Urgent same day loans?

I usually would never go in for something like this, but I've got a trip to Thailand on Tuesday and I've had to use my savings to help out an overseas family member in an emergency a couple of days ago, as well as cover an unexpectedly large medical bill. Resulting in it wiping out thousands of dollars in savings.

I'd like a loan of $2000-$3000, I'd be able to pay it back within 2-3 months when I return as I work a reasonably well paid causal job, have rental income and don't have too many overheads. If I had more time I'd apply for a credit card, I've only ever bothered with one low limit cc (I use for online purchasing) that currently has around $500 credit. I'm not sure how good my credit rating is, I've made occasional late repayments on bills and on the credit card in the past year, but that was due to inattentiveness rather than lack of funds.

I don't want to cancel the trip as I'm meeting my sister (who has been living abroad) for the first time in 2 years and I really don't want to bludge off her for the entire trip. Especially, as I can pay it back relatively quickly when I'm back home.

Can anyone recommend a same-day lender that has comparatively reasonable rates and is reliable?

Comments

  • +4

    If you've had the credit card for more than 6 months, the quickest option may be to contact them and ask for a limit increase, sometimes these are also accessible after you login to your credit card's internet banking and under 'offers' or limit increase.

    Your bank may also be able to setup a personal 'overdraft' onto your savings account -something that you could discuss with your local banking manager.

    Same day emergency loan specialists are in the same basket as predatory lenders, because of the atrociously high interest rates. They are able to justifty this because they will loan to people with bad credit, and are taking on a much higher risk with their sub-prime loans.

  • +2

    Your best option is to approach the Bank or Financial Institution you have your Credit Card with and ask them to either temporarily increase your Card Limit or ask them for a fast decision on a Personal Loan.

    If you explain your circumstances and can demonstrate you had savings (but for having to fund the family members medical bill) they might see some merit in it as if you didn't go you would have lost the cost of your flights etc.

  • I would say that for this kind of loan, you're probably best borrowing off friends and family. If you can borrow $400 off your parents, another $400 of your siblings, another $400 off friend A…etc. and cover a few more hundred with your credit card, you should be fine.

    You could go the way of "loan sharks", but I think that's a really bad idea due to their extremely high interest rates.

  • +1

    If your sister can spot you for the trip, it's probably better to pay her back whatever you spent, plus whatever interest you would have incurred with a personal loan. Interest is better in your sister's pocket than a bank's!

    Otherwise, paulsterio's suggestion is probably the best short notice option

  • Thanks for the suggestions, I tried applying online for an increase in credit and was declined (I'm not sure why), with a message to apply again in 6 months. I'd prefer not to borrow from family (especially for something non-urgent such as holiday) as they're a bit stretched as it's the quiet season for their business. And personally I'd find paying a few months of high interest rates preferable to the unrelenting nagging of my mother's partner, who is against lending us money unless it's a matter of life and death.

    • I tried applying online for an increase in credit and was declined (I'm not sure why)

      You have answered your own question

      I've made occasional late repayments on bills and on the credit card in the past year, but that was due to inattentiveness rather than lack of funds.

      Well it makes no difference why the payments were late to the credit card people. If you are late due to inattentiveness, lack of funds, cat had kittens, whatever it's all the same. If payments not made on low limit card they aren't going to risk a higher limit. Computer says no.

      Suggest you set up a Automatic payment for the Minimum Monthly Payment.

  • As mousie says, the next best option may be to ask your bank whether they'll give you an overdraft on your personal account.

    If you do decide to use a payday lender, make sure you understand how much extra you will be paying in interest charges - it will be mindblowingly large.

    Payday lenders do not have 'comparatively reasonable rates', they have very high rates and should be your last port of call. What do you mean by 'reliable'?

  • I know one from the ads: nimble.com.au

  • +1

    If you're going to be overseas for a few months maybe you could pawn a valuable like your car, you won't be needing it anyway, I would sooner do that than feed the high interest loan sharks!

  • Slightly off-topic: How can medical bills be high in Australia? I thought all non-elective medical care was covered by medicare?
    Unless you are talking about dentistry… For some weird reason that is not covered by medicare.

    • If someone is here on a visa they might not be covered by Medicare. Or if they needed the treatment and couldn't stand to wait in the public queue. My hubby had a 'non-urgent' issue that was making him so ill that he couldn't walk 20m or go to work. The wait time quoted for him was 6mths publicly.

    • My dad is a US resident, he has medical insurance but there was still a large out of pocket expense.

  • +1

    I imagine that it is a bill generated as you used health insurance and not Medicare. Have heard some horror stories about people saying they have health insurance and paying lots of $$ when they could have gone Medicare. If that was the case you should complain, I have also heard of people negotiating the bill down a bit.

  • +1

    Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I ended up borrowing some money from my sister. It ended up being a pretty cheap trip overall, so taking out a high interest loan wouldn't have been the best decision.

    • glad it all worked out!

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