Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser disclosure

How to Get a $300 Cash Advance

Wondering if you can find an app that offers $300 cash advances? We’ve got you covered.

Lacey Stark's headshot

By

Lacey Stark

Edited by

Megan B. Shepherd

Updated

Fact checked

If you find yourself a little short before payday, a cash advance app is typically one of the easiest ways to borrow cash in a hurry. But it can take some time to work up to $300 advances, because most providers start users at smaller amounts. But with a little patience and a positive repayment history, $300 advances could be right around the corner.

How to get a $300 cash advance

Follow these steps to get a $300 cash advance:

  1. Download a cash advance app that offers $300 advances.
  2. Sign up according to the instructions.
  3. Link your checking account with the app.
  4. Wait for the provider to verify your identity and bank account.
  5. Request an advance amount once approved, or some apps may notify you of your advance limit.
  6. Expect funding within a few days, or request an instant transfer for a fee.

5 cash advance apps that offer $300 advances

Cash advance appAdvance amountCostTurnaround timeLaunch date
Chime MyPayUp to $500No membership cost, but you must be a Chime member, $2 instant transfer feeWithin 2 days or instant for a feeAugust 2012
Read review
DaveUp to $500Undisclosed monthly membership feUp to 3 business days or instant for a feeMarch 2017
Go to site
EarnInUp to $750 per pay period, but only $150 per dayNo fee when you link your bank account1 to 3 business days or instant for a feeMay 2014
Go to site
Empower$10 to $300$8 per monthSame day or instant delivery available ($1 to $8 for instant transfer to external bank account)November 2016
Go to site
WiselyDepends on wage and hours workedNo fee, available for qualified membersInstant to Wisely card2002
Go to site

How much does a $300 cash advance cost?

How much a $300 advance costs depends on the provider and if you need the money right away. Some cash advance apps require monthly membership fees, while others are mostly free. Most apps charge fees for instant transfers. However, if you can wait a few days, most transfers are free.

For example, a $300 advance from Chime MyPay costs $302 because Chime has no monthly fee and only charges $2 for transfers of any size. By comparison, a $300 instant advance from Empower costs $317 — the advance amount plus an $8 membership charge and a $9 instant transfer fee.

How long does it take to get a $300 cash advance?

If you’re willing to pay a fee, you may be able to get a $300 advance within minutes. But it could cost you up to about $25, depending on the cash advance provider. If you can wait anywhere from one to five days, almost all cash advance app transfers are free.

But keep in mind that most cash advance providers don’t automatically offer large advances of $300. For the most part, you’ll start with small amounts and work up to $300 advances. Theoretically, it could take up to a few months to get a $300 advance.

Eligibility requirements for a $300 cash advance

Exact requirements to qualify for $300 advances may vary by provider, but the general criteria are the same:

  • Be at least 18 years old and a US resident
  • Have a Social Security number or ITIN
  • Have an active checking account with a positive balance
  • Be employed or have another source of income
  • Have a history of regular deposits from the same source

Pros and cons of cash advances

Cash advances are typically fast and convenient, but there are some drawbacks as well.

Pros

  • Easy approval requirements
  • Fast funding
  • Typically don’t charge interest or late fees
  • Cheaper than credit cards

Cons

  • Some charge mandatory monthly fees
  • Usually have to pay for instant transfers
  • Loan terms are short
  • Advance amounts typically start small

What to watch out for

Keep an eye out for these issues when comparing cash advance apps:

  • Monthly fees. You might have to pay a monthly subscription fee to qualify for advances. If the fee is too high, you might find it’s not worth the money.
  • Instant transfers. Most cash advance providers charge a fee if you need the funds transferred immediately. Depending on the app, this fee could cost an extra $2 to $25.
  • Provider reputation. It’s always a good idea to read reviews or ask for recommendations from friends or family.
  • Additional features. Many of these apps offer much more than just cash advances. Depending on your goals, you may want to consider apps that offer other features, such as savings, investing, budgeting or credit-building tools.

Tips on how to get a $300 advance

It can be difficult to get a $300 advance on your first try, but these few strategies may help to increase your limit.

  • Take out multiple advances. Requesting even small advances and paying them back on time could help to boost your advance limit.
  • Use the app frequently. Besides getting advances, using other features in your app may increase your chances of getting a $300 advance.
  • Sign up for optional products. You might try signing up for a bank account or getting a debit card with your provider if that’s an option.
  • Add to your deposits. If your account shows a higher balance or an increase in qualified deposits, your provider might be more inclined to raise your advance limit to $300.
  • Ask your provider. While it may not work, asking your provider to raise your advance limit couldn’t hurt. The customer service rep may even tell you how to get to $300 advances.

Alternatives to cash advances

Consider these alternatives to cash advance apps:

  • Payday alternative loans (PALs). Some federal credit unions offer small loans at reasonable rates, but you usually need to be a member for at least a month to qualify.
  • Loan from your bank. Your regular bank or credit union may provide small loans or lines of credit to customers in good standing.
  • Personal loans. If you need to borrow more than $300, you may want to apply for a personal loan. Personal loans are typically harder to qualify for than cash advances, and you’ll need a decent credit score to get a good rate, but you’ll have longer to repay it.
  • 0% credit card. If you’re planning to make a specific purchase, a 0% introductory rate credit card can give you free financing for up to a year or more.

Frequently asked questions

How can I borrow $300 fast?

If you’re already approved for advances, you may be able to request a $300 advance and have the funds right away. But you’ll typically have to pay a fee for instant transfers.

If you’ve just downloaded an app, you may not get approved immediately, although some providers claim you can get advances the same day you sign up.

Can I get a $300 cash advance with bad credit?

Yes. Cash advance apps are practically made for people with bad credit and are generally less expensive than payday loans. Usually, all you need to qualify for cash advances is a job, a checking account and a series of regular deposits.

Can I get a $300 cash advance with no credit check?

Yes. Most providers don’t check your credit to approve cash advances. Some providers may do a soft credit check, but that doesn’t impact your credit score.

How can I borrow $300 from Cash App?

Start on the Cash App main screen and select the bank building icon (or this may show your account balance) 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 date and agree to the terms and conditions. Expect the money in your account that day.

Megan B. Shepherd's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Megan B. Shepherd as part of our fact-checking process.
Lacey Stark's headshot
Written by

Writer

Lacey Stark is a freelance personal finance writer for Finder, specializing in banking, loans, investing, estate planning, and more. She has 20 years of experience writing and editing for magazines, newspapers, and online publications. A word nerd from childhood, Lacey officially got her start reporting on live sporting events and moved on to cover topics such as construction, technology, and travel before finding her niche in personal finance. Originally from New England, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver and completed a postgraduate journalism program at Metropolitan State University also in Denver. She currently lives in Chicagoland with her dog Chunk and likes to read and play golf. See full bio

More resources on Finder

More guides on Finder

Ask a question

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Go to site