Emergency Travel Loans
Key takeaways
- An emergency travel loan is a personal loan used to cover unexpected or last-minute travel expenses, such as airfare, rebooking costs, lodging, and transportation.
- Advance America offers several loan options for emergency travel, including installment loans, lines of credit, and cash advances (availability varies by state).
- You can apply online from anywhere and, if approved, receive funds directly in your bank account.
Travel emergencies can get expensive fast. A canceled flight might mean paying for another night at a hotel or spending hundreds on a new flight with a new airline to get home on time. And a family emergency may require you to book a last-minute trip home without time to save for it.
If an unexpected travel disruption or trip is more than your budget can handle, an emergency travel loan could help you bridge the gap and get where you need to go.
Apply for an emergency travel loan
What is an emergency travel loan?
An emergency travel loan is a personal loan used to cover unexpected or last-minute travel expenses. You receive funds after you're approved and can use them to cover the costs you need to manage.
Depending on your situation, an emergency travel loan could help pay for:
- Last-minute airfare, train, or bus tickets
- Rebooking costs after a flight cancellation or missed connection
- An unexpected hotel stay
- A rental car or other transportation
- Emergency travel for a funeral or family situation
- Other necessary expenses that come up while you're away from home
The right loan for you depends on how much you need, how quickly you can repay it, and the options available in your state.
What types of emergency travel loans can I get?
Advance America offers several personal loan options that may be useful when unexpected travel costs arise. While loan availability varies by state, here are a few potential options that might fit your situation.
Installment loans
An installment loan provides a lump sum of money that you repay over time through fixed monthly payments. The payment schedule you’re approved for can range from a few months to a couple of years, depending on your state, situation, and loan terms.
An installment loan may be a good option if you need more money and more time to repay what you borrow.
Lines of credit
A line of credit gives you ongoing access to funds up to your approved borrowing limit. You can take as much or as little as you need from your available funds, and your available credit replenishes as you repay what you've borrowed.
This flexibility can be especially useful when you don't know exactly how much a travel disruption will cost or if you expect ongoing expenses.
Cash advances
A cash advance, sometimes called a payday loan, is a short-term, small-dollar loan that's typically repaid in full when you receive your next paycheck.
A cash advance may make sense for a smaller, immediate travel expense that you know you can repay when you get paid next, such as an extra hotel night or transportation home.
Comparing emergency loans for travel
Different travel emergencies call for different borrowing needs. Here's how the available options compare:
| Loan type | How it works | Funding speed | Repayment | May be best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installment loan | Receive a lump sum upfront | Potentially the same business day once approved* | Scheduled payments over time | Larger emergency travel costs or more time to repay |
| Cash advance | Receive a smaller, short-term loan | Potentially the same business day once approved* | Short-term repayment, generally within a few weeks | Smaller travel gaps you can repay relatively quickly |
| Line of credit | Borrow as needed up to your approved limit | Funds can be accessed from your available credit | Repay what you borrow and access available funds again | Travel costs that arise at different stages |
How fast can funding come through for an emergency travel loan?
When you're stranded at an airport or trying to book emergency travel for a funeral, you can’t always wait several days for the money you need.
Advance America offers a quick application and approval process. You can apply online or in-store and may receive an approval decision within minutes. If approved, you could receive your funds as soon as the same business day.*
How to get a loan when you're stranded while traveling
When you're stranded away from home, getting to a physical lender may be the last thing you want to worry about. Advance America lets you apply for a personal loan online, so you can start an application wherever your travels take you.
The process is simple:
- Start your application. Apply online or visit an Advance America store.
- Get a decision. Once you submit your information, you could receive an approval decision within minutes.
- Receive your funds. If approved, you may receive money in your bank account as soon as the same business day.*
When applying, be prepared to provide the requested personal and financial information, which may include a government-issued ID, proof of income, and your bank account number.
Can I qualify for an emergency travel loan with bad credit?
You don't need perfect credit to apply for an Advance America emergency loan. We consider factors beyond your credit score, including your income and employment status, when making approval decisions.
An emergency travel loan may still be an option if a sudden trip or travel disruption catches you off guard and you don't have enough money available. You could qualify with poor, fair, or no established credit, depending on other eligibility factors.
Benefits of emergency loans from Advance America
When unexpected travel throws off your plans, the last thing you need is a stressful loan process. Here’s what you can expect when you apply with Advance America:
- Online applications. Apply online from home, your hotel, the airport — wherever you happen to be.
- Quick decisions. You could receive an approval decision within minutes of applying.
- Fast funding. If approved, your money could reach your bank account as soon as the same business day.*
- Good credit isn't required. We look at more than your credit score, including your income and employment status.
- Multiple loan options. Depending on your state, you may have access to an installment loan, line of credit, cash advance, or other option.
Apply for an emergency travel loan
Canceled flight? Missed connection? A trip home you didn't see coming? Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Apply for a personal loan with Advance America and find out if you qualify for the funds you need to get where you're going.
Emergency travel loan FAQs
Can I use a personal loan for emergency travel for a funeral?
Yes. Losing someone is hard enough without worrying about how to get there. Personal loan funds can generally be used for unexpected expenses, including emergency travel costs like airfare, lodging, and transportation.
Can I apply for an emergency travel loan while I'm away from home?
Yes. Whether you’re across the state or across the country, you don’t have to be near a store to apply. Advance America’s online application is available wherever you are. If you're approved, funds can be deposited directly into your bank account.
How much should I borrow for emergency travel?
Borrow only what you need to cover essentials. Think transportation, lodging, and rebooking costs. Add up those expenses first, then choose an amount you’re comfortable repaying. Available loan amounts and terms vary by state and eligibility.
What if I can't repay my emergency travel loan?
If you're worried about missing a payment, please contact Customer Care or your local store as soon as possible. Available options may depend on your loan type, state, and individual agreement. Waiting until after a payment is missed can make the situation harder to manage, so it's best to reach out early to discuss available options.
Can I pay off my emergency travel loan early?
Yes, paying off your emergency travel loan early is an option — and Advance America does not charge any early prepayment penalties. You can log in to your online account, call Customer Care, or contact the store where you took out the loan to arrange early payoff.
*Online approvals before 10:30 a.m. ET (M-F) are typically funded to your bank account by 5:00 p.m. ET the same day. Approvals after 10:30 a.m. ET are typically funded in the morning on the next business day.
Notice: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Consult your attorney or financial advisor about your financial circumstances.
About the author
Jennifer McKnight is the Senior Content Writer at Advance America, where she turns complicated financial topics into plain, helpful content. She's here to make sure you have what you need to feel informed and confident when it matters most.
