Stuck for cash? 5 safe ways to get emergency money - even with a low credit score

Unexpected bills can pop up at any time – a broken boiler, a vet bill, or a car repair. If your credit score isn’t great, finding the cash you need can feel impossible. The good news? There are safe and practical ways to get emergency money without making your finances worse.

Here are five options to consider.

Ask friends or family

Borrowing from people you trust is usually the quickest and cheapest option. Whether it’s £50 or a few hundred pounds, friends or family can help cover essentials like food, bills, or urgent repairs. Be honest about your situation and agree on a clear repayment plan – for example, £20 a week until it’s paid back. Writing it down can prevent misunderstandings. The big advantage? Usually no interest. Just make sure you can stick to the plan so you don’t strain your relationships.

Benefits and government emergency support

If you’re on a low income, waiting for benefits, or facing financial hardship, the government can provide emergency cash. Universal credit has a budgeting advance, letting you access up to 100% of your expected monthly payment, usually within five working days. Keep in mind, these advances are repaid from your future benefits, which means your future payments will be lower. Make sure the remaining amount will cover your essentials before taking an advance.

Local councils also have Household Support Funds, offering one-off grants for things like food, heating, or transport. These payments are interest-free, don’t need repaying, and won’t affect your credit score, making them a safe choice when money is tight.

Charity grants and community funds

Many charities and community organisations help people in financial crisis. These one-off grants don’t need repaying and won’t affect your credit record. For example, Turn2us Crisis Grants usually range from £50 to £500 and can cover essentials like food, bills, or clothing. Other organisations, such as The Salvation Army or local churches, may offer support for transport to medical appointments or temporary accommodation. Applications are usually simple online or over the phone, and funds can arrive within days.

Credit unions

Credit unions are member-owned co-ops offering low-interest loans. Unlike charity grants, these loans need repaying and may be reported to credit reference agencies. You can usually borrow from £100 up to several thousand pounds, depending on your savings and membership. Some credit unions let you borrow up to three times your savings plus an extra amount, less any outstanding loans.

Loans are often approved in 24–48 hours and repaid in manageable monthly instalments. Interest rates typically range from around 8% to 13.5% APR, though this can vary by credit union. Joining usually needs a small savings balance, often £5–£10, which also gives you a little cushion for future emergencies. You’ll also need to meet a “common bond,” like living, working, or studying in a certain area, or being part of a specific organisation. Credit union loans are great for urgent home repairs, essential bills, or replacing broken appliances.

Accessing earned-but-unpaid wages

Some employers let you access wages you’ve already earned before payday. This can be useful for one-off emergencies, like a broken boiler or urgent medical costs. Typically, you can get 50–80% of your earned salary, with a small flat fee rather than interest. Using this option doesn’t affect your credit score, and repayment is automatic when your next wages are paid.

It’s best to use this only for real emergencies. If you find yourself needing advances just to cover everyday basics, it could be a sign you need extra support.

What you should think about

Emergencies are stressful, especially with a low credit score, but there are safe ways to get through. Avoid risky borrowing from unregulated lenders, focus on essentials like food, heating, and housing, and try to build a small savings buffer. Even £5–£10 a week can add up over time, giving you a bit of a buffer for unexpected costs.

Find out more about credit scores here: Can't understand why your credit score is so low? Five things to check