In the 1950s and early 60s, before credit cards were common, there were finance companies providing loans of up to a few hundred dollars. They advertised fiercely on the radio, at least in New York, e.g.:

When you're young
You have money to burn;
Later on
You owe more than you earn.
Relax and take heart,
Get a fresh start,
With cash from Seabord.
---
Never borrow money needlessly
But when you must,
Borrow from the oldest company
From those you trust.
Borrow confidently
From HFC.

(HFC--Household Finance Company)