The key is to join now, before you're desperate for cash to cover an unexpected car repair or emergency room bill.

Once you're a member you can get a lot of benefits, not the least of which is a low-interest personal loan.

If you open a checking account and have your paychecks deposited directly into your account, many credit unions allow you to fill out an application for a personal loan ahead of time and leave it on file. Should an emergency arise, call your credit union and you'll likely have cash in hand within hours -- not days.

Just click here to find a credit union near you.

If that doesn't work for you, here are other ways to get emergency cash without resorting to high-interest payday loans or even worse, auto title loans.