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How To Get Emergency Money

December 11th, 2025
Quan Vu

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Quan Vu

Emergency Money

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Sign up to KOHO and Access up to $250, interest-free

When financial emergencies strike, knowing where to turn for quick cash can make all the difference.

Whether it's a sudden car repair, medical bill, or job loss, here are reliable options to get emergency money when you need it most.

1. Personal Loans

Personal loans provide lump-sum funding that you repay over time with fixed monthly payments.

If you want a line of credit that’s simple and transparent, KOHO Line of Credit is designed to be flexible and easy to understand:

  • Apply online for about $1,000–$15,000 in available credit

  • Get interest rates as low as 19.9%

  • Only pay interest on what you actually use, not on your full limit

  • Avoid extra charges—no late, annual, or origination fees, just the interest on what you borrow

  • Apply without a hard credit hit; checking if you qualify won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for $1,000-$15,000 KOHO Line of Credit

2. Cash Advances

If you need help bridging a short term gap, KOHO’s Cash Advance is built exactly for that.

With KOHO Cover, you can:

  • Get up to $250 as an instant cash advance (amount depends on eligibility)

  • Pay no interest on the advance

  • Avoid a credit check

  • Repay automatically once you add money or get paid

You subscribe to the Cover Bundle for a low monthly fee, and in return you get the advance feature plus extras like a credit report, financial coaching, and priority support.

3. Early Payday Apps

These apps let you access your earned wages before payday, typically for small amounts.

Pros:

  • Lower fees than payday loans (some only request optional tips)

  • No credit check necessary—eligibility is based on your income patterns

Cons:

  • May charge interest, fees, and extra costs for fast funding

  • Doesn't help build credit

  • Risk of overdrawing your account at repayment

  • Can create a debt cycle if you regularly borrow against future paychecks

Other emergency money sources

Friends or Family Members

Consider borrowing from loved ones but treat it like a formal loan with clear repayment terms to avoid relationship strain.

0% Intro APR Credit Cards

If you have good credit, these cards offer interest-free periods (6-20 months) for emergency expenses. Request expedited delivery if needed immediately.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

Access your home equity with typically single-digit interest rates. Great if you already have one established, but new applications can take weeks to process. Failure to repay puts your home at risk.

Payday Loans

Small-dollar, short-term loans with extremely high interest rates and fees. While they don't require credit checks, they can trap borrowers in debt cycles and are best viewed as a last resort.

Getting financial assistance

When money is tight, consider reaching out to:

  • Nonprofit credit counselors who can help with budgeting and debt management

  • Personal finance counselors or certified financial planners

  • Government programs and charities offering financial assistance

Dealing with overwhelming debt

If you're struggling with debt:

Preparing for future emergencies

The best emergency money is the kind you save before you need it:

  1. Build an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses

  2. Create and maintain a budget to keep your finances healthy year-round

  3. Ensure adequate insurance coverage to protect against potential financial disasters

Financial emergencies are inevitable, but with proper planning and knowledge of available resources, you can face them with confidence.

Start building your financial safety net today so you'll be better prepared when unexpected expenses arise tomorrow.

Note: KOHO product information and/or features may have been updated since this blog post was published. Please refer to our KOHO Plans page for our most up to date account information!

About the author

Quan works as a Junior SEO Specialist, helping websites grow through organic search. He loves the world of finance and investing. When he’s not working, he stays active at the gym, trains Muay Thai, plays soccer, and goes swimming.

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