Do any cash advance apps work with Credit Karma?

If you have a Credit Karma Money Spend checking account and are looking for a cash advance app, you might wonder which apps work with a Credit Karma account. Unfortunately, Credit Karma doesn’t work with external cash advance apps at the moment. However, plenty of cash advance apps work with thousands of banks, credit unions and other financial institutions.

You can still get a cash advance app

Even if you have a Credit Karma checking account, you can still take advantage of cash advance apps, but you’ll need to do a little research to see which one is the right fit. First, you’ll need an eligible bank account, most commonly a checking account. If you already have another account, that will probably work. Or, you may need to open a new checking account to qualify for cash advances. A great place to start is at a local branch bank or credit union in your area.

Many cash advance apps require your account to be open for at least 90 days, although some apps have more laid-back requirements. You may also need to have qualifying direct deposits from your employer, although some apps — like Cleo, Dave and Vola — don’t require direct deposit, making those a good option if you’re self-employed or work in the gig economy.

Most apps have minimum deposit requirements, though — some as low as $150 — so see which ones work for you. Other common requirements to qualify include:

• Being over 18.
• Being a US citizen or permanent resident.
• Linking your external bank account to the app.
• Proof of regular banking activity.

Once your identity and bank activity are verified, you should be good to go. Advance amounts typically start low, and repayments are normally due on your next payday or when your next deposit drops. In most cases, there are no interest charges or late fees.

Cash advance apps to compare

Compare loan amounts, fees and turnaround times to find the cash advance app that best fits your needs.

Alternatives to cash advance apps for Credit Karma customers

If you want to stay with your Credit Karma account or don’t want to download yet another app, here are some alternative forms of quick funding.

• Credit card cash advances. Interest rates on credit card cash advances are higher than for regular purchases, but it’s a hassle-free way to get a fast influx of cash in an emergency.
• Personal loans. If you need a larger loan amount than cash advance apps offer, an online personal loan might be a good option. However, you’ll need a good credit score to qualify for the best rates.
• Payday alternative loans (PALs). Many federal credit unions offer small PALs to members at competitive interest rates and reasonable loan terms. You’ll typically need to be a member for at least 30 days to qualify.
• Secured loans. If you have something of value as collateral — such as a car, boat, home or other valuable — a secured loan may offer better interest rates than unsecured loans.
• Advance from employer. Check if your employer offers cash advances as a benefit to its employees. Even if it doesn’t, some bosses may advance small loans to workers and deduct it from their next paycheck.

Written by

Lacey Stark

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 profile

linkedin