How to Get an Emergency Loan in the Philippines ASAP

Utang is so strongly embedded in Filipino culture that almost half of Filipino adults have outstanding loans, according to the 2023 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Financial Inclusion Survey.^[1]

There are many options for pautang in the country, the most common of which are emergency loans and personal loans. Emergency loans in the Philippines come in useful when you need immediate cash, especially during financial crises or natural disasters.

However, it’s important to understand both the benefits and risks of each loan option before getting one for funding an emergency. 

Emergency Loans in the Philippines: 5 Ways to Borrow for Urgent Cash Needs

Do you have an emergency and need cash urgently? Don’t panic. There are ways to borrow money quickly and easily.

Here are some types of emergency loans in the Philippines:

Option 1: Personal Loans from Banks

If you need a big amount, apply for a personal loan. It's a safe, legitimate, and affordable way to borrow money in the Philippines, thanks to low interest rates and long repayment terms.

Note, however, that banks have strict loan requirements and credit investigation processes for borrowers. Compared to other lenders, providers also take longer to process applications—typically three to seven days, or sometimes longer—to assess a borrower's ability to repay a loan.

👍 Advantages of Personal Loans

• Higher loan amounts
• Safer, more legitimate, and more affordable way to borrow money than informal loans
• Low and fixed interest rates 
• Longer repayment terms than those of informal lenders

👎 Disadvantages of Personal Loans

• Longer processing time for most banks
• More stringent application process than private lenders
• Issued based on credit, so those with low credit scores may not qualify

Wondering where to loan money in the Philippines? To get started, use an online comparison platform such as Moneymax. Below, compare trusted personal loan companies and apply via Moneymax:

📌 UnionBank Personal Loan 

With a high loan amount, low interest rates, and quick loan approval and disbursement process, the UnionBank Personal Loan is a great option for certain purposes such as home renovations. Plus, there’s no need for collateral—you won't have to worry about losing your car or home.

With a reasonable minimum income requirement, plenty of working Filipinos can qualify and apply for this loan:

• Loanable amount: Up to ₱2 million
• Monthly add-on interest rate: 1.29%
• Loan tenure: 12 to 60 months
• Minimum monthly income: ₱20,833
• Processing time: As fast as five minutes 
• Disbursement fee: ₱1,750

📌 UNO Digital Bank Personal Loan

Looking for an urgent bank loan? Consider borrowing from UNO Digital Bank. Easily apply for an #UNOnow Loan through the UNO Mobile App. No collateral or co-maker is required.

The UNO Digital Bank Loan is one of the best options for financing an emergency because of its straightforward approval process and instant disbursement to the borrower's assigned UNO savings account.

• Loanable amount: ₱10,000 to ₱500,000
• Monthly add-on interest rate: 2%
• Loan tenure: Six, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months
• Minimum monthly income: ₱35,000
• Processing time: Seven business days
• Processing fee: 3% of the loan amount or ₱500, whichever is higher (deducted from the loan proceeds)

📌 Metrobank Personal Loan 

With a Metrobank Personal Loan, you can borrow cash ranging from ₱20,000 to ₱1 million. While it's a great emergency cash loan in the Philippines, you can also use the amount to fund a wedding, vacation, or any other big-ticket item. 

Apply easily online. You just need to submit a copy of your valid government-issued ID and a signed Promissory Note and Disclosure Statement (PNDS).

• Loanable amount: ₱20,000 to ₱2 million
• Monthly add-on interest rate: 1.25% to 1.75%
• Loan tenure: 12, 18, 24, or 36 months
• Minimum monthly income: ₱29,166
• Processing time: Seven business days 
• Disbursement fee: ₱1,500

📌 BPI Personal Loan

Looking for an accessible online loan in the Philippines? With BPI's Personal Loan, you can apply either online or at any BPI branch.

Since this multi-purpose loan is unsecured, you don't need to declare any asset as collateral.

• Loanable amount: ₱20,000 to ₱3 million
• Monthly add-on interest rate: 1.2%
• Loan tenure: 12 to 36 months
• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• Processing time: Five to seven business days
• Processing fee: ₱1,500

📌 Tonik Credit Builder

In a pinch but don't need that big an amount? If you want to know where to loan 20K in the Philippines, check out Tonik's Credit Builder. Previously called the Quick Loan, Credit Builder approves applications for loans up to ₱20,000 in as fast as two days. You also don’t need a credit history or collateral to apply. 

No need to gather a mountain of documents, either. Just prepare a valid ID and create a Tonik account.

• Loanable amount: Up to ₱20,000
• Monthly add-on interest rate: As low as 4.84%
• Loan tenure: Six, nine, and 12 months
• Processing time: Two business days
• Processing fee: ₱500

📌 CIMB Personal Loan 

Since this is a fully digital personal loan, you can quickly and easily finish your CIMB loan application in just a few minutes. Loan disbursement to CIMB accounts is instant, and up to two days if to other bank accounts.

As such, the CIMB Personal Loan offers one of the fastest loan processing times in the country, perfect for funding your emergency expenses.

• Loanable amount: ₱30,000 to ₱1 million
• Monthly add-on interest rate: As low as 0.83%
• Loan tenure: 12 to 60 months
• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• Processing time: Up to two business days
• Loan disbursement fee: None for CIMB accounts; 1% of the principal amount or ₱500 if disbursed to a non-CIMB account

Compare other personal loan options below: 

Provider	Loan Amount	Monthly Add-on Rate	Minimum Annual Income	Approval Time
UnionBank Personal Loan	Up to ₱2 million	1.29%	₱250,000	As fast as 5 minutes
UNO Digital Bank Personal Loan	₱10,000 to ₱500,000	2%	₱420,000	7 banking days
Metrobank Personal Loan	₱20,000 to ₱2 million	1.25% to 1.75%	₱350,000	7 banking days
BPI Personal Loan	₱20,000 to  ₱3 million	1.2%	₱180,000	5 to 7 banking days
Tonik Credit Builder	Up to ₱20,000	4.84%	Inquire with Tonik	2 banking days
Tala Loan	₱1,000 to ₱25,000	0.43% to 0.5% daily	None	24 hours
HSBC Personal Loan	₱30,000 to ₱500,000	0.65%	₱168,000	5 banking days
CIMB Personal Loan	₱30,000 to ₱1 million	As low as 0.83%	₱180,000	2 banking days
Maybank Personal Loan	₱50,000 to ₱1 million	1.3%	₱300,000	5 to 10 banking days
RCBC Bank Personal Loan	Up to ₱1 million	1.3%	₱360,000	5 to 7 banking days
SB Finance Personal Loan	₱30,000 to ₱2 million	2%	₱180,000	5 to 7 banking days
PSBank Personal Loan	₱20,000 to ₱250,000	1.75% or 2.5%	₱180,000	5 to 9 banking days

See other personal loan guides:

• Fast and Easy Guide to Security Bank Personal Loan Online Application
• PSBank Flexi Personal Loan: What You Need to Know Before You Apply

Option 2: Emergency Loans

What is an emergency loan? An emergency loan is a loan that can cover the costs of unexpected expenses.

It's a quick and easy way for cash-strapped Filipinos to fund unplanned expenses. It's particularly helpful when you need money to rebuild your home or repair your car after flooding, fire, earthquake, or any disaster.

Most emergency loans in the Philippines come from three sources: private lenders, government agencies, and employers.

👉 Emergency Loans from Private Lenders

Of the three common providers of emergency loans in the Philippines, private lenders offer the simplest application process, as well as the fastest approval and fund release. This is because they usually don't require a bank account.

Emergency loan applications can be filed online nowadays, after which you'll know if you're approved within five to 10 minutes. With online emergency loans, you can also receive funds on the same day or even in a matter of minutes.

Plus, online lenders don't usually require as many income documents as banks do—usually just a valid ID. They offer urgent cash loans for unemployed Filipinos and those with low income or poor credit history. 

Ideal as they seem, however, emergency loans are a notoriously expensive way to borrow money in the Philippines. Interest rates can go as high as 12%. Calculate the annual percentage rate^[2] to get a clearer picture of what you're actually borrowing.

Moreover, loan amounts are small. The highest amount you can borrow is typically up to ₱50,000. Emergency loans in the Philippines also come with short terms—usually a few months or so—meaning you've got a very limited time to return the amount you borrowed, including interest.

It does differ in some cases. For instance, Maya and GCash offer higher loan amounts at longer terms. However, you usually have to be a pre-qualified user. 

👍 Advantages of Emergency Loans from Private Lenders

• Quick and easy way to get cash 
• Easy requirements 
• Simple online application process
• Fast approval and loan disbursement

👎 Disadvantages of Emergency Loans from Private Lenders

• Small loan amounts
• Short repayment terms 
• Generally higher interest rates

Wondering, "Where can I borrow money ASAP in the Philippines?" Check out the loan providers below. They require a few documents only and disburse loans quickly:

📌 Maya Personal Loan

Need cash at this very moment? Get additional cash for emergency expenses like house repairs and school fees with a Maya Personal Loan.

Easily apply via the Maya app. Once approved, you get the proceeds in your Maya Wallet instantly.

• Loanable amount: ₱15,000 to ₱250,000
• Interest rate: 1.40%
• Loan tenure: Up to 24 months
• Loan application fee: None 

📌 GLoan 

As long as you have a fully verified GCash account and meet the GScore requirement, you can qualify for the GLoan. If you're a pre-qualified GCash user, you can see GLoan on your dashboard and apply right away. 

Once done, you’ll receive the GLoan proceeds in your GCash instantly. There’s no need to prepare and submit more loan requirements—it's a quick and convenient option for an emergency loan in the Philippines. 

If you’re not yet eligible for a loan from GCash, keep using GCash to raise your GScore and unlock GLoan. 

• Loanable amount: Up to ₱125,000
• Interest rate: 1.59%
• Loan tenure: Up to 24 months
• Minimum monthly income: None
• Processing time: Instant
• Loan processing fee: 3% of the principal amount

📌 Cashalo Cash Loan

Need cash ASAP for an unexpected expense? Check out Cashalo—they approve applications in just one day! Once approved, you can get the loan proceeds via your nominated bank, GCash, or PayMaya account. 

Just download the Cashalo app to get started. 

• Loanable amount: ₱1,000 to ₱9,000  
• Interest rate: Starts at 3.95% 
• Processing time: Less than 24 hours

📌 Finbro Loan

If you need to loan 50K in the Philippines, check out Finbro. You can finish the entire Finbro loan application process through its all-digital platform. To qualify, you just need to be at least 20 years old with a regular source of income. 

Need money urgently? Good news: Finbro approves applications in as fast as a few minutes.

• Loanable amount: ₱1,000 to ₱50,000
• Loan tenure: 12 months
• Processing time: A few minutes

📌 JuanHand Loan

JuanHand is currently one of the most popular mobile lending platforms. Simply download the app and complete your application from there.

You'll have to start small with your first loan amount, but if you repay on time, you can get a higher amount the next time you borrow. Take note that you'll need a stable source of income and at least one government-issued ID to qualify. 

• Loanable amount: ₱2,000 to ₱25,000
• Interest rate: 12%
• Loan tenure: 91 to 180 days

📌 Online Loans Pilipinas Loan

The maximum loan amount for first-time borrowers at Online Loans Pilipinas is ₱7,000. You can only apply for bigger amounts up to ₱20,000 if you’re a repeat borrower with good standing.

To apply, you need to be employed with a valid government-issued ID and bank or e-wallet account.

• Loanable amount: ₱1,000 to ₱20,000
• Interest rate: 0% for first-time customers
• Loan tenure: 61 to 183 days

📌 Digido Emergency Loan

When you need a small amount for medical reasons, Digido has got you covered. This Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered online lender offers a quick emergency loan with an easy, hassle-free transaction through its website. You just need to provide a valid ID. 

Upon approval (which is sent through email or SMS), the loan proceeds will be deposited to your nominated bank account.

• Loanable amount: Up to ₱10,000 (for first-timers) / Up to ₱25,000 (for repeat borrowers)
• Interest rate: 11.9% per month
• Loan tenure: Three to six months
• Processing time: As fast as five minutes

👉 Calamity Loans from Government Agencies

Looking for government loans? The SSS, GSIS, and Pag-IBIG Fund all assist survivors of natural disasters in the Philippines through their respective emergency loans or calamity loans. If you live in an area officially declared under a state of calamity, you can apply for an emergency loan from one of these government offices.

Compared to private lenders, the SSS, GSIS, and Pag-IBIG Fund offer longer repayment terms and significantly lower interest rates. However, you must be an active member of these agencies with consistent contributions to qualify.

The table below shows key features of each government agency's emergency loan. For more details on how to apply for these emergency loans from Philippine government agencies, check out this primer.^[3]

👉 Emergency Loans from Employers

Some companies in the Philippines offer emergency loans to employees affected by calamities. Others provide these loans as part of their employee benefits package, which workers can avail of any time they need cash for emergencies.

Emergency loans from employers are cheaper compared to those of other lenders, as they don't typically charge interest. Repayments are also convenient and flexible since they're deducted from an employee's succeeding paychecks or their 13th-month pay.

The company you're currently working for may offer an emergency loan program. Check with your HR department and take advantage of it.

Option 3: Salary Loans

Another form of emergency loan in the Philippines is the salary loan. It’s similar to emergency loans from private lenders as it also provides quick and easy access to cash online. 

However, salary loans have slightly higher loan amounts and stricter application requirements, including income documents such as payslips and bank statements.

👍 Advantages of Salary Loans

• Quick and hassle-free access to cash
• Higher loan amounts than private lenders

👎 Disadvantages of Salary Loans

• Stricter application requirements than private lenders
• Shorter repayment periods

You can apply for a salary loan online through providers such as the following: 

📌 Tala Loan

With a Tala Loan, borrow as much as ₱25,000. You can get approved within a day! Choose your repayment date from 15 to 61 days so you’re always on top of your finances.  

Download the Tala app from the Google Play Store to get your application started. It’s a trusted and secure app, so you don’t have to worry about your data falling into the wrong hands.

• Loanable amount: Up to ₱25,000
• Interest rate: Up to 0.5% daily service fee
• Loan tenure: Up to 61 days
• Minimum monthly income: None 
• Processing time: 24 hours

📌 Cash Mart Salary Loan

When it’s petsa de peligro and something urgent comes up, there’s no choice but to look for an emergency cash loan in the Philippines. Salary loan providers like Cash Mart can provide instant cash. 

But since it’s a salary loan, the due date is every seven days, 14 days, or 28 days. This means it’s for people who want to borrow money and plan to pay it off right away.    

• Loanable amount: ₱3,000 to ₱150,000
• Interest rate: 0.06% to 1% daily
• Loan tenure: Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
• Processing time: 1 working day

📌 Vidalia Salary Loan

When times are hard, you probably ask yourself, “Where can I borrow money?” daily. Well, wonder no more because you can always borrow from Vidalia Lending Corp. The company has provided salary loans, personal loans, and business loans since 2008. 

Vidalia's Salary Loan offers flexible installment payments for your urgent financial needs. More importantly, you don’t need a guarantor to take out and get approved for a loan.

• Loanable amount: ₱20,000 to ₱100,000
• Interest rate: 6%
• Loan tenure: Three to 12 months
• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000 for employed and ₱30,000 for self-employed 
• Loan processing fee: 5%

Read more: 

• How to Apply for an SSS Salary Loan: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Looking for a Short-Term Loan? Try Pag-IBIG’s Multi-Purpose Loan

Option 4: Pawning or Sangla

Like 5-6 pautang, pawn loans or sangla is a popular way to get quick cash in the Philippines. This is especially true in rural areas where pawnshops outnumber banks and ATMs. If you need a source of quick cash for emergencies, you just have to provide collateral, such as jewelry or gadgets.

No need for credit checks and income documents—just make sure your collateral is authentic and valuable. Pawnshops charge interest rates as low as 1% over a one-month term.

Note that pawning valuable items can be risky. You might not get it back if you fail to pay the amount you borrowed within the loan term.

👍 Advantages of Pawning

• No credit checks and income documents required
• Lots of pawn shops everywhere in the Philippines, even in remote areas where only a few bank branches are located

👎 Disadvantages of Pawning

• Requires collateral 
• Can't get back your pawned item if you default on payments

Option 5: Emergency Loans from Family and Friends

"Pautang naman. Bayaran kita sa sweldo." It's that easy to borrow money from your loved ones. Your ever-reliable tita, brother, BFF, or office teammate is just a phone call or text message away.

With this kind of emergency loan in the Philippines, there are no documents required, no collateral needed, no interest to pay, and no payment due dates to worry about. Just pay back what you owe when you can. 

Of course, all that comes at a cost. Break your promise to return the amount you borrowed, and you'll easily lose their trust and the chance to borrow from them again.

As much as you can, avoid being too dependent on your loved ones. This type of emergency loan in the Philippines isn't worth all the conflict, drama, and stress that ruin relationships.

Advantages of Emergency Loans from Family and Friends

• Just a text or phone call to borrow cash
• No application forms and income documents required
• Usually interest-free and flexible repayments

Disadvantages of Emergency Loans from Family and Friends

• Stress and anxiety when you default on payments 
• Loss of trust when you can't return the amount borrowed 
• Destroy relationships

Final Thoughts

Have you tried any of these options for an emergency loan in the Philippines? There's no shame in asking for financial aid when the going gets tough. As long as you hold up your end of the bargain and pay back what you owe, you'll come out of these hard times unscathed.

Before you start applying for emergency loans and personal loans, make sure you can be a responsible borrower.

Sources:

• ^[1] Financial Inclusion in the Philippines (BSP, 2023)
• ^[2] Annual Percentage Rate (APR): What It Means and How It Works (Investopedia, 2024)
• ^[3] Briefer: How to Apply for a Calamity Loan (Official Gazette)