How to Get a $250 Cash Advance

Cash advance apps can be a great way to tide you over until your next payday or cover you in an emergency. But initial advances are typically small, and it may take time to become eligible for $250 advances. Be sure to compare monthly subscription fees and charges for instant transfers to avoid paying too much for the convenience of easy access to cash.

How to get a $250 cash advance

Follow these steps to get a $250 cash advance:

1. Download an app that offers $250 advances.
2. Follow the instructions to sign up.
3. Link your bank account to the app.
4. Wait while the provider verifies your details.
5. Request an advance amount.
6. Get funded within a few days or pay a fee for an instant transfer.

Some cash advance providers may require you to sign up for their bank account or debit card to qualify for advances. And keep in mind that you probably won’t get the full $250 with your first advance — it usually takes some time and positive history to reach higher advance amounts.

8 cash advance apps that offer $250 advances

Compare these cash advance apps that offer $250 advances, paying special attention to fees the providers charge.

Cash advance app	Advance amount	Cost	Turnaround time
Albert	$25 to $250	$14.99 per month	Instant	Go to site Read review
Brigit	$50 to $250	$8.99 per month to use the app, free requested through email	2 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee.	Go to site Read review
Chime MyPay	Up to $500	No membership cost, but you must be a Chime member, $2 instant transfer fees	Within 2 days or instant for a fee	Read review
Cleo	Up to $250	As low as $5.99 to use the app	3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.	Go to site Read review
Dave	Up to $500	Undisclosed monthly membership fe	Up to 3 business days or instant for a fee	Go to site Read review
EarnIn	Up to $750 per pay period, but only $150 per day	No fee when you link your bank account	1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee	Go to site Read review
Empower	$10 to $300	$8 per month	Same day or instant delivery available ($1 to $8 for instant transfer to external bank account)	Go to site
Wisely	Depends on wage and hours worked	No fee, available for qualified members	Instant to Wisely card	Go to site

How much does a $250 cash advance cost?

Typical costs for $250 cash advances include mandatory monthly membership fees and voluntary charges for instant transfer fees. However, some cash advance apps are mostly free. And there are usually no interest or late fees, so it’s fairly easy to calculate the total cost.

For example, if you use an app like Chime MyPay — which doesn’t have monthly fees and only charges $2 for fast transfers — a $250 loan with instant transfer will only cost you a total of $252.

Some apps charge monthly fees up to about $20 and graduated instant transfer fees that can reach as high as $25 or more, which significantly adds to the cost of a $250 cash advance.

How long does it take to get a $250 advance?

You shouldn’t expect a $250 advance on your first try. It typically takes multiple advance requests and a positive repayment history to reach higher advance amounts. However, if you’re approved for a $250 advance, you can usually get it within minutes if you pay the instant transfer fee.

If you aren’t in a hurry for the money, most apps have a free transfer option. The exact time varies by lender but might take anywhere from several hours to one to five business days.

Eligibility requirements for a $250 cash advance

Requirements to qualify for cash advances are basically the same for most providers, although they may have varying income or deposit minimums you’ll need to meet.

• Be at least 18 and a US resident
• Have a valid Social Security number (or ITIN in some cases)
• Have a job or other regular source of income
• Have a valid checking account with a positive balance
• Have a history of consistent deposits from the same source

Many cash advance providers also require you to get paid by direct deposit, but there are a few apps that don’t require direct deposit to qualify.

Pros and cons of cash advances

Be sure to consider the advantages and drawbacks of cash advance apps before you sign up.

What to watch out for

Here are a few things to think about when comparing cash advance apps:

• Monthly fees. Some cash advance providers require you to pay for a monthly membership to qualify for advances. You might find the fee not worth it if you rarely need an advance or don’t use the app’s other features.
• Fast transfers. Most cash advance providers charge a fee for instant transfers. If you can’t wait a couple of days for the cash, you could pay up to $10 or more for a $250 advance.
• Advance amounts. A lot of cash advance apps top out at $200 or $250, but you may want to consider if you want an app that offers up to $500 or more.
• Provider reputation. To help you make a more informed decision, It’s never a bad idea to read reviews to find out how other users feel about an app.

Tips on how to get $250 cash advances

It’s pretty tough to get a $250 advance on your first try. However, there are a few strategies that may help to increase your limit.

• Take advances. Taking out even small advances and paying them back on time or early should help to grow your advance limit.
• Use the app more frequently. Regularly using other features in your app — aside from getting advances — could boost your chances of getting a $250 advance.
• Sign up for optional products. You could try signing up for a bank account or getting a debit card with your provider, if available.
• Increase your deposits. Showing a higher balance or increasing qualified deposits in your account may encourage your provider to raise your advance limit.
• Ask your provider. Some cash advance providers might respond to requests to increase your advance limit if you’re in good standing. Or a customer service rep might give you advice on how to get a $250 advance.

Alternatives to cash advance apps

If a cash advance app isn’t right for you, consider these alternatives:

• Payday alternative loans (PALs). Some federal credit unions offer loans from $200 to $1,000 at competitive rates, but you’ll typically need to be a member for at least a month to qualify.
• Personal loans. If you want to borrow more than $250 or want a longer loan term, you may want to consider a personal loan instead. But personal loans are harder to qualify for than cash advances, and you’ll need a good credit score to get the best rates.
• 0% credit card. If you don’t need cash, you could apply for a card with a 0% introductory rate and pay zero interest for up to a year or more, but there is a credit check.
• Loan from your bank. Your regular bank or credit union may offer small loans or lines of credit to customers in good standing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a $250 cash advance with bad credit?

Yes. Cash advance apps are perfect for people with bad credit and provide a less expensive alternative to payday loans. In general, all you need to qualify for cash advances is a job or other source of income, a bank account and a history of regular deposits.

How can I borrow $250 instantly?

If you’re already approved for advances, you may be able to request a $250 advance and have the funds right away. But you’ll typically have to pay a fee for instant transfers.

If you’re just signing up with an app, it could take a day or two to get verified and approved — although some providers claim you can get advances the same day.

Can I get a $250 cash advance with no credit check?

Yes. Most cash advance providers don’t check your credit as part of the approval process. Some providers may conduct a soft credit check, but that won’t affect your score.

How do I borrow $250 from Cash App?

Start on the Cash App main screen and select the bank building icon in the lower left corner. Scroll down to “More ways to add money.” If you don’t see the Borrow option, you aren’t eligible to borrow money from Cash App yet.

If you are eligible, select Borrow to unlock this feature, and it should display the amount you qualify for. You can then select an advance amount, pick a repayment term and agree to the terms and conditions. Expect the money in your account that day.