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.
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Albert is a popular cash advance app that instantly provides up to $250 in overdraft protection to its “Genius” subscribers. This feature is especially useful if you routinely find yourself short on cash and worry about overdrawing your account. Albert automatically covers the gap at no additional charge, so you won’t end up paying NSF fees.
Like many cash advance apps, Albert also offers extras to make it worth the monthly subscription fee. These additional features include budgeting tools, automated savings, spending insights and banking alerts. These features, plus the instant overdraft cash advance, make Albert a great tool for handling budget shortfalls and managing your finances.
Loan amount
$25 - $250
Turnaround time
Instant
Costs
$16.99 monthly subscription to access overdraft protection
Available in all states
Albert is a popular cash advance app that instantly provides up to $250 in overdraft protection to its “Genius” subscribers. This feature is especially useful if you routinely find yourself short on cash and worry about overdrawing your account. Albert automatically covers the gap at no additional charge, so you won’t end up paying NSF fees.
Like many cash advance apps, Albert also offers extras to make it worth the monthly subscription fee. These additional features include budgeting tools, automated savings, spending insights and banking alerts. These features, plus the instant overdraft cash advance, make Albert a great tool for handling budget shortfalls and managing your finances.
Pros
Automatic deposits to prevent overdrafts
No mandatory fees
tips are optional
Includes a variety of financial tools
Cons
Subscription required for overdraft coverage
Cash advance capped at $250
Short repayment window
Loan amount
$25 to $250
Loan Term
Within 6 days of overdraft, with possible 7-day extension
Turnaround time
Instant
Loan amount
$25 - $250
Turnaround time
Instant
Costs
$16.99 monthly subscription to access overdraft protection
Cleo is an AI-powered budgeting app that offers cash advances up to $250. While most instant cash advance apps offer little repayment flexibility, Cleo allows you to choose your due date. You can also reschedule your payment date through the app if you need a little extra time.
Like many instant cash advance apps, Cleo operates on a subscription basis. You'll also need to pay an extra fee to access your cash instantly. Otherwise, it takes two to three business days to receive funds.
Loan amount
$20 - $250
Turnaround time
3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.
Costs
$5.99 monthly membership fee to access cash advances
Available in all states
Cleo is an AI-powered budgeting app that offers cash advances up to $250. While most instant cash advance apps offer little repayment flexibility, Cleo allows you to choose your due date. You can also reschedule your payment date through the app if you need a little extra time.
Like many instant cash advance apps, Cleo operates on a subscription basis. You'll also need to pay an extra fee to access your cash instantly. Otherwise, it takes two to three business days to receive funds.
Pros
Flexible repayment options
Four-star rating on Trustpilot
Additional advance available 24 hours after repayment
Cons
Subscription required
$100 loan limit for first-time users
Low maximum loan amount
APR
0%
Loan amount
Up to $250
Loan Term
Next deposit
Turnaround time
3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.
Loan amount
$20 - $250
Turnaround time
3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.
Costs
$5.99 monthly membership fee to access cash advances
Dave is a top choice for users looking for a cash advance app that combines instant cash access with a full suite of online banking features. Along with cash advances of up to $500, Dave also provides a digital checking account, budgeting tools and even options to build credit through rent reporting.
Loan amount
Up to $500
Turnaround time
Up to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Costs
Undisclosed
Available in all states
Dave is a top choice for users looking for a cash advance app that combines instant cash access with a full suite of online banking features. Along with cash advances of up to $500, Dave also provides a digital checking account, budgeting tools and even options to build credit through rent reporting.
Pros
Integrated online checking account
Up to $500 in cash advances
No interest charges on cash advances
Cons
Must be a monthly subscriber
Instant access to cash requires a fee
Cash advance limits based on income and account history
EarnIn is a great choice if you want a cash advance without committing to a monthly membership. With EarnIn, you can access up to $750 per pay period ($150 max per day) based on your earned wages. There's also no interest charged on the advance, and tips are optional, making EarnIn an affordable option for covering expenses between paychecks.
Loan amount
Up to $750
Turnaround time
1 to 3 business days or within minutes for a fee starting at $2.99 per transfer
Costs
Free to use or within minutes with a fee as low as $2.99 per transfer
Not available in: Connecticut
EarnIn is a great choice if you want a cash advance without committing to a monthly membership. With EarnIn, you can access up to $750 per pay period ($150 max per day) based on your earned wages. There's also no interest charged on the advance, and tips are optional, making EarnIn an affordable option for covering expenses between paychecks.
Pros
No mandatory membership fees
Cash advances up to $750 per pay period
Four-star rating on Trustpilot
Cons
Fee for immediate access to cash
Cash advance limits depend on income and account activity
Daily borrowing limit of $150
APR
0%
Loan amount
Up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays
Loan Term
1 to 4 weeks
Turnaround time
1 to 3 business days or within minutes for a fee starting at $2.99 per transfer
EarnIn is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit EarnIn.com for full details. Expedited transfers available for a fee. Visit Earnin.com for full details.
Loan amount
Up to $750
Turnaround time
1 to 3 business days or within minutes for a fee starting at $2.99 per transfer
Costs
Free to use or within minutes with a fee as low as $2.99 per transfer
MoneyLion is a versatile all-in-one financial app that offers cash advances alongside a range of banking, investing and credit-building tools. With cash advances up to $500 and no interest charges or tips required, MoneyLion makes it easy to access quick funds without the high fees. And if you have a MoneyLion RoarMoney account, you could qualify for a cash advance of up to $1,000.
Loan amount
$50 - $500
Turnaround time
Up 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
MoneyLion is a versatile all-in-one financial app that offers cash advances alongside a range of banking, investing and credit-building tools. With cash advances up to $500 and no interest charges or tips required, MoneyLion makes it easy to access quick funds without the high fees. And if you have a MoneyLion RoarMoney account, you could qualify for a cash advance of up to $1,000.
Pros
Cash advances up to $500 ($1,000 with RoarMoney account)
Full-service financial tools in a single app
No fees or tips required
Cons
Fee charged for instant cash
Not available in all states
Advance limit based on bank account activity
Loan amount
Up to $500 or $1,000 with RoarMoney account
Loan Term
Due by your next pay date
Turnaround time
Up to 5 days or instant for a fee of $0.49 to $8.99
Loan amount
$50 - $500
Turnaround time
Up to 5 days or instant for a fee of $0.49 to $8.99
Beem stands out from other instant cash advance apps by offering higher advance limits. While most apps limit your advance to between $5 and $500, Beem allows users to borrow up to $1,000. This higher limit could prove useful if you experience a large, unexpected expense.
Beem also offers additional features, including credit monitoring, protection against identity theft, reduced rates on car and health insurance plus job loss and disability protection. However, you will need an upper-level subscription to access some of these features.
Loan amount
$5 - $1,000
Turnaround time
Within 3 days or instant for a fee of $2 to $4
Costs
$0.99 to $12.97 per month
Beem stands out from other instant cash advance apps by offering higher advance limits. While most apps limit your advance to between $5 and $500, Beem allows users to borrow up to $1,000. This higher limit could prove useful if you experience a large, unexpected expense.
Beem also offers additional features, including credit monitoring, protection against identity theft, reduced rates on car and health insurance plus job loss and disability protection. However, you will need an upper-level subscription to access some of these features.
Pros
Higher cash advance limit, up to $1,000
No credit check required
No interest charged on cash advances
Cons
Subscription required
Multiple one-star reviews on Trustpilot
May be difficult to qualify for full $1,000
Loan amount
$5 to $1,000
Loan Term
Until your next deposit.
Turnaround time
Within 3 days or instant for a fee of $2 to $4
Loan amount
$5 - $1,000
Turnaround time
Within 3 days or instant for a fee of $2 to $4
Costs
$0.99 to $12.97 per month
Best for ATM withdrawals
GO2Bank
If you need fast access to physical cash, Go2Bank may be the best option for you. Unlike many cash advance apps that limit users to digital transfers, Go2Bank offers a network of over 19,000 fee-free ATMs so you can get money when you need it. But keep in mind the cash advance limit is pretty low — you can only borrow up to $200.
Loan amount
Up to $200
Turnaround time
Instant
If you need fast access to physical cash, Go2Bank may be the best option for you. Unlike many cash advance apps that limit users to digital transfers, Go2Bank offers a network of over 19,000 fee-free ATMs so you can get money when you need it. But keep in mind the cash advance limit is pretty low — you can only borrow up to $200.
Pros
Access cash through more than 19,000 ATMs
Full-service mobile banking
Get your paycheck two days early
Cons
Low cash advance limit
Poor ratings on Trustpilot
Direct deposit required for some features
Loan amount
Up to $200
Loan Term
Varies
Turnaround time
Instant
Loan amount
Up to $200
Turnaround time
Instant
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.
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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