Need cash in a pinch? Apps like Brigit are a great way to access money when payday can’t wait.
Apps that let you borrow money against your next paycheck for a small fee, like Brigit, are more popular and convenient than traditional payday loans because they are fast, easy, and cheaper.
Brigit is one of the most popular apps in the country that allows you to get an advance on your next payday, but there are several other options as well.
Some are made for the chronic payday borrower, while others are for the one-time loan. Some apps even offer advanced features, such as spending trackers and credit-building tools.
6 Apps Like Brigit
Check out these apps like Brigit you can start using today:
1. Chime
- App Store rating: 4.8
- Google Play rating: 4.7
- Fees: $5/transaction
- Cash advance limit: $50-$200
Some people may want to avoid downloading a cash advance app out of caution. If you prefer a banking app focusing on your bank account and personal finance, consider Chime.
Chime is a popular banking app offering checking accounts, savings accounts, Chime-branded credit cards, and an extensive ATM network. They also have a program called SpotMe, designed to help cover you if you make a purchase that puts your Chime account into the negative.
SpotMe operates as more of an overdraft protection feature than a payday loan feature. While this may appeal to some, SpotMe can help you avoid costly overdraft fees or non-sufficient funds fees. You will start with a $40 overdraft limit that will grow over time as you build a history of returning your account balance to the black.
Some Chime users may not qualify for SpotMe, but don’t fret. There are plenty of cash advance apps that are compatible with Chime.
2. Empower
- App Store rating: 4.7
- Google Play rating: 4.7
- Fees: $8/month
- Cash advance limit: $250
Empower is a top-rated cash advance app that provides payday loans for today’s generation. They offer up to $250 in cash advances when you find yourself in a pinch. They won’t charge you any interest or late fees or require you to apply for a loan or undergo a credit check.
So how does Empower determine a lender’s eligibility? The Empower app will request access to your bank account. This requirement has a dual purpose; to transfer your loan amount directly into your bank account and to track your bank account habits. Empower will be able to calculate your recurring direct deposits, such as a paycheck, your spending habits, and more.
Empower will also help you put aside money weekly with their AutoSave feature. AutoSave can help you build a nest egg and even prevent you from having to access cash advances in the future.
3. Dave
- App Store rating: 4.8
- Google Play rating: 4.4
- Fees: $1/each month’s usage
- Cash advance limit: $100
Don’t let the cartoon bear fool you. Dave is a sophisticated financial app that gives Brigit a run for its money. They work directly with your bank to get you extra cash quickly, and they won’t charge interest or run credit checks to verify your creditworthiness. Plus, you can earn cash back with Dave Rewards.
One significant advantage of the Dave app over other cash advance apps is its affordable subscription fee. You only need to pay $1 every month you use Dave. Compared to Brigit, a year’s use of Dave will cost you $12, while a year’s use of Brigit will cost you $120.
Dave boasts its ability to get its users quick cash. However, it doesn’t come without a price. If you want to get your money faster than the typical two to three business days, you can pay an optional express fee to get your funds within an hour. This will run you anywhere from $1.99 to $13.99, depending on how much you need to borrow.
4. Earnin
- App Store rating: 4.7
- Google Play rating: 4.6
- Fees: None
- Cash advance limit: $100-$500
If you need a lot of cash and can’t wait for your next payday, Earnin is there to help. The Earnin app lets you borrow against your next paycheck interest-free. They will let you borrow up to $100 per day or $500 per period, which is considerable compared to other personal loan apps.
Earnin stands apart from other short-term loan providers in that they offer same-day funding. Most mobile apps make you wait two to three days to receive your money. If you need your money sooner than that, you can sign up for Earnin’s Lightening Speed feature. This feature deposits cash into your account by the end of the day. It’s worth noting that this feature is not compatible with all banks, so check with Earnin’s team to ensure your bank is a qualifying institution.
To qualify for a loan with Earnin, you must have a regular paycheck, work at the same place each day, track your hours on a timesheet, and have at least 50% of your direct deposit sent to your linked bank account. Once Earnin verifies these details, you can borrow against your next paycheck. Earning will pull the loan amount from your account when you get paid next.
5. Branch
- App Store rating: 4.8
- Google Play rating: 4.0
- Fees: Up to 400 APY
- Cash advance limit: $150-$500
Branch is a mobile app changing how we think about working and getting paid. The Branch app lets you communicate with coworkers, log your work hours, change your schedule, and request a payroll advance. You can request as much as roughly $700 from your next paycheck.
Branch has several things going for it, like directly connecting with your work’s timesheets and payroll. However, your employer must also use Branch to be able to use it. Additionally, you must submit a new application for each cash advance, which can be a time suck.
6. MoneyLion
- App Store rating: 4.7
- Google Play rating: 4.5
- Fees: $19.99/month
- Cash advance limit: $250
One of the most critical factors contributing to your credit score is your payment history. A credit-builder loan is a place to start if you want to improve your credit. MoneyLion is a popular credit-builder loan provider that offers loans of up to $1,000 without a hard credit inquiry. They will report payments to all three credit bureaus, which can gradually improve your score.
MoneyLion is in the business of helping people improve their credit and personal finances. As a MoneyLion member, you can access several premium features like credit monitoring tools, budgeting tools, financial advice, and more.
Like any cash advance app, MoneyLion has its drawbacks. While they offer credit-builder loans up to $1,000, they will only give you access to some of it at a time. Instead, you can access up to $250 immediately, and you will gain access to the remainder when you pay off your loan. Additionally, you will be charged a monthly fee in addition to your loan payments. If you are truly short on cash, this may not be your best solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using apps like Brigit affect your credit score?
Payday loan apps and cash advance apps do not report payments to the major credit bureaus, so using them will not impact your credit score.
Are loan apps safe?
Most loan apps utilize similar cybersecurity measures as banking apps, such as secure socket layer (SSL) encryption and antivirus software. The largest threat comes from how often you utilize payday loan apps. Payday loans should be used in one-time emergency situations, not if you are regularly struggling with covering expenses.
Which apps like Brigit can get me instant money?
Most cash advance apps claim to get money into your account within a couple of days, but some apps will let you pay a small fee to get your money more quickly.
- Dave will provide an advance within an hour for a fee ranging from $1.99 to $13.99.
- Earnin will provide instant transfers for a fee ranging from $0.99 to $3.99.
- Empower will provide an advance within an hour for a fee ranging from $1 to $8.
Should You Use Apps Like Brigit?
Many apps besides Brigit can help you access funds to cover you in emergencies, and many offer a litany of features to help you improve your financial situation.
The most crucial consideration when choosing between your options is how often you anticipate using it and for what purpose.
While you don’t want to abuse cash advances, it’s essential to be honest with yourself about how often you may use it. This can help you avoid high-interest rates and costly fees.
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