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Best Instant Cash Advance Apps

Quick cash without the wait — compare the best apps for instant access to funds.

Instant cash advance apps can be a lifesaver when you need quick access to funds before your next paycheck. With so many apps available, it can be hard to know which ones to trust. We’ve evaluated the options and listed our top picks to help you find the one that best meets your needs.

Name Product USFSL Filter Values Loan amount Turnaround time Requirements
Cleo
Finder Score: 4.1 / 5: ★★★★★
Cleo
Up to $250
3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.
Not stated
Automatically monitor your spending plus access cash advances up to $100 at a time.
EarnIn
Finder Score: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
EarnIn
Up to $750 per pay period, but only $150 per day
1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Direct deposit sent to a checking account, a regular pay schedule, a fixed work location or an online timekeeping system at work
No mandatory fees, no interest and no credit checks. Subject to EarnIn terms & conditions.
OppLoans Installment Loans
Finder Score: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
OppLoans Installment Loans
$500 to $4,000
As soon as the same business day
+18 years old, Receive paychecks through direct deposit, $1,500 minimum monthly income, Live in eligible state
Not available in: CO, CT, GA, IA, MD, MA, NY, SD, VT, WA, WV. Comes with the option to change your due date so you won’t fall behind on repayments.
Dave ExtraCash
Finder Score: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
Dave ExtraCash
Up to $500
Up to 3 business days or instant for a fee
At least two direct deposit paychecks to your bank account from your employer, extra money in your bank account
Borrow up to $100 to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
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Best instant cash advance apps

  • Best for overdraft protection: Albert
  • Best for flexible repayment: Cleo
  • Best for online banking: Dave
  • Best for no membership fee: EarnIn
  • Best all-in-one app: MoneyLion
  • Best for larger cash advances: Beem
  • Best for ATM withdrawal: Go2Bank

Best for Overdraft Protection

Albert

4.4
★★★★★

Finder score

Go to site Read review
Loan amount$25 - $250
Turnaround timeInstant
Costs$14.99 monthly subscription to access overdraft protection
  • Available in all states

Best for flexible repayment

Cleo

4.1
★★★★★

Finder score

Go to site Read review
Loan amount$20 - $250
Turnaround time3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.
Costs$5.99 monthly membership fee to access cash advances
  • Available in all states

Best for online banking

Dave ExtraCash

4.2
★★★★★

Finder score

Go to site Read review
Loan amountUp to $500
Turnaround timeUp to 3 business days or instant for a fee
CostsUndisclosed
  • Available in all states

Best for no membership fee

EarnIn

4.7
★★★★★

Finder score

Go to site Read review
Loan amountUp to $750
Turnaround time1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee
CostsFree to use or instant with a fee as low as $3.99.
  • Not available in: Connecticut

Best all-in-one app

MoneyLion Instacash advances

4.5
★★★★★

Finder score

Go to site Read review
Loan amount$50 - $500
Turnaround timeUp to 5 days or instant for a fee of $0.49 to $8.99
Costs$19.99 monthly fee if you have a Plus membership
  • Available in: Alabama, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Best for larger cash advances

Beem

Loan amount$5 - $1,000
Turnaround timeWithin 3 days or instant for a fee of $2 to $4
Costs$0.99 to $12.97 per month

Best for ATM withdrawals

GO2Bank

Loan amountUp to $200
Turnaround timeInstant

Methodology: How we picked the best providers

This list was compiled by reviewing more than 30 cash advance apps and weighing each one based on loan limits, repayment terms, fees, extra features and reputation.

How to compare instant cash advance apps

No two cash advance apps are alike, so it can be hard to figure out which top cash advance app best meets your needs. Here are a few key factors to consider to help you find the best option:

  • Loan limits. Some cash advance apps have low loan limits. Explore each option to find which apps cover the amount you need to borrow.
  • Cost of borrowing. Cash advance apps typically work on a subscription or tip-based model. Check to see what each app charges to find one that’s affordable. You might find a cash advance app that doesn’t charge a subscription at all.
  • Repayment terms. Most cash advance apps automatically withdraw payment on your next payday, so if you need more time, choose an app with flexible repayment terms.
  • Instant access fee. You’ll likely need to pay an extra fee for instant access to your cash advance. Compare what each app charges to find the best deal.
  • Eligibility requirements. Some apps may have set requirements for income level, regular bank deposits and length of account history. Be sure you meet these requirements before signing up for the app. Some apps don’t require direct deposit, and some cater to gig workers.
  • Other features. Cash advance apps usually offer extra features, such as budgeting tools, goal tracking or financial insights. Choose an app that offers additional perks you would find useful.

Pros and cons of instant cash advance apps

Cash advance apps offer a convenient way to access funds quickly, but it’s essential to consider the benefits and drawbacks before deciding if they’re the right fit.

Pros

  • No credit check required
  • Most apps don’t charge any interest
  • Fast access to cash when you need it

Cons

  • Limited loan amounts
  • Monthly subscription fees can add up
  • Short repayment period (usually on your next payday)

Are cash apps payday lenders?

No, cash advance apps are not the same as payday lenders. There are some similarities between the two — like providing small, short-term loans — but cash advance apps typically don’t charge interest and rely on subscription fees or optional tips to make money.

Alternatives to cash advance apps

If you’re struggling to make ends meet between paydays but aren’t sure that cash advance apps are the right way to go, here are a few alternatives for you to consider:

  • Local nonprofits. Local charities and nonprofits may be able to provide emergency cash to help you cover vital expenses like rent, food or utility bills.
  • Friends or family. You could borrow money from family and friends to cover unexpected expenses, but be sure you pay them back or you may damage your relationship.
  • Small personal loan. If you need to borrow more than a few hundred dollars, you might be better off taking out a small personal loan.
  • Payday loan. Payday loans also offer instant access to cash when money is tight, but the high APRs make this a last-resort option.
  • Debt relief. If you’re having trouble paying your bills because of a heavy debt burden, look into a debt relief company to help get your debt under control.
  • Gig work. You can make extra cash quickly by doing gig work for companies like TaskRabbit, Uber and DoorDash.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly do cash advance apps deposit money?

Most cash advance apps can give you instant access to funds, but you’ll likely need to pay a fee. Without paying the additional fee, it will probably take two to three business days to receive your money.

How much does it cost to get an instant cash advance?

Fees for instant access to cash are typically based on the amount you borrow. Depending on the app, it could cost anywhere from $0.49 to $25.

What’s the maximum I can borrow from an instant cash advance app?

While most cash advance apps cap their maximum around $250 or $500, a few allow you to borrow up to $1,000.

What app gives the biggest cash advance instantly?

Apps like Beem, MoneyLion, Branch and DailyPay offer cash advances up to $1,000.

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.
Christi Gorbett's headshot
Contributor

Christi Gorbett is a freelance writer with more than eight years of experience and a master's degree in English. She’s created a wide range of content for banks, financial product comparison sites, and marketing companies on topics like small business loans, credit cards, mortgages, retirement planning, lender reviews, and more. As a former teacher, Christi excels at making complex financial topics accessible and easy to understand. Her interest in finance grew when she returned to the U.S. after living in South Korea for nearly a decade. This shift was driven by several personal financial challenges: rebuilding her financial base after the move home, starting her own business, and catching up on retirement savings. These experiences deepened Christi’s practical understanding of finance and intensified her interest in the field. See full bio

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