There’s never been a more dire time for students to have reliable access to consumer financing. The market continues to remain unstable, and virtually every industry has been impacted. As a result, students have become vulnerable and many face a need for fast cash to cover an unexpected expense or emergency. 

If you’re a college student in need of liquid cash for a school, health, work, or family-related expense, consider these creative financing options before extending your student loan balance.

Title Loans

Many students don’t own a home, but they are at least co-owners for a vehicle. If your vehicle is in decent condition, you may be eligible to apply for a loan based on the car’s value.

The best part about title loans is their limited impact on students’ busy lifestyles and schedules. With this loan method, borrowers do not have to give up the use of their car in order to apply. Credit servicers simply use the car’s value as a guideline to determine the loan amount, and borrowers can keep their car as long as they remain in good standing.

Now, it’s easy to apply online and see how much you can borrow. You might be wondering, “how do title loans work?” Find your local title loan provider and see if you can prequalify for a good rate.

Payday Advance Loans

Many students have at least a part-time job between classes and course work. If you are actively employed, you could be eligible to take out a loan based on your projected salary amount. 

Sometimes, bills can line up inconveniently with paydays or loan deposits. But, life moves on and people still need to sign leases, purchase vehicles, and pay medical costs. 

Payday advance loans use the borrower’s salary amount as collateral for the loan, and are often used when people need to pay a bill a week or two before they get paid. 

If you need to make a tuition payment or are short for an apartment deposit, this is a great way to stretch your finances until your next payday. 

Credit Cards

In most cases, this option should be treated as a last resort. Credit cards often usually apply the highest interest rates compared to other entries on this list. But, they can be a fast and effective way to cover high-ticket costs in a short amount of time - when used correctly. 

As soon as you turn 18, you’re eligible to apply for a credit card from nearly every provider in the country. In fact, many servicers will preapprove students at impressively low interest rates for a limited time. 

For students who are between paychecks or aid disbursements, opening a credit card could provide you with the cash you need to cover an expensive bill. 

The best way to use credit to pay for a lifestyle expense is to find a card that offers 0% introductory APR, and plan to pay off the balance before the grace period ends. 

College students don’t have to be stuck with a co-signer or lengthy repayment process if they need cash fast. There are a few unique ways to get money in your wallet this week, without providing pricey collateral or compromising your current schedule.

If you’re in a pinch and need to make ends meet now, consider one of these alternative financing methods and build your financial future today.