Cash advance apps advances such as EarnIn, Dave, and Brigit allow you to borrow a small portion of your next paycheck ahead of time. If you’re in a pinch for cash, this quick fix might come in handy, but it’s a good idea to look into less expensive options before taking out a loan via a cash advance app.

Summary of cash advance apps

Loan app	Loan amount	Speed without paying a fee	Fast-funding fee	Other fees
Brigit	$50 to $250.	1 to 3 days.	$0.99 to $3.99.	$9.99 or $14.99 monthly subscription fee.
Empower	$10 to $250.	1 day.	$1 to $8.	$8 monthly subscription fee unless you opt out.
EarnIn	Up to $100 per day, $750 per pay period.	1 to 3 days.	$3.99 to $4.99.	None.
Varo	$20 to $500.	Instant.	None.	Advance fee of $1.60 to $40.
Dave	Up to $500.	Up to 3 days.	$3 to $25.	$1 monthly membership fee.
MoneyLion	Up to $500.	1 to 5 days.	$0.49 to $8.99.	None.
SoLo Funds	$20 to $575.	Approval takes up to 3 days.Funding takes minutes.	1.75%.	None.
Klover	$5 to $200.	3 business days.	$1.49 to $20.78.	None.

What to know about cash advance apps

The cost of borrowing through a loan app isn’t stated as an interest rate, in contrast to other borrowing choices like credit cards or personal loans. On the other hand, many apps recommend tipping them, and some may charge subscription or fast-funding fees.

The cost of utilising their products is expressed as an annual percentage rate by lenders and credit card issuers, which takes interest and other possible fees into consideration. The makers of loan apps contend that the annual percentage rate (APR) isn’t an accurate way to convey the cost of their services, but we’ve provided an example of each app’s equivalent APR based on the costs associated with a hypothetical loan amount.

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1. Brigit: Best for budgeting tools

Whenever you need money, the budgeting app Brigit can provide you with up to $250. In contrast to the majority of other cash advance apps, Brigit doesn’t request tips from users. The app’s free plan includes budgeting assistance and financial advice.

You must use one of the app’s premium plans in order to receive the cash advance. All the features of the free plan are included in the Plus plan ($9.99 per month), along with cash advances, overdraft protection, and credit monitoring. All the features of the free and Plus plans are included in the $14.99 Premium plan, along with free express delivery and a credit builder loan. (On the Plus plan, express delivery varies in price from $0.99 to $3.99 per advance).

APR example: Your loan has an annual percentage rate (APR) of 520.9% if you purchase a $9.99 Brigit membership and use the app to obtain a one-time, $100 advance that you must repay in seven days.

Advance amounts	$50 to $250.
Fees	Monthly subscription fee: $9.99 or $14.99.Optional fast-funding fee: $0.99 to $3.99.
Repayment	Withdrawn from your bank account on the date Brigit determines to be your next payday.
Time to fund without express fee	1 to 3 days.
Time to fund with express fee	20 minutes.

2. Empower: Best for fast cash

Empower provides bank accounts, credit lines, cash advances, and tools for creating budgets. Unlike most competitors, Empower advances typically fund in one day, and users can receive their funds in as little as one hour by paying an instant delivery fee.

You can choose how much money from your paychecks to transfer from your checking to your savings account using the app’s automatic savings feature. Alternatively, you can use artificial intelligence to have the app move money from your checking to your savings account based on weekly savings targets that you set.

APR example: Your loan has an APR of 486.7% if you pay $8 to subscribe to Empower, receive a $150 advance that you can repay in seven days, and pay the $6 instant delivery fee.

Advance amounts	$10 to $250.
Fees	Subscription fee: $8 per month, or $0 if you opt out.Optional fast-funding fee: $1 to $8.Optional tip: Up to 20% per advance, capped each calendar year at your eligible advance amount.
Repayment	Withdrawn from your bank account on your predetermined due date.
Time to fund without express fee	One business day.
Time to fund with express fee	Within one hour.

3. EarnIn: Best for large advances

With the help of EarnIn, an app that tracks your work hours and location, you can borrow money from your paycheck. Additionally, the app features a feature that automatically tops off your bank account balance and notifies you when it is about to run low.

APR example: The APR on your advance is 312.3% if you borrow $100 seven days before payday, tip $2, and pay the $3.99 fast-funding fee.

Advance amounts	Up to $100 per day and $750 per pay period.
Fees	Optional fast-funding fee: $3.99 to $4.99.Optional tip: Up to $13 per advance.
Repayment	Withdrawn from your bank account on the date of your next direct deposit.
Time to fund without express fee	1 to 3 business days.
Time to fund with express fee	Within minutes.

4. Varo: Best for existing bank customers

For qualified banking customers, Varo provides instant funding for cash advances up to $500. Despite the company’s promotion of “0% APR” cash advances, each advance has a single, required, and expensive fee. To borrow $500, users had to pay up to $40.

Competitors offering cash advances typically add an optional fast funding fee of a few dollars, and the majority ask for an optional tip. The Varos app does not accept tips, and cash advances are funded immediately.

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APR example: The interest rate on a $200 advance with a $16 fee that is paid back in 15 days is 194.7%.

Advance amounts	$20 to $500.
Fees	Advance fee: $1.60 to $40.
Repayment	Payment is due between 15 and 30 days after borrowing. Borrowers can choose from a list of available repayment dates when they borrow.
Time to fund	Instant.

5. Dave: Best for repayment flexibility

You can borrow a small amount of money through the Dave app to pay for bills in the interim until your next paycheck arrives or to prevent overdrawing your bank account. Dave users must register for an ExtraCash account in order to be eligible for an advance. The app also helps users find side gigs to supplement their income and includes a savings account.

APR example: It will cost you $7 to borrow $100 if you borrow it seven days before your next paycheck arrives, plus a $5 express fee, a $1 monthly subscription fee, and a $1 tip. That loan would have an APR of 365%.

Advance amounts	Up to $500.
Fees	Subscription fee: $1 per month.Optional fast-funding fee: $3 to $25.Optional tip: Up to 25% of the amount borrowed.
Repayment	Withdrawn from your bank account on the date Dave determines to be your next payday or the first Friday after you receive the advance.
Time to fund without express fee	Up to 3 business days.
Time to fund with express fee	Up to an hour.

6. MoneyLion: Best for existing customers

Mobile bank and investment accounts, credit-builder loans, cash advances up to $500, and financial tracking are all provided by the MoneyLion app. Anyone with a qualified checking account is eligible for the Instacash advance. Members of MoneyLion have the quickest funding times and access to bigger advances.

APR example:The APR is 520.9% if you receive a $100 advance that is instantly deposited into an external account for $8.99, tip $1, and pay back the loan over the course of seven days.

Advance amounts	Up to $500, or up to $1,000 for members who use other MoneyLion features. Advances are disbursed in $100 increments.
Fees	Optional membership fee $19.99 per month.Optional fast-funding fee: $0.49 to $8.99 per advance.Optional tip: No maximum.
Repayment fee	Usually withdrawn on the date MoneyLion determines to be your next payday.
Time to fund without express fee	1 to 2 business days for MoneyLion checking account holders.2 to 5 business days for those without a MoneyLion checking account.
Time to fund with express fee	Within minutes.

7. SoLo Funds: Best for peer-to-peer cash advances

Cash advances between peers are offered by SoLo funds. Through the app’s marketplace, users submit loan requests, and lenders—other users—select which users to lend to. Users of the app can select when they want to pay back their fees, which are minimal and mostly optional. It can take up to three days to find out if the loan you requested will be funded, though, which is longer than other apps’ approval and advance processing times.

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APR example: The APR on a $250 advance with a 5% gratuity, a 5% donation to SoLo funds, and a repayment term of 25 days would be 146%.

Advance amounts	$20 to $575.
Fees	Optional tip: Up to 15% of advance amount.Optional donation: Up to 9%.Instant-withdrawal fee: 1.75%.Late fee: 10%.
Repayment	You choose a date and manually repay the advance on that date.
Time to fund	Once a lender accepts your request, funding takes minutes.Loan requests that aren’t funded within three days are removed from the Marketplace.

8. Klover: Best for no-fee advances

Klover gives out two advances of $100: one for those who meet the requirements for a bank account, and another for those who use its points system. To earn points—which can be converted to dollars that users can use as advances or to pay for fees—users must upload receipts, complete quizzes, and watch videos.

Klover may not be for you if data privacy is a concern because it generates revenue by gathering aggregate user data and sharing insights with its partners.

APR example: An APR of 693% will be applied if you receive a $100 advance that is instantly deposited into an external account for $12.29, tip $1, and pay back the loan in seven days.

Advance amounts	$5 to $200.
Fees	Optional fast-funding fee: $1.49 to $20.78.Optional tip: Up to 20% of the amount borrowed.
Repayment	Withdrawn from your bank account on the date Klover determines to be your next payday or seven days from the advance date.
Time to fund without express fee	3 business days.
Time to fund with express fee	Within hours.

Pros and cons of loan apps

Although NerdWallet advises against paying for early access to money you’ve earned, small app fees can add up quickly. These apps can be useful in an emergency, such as when you need to pay for an unexpected trip or auto repair, but according to financial experts, they aren’t long-term, viable solutions.

Examine the benefits and drawbacks prior to utilising a cash advance app.

Pros

Fast cash in an emergency: While some apps have the ability to instantly deposit money into your checking account, they frequently charge an additional fee for this feature.

May be cheaper than an overdraft fee:  Payroll advances are usually less expensive than overdraft fees when given the option. In contrast to bank overdraft fees, which can reach $35, many app fees are less than $10 (without a tip).

No credit check: You can still get an advance even if your credit score is low because cash advance apps don’t check users’ credit. Furthermore, there are usually no credit repercussions if you fail to repay the advance because cash advance apps don’t cooperate with collection agencies or report repayment history to credit bureaus.

Cons

May cause an overdraft fee:  The majority of apps need access to your bank account in order to take out money when it’s due. While some businesses claim to strive to prevent overdrafts, they cannot promise against it. Empower is an exception, as it will reimburse overdraft fees upon request.

Fees add up:  Even though advances are often less expensive than payday loans, additional costs such as subscription fees, fast-funding fees, and tipping can mount up.

May lead to repeat borrowing:If you rely on advances to pay for regular expenses, apps may put you in a debt cycle because they make it simple to borrow money from your next paycheck.

Are cash advance apps payday lenders?

Apps for cash advances are not regarded as payday lenders, and hence are exempt from payday lending laws.

But because they both offer small-dollar loans that are due on your next payday, some consumer advocates view them as barely disguised payday lenders.

Are apps like DailyPay and Payactiv cash advance apps?

Not precisely. As members of the earned wage access sector, DailyPay and Payactiv collaborate with your employer to make a portion of your paycheck accessible prior to payday. Apps for cash advances, such as the ones on this list, function independently of your employer and effectively lend you money before you get paid.

Employers may pay the fees associated with employer-based advances, which are typically less than those associated with cash advance apps. Like cash advance apps, earned wage access companies can take several days to process payments. 

The Financial Health Network’s research indicates that many people who use earned wage access develop the habit of taking early withdrawals from their paychecks, which may make it more difficult to stick to a budget, even though it can be beneficial to cash part of your paycheck early.

Alternatives to cash advance apps

Before deciding to use an app for a loan, weigh all of your options. There might be less expensive options available to you that can improve your credit, finances, or both.

Small personal loans:A small personal loan from an online lender might be available to you. APRs on these loans, which start at $1,000, are below 36%, which is considered by many financial experts to be the maximum rate that can be charged for an affordable loan. Certain online lenders customise their loans for borrowers with poor credit.

Credit union loans: You might be eligible for a small personal loan with an interest rate of no more than 18% if you belong to a credit union. Some credit unions provide $500 personal loans; while they evaluate your credit history to determine your eligibility, they also take into account your status as a member when making the loan decision. Payday alternative loans are small-dollar loans with low interest rates that you repay over a few months to a year; some credit unions offer them.

Buy now, pay later: Apps that allow users to “buy now, pay later,” such as Affirm and Afterpay, divide large purchases, like laptops or mattresses, into smaller payments. The pay-in-four plan, which requires an initial payment of 25% of the total cost and three additional biweekly payments, is the most popular arrangement.

Other ways to make money:Consider finding a way to make extra money rather than taking out a loan. You can take online surveys, become a rideshare driver, or work as a babysitter. Find a side gig you enjoy enough to maintain as a source of additional income, or take on a temporary gig to help pay for an unexpected expense.

Friend and family loans:Although asking for money can be challenging, in certain situations it might be your best course of action. You can obtain the money you require without bureaucracy or financial risk by taking out a loan from a person you can trust, such as a friend or relative. You can even draft a contract that specifies interest rates and terms of repayment.

How to select a cash advance app

Choosing the best cash advance app for you can be challenging with the abundance of options available. While you look for your next cash advance, bear the following features in mind.

Advance maximum

How much money you actually need from the advance to meet your financial goals is one of the most crucial factors to take into account when selecting a cash advance app. Only apps with more substantial advance maximums will be available to you if you require a larger advance. Your options might be more varied for a few dollars.

Fees

Warning: Cash advance apps are all owned by for-profit businesses that must turn a profit. Many of them achieve this, for example, by charging a monthly membership fee to access the cash advance itself or to keep an account with the business. These fees are frequently connected to accounts for savings and spending or to money management tools like budgeting apps.

When selecting a cash advance app, always make sure to read the fine print to understand how much the service will cost you and how much you might be locked into over time.

Additional functionalities

While some people might only need quick cash, others might require a more comprehensive “home base” for their finances, complete with tools for budgeting, tracking expenses, and even investing. You’ll be drawn to certain apps depending on your needs and how many extra features they include. Just be mindful of monthly membership fees once more.

How do cash advance apps work?

With the help of cash advance apps, you can access smaller amounts of money (usually between $10 and $500) prior to your next paycheck. The money is typically taken out of your associated bank account automatically when your next paycheck arrives. Ongoing monthly membership fees or expedited transfer fees, however, might also apply.

When To Use a Cash Advance App

If you require quick cash to cover an emergency expense, like an unanticipated car repair or medical bill, using a cash advance app might make sense. Although it’s frequently less expensive than a payday loan, if you don’t have enough money in your bank account to repay the amount, you risk incurring overdraft fees.

Even though cash advance apps can be useful, they aren’t a good way to pay for regular expenses or other recurring costs because the fees can mount up quickly.

Are cash apps payday lenders?

Cash advance apps are similar to payday lenders in that they lend you money based on your next paycheck, even though they aren’t really lending you money. Even though they might collaborate with banks, many cash advance apps are not officially banks or financial institutions, and advances are not the same as loans.

Cash advance app vs. payday lender

A cash advance is usually more convenient and flexible, making it the best option for unforeseen expenses. Compared to a cash advance, a payday loan typically has higher risk and is much less flexible. Here are a few more noteworthy variations.

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

How do I best use cash advance apps?

If you only need a small amount of money, which you know will be covered by your next paycheck, and if you can find an app that doesn’t charge exorbitant fees for external or expedited transfers, then cash advance apps are the best choice. However, if you’re willing to pay a monthly membership fee and want an all-inclusive money management platform, it might be wiser to start with the platform that best suits your needs and then investigate its cash advance offerings.

Tips for Effective Usage of Cash Advance Apps

In an emergency, using a cash advance app might make sense if you don’t typically have trouble paying your bills. The issue arises when you frequently need to rely on overdraft protection or cash advances. You end up in a debt cycle as a result, and you pay fees.

Prior to using a cash advance app, think about other options like loans from friends and family. Recognise the risks if you do require an overdraft or cash advance. Only proceed if you are certain that you will have enough money on your next payday to pay the balance plus any associated costs.

Reducing your dependency on these apps requires financial optimisation. Use the features that allow your app to track your spending or alert you when your account balance is low to identify areas where you might be overspending. After that, you can focus on those costs or hunt for additional revenue.

Establishing an emergency fund will also assist you in requiring fewer bank loans. Small deposits from your paychecks can be made at first until you accumulate enough money for a few months’ worth of expenses. Just don’t use it for regular expenses that you could pay for with a budget.

Cash advance app star rating methodology

Financial companies that offer cash advance apps have their cash advance products reviewed and rated by Thenumberstory. We gather more than twenty-four data points from every business, confirm the details with business agents, and contrast our app with those of other businesses that target the same clientele or provide a comparable cash advance service. Every year, NerdWallet writers and editors thoroughly research and update the content, and they also make any necessary updates throughout the year.

Four stars is the highest rating that can be given to the cash advance apps that we evaluate. Cash advance apps with user-friendly features, such as caps on optional tips, safeguards against overdraft fees from app withdrawals, low borrowing costs, and an evaluation of the user’s finances prior to granting an advance, receive points from us based on our star ratings. In addition, the system awards points for attributes that a customer looking for an advance would find helpful, like free quick funding, the ability to borrow less than approved, and user reviews.

Apps that offer ways to save money and create a budget are given extra credit; these functions can help stop users from repeatedly borrowing. We evaluate each of these factors to determine which matters most to customers and how they affect their experiences.

Frequently asked questions

Which app gives you a loan instantly?

The majority of cash advance apps guarantee to provide you with money in a few days, or you can pay an additional fee to receive it sooner.

For a fee of $1 to $8, Empower can advance cash in as little as one hour.

EarnIn charges $3.99 or $4.99 for instant advances.

For an express fee ranging from $3 to $25, Dave can deliver an advance in less than an hour.

What app can I borrow $100 from?

The following apps may provide advances of $100 or more:

• EarnIn.
• Dave.
• Brigit.
• Empower.
• MoneyLion.
• SoLo Funds.
• Klover.

What app can I borrow $200 from?

Most apps cap your first advance at $100 or less, and may increase your limit as you build a history of on-time repayments.

These apps offer maximum advances of $200 or more, though you may have to get multiple advances over more than one day to get $200:

• EarnIn.
• Dave.
• Brigit.
• Empower.
• MoneyLion.
• SoLo Funds.

What is the easiest app to get a cash advance?

These days, there are many different cash advance apps available on the market. The majority of them make the process of getting a cash advance as simple as connecting your bank account and entering your demographic data. Few need a credit check in order to be eligible. Delivery schedules differ, though, so it could take a few days for the advance to appear in your bank account unless you pay express transfer delivery costs, which can significantly reduce your advance. It is worthwhile to compare prices to find the best deals.

Which money app gives you money instantly?

Numerous applications, including FloatMe, Empower, Dave, Brigit, Klover, and others, provide immediate access to cash advances deducted from your next paycheck. When your next paycheck arrives, the money will be settled, or reimbursed, from your bank account.

Which app gives you a $1,000 loan?

The maximum amount on none of the cash advance apps that we looked at was $1,000. Users of EarnIn can withdraw a maximum of $750 in cash advances each pay period, with several of the apps having $500 maximums.

Which cash advance apps work with Cash App?

Apps for cash advances are always changing, and new ones are released frequently. Several, like Dave and EarnIn, permit external transfers to bank accounts and via the Cash App.