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How (and where) to get a $800 personal loan

Written by: David Heiling

Updated:

3 min read
This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

If unexpected expenses are putting pressure on your finances, a loan could provide some relief. 

But it’s important to know that small loans can come with expensive terms (and sometimes cost you more in interest than the amount you borrow).  Some of these loans can be called payday loans. To find the best option for your situation, compare loan terms and shop around. 

We’ll guide you through potential lending options and how to apply, as well as suggest alternatives to consider before you decide which small loan may be right for you.

The best $800 personal loans

Afterpay

Afterpay can be a good choice if you want to make a buy-now, pay-later purchase with no interest. You’ll be expected to make four payments over six weeks to pay off your purchase. But if you make a late payment, you might be charged a fee (up to 25% of the loan amount). Afterpay will conduct a soft credit check when you apply, which won’t affect your credit scores.

Oportun

Oportun might be worth exploring if you have bad credit (or no credit) and need a small loan (new customers may not qualify for large loans). Oportun offers prequalification so you can check your eligibility before applying. While you might qualify without having great credit, you’ll likely have to pay an interest rate on the higher end of Oportun’s rate range.

PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union is worth considering if you have good credit and need a small personal loan. You don’t need to be a member to apply, but the credit union charges late fees and returned payment fees.

How can I get an $800 loan fast?

If you need just a little bit of money fast, consider options like payday advance apps or buy now, pay later apps. These options differ from traditional payday loans. 

Payday advance apps could be useful if you need a small amount of money for utilities, food or bills and your paycheck hasn’t arrived yet. These apps advance a portion of your upcoming paycheck as an alternative to high-interest payday loans. The amount you borrow is typically automatically debited from your bank account linked to in app when your paycheck arrives.

Many payday advance apps don’t check your credit and charge 0% interest. However, some apps might require membership fees or other fees for instant access to funds. Payday advance apps also make money through optional tips, which could increase the overall cost of borrowing if you leave a tip.

Buy now, pay later apps offer installment-based loans at the point of purchase, allowing you to make an initial payment and then spread out the remaining cost over time, often without interest. These payment plans may be easier to qualify for than larger personal loans and typically don’t affect credit scores.

A payday loan can offer short-term flexibility without a credit check if you find yourself in a financial emergency. But payday loans should be considered as a last resort — they typically come with extremely high annual percentage rates (APRs) that can reach as high as 400%.

Payday loans are often $500 or less and require you to pay back the loan (plus any fees) by the time your next paycheck arrives. Some payday lenders may advertise same-day funding, but when you get access to funds varies by lender. 

Payday loans, payday advances and buy-now, pay-later plans should be approached with caution because of the potential fees involved. Be cautious about getting stuck in a continual cycle of borrowing or getting hit with late fees if you’re unable to pay on time. 


If you’re frequently finding yourself waiting for payday, consider a side gig to supplement your income — you might be able to earn money in a day.

Small loan alternatives

Depending on your situation, there are some small loan alternatives that you may also want to consider.

  • Payday alternative loans from credit unions: These are small, affordable loans provided by certain federal credit unions as an alternative to traditional payday loans. Check if a local credit union offers them.
  • Medical repayment plans/forgiveness: If you find yourself faced with unexpected medical bills, consider discussing repayment options with your hospital. Low-income or underinsured individuals may get access to financial assistance.
  • Charitable grants or utility payment plans: You may be eligible for an emergency assistance grant or loan based on your financial situation. Exploring your area’s offerings could be worthwhile to see what support is available.

FAQs about $800 loans

Can I get an $800 loan without a job?

You may be able to get a small loan without a job, but lenders may still require proof of income. If you have regular income unrelated to a job, you can often include that in your application. Another option to consider is a secured loan. Secured loans are attached to an asset, like a house or a car, which allows the lender to take control of that asset if you’re unable to pay back your loan.

Will an $800 loan affect my credit?

Many financial institutions that offer traditional personal loans for small amounts require a hard pull of your credit before approving you for a loan, which can temporarily drop your credit score. However, a personal loan can build credit, especially if your lender reports to the credit bureaus and you make your payments on time. Other lenders like buy now pay later, payday lenders, or payday apps may not require a hard credit check.

What is the total cost of an $800 loan?

The cost of a loan depends on a few factors, including the interest rate, loan term and any fees assessed by the lender. Consider using a loan calculator to calculate monthly payments and total interest paid over the life of the loan.

*Approval Odds are not a guarantee of approval. Credit Karma determines Approval Odds by comparing your credit profile to other Credit Karma members who were approved for the personal loan, or whether you meet certain criteria determined by the lender. Of course, there’s no such thing as a sure thing, but knowing your Approval Odds may help you narrow down your choices. For example, you may not be approved because you don’t meet the lender’s “ability to pay standard” after they verify your income and employment; or, you already have the maximum number of accounts with that specific lender.