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Which Loan Type Fits Your Amount?

Page last reviewed: March 10, 2026 · Reviewed for accuracy by LendUp

Find the Right Loan for $100 to $5,000

The amount you need determines which loan types you'll be offered, how repayment works, and what it'll cost. Pick the range closest to what you need.

Payday

$100 – $500

Usually a payday loan (single repayment)

Covers emergency bills, car repairs, and short gaps between paychecks. You borrow once, repay in full - typically within 2 to 4 weeks. Fees are a flat charge per $100 borrowed; your state sets the cap.

Varies by state

$500 – $1,000

Payday or small installment loan (varies by state)

At this range, some states still allow a single-repayment payday loan while others require scheduled payments through an installment loan. The product you're offered depends on your state's rules, so costs and repayment terms can look quite different at the same dollar amount.

Installment

$1,000 – $5,000

Installment loan (scheduled monthly payments)

Covers larger expenses - medical bills, major repairs, moving costs. You repay over months with a fixed payment schedule. Interest is charged on what you still owe, so the total cost depends on the rate cap in your state and how long you take to pay.

Not every amount is available in every state or from every lender. Exact loan limits, fee caps, and available products vary by state. Find your state's rules for the specific numbers that apply to your offer.
Not sure borrowing is the right move? See lower-cost alternatives before you apply.