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.
Follow these steps to get a $250 cash advance:
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.
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 | |
| 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. | |
| 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 | |
| Cleo | Up to $250 | As low as $5.99 to use the app | 3 to 4 days or instant for a fee. | |
| Dave | Up to $500 | Undisclosed monthly membership fe | Up to 3 business days or instant for a fee | |
| 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 | |
| Empower | $10 to $300 | $8 per month | Same day or instant delivery available ($1 to $8 for instant transfer to external bank account) | |
| Wisely | Depends on wage and hours worked | No fee, available for qualified members | Instant to Wisely card |
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.
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.
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.
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.
Be sure to consider the advantages and drawbacks of cash advance apps before you sign up.
Here are a few things to think about when comparing cash advance apps:
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.
If a cash advance app isn’t right for you, consider these alternatives:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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