updated: Mar 12, 2025
You're faced with an unexpected financial emergency, and after deciding to apply for a fast cash loan, the next step is figuring out where to find the best options. In Singapore, various lenders offer fast cash loans tailored to different needs—whether from banks, licensed moneylenders, or financial institutions—there are different approval periods and flexible repayment plans. Understanding the options can help you choose a loan that best fits your situation and allows you to manage your immediate financial needs effectively.
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. While we review and compare financial products to help you find the best options, we do not provide personalised recommendations or investment advisory services. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions.
When unexpected expenses arise, finding a quick and reliable personal loan can be crucial. Here are some of the best options for fast cash personal loans in Singapore:
Why it’s on our list: This loan offers high loan amounts and fast approval times, making it ideal for those who need a significant sum of money quickly.
Why it’s on our list: This loan offers competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, making it a good choice for those who need a short-term loan with affordable monthly payments.
Why it’s on our list: This loan offers a wide range of repayment terms, allowing you to customise your loan to fit your budget and financial goals.
Why it’s on our list: This loan offers instant cash disbursement upon approval, making it ideal for urgent financial needs.
Why it’s on our list: This loan offers flexible repayment options, allowing you to make extra payments or adjust your repayment schedule as needed.
Why it’s on our list: This loan offers competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, making it a good option for consolidating high-interest debt.
Why it’s on our list: This loan offers low interest rates and fast approval times for existing Citi loan customers who need additional funds.
Why it’s on our list: This loan offers flexible repayment options and competitive interest rates for new Citi loan customers.
Choosing the right fast cash personal loan requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure you get the best deal that meets your needs and financial situation. Here's a breakdown of key aspects to consider:
Before committing to a loan, use a personal loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments based on the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment term. This will help you determine if the monthly payments fit comfortably within your budget and avoid potential financial strain. Even the smallest difference in interest rates or repayment terms can impact your monthly obligations.
Interest rates and repayment terms are crucial factors in determining the overall cost of your loan. Look for loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms that align with your financial goals. Keep in mind that while longer repayment terms may result in lower monthly payments, they can also lead to higher overall interest costs over the life of the loan. Compare the total interest payable for different loan tenures to make an informed decision.
Be aware of any fees associated with the loan, such as origination fees, late payment fees, or early repayment fees. Factor these fees into your overall cost comparison to get a true picture of the loan's affordability.
Predatory lending practices often involve high fees, excessive interest rates, and unfair terms that can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt. Common predatory loans include:
Payday loans: Short-term loans with extremely high APRs (often close to 400%), due on your next payday. These are designed to be repaid quickly, but the high costs can make them difficult to manage, leading to a cycle of debt.
High-interest installment loans: These loans are repaid over a longer period (a few weeks to several months) with fixed monthly payments. While they offer more time to repay compared to payday loans, they often carry high interest rates (above 36% APR) and may have hidden fees. This can make them very expensive and difficult to repay, especially for borrowers with bad credit.
The timeline for getting a personal loan can vary depending on the lender and your individual circumstances. Some lenders offer streamlined digital processes with fast approvals and disbursements, while others may have longer processing times. Here's a general overview of the typical loan process:
Many lenders allow you to pre-qualify for a specific loan to understand your eligibility and preview potential loan terms without affecting your credit score. This involves providing some basic information about yourself and your financial situation. Pre-qualification can be a useful first step to compare offers from different lenders and get an idea of the rates and terms you might qualify for.
Once you've pre-qualified and chosen a lender, you can proceed with a full loan application. This usually involves providing more detailed information about your income, employment, and financial history. You may also need to upload supporting documents like payslips, bank statements, or identification documents. The application process can typically be completed online within minutes, depending on the lender's requirements and your preparedness.
After submitting your application, the lender will review your information and make an approval decision. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the lender's internal processes and the complexity of your application. Some lenders may require additional documentation or clarification, which can extend the approval time.
Once your loan is approved, the lender will disburse the funds to your bank account. This can take another day or longer, depending on the lender's policies and the speed of bank transfers. Some lenders offer instant or same-day funding, while others may take a few business days to process the disbursement.
Saver-savvy tip
To expedite the loan process, ensure your application is accurate and complete, and submit it before the lender's cutoff time for same-day or next-day funding. Different lenders have different deadlines, so check their requirements beforehand. For instance, some lenders may require loan agreements to be signed by midday for same-day funding, while others might have later deadlines.
If you have bad credit, it might be more challenging to get approved for a quick personal loan, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to improve your chances:
Improve your debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Lenders often look at your DTI, which is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes towards debt payments. A lower DTI indicates lower risk, so try to reduce your existing debt or increase your income to improve your DTI before applying for a loan.
Ask for the lowest amount you need: Lenders may be more willing to approve smaller loan amounts for borrowers with bad credit.
Add up all income streams: Include all sources of income on your application, such as salary, bonuses, investments, or rental income, to demonstrate your ability to repay the loan.
Consider lenders that cater to bad-credit borrowers: Some lenders specialise in providing loans to borrowers with bad credit. However, be cautious of predatory lenders with high fees and interest rates.
Add a co-signer or co-borrower: If possible, having a co-signer with good credit can improve your chances of approval and potentially get you a lower interest rate.
Add collateral: Secured loans, where you pledge an asset as collateral, may be easier to obtain with bad credit, but be aware of the risk of losing your collateral if you default on the loan.
Before you commit to a traditional loan, especially if the interest rates are high, consider these alternative ways to access quick cash:
Best for: Help with essential needs like food, housing, and utilities.
Many community organisations and government agencies offer financial assistance programmes to help individuals and families in need. These programmes can provide grants, subsidies, or low-interest loans to cover essential expenses like food, housing, utilities, and medical bills.
Best for: Interest-free or low-interest loans with flexible repayment terms.
Borrowing from a trusted friend or family member can be a good option if you can agree on clear repayment terms and maintain open communication. This can be a more comfortable and less formal way to borrow money, especially for smaller amounts.
Best for: Managing medical expenses and avoiding high-interest medical debt.
If your need for quick cash is due to medical expenses, explore options like payment plans with your healthcare provider, negotiating lower costs, or seeking assistance from medical bill charities or non-profit organisations.
Best for: Accessing your earned wages early to cover urgent expenses.
If you have a stable job, consider asking your employer for a salary advance. This allows you to access a portion of your upcoming paycheck early to cover immediate needs. Alternatively, you can explore salary advance apps, but be mindful of potential fees and ensure you can manage your finances with a reduced upcoming paycheck.
Best for: Spreading out the cost of larger purchases over time.
"Buy now, pay later" (BNPL) services allow you to make purchases and pay for them in installments, often interest-free. This can be a helpful option for managing larger expenses, but be sure to use BNPL responsibly and avoid overspending.
Pre-qualify for a personal loan on SingSaver to quickly compare rates and terms from multiple lenders without affecting your credit score.
How fast can I get a loan?
The time it takes to get a loan can vary depending on the lender and your individual circumstances. Some lenders offer same-day or next-day funding, while others may take a few days to process your application and disburse the funds.
Are online loans safe?
Online loans can be safe if you choose a reputable lender. Be wary of lenders that offer loans without a credit check or have extremely high interest rates.
How can I borrow $500 quickly?
If you need a small amount like $500 quickly, consider options like payday loans, cash advance apps, or borrowing from friends or family. However, be cautious of high fees or interest rates associated with some of these options.