 TITLE: Are Title Loans Worth the Cost? CONTENT: Alternatives to Title Loans\n---------------------------\nTitle loans may seem like an easy way to get the money you need. But with cheaper alternatives available, there's generally no good reason to go this route. Here are just a few other options to consider:\n### Personal Loans\nMany personal loan lenders specialize in working with people who have bad credit. So whether you're looking to finance a large purchase, cover some immediate expenses or consolidate debt, you may still qualify despite having a spotty credit history.\n### Credit Cards\nMost bad-credit credit cards require a security deposit, but not all of them do. Cards like the Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® are designed to help people with bad or no credit build their credit histories without collateral.\nAlso, many retail store credit cards will approve you if you have bad credit, although often their credit limits are low and APRs are high, and some can only be used at the retailer.\n### Credit Card Cash Advance\nIf you already have a credit card and need cash, you may be able to use your card to get a cash advance from an ATM, up to a certain limit.\nWhile cash advances are costly—you'll typically pay an upfront fee and a higher interest rate, and you won't get a grace period—they're much less expensive than a title loan if paid off promptly.\n### Family or Friends\nIf you have a good relationship with a loved one, you could get the assistance you need without dealing with high fees and interest rates.\nAsking for cash from a family member or friend may be an uncomfortable conversation, but as long as you draw up an official contract and pay the money back on time, you won't risk ruining your relationship.\n### Military Assistance\nIf you're a service member or a dependent of one, you may qualify for assistance from a military aid society. Examples include:\n*   Army Emergency Relief\n*   Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society\n*   Air Force Aid Society\n*   Coast Guard Mutual Aid END