A cash advance can help you out if you’re in a pinch, such as for an unexpected car repair to pay for or if you’ve got a time-sensitive opportunity that can’t wait until payday.
There are many cash advance apps to choose from, all with varying features.
Jason Noble, CFP, financial advisor with Prime Capital Investment Advisors
“With any of these options, it’s important to know what you are getting into before moving forward. Read the fine print, as that is where you will really know what you are buying.”
6 cash advance apps to borrow against your next paycheck
There are many cash advance apps to choose from, so make sure to compare your options before choosing which one to utilize. Consider the app’s fees, cash advance maximum, any interest charged, and other perks the service may feature—like overdraft protection or early access to your full paycheck.
Here are a few popular options:
| Company | Maximum advance limit | Time to fund (without fees) | Monthly subscription fee | See details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoneyLion | $1,000 | One to five business days | None; $1 per month for RoarMoney | View offer |
| EarnIn | $750 | Minutes | None | View offer |
| Dave | $500 | Seconds | $1 | View offer |
| Empower | $250 | Instant | $8 | View offer |
| Brigit | $250 | Seconds | None; $8.99–$14.99 for premium plans | View offer |
| Chime | $200 | Instant | None | Learn more |
| 6 cash advance apps when you need money fast | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoneyLion | View offer | |||
| Maximum advance limit | $1,000 | |||
| Time to fund (without fees) | One to five business days | |||
| Monthly subscription fee | None; $1 per month for RoarMoney | |||
| EarnIn | View offer | |||
| Maximum advance limit | $750 | |||
| Time to fund (without fees) | Minutes | |||
| Monthly subscription fee | None | |||
| Dave | View offer | |||
| Maximum advance limit | $500 | |||
| Time to fund (without fees) | Seconds | |||
| Monthly subscription fee | $1 | |||
| Empower | View offer | |||
| Maximum advance limit | $250 | |||
| Time to fund (without fees) | Instant | |||
| Monthly subscription fee | $8 | |||
| Brigit | View offer | |||
| Maximum advance limit | $250 | |||
| Time to fund (without fees) | Seconds | |||
| Monthly subscription fee | None; $8.99–$14.99 for premium plans | |||
| Chime | Learn more | |||
| Maximum advance limit | $200 | |||
| Time to fund (without fees) | Instant | |||
| Monthly subscription fee | None | |||
MoneyLion
Great for: those who seek a significant no-interest cash advance, as you can borrow up to $1,000 if you use its RoarMoney option.
About
MoneyLion is a consumer finance app with more than 12 million customers. Its products include cash advances, credit-building loans, investments, cryptocurrency, savings accounts, credit cards, refinancing, and banking.| Maximum advance limit: | $1,000 |
| Time to fund: | One to five business days or instant for an additional, optional fee |
| Subscription fees: | None; $1 per month for RoarMoney |
Pros
- Up to $500 in Instacash cash advances, which can be increased to $1000 under certain conditions
- No interest on cash advances, with no mandatory fees for standard delivery
- Automated repayment options
Cons
- Might not work well for those with newer accounts or irregular income patterns
- You can only disburse up to $100 at a time and must make subsequent transfers if you need more
- Some may only qualify for as little as $25
Borrow up to $500 in 1-5 business days without a fee or in minutes with a fee between 49 cents to $8.99 per disbursem*nt, depending on the disbursem*nt amount and whether you’re depositing into a RoarMoney account or an external account.It’s important to note that this fee, called an Instacash Turbo Fee, is optional and does not impact whether you can access Instacash. With a RoarMoney account, you can borrow up to $1,000, depending on income. This type of account has a $1 monthly administrative fee.
Repayment happens automatically via your RoarMoney account, a debit card held at another institution, or an external checking or spending account. If the funds aren’t available when they try to take out your repayment, it will attempt to take smaller amounts and continue to try again until repaid in full.
View offer at MoneyLionWhy we like it
MoneyLion is a mobile banking app that offers features beyond just cash advances. It addresses all areas of personal finance, which can help get to the root cause of one’s financial troubles that might require them to get cash advances in the first place.
These tools include credit building, loans, and investing services. You can also open a bank account, access your full paycheck two days early, track your spending habits, and buy and sell cryptocurrency.
EarnIn
Great for: those who need immediate access to their paycheck. It allows you to get up to $750 before payday.
About
EarnIn is a cash advance app available on both Apple and Android devices. It offers cash advances of up to $750 per pay period and operates on a tip-based platform. Users have the option to add tips on each transaction to support EarnIn’s services.| Maximum advance limit: | $750 |
| Time to fund: | Minutes |
| Subscription fees: | None |
Pros
- No mandatory fees for standard transfers
- 24/7 customer support with a goal to respond in less than a minute to inquiries
- You can reschedule your repayment to your next pay period once every 60 days
Cons
- The average amount users get at sign-up is only $85, as you increase this with a good EarnIn history
- Might not work for those in untraditional work environments
- Maximum allowed per day is $100
EarnIn’s basic services have no fees, although the service’s automatic debits could result in overdraft fees if your pay dates aren’t correct in the system. EarnIn offers several added features, including Lightning Speed transfers, which enable payouts in minutes. The fee for Lightning Speed transfers ranges from $3.99 to $4.99 per transaction, although the first is free.
EarnIn debits your account automatically for the cash advance once you’ve been paid by your employer. You can also pay EarnIn back manually via manual debit or money order.It’s important to understand that EarnIn withdraws funds on your direct deposit date, which does not always coincide with your payday. Many institutions deposit your funds early, but depending on when your employer uploads payroll data, you could be paid later than you normally would. This inconsistency could cause EarnIn funds to withdraw before your paycheck hits your account.
View offer at EarnInWhy we like it
EarnIn has a feature where you can tip yourself between $1–$50 total per day, accumulating up to $2,000 across five tip jars. While it isn’t interest-bearing, this can be used as a way to save money for specific expenses, such as a vacation or a rainy day.
EarnIn offers several added features, including Lightning Speed transfers, which enable payouts in minutes. There is also free credit score monitoring and a warning system called “Balance Shield” that alerts you when your funds are low.
Dave
Great for: those who need budgeting assistance along with the added convenience of small cash advances.
About
Dave—a take on David slaying Goliath (aka large banks)—aims to provide banking services to the commoners. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help underwrite its cash advances and help customers manage their accounts.| Maximum advance limit: | $500 |
| Time to fund: | 5 minutes |
| Subscription fees: | None |
Pros
- It takes minutes to set up
- No late fees
- No interest
Cons
- Its express transfer fees to non-Dave accounts are high
- Its knowledge base is basic compared to its competition
- It has one of the highest requirements for direct deposit amounts among its competition
To transfer to a Dave Spending account, the express fee ranges from $3 to $15 (3% of your advance amount with a $3 minimum), depending on the advance amount. To send the advance to an external account, the express transfer fee ranges from $5 to $25 (5% of the advance amount with a $5 minimum).It’s free to transfer via ACH to a bank account.
The repayment occurs on your next payday or the nearest Friday if it cannot determine your payday.
View offer at DaveWhy we like it
We love Dave’s take on using AI to help underwrite how much a customer qualifies for its cash advance feature (called ExtraCash). It examines more than 180 data points to determine the amount to offer customers. These factors include employment history, income, bank account balance, history with Dave, and the customer’s spending patterns.
Dave also offers a “side hustle” feature, which connects users with local flex jobs that work with their schedule. You can also earn money by taking surveys through Dave.
Empower
Great for: someone who wants a full money management experience.
About
Empower is a fintech company offering a variety of financial products to help customers manage their personal finances. These include cash advances, lines of credit, automatic savings, credit monitoring, and spend tracking.| Maximum advance limit: | $250 |
| Time to fund: | Instant |
| Subscription fees: | $8 per month |
Pros
- No interest
- Instant delivery of advances are fee-free if sent to an Empower debit card
- No late fees
Cons
- Because it uses Plaid, not all customers will qualify
- Your cash advance amount can be lower, based on spending habits
- Cash advances are unavailable to those living in Connecticut
You will pay no fee if your cash advance is sent via ACH to an external bank account or if it is delivered instantly to an Empower debit card. If sent to an external bank account instantly, your delivery fee varies from $1 to $8, depending on the amount of your cash advance. There is also a subscription fee of $8 per month for Empower.
Empower deducts the cash advance amount and fees from your linked bank account on the repayment day.
View offer at EmpowerWhy we like it
Empower addresses your whole financial picture, from spending to credit, through its variety of financial products and services.
Your goal should be to get to a place where you’ll never need a cash advance again, and Empower offers the tools to get you there. Its AutoSave feature helps you determine how much you can save and when and will help you build your savings through automatic transfers to your Empower account.
Brigit
Great for: those who need a quick cash advance as well as tools for financial health, such as its credit monitoring service.
About
Brigit has 4 million users with an average App Store rating of 4.8 stars from 279,000 reviews. It’s also available on the Google Play store and has 4.7 stars from 175,000 reviews.| Maximum advance limit: | $250 |
| Time to fund: | Seconds |
| Subscription fees: | None; $8.99–$14.99 for premium plans |
Pros
- No late fees
- Can bank up to three repayment extensions
- Automatic Advances will advance you Instant Cash if you’re at risk of an overdraft
Cons
- Its advance limit is relatively low compared to the competition
- ATM deposits, paper checks, cash transfers, or irregular pay periods don’t qualify
- You cannot increase your advance amount
Instant Cash is free, but it offers a subscription membership with additional features for $8.99 or $14.99, depending on the features you want.
Your repayment date is set by your pay date, although you can use an extension to select a preferred date instead. You can also pay it early by selecting “make a payment.” All repayments occur using the bank account established during setup.
View offer at BrigitWhy we like it
One of the biggest perks of using Brigit is its Automatic Advances feature, which will monitor your account, and if it sees you’re about to overdraft, it’ll issue an advance. You can still request an advance even if you have this feature turned on as an added safeguard for your account. Keep in mind that you can still only have one advance at a time, including the Automatic Advance.
Chime
Great for: those looking for fee-free overdraft service of up to $200^1.
About
Chime is a fintech company offering banking services such as credit building, checking, and savings accounts. It takes two minutes to sign up for an account and has no fees.| Maximum limit: | $200^1 |
| Time to fund: | Instant |
| Subscription fees: | None |
Pros
- It’s fee-free
- SpotMe® Boosts can increase your limit temporarily by $5^2
- SpotMe® can be used in combination with both the Chime Visa® Debit Card and the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card^3
Cons
- Your SpotMe® limit could be only $20^1
- You must have a checking account through Chime
- It has one of the lowest maximum limits compared to its competitors
There are no fees to use SpotMe®, but you must have a Chime® Checking Account to qualify^1. Additionally, users can tip Chime after repaying the balance.
Chime will automatically withdraw the repayment amount, plus any tips, from the user’s next direct-deposited paycheck. If you deposit money before then, it will be deducted from the amount you deposit.
- ^1 SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account. SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won’t cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe Terms and Conditions.
- ^2 Boosts are available to eligible Chime members enrolled in SpotMe® and are subject to monthly limits.
- ^3 To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime® Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
- ^4 Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.
Why we like it
While Chime isn’t like a traditional cash advance app, it appeals to those who need access to fee-free funds attached to their bank account should they overdraft. The first time you overdraft, you have access to $20 worth of SpotMe funds. Over time, this amount can increase up to $200 based on factors such as your Chime history, how often you’re paid, how much you’re paid, and your spending activity.
What is a cash advance app?
Cash advance apps are tools that can bridge the financial gap between paychecks. You connect your bank account, upload employment and earnings info, and then you can transfer a portion of your upcoming earnings right into your bank account or on a designated debit card.
Andrew Lokenauth, finance professor at the University of San Francisco and founder of Fluent in Finance
“These apps are designed to provide users with access to small amounts of money on a short-term basis, typically until the user’s next payday. One of the main advantages of cash advance apps is their convenience and speed. They can provide users with quick access to cash when they need it, without the need to visit a bank or other lender.”
Cash advance apps can come in handy for consumers dealing with unexpected costs, such as car repairs, or those who need cash fast. They can also be helpful for consumers facing potential penalties when their checking account funds are low.
“You can pay bills on time, and you can avoid overdraft fees,” says Ram Palaniappan, CEO of EarnIn, one of the cash advance apps outlined above. “That’s money that stays in your pockets.”
Cash advance app vs. payday lender
Typically, a cash advance is more flexible and convenient—ideal for short-term needs. A payday loan is often much less flexible and has higher risk than a cash advance. Here are some other key differences.
| Cash advance app | Payday lender | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees and interest | Often has no interest; may have small service fees or optional tips | Typically charges high interest rates and fees |
| Repayment terms | Tied to the timing of your next paycheck or another agreed date; often flexible | Must be repaid by the next payday; can be inflexible and lead to a cycle of debt if extended |
| Loan amounts | Usually small amounts, ranging from $100 to a few hundred dollars, though your first advance is often much smaller | Can range from $100 to $1000 or more |
| Access and convenience | Usually accessed through a mobile app; quick and easy process | Can be accessed online or in-store; may have a more complex application process |
| Credit check | Doesn’t typically involve a credit check | May not require a credit check but can sometimes involve one |
| Financial management tools | Often include budgeting tools, financial insights, and savings features | Rarely offer financial management tools; the focus is on the loan itself |
| Fees and interest | |
|---|---|
| Cash advance app | Often has no interest; may have small service fees or optional tips |
| Payday lender | Typically charges high interest rates and fees |
| Repayment terms | |
| Cash advance app | Tied to the timing of your next paycheck or another agreed date; often flexible |
| Payday lender | Must be repaid by the next payday; can be inflexible and lead to a cycle of debt if extended |
| Loan amounts | |
| Cash advance app | Usually small amounts, ranging from $100 to a few hundred dollars, though your first advance is often much smaller |
| Payday lender | Can range from $100 to $1000 or more |
| Access and convenience | |
| Cash advance app | Usually accessed through a mobile app; quick and easy process |
| Payday lender | Can be accessed online or in-store; may have a more complex application process |
| Credit check | |
| Cash advance app | Doesn’t typically involve a credit check |
| Payday lender | May not require a credit check but can sometimes involve one |
| Financial management tools | |
| Cash advance app | Often include budgeting tools, financial insights, and savings features |
| Payday lender | Rarely offer financial management tools; the focus is on the loan itself |
Pros and cons of cash advance apps
Cash advance apps are a popular means for getting quick access to funds before payday. Here are some things to consider before taking one.
Pros
- Quick access to funds, often within minutes
- Usually has no interest and few, if any, fees
- Often provides other tools and services, such as budget help
- You can usually move a repayment date if it’s a once-in-a-while thing
- No credit checks
Cons
- Compared to other options, the amount you can have advanced is low
- Can get trapped in a cycle of debt if you make a habit of receiving advances
- Relying on cash advances focuses on short-term relief without addressing long-term financial planning and saving
Are cash advance apps safe?
Usually, a cash advance app offers advanced encryption and security measures so your data is protected. Additionally, some even face regulations from financial authorities, depending on whether they’re banks or financial technology (fintech) companies.
Another essential aspect to consider is whether taking a cash advance will further any financial hardship you face. While cash advances are less risky than other methods, such as a payday loan, they aren’t suited for more significant financial issues that require long-term solutions.
Is a cash advance app right for me?
Determining whether a cash advance is right for you requires some self-reflection on your financial habits. Consider these questions:
- How quickly do you need funds, or can it wait until your next paycheck?
- Can you afford to repay the advance without it creating a domino effect with the rest of your budget?
- Have you considered an alternative option, such as cutting back expenses or selling something on Facebook Marketplace?
- Do you understand the fees you might be charged?
- How often do you face cash shortfalls?
- Can you avoid dependency?
- What is your financial health like?
Alternatives to cash advance apps
Cash advance apps aren’t the only choice if you need cash before payday. Here’s a look at some of your other options.
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps
A BNPL app is an attractive option if you have a large purchase to pay for but you don’t want it all to be taken out at once. However, if you get stuck in the cycle of using these to shop, rather than paying for the things you need, you can find yourself in an even worse position than where you started.
Personal loans or credit cards
A personal loan can usually help fund larger purchases, though you’ll be charged interest on this. Additionally, a credit card can help you out in a pinch.
“Someone would use a credit card if they could pay back that debt within a few months,” Noble says. “This is due to the large interest rates usually associated with them.”
Debt relief companies
A debt relief company can negotiate debt on your behalf and come up with a plan to help you pay much less than before. They do this by paying a lump sum to your creditors based on money you accumulate in a separate savings account while they do the negotiating. During this time, you’re not paying those creditors, so your credit score will tank in the short term. If you take this route, it’s important to address your financial habits so you don’t find yourself in a similar position years down the road.
Credit repair companies
While a credit repair company doesn’t lend money, it does help fix your credit by reporting inaccuracies on your credit report. In turn, this can help you qualify for less expensive funding options.
The takeaway
Cash advance apps let you access a portion of your paycheck early and may be a good option on occasion. As Lokenauth explains, however, “These should not be used as a long-term financial solution.”
Using cash advances often may indicate a deeper financial issue, so if you find yourself needing help regularly, consider working with a credit counselor or budgeting professional for help. Building up an emergency fund can also help you better handle a financial emergency should one arise.
Frequently asked questions
What app will let you borrow money instantly?
EarnIn, Brigit, Chime, Dave, Empower, and MoneyLion all have options to receive instant access to a cash advance. However, there typically is a small fee associated with this, often 1% to 5% of the transaction. Usually, you can save that fee if you’re willing to wait up to an hour for a normal deposit.
How do I borrow $100 instantly?
EarnIn, Brigit, Chime, Dave, Empower, and MoneyLion all have options to receive instant access to a $100 cash advance. The amount you’re able to advance depends on many factors, such as spending habits, employment history, and income stability.
Can you borrow money from Venmo?
No, Venmo doesn’t have an option for borrowing.
About the author
Katherine Haan is a freelance contributor to Fortune Recommends and a former financial advisor turned small business coach. An international bestselling author, Katherine holds an MBA and is a former staff writer for Fit Small Business. She has served as the president of the Waverly JAYCEES, and as chairperson of the board for two years. She is a regular contributor to Forbes and maintains a popular lifestyle and travel blog. Katherine has written eight novels and frequently shares her expertise in various publications.
