I Need Money Now: Best Ways to Get Quick Cash in Singapore

Life in Singapore isn’t cheap. From rent to kopi breaks, expenses can pile up pretty quickly; And when unexpected bills hit or you're between jobs, sometimes you just need cash. Fast.

Here are 19 practical, legal, and accessible ways to get quick cash in Singapore.

Foolproof ways to get cash fast

1. Give your pre-loved electronics a new home

That old used phone or tablet collecting dust in your drawer? It could get you hundreds of dollars on Carousell or through trade-in programmes at places like Apple, Challenger, or Courts. If you need money urgently, this is a good first step.

2. Regift your gift cards

Got unused Takashimaya or Lazada gift cards lying around? Sell them on Carousell or forums like HardwareZone. You may not get full value, but it's fast money.

3. Pawn something valuable

Pawnshops like ValueMax or MoneyMax offer instant cash loans for gold jewellery, luxury watches, or designer bags. Just be aware of the interest rates and redemption periods.

4. Start a side hustle

Sign up for gigs on Grab, Lalamove, Foodpanda, or Deliveroo and start delivering or driving right away. You can cash out your side income almost immediately.

Freelancers can also pick up fast-paying jobs on Upwork or Fiverr if you’ve got skills in writing, design, or admin work.

“Loan” options

5. Reach out to community organisations

If you’re in serious financial distress and need to make ends meet, schemes like ComCare or charities like The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund offer emergency support for low-income individuals.

6. Use a credit card advance, carefully

Most banks in Singapore let you withdraw cash using your credit card. But the fees and interest rates can add up quickly. Use this only as a last resort, as they can be a risky investment.

7. Apply for a payday alternative loan

We recommend looking for a payday alternative loan if you need money urgently. A short-term loan is a kind of personal loan that is usually repayable within a year. Short-term loans are typically used to cover unforeseen costs or bridge the gap between pay cheques.

8. Apply for a personal loan

Personal loans are an option for those who need more than a small cash advance but may not want to take on higher-interest payday loans.

Compare rates across different lenders and consider personal loans offered by banks like OCBC, DBS, or Standard Chartered for competitive terms.

Alternatively, you can also reach out to family and friends for a family loan. Just make sure to pay them back within a reasonable time.

» Secure quick loans: The best lenders for fast cash in 2025

9. Debt consolidation

This isn’t really a way to get cash, but more of a way to save cash while paying off loans and bills. A debt consolidation plan lets you combine all your debts — like credit cards and personal loans — into one single loan. Instead of paying many bills to different places, you just make one monthly payment.

In Singapore, these loans usually come with lower interest rates, which means you can save money and pay off your debt faster.

» MORE : Pros and cons of debt consolidation

10. Refinance your school loans

Some banks offer education loan refinancing, which can lower your monthly payments and give you short-term breathing room.

Earn cash OTOT (own time, own target)

11. Rent out a spare room

If you’ve got an empty room, list it on PropertyGuru, Carousell, or even Facebook groups for tenants. Plus, it’ll help you save on rent!

Do note that it’s important to seek HDB’s approval before renting out your spare room(s). Additionally, your tenants will have to stay for a minimum of 6 months so make sure you’re comfortable living with a roommate for that long.

12. Become a pet-sitter

Love pets? Sign up on Pawshake or PetBacker and offer dog-sitting or walking services — especially in pet-friendly areas like Tiong Bahru or Katong.

Pet sitters usually earn around $180 a day, so get those Scooby Snacks ready and start earning!

13. Become a rideshare or delivery driver

Drivers on Grab, Gojek, Lalamove, and Foodpanda earn on their own schedule — with the option for fast payouts. Great if you already own a car or bike.

Private hire drivers have been expected to earn about $200 - $500 per full day and an average of $8,000 per month in terms of revenue.

» MORE : What is a gig economy?

Save on your bills

14. Ask if you can pay your bills at a later date

Contact your service providers to ask for payment deferrals or reductions in utilities, insurance premiums, or loan repayments. Some companies like Citibank offer temporary financial relief or installment payment options to help ease your short-term burden.

15. Compare and switch to a cheaper insurance plan

See if you can switch to a more affordable insurance plan — whether it's for health, life, or car coverage. Click here to explore all the insurance plans we offer and find one that suits your needs.

» MORE: 15 Ways To Reduce Car Insurance Costs in Singapore

16. Swap to a budget-friendly phone plan

Switching to a SIM-only plan or budget Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) like Giga!, CMLink or Gomo can shave off S$20 to S$50 a month. Check out the best SIM-only no-contract plans here.

More ways to earn fast cash

17. Request for your pay in advance

Some companies may let you withdraw part of your salary early — just ask HR. It’s better than taking on high-interest debt.

Here’s how to go about it:

Reach out to your HR department or direct supervisor and explain your situation honestly.
Be specific about the amount you need and how it will be deducted from your upcoming salary.
Check if there’s a formal request process or approval form to fill in.
Reassure them that this is a one-off or emergency request, not a recurring need.

A pay advance is far less risky than borrowing from a lender, making it a smart short-term solution if your employer allows it.

» MORE: How much of your salary should you invest?

18. Withdraw from your CPF in emergencies

You typically can’t access your CPF Ordinary Account until you turn 55. However, in certain situations, like medical emergencies or housing needs, early withdrawals may be allowed. However, tapping into your CPF can reduce your retirement savings, so it’s best to explore other options first, like community assistance or personal loans.

How to apply: Log in to CPF’s online services using your Singpass. Navigate to the relevant withdrawal section (e.g. "Medical Grounds" or "Housing Withdrawal") and follow the step-by-step instructions. Supporting documents like medical reports or income declarations are usually required.

» MORE: Find out what CPF can be used for

19. Borrow against your life insurance

Some life insurance plans, like whole life or endowment policies, build up a cash value over time. Once this value grows, you may be able to take a loan from your insurer using your policy as collateral.

This can be a fast way to get cash in emergencies — with lower interest rates than personal loans. However, if the loan isn’t repaid, it will be deducted from your policy payout when it matures or if a claim is made.

Always check with your insurer to understand how much you can borrow, the interest rate, repayment terms, and how it may impact your future benefits.

Avoid risky ways to get cash fast

When you're desperate, payday loans, loan sharks, and “quick fix” schemes can look tempting — but they come with sky-high interest and dangerous terms.

Stick to licensed moneylenders and regulated financial products. It’s the best way to protect your future self from debt traps.

No Money, No Problem: 19 ways to earn some fast cash in Singapore

written_by SingSaver Team