How to Get Cash When You Can't Get a Loan

You’ve tried applying for a loan. Maybe your credit score dropped last year, or you’ve got too much existing debt. Maybe you’re self-employed and don’t have the paperwork lenders want. Whatever the reason, the answer is no. And now you need cash-today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Right now.

Getting turned down for a loan doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It just means you need to think differently. In Australia, thousands of people find ways to get cash without a loan every month. Some use tools most people don’t even know exist. Others make small trade-offs that add up fast. Here’s how you can do it too.

Sell something you don’t need

Think about what’s gathering dust in your garage, closet, or under the bed. That old gaming console. The set of cookware you never used. The designer bag you bought on impulse and haven’t worn in two years. These aren’t just clutter-they’re cash waiting to be unlocked.

Apps like Facebook Marketplace, Carousell, and Depop make it easy to list items locally. In Sydney, people regularly sell used electronics, baby gear, and furniture within 24 hours. One woman in Bondi sold five pairs of unworn shoes for $320 in two days. A man in Parramatta cleared out his old tools and made $850-enough to cover his car registration and groceries for the month.

You don’t need to be a seller. Just take photos, write a clear description, and set a fair price. If it doesn’t sell in a week, drop the price by 20%. Most things move faster than you think.

Use your superannuation early (if you qualify)

Super is meant for retirement, but Australia allows early access under strict hardship conditions. If you’ve been on Centrelink payments for 26 weeks or more, or you’re facing serious financial hardship, you might be eligible to withdraw up to $10,000 from your super.

This isn’t a loan. It’s a withdrawal. You don’t pay it back. But you do lose the compound growth that money could have earned over decades. Only use this if you’re truly stuck-like if you’re at risk of losing your home or can’t afford basic food.

To apply, contact your super fund directly. They’ll ask for proof of hardship: Centrelink statements, bills in arrears, or letters from a financial counselor. The process takes 2-4 weeks, so start now. It’s not fast, but it’s real money.

Ask for an advance on your pay

Many employers-especially in retail, hospitality, and healthcare-offer payroll advances. It’s not a loan. It’s just getting paid early. You’re still earning the same amount; you’re just getting it sooner.

Check your employee handbook or ask HR. Some companies let you take up to 50% of your next paycheck in advance. Others use apps like Afterpay for Employers or PayActiv that let you access earned wages anytime. These services usually charge a small fee-around $2 to $5 per withdrawal-but it’s cheaper than a payday loan.

One nurse in Newcastle used this method twice last year. She got $400 in advance each time to cover her daughter’s school excursions. She paid it back with her next pay, with no interest. No credit check. No paperwork.

Tap into community support

There are organisations across Australia that help people with emergency cash grants-no repayment required. These aren’t loans. They’re gifts.

Good Shepherd Microfinance offers low-interest loans under $2,000 for essentials like fridges, washing machines, or car repairs. But they also have an Emergency Assistance Fund that gives direct cash grants to people in crisis. You need a referral from a financial counsellor, but they’ll help you get one.

St Vincent de Paul Society runs local conferences in nearly every suburb. They can give you vouchers for food, utility bills, or even a one-time cash payment of up to $200. You don’t need to be religious. You just need to be struggling.

Call 1800 777 123 or visit their website to find your nearest office. Don’t wait until you’re evicted. These services help people before they hit rock bottom.

Do small gigs for quick cash

You don’t need to become a full-time Uber driver to make $200 this week. You just need to do a few small tasks.

Apps like Airtasker let you earn money by doing things like:

• Assembling IKEA furniture ($40-$80 per job)
• Walking dogs in your neighbourhood ($20-$30 per walk)
• Helping someone move boxes ($50-$100 per hour)
• Cleaning gutters or pressure washing driveways ($60-$120)

One student in Footscray made $380 in three days by doing laundry for three elderly neighbours. He charged $25 per load and picked up the clothes on his way to uni. No experience needed. Just show up on time.

Start with one task. Do it well. Ask for a review. People will start asking for you by name.

Use a buy now, pay later service wisely

BNPL services like Afterpay, Zip, and Klarna aren’t loans-but they’re not free money either. You can use them to cover urgent needs if you’re careful.

For example: If your fridge breaks and you need a new one that costs $800, you could use BNPL to split it into four payments of $200. That’s $200 now, and $200 every two weeks. It’s better than a payday loan with 400% interest.

But here’s the catch: Only use BNPL for things you need, not want. And make sure you can afford the next payment. Miss one, and you’ll get hit with fees. And your credit score might take a hit if it goes to collections.

Use it like a tool-not a crutch.

Get help from a free financial counsellor

If you’re overwhelmed, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Free financial counselling is available across Australia through the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007).

These counsellors don’t sell products. They don’t push loans. They help you make a plan. They can:

• Negotiate with creditors to reduce or pause payments
• Help you apply for government grants
• Connect you with local food banks or utility assistance
• Teach you how to budget so this doesn’t happen again

One man in Wagga Wagga was facing disconnection of his power. He called the helpline. The counsellor contacted his provider, got a payment plan, and helped him apply for a concession. His power stayed on. He didn’t take a loan. He didn’t sell anything. He just got help.

You’re not weak for asking. You’re smart.

What NOT to do

There are people who will try to take advantage of you when you’re desperate. Avoid these traps:

• Payday loans: These charge fees that equal 400%+ annual interest. If you borrow $500, you might end up paying back $1,200 in a month.
• Guarantor loans: They sound safe because someone else signs for you-but if you default, they’re on the hook. That can destroy relationships.
• “Cash advance” apps: Many charge hidden fees, take a percentage of your future pay, or steal your bank login details.

If it sounds too good to be true, it is. If they ask for your bank password or upfront fee, walk away.

How to prevent this from happening again

Getting cash without a loan is possible-but it shouldn’t be a regular thing. Here’s how to build a buffer so you’re never this desperate again:

• Start a $20-per-week emergency fund-even if it’s just in a jar under your bed.
• Set up automatic transfers to a separate savings account. Even $10 a week adds up to $520 a year.
• Keep a list of things you can sell quickly. Update it every month.
• Know where your local financial counsellor is. Save their number in your phone.

It’s not about being rich. It’s about being prepared. One small habit, repeated, changes everything.

If you’re reading this because you’re stuck, you’re not alone. Thousands of people in Australia face this exact problem every month. The difference between those who get through and those who don’t isn’t luck. It’s knowing where to look-and having the courage to try one small thing. Start with one option today. Don’t wait for the perfect solution. Just start.