Short-Term Loans
Looking for a short-term loan? See what's available today
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When you need quick access to cash without a long-term obligation, a short-term loan is the answer. Apply online in minutes, connect with reputable lenders, and potentially receive funds as early as the following business day.
It is free to check – It won't impact your credit score
What can a short-term loan cover?
THE PROCESS
A lending experience designed around you
Complete your form
Our quick, secure form captures just the essentials—no unnecessary questions or lengthy paperwork.
Compare lender offers
Lenders across our network review your profile, regardless of credit history, to present you with options.
Get your money
Select the offer that suits you best and receive your funds, often within one business day.
WHY LENDING BUDDIES?
Fast cash access with clear terms and no long-term strings attached
Funds often within 24 hours
Speed matters. Once you're approved and choose a lender, money can land in your account the very next day.
Secure and entirely online
Advanced encryption protects your data at every stage. Apply from your couch, your office, or anywhere with internet access.
Transparent repayment plans
Short-term loans come with clearly defined terms, so you always know exactly how much you owe and when each payment is due.
Review rates and plan your repayment
| Loan Amount | $1,000 | $2,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate (APR) | 24% | 19% | 13% | 8% |
| Loan Term | 12 Months | 24 Months | 48 Months | 60 Months |
| Other Fees/Costs (%) | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% |
| Other Fees/Costs ($) | $50 | $100 | $250 | $500 |
| Monthly Payments | $99.29 | $105.86 | $140.84 | $212.90 |
| Number of Payments | 12 | 24 | 48 | 60 |
| Total Payments | $1,191.48 | $2,540.64 | $6,760.32 | $12,774.00 |
APR Ranges From 5.99% up to 35.99% For Qualified Customers · 91 Day Minimum up to 72 Month Maximum Repayment Period. Rates shown are for illustration only; your actual offer depends on the lender and your profile.
Short-term loan questions answered
Everything you need to know before applying. Have more questions? Contact us.
Will checking rates affect my credit?
What exactly is a short-term loan?
Can I get approved with poor credit?
How soon will I have the funds?
What Defines a Short-Term Loan?
A short-term loan is any loan with a repayment period of 3 to 18 months. This positions it between a cash advance (repaid in days or weeks) and a traditional personal loan (repaid over 2–5 years). Short-term loans are ideal for borrowers who need more money than a cash advance provides, but who want to avoid committing to years of monthly payments.
Through Lending Buddies, short-term loans are available in amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, with flexible repayment schedules that align with your pay cycle. Because they carry a shorter repayment window, lenders typically charge higher monthly payments than long-term loans—but the total interest paid over the life of the loan is considerably lower.
Short-Term Loan vs. Long-Term Loan: Which Is Right for You?
| Factor | Short-Term (3–18 months) | Long-Term (24–60 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment | Higher | Lower |
| Total interest paid | Lower ✓ | Higher |
| Time in debt | Shorter ✓ | Longer |
| Best for | One-time needs, bridge gaps | Large purchases, consolidation |
| Typical APR | 19%–35% | 8%–25% |
| Credit impact | Faster payoff boosts score ✓ | Slower, steady improvement |
When a Short-Term Loan Makes the Most Sense
- ✓ You have a specific, known expense. A car repair, dental procedure, or appliance replacement that you can't pay out of pocket right now but will have the capacity to repay within the next year.
- ✓ You want to minimize total interest. The faster you repay, the less interest accumulates. A 12-month loan at 25% APR costs far less in total interest than a 48-month loan at 13% APR on the same principal.
- ✓ You're rebuilding credit. Successfully completing a short-term installment loan and having it reported to credit bureaus can meaningfully improve your credit profile in a shorter timeframe.
- ✓ You want to avoid long-term debt obligations. Short-term loans offer a clean exit—you borrow, you repay, you're done. No years-long monthly reminders of a single financial decision.
Frequently Overlooked Costs in Short-Term Borrowing
Beyond the stated APR, some short-term loans include origination fees (typically 1%–8% of the loan amount), late payment penalties, and prepayment considerations. At Lending Buddies, we encourage borrowers to read the full loan agreement before accepting any offer. Pay particular attention to the total repayment amount, not just the monthly payment figure—this tells you the true cost of the loan regardless of the term.
Get short-term relief today
Complete a quick form and explore flexible loan options with no obligation.