Top 10 Cash Advance Apps – Quick Money with No Hassle!
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If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, even small additional expenses can upend your budget. While it’s always a good idea to have a robust emergency fund for such costs, sometimes it’s necessary to borrow money to make ends meet until your next payday.
Some apps and tools can help you budget your money, receive your paycheck faster, and even borrow small sums to tide you over until you get paid.
In this article
Overview of the best cash advance apps
- Best for small amounts: Dave
- Best for low fees: Earnin
- Best for flexible options: MoneyLion
- Best for fast funding: Brigit
- Best for overdraft protection: Chime
- Best for employees of large companies: DailyPay
- Best for B-corp certified: PayActiv
- Best for Varo customers: Varo
- Best for cash back: Empower Thrive
- Best for quick cash access: Current cash advance
- Access up to $750 per pay period
- No interest, mandatory fees, or credit checks
- Over 15 million downloads and counting
Compare the best cash advance apps
App | Cost | Funding Time | Best For |
$1/month | 8 hours to 3 days | Small amounts | |
Free; optional tips | 1 to 2 business days | Low fees | |
$1/month | 2 to 5 business days | Flexible options | |
$8.99/month | Instantly to 3 business days | Fast funding | |
5% of the transaction or $10, whichever is greater | Instantly to 3 business days | Overdraft protection | |
Free | Instant to 1 business day | Employees of large employers | |
Free if you direct deposit your paycheck; $1 fee if you don't | Instant to 48 hours | B-corp certified | |
$0-$40 | Instant | Varo customers | |
$8/month | Same day | Cash back, fast access | |
Free (with possible nominal fee for expedited processing) | Instant | Quick cash access |
Best for small amounts: Dave
Pros & cons
Pros
- Fee free cash advances.
- Multiple budgeting features.
- Excellent customer service.
Cons
- Monthly membership fee of $1.
- Online only account.
- The cash advance amount is limited to $500.
Cash advance limit: Up to $500
Dave is a good option if you’re caught in a tight place financially and need some extra cash to get you to payday. Customers can receive a small, interest-free advance on their next paycheck with no credit check required. A cash advance from Dave can help you to prevent overdraft fees and stay on track financially. Customers who have an account with Dave can borrow $5 to $500, while customers without an account can borrow $5 to $100.
Receiving your cash advance from Dave can take one to three days. However, depending on the loan amount, customers can pay between $3 and $15 to receive funds within eight hours. Dave charges an optional $1 monthly subscription fee and allows users to leave a tip of up to 20% of the borrowed amount. Customers can opt out of these additional costs if they choose.
In addition to providing cash advances, Dave also features several other tools to help manage money easier. This includes building your credit history by reporting on-time rent payments, credit monitoring, budgeting tools, and the ability to search for side hustles in the app.
While most cash advance apps automatically deduct the amount when your paycheck hits, Dave allows you to change the repayment date.
Visit Dave
Or read Joywallet's review of .
Best for low fees: Earnin
Pros & cons
Pros
- Quick funding.
- No fees.
- No interest.
Cons
- Additional cost if you want the money faster.
- Cash advance limited up to$100 per day.
Cash advance limit: Up to $750
Ever wanted to receive your paycheck as soon as you earn it, rather than waiting two weeks for a paycheck? Earnin makes it simple to access your earnings when you need them. Users can get $100 to $750 from their paycheck per pay period.
Earnin is free to use, but it features optional overdraft protection, which costs $1.50 per month, and the option to leave a tip of up to $14. That said, users aren’t obligated to give Earnin any extra money. Funds are dispatched in one or two business days, but you can sign up for the Lightning Speed feature to get your money faster.
The app also features automatic low-balance alerts that notify you when your balance is low. Its Balance Shield Cash Out feature allows customers to use a portion of their upcoming paycheck to cover any potential overdrafts.
When users save money in their Earnin account, they can also win prizes through Earnin’s WeWin program. Plus, users can gain access to their paycheck up to two days faster, so you can access your hard-earned cash when you need it.
- Access up to $750 per pay period
- No interest, mandatory fees, or credit checks
- Over 15 million downloads and counting
Best for flexible options: MoneyLion
Pros & cons
Pros
- Instant delivery if you choose to have the money deposited in your MoneyLion account.
- No credit check.
Cons
- Service available at a cost.
- Not available in all states.
Cash advance limit: Up to $500
MoneyLion is a finance app with several features, including getting your paycheck up to two days early. MoneyLion also offers mobile banking, investing, personal loans, and more services.
The app’s Instacash Advance feature allows users with a MoneyLion checking account to access cash advances of up to $500 with no interest. A $1 monthly fee to use this service is required, and no credit check is required. Users without an account can only get $25.
Standard delivery is free, but MoneyLion checking account users can also pay a $3.99 fee to have the funds delivered faster. Users without an account will have to pay $5.99 for instant delivery. If you don't pay to get your funds faster, you'll receive the money in 12 to 48 hours for MoneyLion checking account users. The wait time for users without an account is three to five business days.
If you switch your deposit account to a RoarMoney account from MoneyLion, you can access up to $500 in cash advances. If you’re looking for a bank account that supports your savings goals, Moneylion also offers a mobile banking app with few fees and tools that help you manage your spending and savings.
You'll be charged a late fee if you fail to repay the money for over five days.
Visit MoneyLion
Or read Joywallet's review of MoneyLion.
Best for fast funding: Brigit
Pros & cons
Pros
- Quick transfer.
- Low fees for express transfer.
- No credit check.
Cons
- Smaller advance.
- Monthly subscription fees.
- Free transfers can take upto 3 days.
Cash advance limit: Up to $250
If you’re looking to build better financial habits, Brigit is an option worth considering. The app allows customers to get up to $250 in instant cash before a future paycheck. Customers can also use Brigit’s Credit Builder to raise their credit scores, analyze their spending behaviors, and even look for jobs.
Brigit’s free plan allows you to look for jobs, analyze your finances, and access the app’s content library. But to access higher-tier features, like cash advances, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid plan, which charges a membership fee of $8.99 monthly if you request an advance before 10 a.m. ET, you'll get your money the same day.
Brigit also features overdraft protection, allowing users to use Auto Advances to send money to their bank account to avoid overdraft fees. The app also analyzes your spending and provides personalized insights into your financial life.
Advances are automatically repaid to Brigit at your paycheck, but the repayment date can be extended on certain occasions.
While Brigit has plenty of handy features, it’s notably more expensive. You can get a better deal elsewhere if you’re solely looking for a cash advance. But if you’re looking for multifaceted budgeting tools and don’t mind paying $8.99 monthly, Brigit has many perks to recommend.
Visit Brigit
Or read Joywallet's review of Brigit.
Best for overdraft protection: Chime
Pros & cons
Pros
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early.
- Limited fees.
Cons
- No physical locations.
Cash advance limit: Up to $200
Chime is best known for its no-fee online . They allow customers to receive their paycheck up to two days early with their Chime Spending Account and use up to $200 against future wages to cover overdrafts with their SpotMe program. You start at $20, and your limits increase based on your account activity.
If you’re on a tight budget and worried about overdraft fees, the SpotMe program from Chime could save you money. The lender will “spot” users up to $200 if they overdraft their account. This money is then repaid whenever you receive your extra deposit. SpotMe is free to use if you have a Chime account, and customers can also access their paycheck two days earlier than usual. However, the app does give customers the option to leave a tip when using SpotMe.
As for your account going negative, Chime says that can happen only up to your approved amount, and if you make a purchase that puts you below that amount, the purchase will be declined.
Chime also has many other great features, including a fee-free spending account, a secured credit card for borrowers looking to build credit, and a fee-free high-yield savings account. Overall, Chime is an excellent example of an online bank with low fees that can also help you gain a little faster access to your paycheck.
Visit Chime
Or read Joywallet's review of .
- Payday is just one tap away. Get instant access to your paycheck in advance for a fee, or get it within 3 business days for free.
- Unlimited access. Advance as much as you qualify for, as often as you need.
- No credit checks. There are no credit checks required to qualify for Paycheck Advance, and we don't report your withdrawals or repayments.
Best for employees of large companies: DailyPay
Pros & cons
Pros
- Receive the earned income immediately.
- Improves employee retention and productivity.
Cons
- The fees can add up if cash is requested everyday.
Cash advance limit: Up to 100% of earned pay
Unlike other apps, DailyPay focuses on large corporations' employees. The app partners with employers like Kroger, Dollar Tree, and McDonald’s to give employees faster access to their paychecks.
Employees can instantly access up to 100% of earned pay with the app’s PAY feature immediately or the next day. They can also save money for short- and long-term goals when they receive their paycheck.
DailyPay is free for employees, although employers pay to use the service. The service targets employers looking to give their employees increased flexibility and access to their wages. However, the app also targets companies whose low-wage employees may especially need cash advances.
You will be charged a $1.99 fee for cash advances that will be deposited the following business day. You can also pay $2.99 to get your advance instantly.
Visit DailyPay
Or read Joywallet's review of DailyPay.
Get cash – with no credit check or late fees
- Approval in minutes.
- No credit check.
- No late fees.
- Avoid overdrafts and worry less
With Express Delivery, you can get your cash in minutes, for a small fee. If you’re not in a rush, you’ll get it in 2-3 business days and it’s always free.
Best for B-Corp certified: PayActiv
Pros & cons
Pros
- Gives early access to the paycheck.
- Easily send money to friends.
Cons
- Only gives access up to $200 in advance every payday.
- Fees apply for instant transfer.
Cash advance limit: Up to 100% of earned pay
PayActiv is another app that allows users to access their paychecks early. Rather than waiting until payday, users whose employers offer Payactiv can access a portion of their current earnings. How much users can access depends on several factors, including their income and their employer’s settings.
Because this app is only available for employees of participating employers, it’s not the best fit for employees whose employers don’t yet offer Payactiv. However, there are a few other benefits for customers, regardless of their employer.
For instance, the PayActiv card allows users to receive their paychecks up to two days in advance. In addition, you can pay bills directly from the app, transfer money, view saving and spending patterns, and plan for the future.
For users whose employers work with PayActiv, the app also provides company-wide notifications, the ability to check for open shifts, and the opportunity to contact team members and employers directly.
In addition to getting your advance via your PayActiv card, you can also get it in your bank account or pick it up in cash at a Walmart. These two options come with a $1.99 processing fee.
Visit PayActiv
Or read Joywallet's review of PayActiv.
Best for Varo customers: Varo
Pros & cons
Pros
- No interest.
- Quick transfer.
Cons
- Only for existing Varo bank customers.
- Fees apply for transfers.
Cash advance limit: Up to $500
Varo is best known for its high-interest savings account and fee-free online banking. For existing customers, they also feature Varo Advance. This cash advance comes with no interest, and customers can borrow up to $500 against a future paycheck.
Cardholders can access anywhere from $20 to $100 with Varo Advance. It’s free to borrow $20, but fees range from $4 to $40 for $50 and up. Qualifying customers must have a bank account with Varo that is at least 30 days old. You must also have at least $800 in direct deposits to one of your Varo accounts.
Varo allows you to set up an automatic repayment due date for the cash advance 15 to 30 days after receiving your funds. In addition to Varo Advance, Varo allows account holders to access their paychecks up to two days earlier than usual.
Varo is a great option if you’re looking for a robust online bank account with a cash advance. They also feature high-yield savings accounts with a rate of up to 3.00% APY. Varo also comes with perks like cash back from select retailers.
Visit Varo
Or read Joywallet's review of .
Best for cash back: Empower Thrive
Pros & cons
Pros
- No interest.
- No late fees.
- Cashback rewards.
Cons
- Monthly fees.
- Fees applicable for instant transfer.
- Cash advance limited up to $300.
Cash advance limit: Up to $300
Empower Thrive is designed to provide financial flexibility for users who need quick access to their earnings. With Empower Thrive, users can receive a cash advance of up to $300, making it a viable option if you're short on funds before your next paycheck. The app is available for an $8 monthly subscription fee and allows users to get their paycheck up to two days faster than traditional banking methods. The amount available for advance varies based on the user’s income, account balance, and how long their account has been active.
Unlike some competitors, Empower Thrive does not charge a late fee if you miss a repayment. Users can receive their advance without any additional costs to their Empower account or a small fee if opting for transfer to an external bank account. The app also provides financial management tools and cash-back rewards, enhancing its appeal for those looking to manage their finances better. Empower Thrive's accessibility is limited to mobile users, so a smartphone is required to use the service.
Visit Empower Thrive
Or read Joywallet's review of Empower Thrive.
Best for quick cash access: Current Cash Advance
Pros & cons
Pros
- No fees.
- No interest.
- Also offers a debit card and credit card.
Cons
- Limits the cash advance amount to $500.
- Charges a fee for instant transfer.
- Need direct deposits from your employer of at least $500 a month for a paycheck advance.
Cash advance limit: Up to $500
Current Cash Advance offers a streamlined approach for users needing immediate financial relief. With Current Cash Advance, users can access up to $500 in advance against their next paycheck. The app is particularly user-friendly, integrating directly with your existing banking information to offer a seamless borrowing experience. Current Cash Advance is free to use, although there may be a nominal fee for expedited processing.
Current Cash Advance allows you to manage your finances more effectively with instant access to cash when needed. The app is designed for ease of use and provides quick processing times for users requiring funds urgently. Unlike some apps, Current Cash Advance does not require a credit check, making it accessible to a wider range of users. It’s an excellent choice if you need a small cash advance to cover unexpected expenses before your next payday.
Visit Current Cash Advance
Or read Joywallet's review of Current Cash Advance.
- Access up to $750 per pay period
- No interest, mandatory fees, or credit checks
- Over 15 million downloads and counting
What is a Cash Advance App?
Cash advance apps allow you to borrow money from your paycheck before actually getting it. By connecting your bank account to a cash advance app, these companies, using proof of past paychecks as evidence, know your funds are coming in and help you borrow from yourself if you cannot wait until payday. Most allow you to access just a couple hundred dollars to help you get by, but some will even advance you 100% of your earned paycheck. Once you receive your paycheck, the company returns its loan directly from your direct deposit.
The catch? You'll pay a fee to get your funds in advance. Still, when you're shy of payday and need gas money or to pay a bill, the fees can be worth it.
Why you should (or shouldn’t) use a cash advance app
A cash advance app is only a good choice if you’re short on cash and have poor credit. Suppose you cannot access credit cards, personal loans, or other similar financial products. In that case, a cash advance from one of these apps is a much more favorable alternative to a short-term loan like a payday or title loan. Some cash advances also come attached to online bank accounts, so customers can automatically take advantage of them without paying extra fees.
That said, other options are available if you have good credit and need help funding an emergency expense. Sometimes, paying for an expense with a credit card or a personal loan may be less expensive. Cash advance amounts are also typically under $500, so a higher personal loan amount might better fit borrowers with big expenses.
One thing to note: Getting ahead can feel tricky if you're living paycheck to paycheck. It's important to start putting money aside, even if it's just $10 per paycheck, so begin building an emergency fund; you no longer need to turn to these apps for support. The fees you pay could instead be used toward your savings goals.
FAQs
What is a cash advance app?
Also sometimes known as a paycheck advance, a cash advance app allows borrowers to access money in advance of a paycheck. It’s typically a better alternative to payday lenders for borrowers facing an emergency financial situation or who live from paycheck to paycheck and need access to quick cash.
How can I access money in an emergency?
Because of their generally low cost, cash advance apps are a viable way to access cash during an emergency. Whether you have an unexpected car repair, medical bill, or just need help to make ends meet, a cash advance from one of these apps can help to tide you over until payday. Other options for borrowing during a financial emergency include payday alternative loans from a credit union and putting expenses on a credit card.
How much does a cash advance from an app cost?
Some cash advances are free, but others charge fees. While these fees are generally small, they account for a sizable APR, especially when compared with other financial products, like credit cards or personal loans.
Get cash – with no credit check or late fees
- Approval in minutes.
- No credit check.
- No late fees.
- Avoid overdrafts and worry less
With Express Delivery, you can get your cash in minutes, for a small fee. If you’re not in a rush, you’ll get it in 2-3 business days and it’s always free.
The bottom line
If you’re still a week or two from payday and need access to cash fast, a cash advance from a cash advance app allows you to borrow against your future paycheck to cover current expenses. While this can be a welcome lifeline when you’re in a tight financial spot, you should avoid relying on cash advances when possible. If you continually use cash advances to cover expenses, you may get stuck in a cycle of borrowing from yourself only to need that money down the line. If possible, you should work to build up a financial safety net to have funds to spare in case of an emergency.
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Writer
Margaret Wack covers personal finance and small business and has appeared on MoneyUnder30, The Simple Dollar and Interest.com.
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