What Are Some Alternatives to Title Loans?
| Top alternative | Personal installment loan, up to $5,000 |
|---|---|
| Collateral | None needed for installment or payday loans |
| Small amounts | Payday loans, where your state allows |
| Credit | All credit types considered |
| Funding | Often next business day |
| Form | Free, about 3 minutes, no obligation |
Why look beyond a title loan?
A title loan can be a quick way to borrow on your car's value. But maybe your car is financed, its title isn't in your name, it's worth less than you need, title loans aren't offered in your state, or you'd simply rather not use your car as collateral. In each case, you still have fast options.
Zebra Finance's free form sends one request to lenders in our network that serve your state, so you can see which options are open to you without applying one by one.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes.
Alternative 1: Personal installment loans
A personal installment loan gives you a lump sum that you repay in equal payments, usually monthly, over several months or longer. Through our network you can request up to $5,000.
- No collateral: your car and title stay yours, free and clear.
- Predictable payments that fit around your budget.
- All credit types considered; many lenders focus on income and bank history.
- Available in many states where title loans aren't offered.
Example: $1,500 over 12 months at a sample 36% APR is about $150.69 a month. Your lender shows the exact rate, payment and total before you sign. See personal loans for bad credit.
Alternative 2: Payday loans for smaller amounts
If you need a few hundred dollars until your next paycheck, a payday loan may be the simplest choice where your state allows it. Lenders focus on your income and checking account, and the loan is repaid in one payment on your next payday. Fees are set per $100 borrowed; at a common $15 per $100, a $400 loan costs $60. Amounts are capped by state, so check payday loan laws by state.
Other options, briefly
- Pawn loans: cash for an item, like jewelry or electronics, that the shop holds until you repay. See pawn shop loans.
- Credit card cash advance: available if you have a card with cash credit; there's usually a fee and interest starts right away. See credit card cash advances.
- Cash advance apps: small advances repaid from your next deposit; limits are often low. See cash advance apps compared.
- A cosigned loan: a cosigner with stronger credit can help you qualify for more. See loans with a cosigner.
Each has limits on amount, speed or eligibility. When you need a few hundred to a few thousand dollars quickly without using your car, a loan through our network is a fast, straightforward option.
Title loan vs. the alternatives at a glance
| Title loan | Personal installment loan | Payday loan | Pawn loan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | Based on car value | Up to $5,000 | $100 to your state's cap | Based on the item |
| Collateral | Car title | None | None | The item |
| Repayment | 15 to 30 days or installments | Fixed payments over months | One payment, next payday | Repay to reclaim the item |
| What matters most | Car value and title | Income and bank history | Income and checking account | Item value |
Not sure which fits? One short form shows what lenders can offer for your state and situation.
How to choose
- Need under $500 until payday? A payday loan may be simplest where your state allows it.
- Need $500 to $5,000, or want smaller payments? A personal installment loan spreads repayment out.
- Already have a title loan you want to replace? A personal loan can pay it off and release the lien. See how to get out of a title loan and refinancing a title loan.
- Bad credit? Installment and payday lenders in our network consider all credit types.
Worked example: covering a $1,200 car repair
Say your car needs a $1,200 repair and you'd rather not put its title on the line. Here's how the main options could look, using sample figures rather than quotes:
- Personal installment loan: $1,200 over 12 months at a sample 36% APR is about $120.55 a month, about $1,447 in total. The car stays free and clear.
- Payday loan: only if your state's cap allows $1,200, which many don't; at $15 per $100 the fee would be $180, due in one payment.
- Pawn loan: depends on the value of the item you leave with the shop.
For most people at this amount, monthly payments are the easiest to fit around rent and other bills. Your lender shows the exact APR, payment and total before you sign.
What you need to apply
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of regular income from a job, benefits or self-employment
- An active checking account for the deposit and payments
- A phone number and email address
No car title is needed for an installment or payday loan. The form is free, there's no obligation to accept an offer, and real lenders never ask for an upfront fee.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What are some alternatives to title loans?
The most common alternative is a personal installment loan, which lets you borrow up to $5,000 through our network with fixed monthly payments and no collateral. Payday loans can cover smaller amounts where your state allows them, and pawn loans, credit card cash advances and cosigned loans are other options. Our free 3-minute form checks several at once.
Can I borrow money without using my car as collateral?
Yes. Personal installment loans and payday loans don't require collateral, so your car and title stay yours. Lenders look at your income, bank history and credit profile instead. Through our network you can request $100 to $5,000, depending on your state and income, and all credit types are considered.
What can I get instead of a title loan with bad credit?
A personal installment loan from a lender that focuses on income is the most common choice. Many lenders in our network consider all credit types and look at your paycheck or benefits and bank activity. For smaller amounts, a payday loan may fit where your state allows it. Approval isn't guaranteed, but checking is free.
Is a personal loan easier to get than a title loan?
It depends on what you have. A title loan leans on your car's value, so credit matters less if you own a car outright. A personal loan leans on income and bank history, so it works even if your car is financed or you don't have one. Many people qualify for both, and one form shows what lenders offer.
How much can I borrow without my car?
Through our network, personal installment loans go up to $5,000 depending on your state, income and lender. Payday loans are smaller and capped by state. The amount you're offered depends mostly on whether the payment fits your income, so requesting what you actually need is the best way to get approved quickly.
What if title loans aren't legal in my state?
You can still use our form. In states where title loans aren't offered, lenders in our network may offer personal installment loans that follow your state's rules. Check your state on our title loan laws page, then request the amount you need in about 3 minutes.
How fast can I get a title loan alternative?
Often by the next business day. Our form takes about 3 minutes, many lenders decide within minutes, and approved installment and payday loans are usually deposited the same or next business day. There's no vehicle inspection, which can make the process quicker than a title loan.