$500 Loan: How to Get $500 Fast
| Best loan types for $500 | Payday loan or installment loan |
|---|---|
| Sample payday cost | $75 fee, repay $575 (at $15 per $100) |
| Sample installment | 6 payments of about $92–$109 |
| Credit | All credit types considered |
| Funding | Often next business day |
| Cost to use our form | Free, no obligation |
Yes, you can request $500 today
$500 is one of the most requested loan amounts, and for good reason: it covers a lot of everyday emergencies, from a car repair to a past-due bill. You can request it online in minutes, without a store visit, and many lenders in our network work with people who have bad or limited credit.
Our form takes about 3 minutes. Many lenders make decisions within minutes, and approved funds are often deposited the next business day. It costs nothing to use, and you can decline any offer. See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes.
Which loan fits $500
- Payday loan: one payment of $500 plus a flat fee on your next payday, usually in two to four weeks. Best when your next paycheck will comfortably cover it. Many states that allow payday loans set the limit around $500, so this amount often fits.
- Installment loan: several scheduled payments over months. Best when you'd rather keep each payment small.
- Title loan: if you own your car, its value can back the loan, and many title lenders focus on the vehicle more than your credit.
Payday loans aren't allowed in every state. Where they aren't, our form can match you with personal or installment lenders. Check payday loan laws by state.
What a $500 payday loan costs
Payday fees are a flat amount per $100 borrowed, set by the lender within your state's limit. They commonly range from $10 to $30 per $100:
| Fee level | Fee on $500 | Total to repay |
|---|---|---|
| $10 per $100 | $50.00 | $550.00 |
| $15 per $100 | $75.00 | $575.00 |
| $20 per $100 | $100.00 | $600.00 |
| $30 per $100 | $150.00 | $650.00 |
At the sample $15 per $100, you borrow $500 and repay $575 on your due date. That's the full cost when you repay on time. Your lender shows the exact APR and terms before you sign. For a full breakdown, see how much a $500 payday loan costs.
How much will I repay?
Estimate only. Your lender shows your exact cost before you sign.
What a $500 installment loan could look like
Installment loans use an APR based on your credit, income, state and lender. Sample payments on $500:
| Term | Sample APR | Monthly payment | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 36% | $92.30 | $553.79 |
| 6 months | 99% | $108.98 | $653.88 |
| 12 months | 36% | $50.23 | $602.77 |
| 12 months | 99% | $67.21 | $806.51 |
These are illustrations, not offers. Your lender shows your exact APR, payment and schedule before you sign. Paying early, where your agreement allows it without a penalty, can lower your total interest.
Requirements for a $500 loan
- Be at least 18 (19 in a few states) and a U.S. resident
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Regular income from a job, benefits, self-employment or gig work
- An active checking account for the deposit and repayment
- A working phone number and email address
Lenders look at whether your income can support the payment, so have a recent pay stub, benefits letter or bank statements ready. Installment lenders may also review your credit, often starting with a soft inquiry that doesn't affect your score.
Can I get $500 with bad credit?
Often, yes. For a $500 loan, many lenders in our network care most about steady income and an active checking account. Many focus on income and may use alternative credit data instead of a traditional hard pull from the big three bureaus. Your credit history may affect the rate or term you're offered, but it rarely stops you from applying.
Tips to strengthen your request:
- Show regular deposits for the last two to three months.
- List all steady income, including benefits or side work.
- Make sure your contact and bank details are accurate.
More in loans for bad credit.
How fast can $500 arrive?
When you apply online, the process usually looks like this:
- Form: about 3 minutes.
- Decision: often within minutes of submitting.
- Funding: often the next business day by direct deposit. Some lenders can fund the same day if you're approved early on a business day.
Requests made on a weekend or holiday usually fund on the next business day, because banks don't post deposits then. To speed things up, apply on a weekday morning, use the checking account where your income lands, and respond quickly if the lender asks you to confirm anything. See same-day loans for more.
Repaying a $500 loan
Most lenders collect payments automatically from your checking account on the dates in your agreement. Set a reminder a day or two before each due date and make sure the money is there. If something changes, like a late paycheck, call the lender before the due date and ask what your state allows. With installment lenders that report to the credit bureaus, on-time payments can help build your credit.
How to get $500 through us
- Fill out the form. Enter the amount, your contact details, income and bank information. It takes about 3 minutes.
- Get matched. We send your request to lenders in our network that serve your state.
- Review your offer. If a lender approves you, you see the amount, APR, payment schedule and total to repay before you sign.
- Get your money. Accept, e-sign, and funds are often deposited the next business day.
Zebra Finance is a free loan-matching service, not a lender. Whether you get an offer, and for how much, is up to the lender and your state's rules. You are never obligated to accept.
Learn more on how it works, or request your $500 now.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get a $500 loan fast?
Use a short online form early on a business day. Ours takes about 3 minutes, many lenders decide within minutes, and approved funds are often deposited by the next business day. Have your ID, proof of income and checking account details ready, and choose direct deposit for the fastest funding.
How much does a $500 payday loan cost?
Payday fees are set per $100 within your state's limits, commonly $10 to $30. At a sample $15 per $100, a $500 loan costs $75 and you repay $575 on your due date. Your lender shows the exact fee, terms and total to repay before you sign anything.
Can I get a $500 loan with bad credit?
Often, yes. Many lenders in our network consider all credit types and focus on your income and checking account. Some use alternative credit data instead of a traditional hard pull. Your credit may affect the rate or term you're offered. No lender can promise approval before reviewing your application.
What do I need to get a $500 loan?
Most lenders want a government-issued photo ID, proof of regular income, an active checking account, a phone number and email, and you must be at least 18. You also need to live in a state where the lender offers the loan type you're requesting.
Should I choose a payday or installment loan for $500?
It depends on your budget. If your next paycheck can comfortably cover $500 plus the fee, a payday loan is simple and quick. If you'd rather spread it out, an installment loan splits repayment into smaller scheduled payments. Request $500 on our form and compare what lenders offer.
Sources
- CFPB — What is a payday loan?
- CFPB — What is a personal installment loan?
- CFPB — What is a soft inquiry?