Numerous cash advance apps provide funding the same day you request it, but they’re not all created equal. Consider instant transfer fees, mandatory monthly charges, advance amounts and other features to find the one that makes the most sense for you.
Best same-day cash advance apps
Here are five of the best cash advance apps that offer same-day funding.
EarnIn lets you borrow up to $750 per pay period or up to $150 per day — a recent increase by the app, up from $100. It calculates your loan amount based on the hours you've worked but haven't been paid for yet. Plus, unlike many cash advance apps, there are no monthly or other mandatory fees. You only have to pay a fee if you need the money instantly.
But, to calculate your hours, you'll need to agree to GPS tracking, provide your work email or upload your timesheet. And, it costs up to $5.99 to get your money instantly.
Loan amount
Up to $750
Turnaround time
1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Costs
Free to use or instant with a fee as low as $3.99.
Not available in: Connecticut
EarnIn lets you borrow up to $750 per pay period or up to $150 per day — a recent increase by the app, up from $100. It calculates your loan amount based on the hours you've worked but haven't been paid for yet. Plus, unlike many cash advance apps, there are no monthly or other mandatory fees. You only have to pay a fee if you need the money instantly.
But, to calculate your hours, you'll need to agree to GPS tracking, provide your work email or upload your timesheet. And, it costs up to $5.99 to get your money instantly.
Pros
Advances up to $750 per pay period
No mandatory fees
Relatively small instant transfer
Cons
Maximum advance is $150 per day
Charges for instant transfers
Must make at least $320 per pay period
Loan amount
Up to $750 per pay period, but only $150 per day
Loan Term
1 to 4 weeks
Turnaround time
1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Loan amount
Up to $750
Turnaround time
1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Costs
Free to use or instant with a fee as low as $3.99.
A lot of banks and cash advance apps offer overdraft protection, but it'll cost you. Chime SpotMe, on the other hand, is a free feature that allows you to overdraw your account by up to $200 for zero fees. That includes no interest or late fees but also no transfer fees, transaction fees or monthly membership charges. And the funds are available instantly.
However, Chime SpotMe only works with your Chime checking account or debit card, so it doesn't cover an external bank account. Plus, overdraft advances typically start small, although they get larger with regular use and timely repayments.
Loan amount
$20 - $200
Turnaround time
Instant
Costs
No fee
Available in all states
A lot of banks and cash advance apps offer overdraft protection, but it'll cost you. Chime SpotMe, on the other hand, is a free feature that allows you to overdraw your account by up to $200 for zero fees. That includes no interest or late fees but also no transfer fees, transaction fees or monthly membership charges. And the funds are available instantly.
However, Chime SpotMe only works with your Chime checking account or debit card, so it doesn't cover an external bank account. Plus, overdraft advances typically start small, although they get larger with regular use and timely repayments.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. Direct deposit: Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date. SpotMe: Chime SpotMe is an optional, no fee service that requires a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the Chime Checking Account each at least once every 34 days. All qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your limit. Your limit may change at any time, at Chime’s discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe won’t cover non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. See Terms and Conditions.
The majority of cash advance apps require direct deposit to qualify for advances, which can be a problem for gig workers or others who don't have access to direct deposit. But Dave cash advances don't require you to be paid by direct deposit and offers advances up to $500. If you meet the requirements, you could get an advance within minutes of signing up and linking your bank account.
However, you'll pay a fee between $3 and $25 to get your advance right away. If you can wait a few days, however, the transfer is free. Dave also charges a monthly membership fee, but it doesn't disclose on its website how much that costs.
Loan amount
Up to $500
Turnaround time
Up to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Costs
Undisclosed
Available in all states
The majority of cash advance apps require direct deposit to qualify for advances, which can be a problem for gig workers or others who don't have access to direct deposit. But Dave cash advances don't require you to be paid by direct deposit and offers advances up to $500. If you meet the requirements, you could get an advance within minutes of signing up and linking your bank account.
However, you'll pay a fee between $3 and $25 to get your advance right away. If you can wait a few days, however, the transfer is free. Dave also charges a monthly membership fee, but it doesn't disclose on its website how much that costs.
Pros
Advances up to $500
Instant transfers are as fast as a few minutes
Doesn't require direct deposit
Cons
Up to $25 instant transfer fees
Charges a monthly subscription fee
Not all users are eligible for the maximum advance amount
With most apps, you have to repay cash advances on your next payday, but Brigit allows a little more flexibility. You can extend your due date up to three times. But you need “extension credits,” which you earn by paying back two consecutive advances on or before your original due date.
Brigit offers advances up to $250 and, like most apps, doesn't charge interest or late fees. Plus, you can get transfers within 20 minutes for a small fee or for free if you subscribe to the Premium plan. Otherwise, you'll get the funds within one to three days.
Loan amount
$50 - $250
Turnaround time
2 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee.
With most apps, you have to repay cash advances on your next payday, but Brigit allows a little more flexibility. You can extend your due date up to three times. But you need “extension credits,” which you earn by paying back two consecutive advances on or before your original due date.
Brigit offers advances up to $250 and, like most apps, doesn't charge interest or late fees. Plus, you can get transfers within 20 minutes for a small fee or for free if you subscribe to the Premium plan. Otherwise, you'll get the funds within one to three days.
Pros
Ability to extend your due date up to 3 times
Advances up to $250
Free instant advances with Premium subscription
Cons
Requires a subscription fee of $9.99 or $14.99 a month
Must earn extension credits
Undisclosed fees for fast transfers
Loan amount
$50 to $250
Loan Term
Until your next payday, but can extend
Turnaround time
2 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee.
Loan amount
$50 - $250
Turnaround time
2 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee.
While most cash advances top out at $250 to $500, Beem offers advances up to $1,000 for eligible users. Instant transfers — which show up within 20 minutes — only cost $1 to $4, which is relatively cheap compared to other apps.
But you must have a monthly membership to qualify for advances from Beem, and you'll need the Pro plan, at $12.97 a month, if you want advances of more than $100.
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
While most cash advances top out at $250 to $500, Beem offers advances up to $1,000 for eligible users. Instant transfers — which show up within 20 minutes — only cost $1 to $4, which is relatively cheap compared to other apps.
But you must have a monthly membership to qualify for advances from Beem, and you'll need the Pro plan, at $12.97 a month, if you want advances of more than $100.
Pros
Advances up to $1,000
Low instant transfer fees
Fast transfers within 20 minutes
Cons
Requires a monthly membership
Need the Pro plan for advances over $100
Not all users are eligible for the largest advances
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
Methodology: How we chose these apps
Finder’s team of loan experts analyzed more than 25 cash advance apps before narrowing them down to the best five for same-day advances. 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 was considered based on multiple key factors:
Advance limits
Turnaround time
Instant transfer fees
Mandatory monthly fees
Ease of use
State availability
Additional financial features
We also consider customer reviews on Google Play, the App Store, Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
Consider these key factors when choosing a same-day cash advance app.
Turnaround time. Almost all cash advance apps can provide same-day advances, but you may want to find out exactly how long it takes — minutes, hours or longer — and if weekends or holidays factor in.
Instant transfer fees. Cash advance providers usually charge a fee for instant transfers, which increases the loan’s cost. You may want to shop around for providers with lower fees if you want the money right away or need frequent advances.
Advance limits. Consider the size of advances you want access to. Some are capped at $100, while others may go up to $1,000.
Mandatory monthly fees. Some providers require a monthly membership fee to qualify. This fee may not be worth it if you rarely get advances or don’t use other services the app offers. However, you can search for cash advance apps that don’t require a monthly fee.
Other features. Many cash advance features are part of a larger mobile banking app with a suite of useful features. If you’re also interested in budgeting, saving, investing or building credit, there’s probably an app for that.
Customer reviews. Reading reviews on Trustpilot, Google Play and the App Store are great ways to hear about real customer experiences and how easy it really is to get advances.
Pros and cons of cash advance apps
Consider the risks and rewards of same-day cash advance apps before signing up.
Pros
Fast access to cash. Most cash advance apps can fund your account within minutes of requesting an advance.
No interest. Unlike loans or credit cards, cash advance apps generally don’t charge interest on the amount you borrow.
No late fees. If you can’t repay your advance on time, you typically won’t be charged a late fee. However, you can’t take out another advance until it’s repaid.
No credit checks. Cash advance apps are an option even if you have bad credit since the apps don’t run credit checks. Instead, providers rely on other means to determine your ability to repay.
Cons
Fees for instant transfers. While you can get an advance within minutes, most apps charge a fee for fast transfers, which could cost up to $25 or more, depending on the provider and the advance amount.
Monthly subscription charges. Some providers also require you to pay for a monthly membership to be eligible for advances.
May require direct deposit. If you don’t get paid by direct deposit, you won’t qualify for many cash advance apps.
Small loan amounts. Advance amounts can be small — especially for newer users — and it can take a while to work up to larger loans.
Short-term loans and personal loans offering same-day funding
A personal loan or a short-term loan might make more sense if you need more money than a cash advance app can provide. But keep in mind that you may need a decent credit score to qualify, and some loan options may come with high APRs.
A cash advance app may not always be the best answer. Consider these alternatives if you need frequent advances just to get by.
Loan from friends or family. If you only need to borrow a small amount, maybe you have a friend or family member who can help you until payday.
Local resources. Most states and cities have local programs that can provide assistance if you need help with food, utility bills or other necessities.
Credit counseling. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can help you create a budget and come up with a debt repayment plan so you don’t have to rely on cash advance apps.
0% credit cards. If you qualify, a credit card with a 0% introductory rate can offer free financing for up to 18 months or more. Just be sure you can repay it before the regular rate kicks in.
Loan from your bank. Many banks and credit unions offer small loans or lines of credit at reasonable rates to customers in good standing.
Payday loan. Finder doesn’t usually recommend payday loans because APRs are so high, but it is an option if you’ve exhausted every alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What app lets me borrow money instantly?
Most cash advance apps let you borrow money the same day you request it, usually for a fee. But you may want to check the fine print to see if fast transfers are really “instant” — some expedited transfers may take hours rather than minutes.
How to get $100 instantly?
If you’ve already established a positive repayment history with a cash advance provider, borrowing $100 should be a snap. However, if you’re a new user, it can take weeks or months to be eligible for $100 advances.
How to get $500 instantly?
Advance amounts of $500 (or more) are usually more difficult to qualify for than smaller advances. You may need larger deposits, earn additional income or be a long-time user of a cash advance app.
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
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