Best cash advance apps to cover you until payday

Best cash advance apps

Cash advance apps are a convenient way to borrow money before payday. Unlike loans, cash advance apps don’t charge interest. Instead, you pay a monthly fee to use the service, although some apps are free, generally making them cheaper than a loan.

Here are 4 of the best apps to help you make it to payday.

• • Best for building a portfolio: Albert
  • Best for payment flexibility: Brigit
  • Best for smaller cash advances: MoneyLion

Best for building a portfolio: Albert

Best for payment flexibility: Brigit

Best for smaller cash advances: MoneyLion

Methodology: How we chose the best cash advance apps

Our team of loan experts looked at 16+ cash advance apps before narrowing it down to the best eight. We also regularly review and update our selections to make sure our picks are the best in the market and best suited for their categories.

Each app is weighed across 10 key metrics: Borrowing limits, monthly subscription fees, turnaround time, transfer fees, tip requirements, ease of use, state availability, additional financial features, ease of verifying accounts and overdraft protection features. We also consider customer reviews and BBB accreditation.

Pros and cons of cash apps

Compared to payday and installment loans, which can be predatory and charge sky-high interest rates exceeding 700% or more – cash apps are a cheaper alternative to borrowing money. Here are the main pros and cons of using a cash app.

Are cash apps payday lenders?

Cash apps are not payday and installment lenders. Payday lenders and the like are known for charging mega-high rates, often exceeding 700% APR or more. Cash apps never charge interest on what you borrow — and you only borrow against your future earnings, which can help keep you out of a cycle of debt.

How cash advance apps work

Cash advance apps analyze your finances and offer cash advances of varying amounts — anywhere from $20 to $500 and up. How much you can borrow typically depends on a mix of the following factors:

• Direct deposit history
• Minimum bank balance
• Number of hours worked
• Spending habits
• Upcoming bills

How to find the best loan app

Here are six considerations when choosing a cash advance app:

1. Customer reviews. Online reviews on Google Play, the App Store and Trustpilot are great places to get a sense of real-life customer experiences as well as how easy or difficult it is to qualifyfor advances and receive money.
2. Fees. Compare monthly fees, tipping requirements and instant transfer fees. For example, if you do a lot of instant transfers, you’re better off with an app that charges $3.99 per instant transfer versus one that charges $11.99 per transfer.
3. Cash advance limits. Apps vary widely in how much you can borrow, with limits ranging anywhere from $20 to $500 and up. To get higher advance amounts, you need to set up direct deposit and establish a history of regular deposits.
4. Repayment requirements. Most apps automatically deduct what you owe from your next paycheck, but some apps, like Brigit, allow you to change or extend your repayment due date if you need more time. This can be helpful if you’re worried about overdrafts.
5. Employer requirements. Most apps don’t require you to work for a specific employer, but apps like Even, Payactiv, FlexWage and Branch require that your employer supports the app.
6. Security and hacks. While no app provider is 100% secure, most use 256-bit encryption and adhere to PCI DSS standards – the same used by all major banks. But hacks and data breaches can occur on cash advance apps.

Should I use a cash advance app?

You might be a good candidate for a cash advance app if:

• You receive a biweekly paycheck that doesn’t align with your monthly billing cycle.
• You regularly find yourself overdrafting your account and paying hefty fees.
• You’re willing to pay extra for services that can improve your personal finances, such as credit-building programs.
• You rarely need to borrow more than $250 per pay period.
• You currently have bad credit or no credit history.

You want to avoid a cash advance app if you have trouble maintaining a positive bank balance due to overdraft fees. If you’re self-employed and don’t think you’ll be eligible for a cash advance app, read our guide to getting a loan while self-employed. Those who just started a new job or have a job offer, consider your options as a new employee.

What if I can’t pay back my cash app advance?

If you can’t pay back your advance, your bank account will likely be overdrawn, leading to an overdraft fee. However, some apps, like Brigit, may let you change your due date if you foresee being unable to repay on time. You’ll want to stay on top of your bank balance to make sure you don’t end up paying overdraft fees on your cash app loan.

Alternatives to cash advance apps

Cash advance apps can’t help in every situation. If you have irregular paychecks or need to borrow higher amounts, you may want to look into these alternatives:

• Ask your employer for an advance. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, your employer is a logical place to ask for help. If it’s a one-time situation, HR may be willing to help by advancing part of your paycheck.
• Consider a loan from a CDFI. You may be able to get a small-dollar, short-term loan at a lower cost than from a payday lender by going through a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). These are typically local banks or credit unions that serve low-income or rural areas.
• Compare alternative short-term lenders. While more expensive than a personal loan from a bank, providers like LendUp offer short-term loans at a lower cost than payday lenders, with a chance to build your credit.
• Take out a personal loan. If you’re willing to borrow at least $500, check out Monevo to choose the best offer from several lenders that meet your needs.
• Take out a credit card cash advance. If you have enough credit available, you can consider getting cash from an ATM in an emergency. Cash advance rates run high, so have a plan to pay it off sooner than later. Consider a card like the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card that offers a lower than average cash advance rate.
• Get a payday loan — as a last resort. If you’ve exhausted other options, payday lenders can get you cash as soon as the same day. But beware — a typical $375 payday loan comes with $520 in fees, and borrowers can stay in debt for as long as 11 months. Consider OppLoans for lower rates.
• Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) apps. While not a cash advance, BNPL apps let you purchase items you need and pay them off later. Choose from the best BNPL apps for cash-free purchases today.

Need cash right away?

A handful of cash advance apps can get you funds within minutes or 24 hours or allow for instant cash pickup at storefront locations. But not all cash advance apps have an instant turnaround time — it may take up to three business days unless you pay an instant transfer fee. And keep in mind that “instant loans” usually come as a paycheck advance, which means they may only be available to users with a history of regular direct deposits. For example, it may require direct deposits from the same source for 60 days before you’re eligible for advances.