sure you can repay the money on time and in full. Renewals or rollovers may lead to higher costs and create a cycle of debt.

Installment Loans

An installment loan is a flexible financial solution for larger expenses and long-term needs. Unlike a payday loan with a lump-sum repayment, it allows you to split the cost over several months and years, making your debt easier to handle. Installment loans from 1F Cash Advance offer amounts of up to $5,000 with a maximum repayment period of 24 months. No good credit is needed.

While installment loans come with lower APRs and affordable monthly payments, the total cost of borrowing tends to be higher over the life of the loan.

Personal Loans

Personal loans offered by online lenders typically come with amounts between $500 and $50,000 but sometimes allow for smaller sums. You can request such a loan entirely online, making it convenient for those looking for quick access to cash. Many lenders accept borrowers with bad credit.

However, there’s always the risk of predatory lending tactics and less accountability compared to traditional lenders. Compare offers carefully and choose a reputable, licensed lender to deal with.

Credit Union Loans

Payday alternative loans offered by credit unions serve as a reasonable, low-cost alternative to traditional payday loans offered to CU members who need to bridge small financial gaps. Such loans offer amounts of up to $2,000 with the ability to repay the funds over 1 to 12 months. An APR is capped at 28%. Borrowers with credit issues can qualify, but a hard credit check will be performed.

Current membership is needed to apply. Eligibility can be achieved through your employment, education or residence and may involve extra fees.

Cash Advance Apps

Cash apps allow you to access a portion of your next paycheck that you’ve already earned but haven’t yet received. They typically offer small loan amounts between $50 and $500, often at no mandatory costs. You can request a cash advance loan in a few clicks via a digital tool pre-installed on your smartphone.

These loans may fit you if you need a small amount with no interest for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Subscription or express fees may be charged.

Credit Card Cash Advances

If you have a credit card, you can withdraw money from its balance within a certain limit. This option involves no preliminary application or credit verification, allowing you to get a $250 cash loan on the same day via an ATM or an issuer’s store.

However, credit card companies typically charge withdrawal fees and apply higher APRs compared to regular purchases. No grace period is provided, meaning that interest accrues immediately and can add up quickly.

Title Loans

Title loans are short-term financing options secured by your vehicle’s title. Title lenders typically finance up to 50% of your car’s price with a repayment period of up to 30 days. You can keep using the car while it’s pledged, so you can continue using your vehicle as usual.

Just note that if you’re unable to repay the loan, the lender may repossess your car. Carefully assess all the risks along with your repayment capabilities.

Pawn Shop Loans

These loans are secured options that can provide you with a portion of your valuable item’s value by physically retaining it in a pawn shop. You need to repay the funds in 30 to 60 days to get your item back. Interest is charged daily and may reach 300% APR.

If you fail to repay what you owe within an agreed-upon period, a broker can put your belongings up for sale.

$250 Loan Alternatives

If getting a loan for $250 doesn’t fit your situation, there are a few alternative options to obtain the money you need without taking on conventional debt.

Borrow from Family or Friends

Family loans provide more flexibility as you can negotiate the repayment terms that suit your current circumstances. They usually come with no or low interest and can be obtained without any credit report check or formal loan agreements. Just make sure you set clear terms and can meet them to avoid misunderstanding.

Find a Side Gig

There are various part-time jobs with same-day payouts you can consider as an alternative to borrowing money. Options like pet sitting, babysitting, tutoring, Uber driving, or food delivery are just a few ways to earn extra cash you need to cover emergency expenses. Just match the job with your hard and soft skills and choose the one that suits you best.

Ask for a Paycheck Advance

Some employers may offer paycheck advances as part of their employee benefit packages. This option allows you to get a portion of your future paycheck upfront from the company you work for without being charged extra fees. Just make adjustments to your next month’s budget since the amount you get will be deducted from your next pay.

Sell Items You Don’t Use

Look around your room or closet for things you no longer need. It may be clothing, electronics, musical instruments, books, and other stuff. Then, take their photos and put them up for sale at a fair price on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. A garage sale can help you turn unused items into cash if you don’t need money urgently.

Turn to Local Charities or Government Programs

If you need money for specific expenses, such as healthcare, groceries, utilities, rent, or child care, there are multiple community programs and government-backed aid options to consider. Head to the USA.gov or contact your state’s Department of Human Services.

Tips for Responsible Borrowing

A short-term loan can help in an emergency, but you need a plan to pay it back. Keep these things in mind:

Don’t Take More Than You Need

The loan amount should fit your next paycheck. If you borrow $250 but can only spare $200, you’ll end up rolling over the balance and paying more in fees.

Check Multiple Lenders

APRs and fees vary from lender to lender, so shopping around may save you a significant amount of cash. Yet, don’t fall for “that’s too good to be true” deals — always check the lender’s reputation before you decide to borrow.

Set a Payment Reminder

Late fees add up fast, and missed payments can lead to collections. Mark your due date on a calendar or set an alert on your phone a few days before.

Read Before You Sign

Look at the total amount due, when it’s due, and what happens if you need more time. Don’t skip the fine print.

Avoid Stacking Loans

One payday loan is manageable. Two or three at once can spiral out of control. Pay off what you owe first.

Consider Alternatives

Borrowing $250 from family, selling unused stuff, or getting an advance from your employer may cost you less than a payday loan.

What Should I Do If My Loan Application is Rejected?

Not every application gets approved, and that’s totally okay. If yours was denied, here’s how to move forward:

  • Ask the Lender

    Call and get the details on why you were denied. Most rejections come from income verification issues, debt you’re already carrying, or a problem with your bank account.

  • Review What Went Wrong

    Look at your income, debts, and payment history. If something stands out, fix it before your next application. Sometimes it’s as simple as providing a different proof of income or waiting until an old debt is paid off.

  • Look at Other Options

    Credit union loans, cash advance apps, or borrowing from family might work where a payday loan didn’t. Local charities and government programs can also help with specific needs, such as rent or utilities. Check out USA.gov or contact your state’s Department of Human Services to see what’s available in your area.

  • Get Professional Advice

    If you’re dealing with ongoing debt problems, a nonprofit credit counseling service can help you build a budget and find a way forward. Many of these services are free or low-cost and won’t judge your situation.

Why Choose 1F Cash Advance

Here’s what sets us apart:

Easy-to-meet Requirements

We have basic eligibility criteria to make our products accessible to those who have already been denied a traditional loan. No minimum credit score is required to qualify.

Transparent Terms

Our terms are clear, upfront, and easy to understand. No guesswork and a fixed monthly fee for your informed financial decisions.

Exceptional Customer Support

1F Cash Advance’s team of professionals is always here to help you find the best loan option for your situation and complete the application process.

FAQ

Can I get a small loan if I'm unemployed?

Borrowers with no official employment can qualify if they can provide proof of an alternative source of stable income, such as self-employment. Applicants with no verifiable income are likely to get denied.

I need $250 now. Do you offer instant funding?

Instant funding may be possible if you apply in one of our stores. For online applications, same-day funding is offered for approvals before 10:30 am on weekdays. Late or weekend applications are funded on the next business day.

Can I extend or refinance a loan?

Some states may allow rollovers or renewals. These options may involve extra fees. Check out the terms of your loan agreement for more details regarding the loan extension.

What if I miss the due date?

Late payments may result in NSF fees (vary by state). If you default on your loan, it may affect your credit score. In case of any repayment problems, contact your lender immediately and ask for the options available. You may be offered a flexible payment plan.

Will a $250 loan affect my credit score?

Our loans come with no hard credit checks at the application stage. A soft credit check involved doesn't affect your FICO rating. A $250 loan may impact your credit only if you fail to repay on time.

Can I get a $250 loan the same day with no hard credit check?

You may get same-day funding if you qualify and get approved before 10:30 a.m. on a weekday. Loans originated after 10:30 a.m. or on weekends are funded on the next business day. We conduct only a soft credit check at the application stage. It will not affect your FICO score.

Can a $250 loan improve my credit rating?

Most payday loans are not reported as on-time payments to credit bureaus, so paying back your loan won't build your score. Yet, if you miss payments or default, that may show up on your credit report.

Can you go to jail for not paying a payday loan?

No. A payday loan is a debt, not a criminal charge. If you can't pay, contact your lender right away and ask about the options available under your agreement.

Can I have more than one payday loan at a time?

It depends on your state’s laws. Some states prohibit borrowers from having more than one payday loan at a time. If your state allows multiple payday loans, approval will depend on your current situation. We review your income and existing debts as part of our decision.

Is a payday loan cheaper than an overdraft fee?

It depends on what your bank charges and the total loan cost. Our finance charge ranges from $10 to $30 for each $100 borrowed, so compare your bank's overdraft fees to the total amount due on the loan.

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