If you’re short on cash and need a small loan to tide you over until your next paycheck, apps like Earnin can be a convenient solution. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which to choose.
The Earnin app is popular for many people strapped for cash between paydays. One reason it’s so appealing to users is that it doesn’t have hidden fees or require a subscription.
Earnin is just one of the many apps for quick access to extra cash. Here, I’ll share some of the best apps like Earnin, that can get you a cash or paycheck advance.
Each has unique features, limits, eligibility requirements, and fees, so it’s important to understand the terms and conditions before enrolling.
10 Apps Like Earnin
Here are the best apps like Earnin you can start using today.
1. Chime®
- Apple iOS: 4.8 /
- Google Play: 4.7
Chime is a digital finance company that provides banking features, including a checking account, a credit-building credit card, and a high-yield savings account.
While Chime does not offer cash advances, it provides overdraft protection through its SpotMe® program. Should you overdraft on your spending account, SpotMe® will cover you (up to $200), and you won’t pay any overdraft fees.
SpotMe® is free for Chime account holders. New users can receive overdraft protection starting at $20; however, limits may increase to $200 after making timely repayments. To be eligible for SpotMe®, you must have a qualifying direct deposit of at least $200 in your account every month.
Pros:
- Offers multiple banking features
- Covers up to $200 in overdrafts
- No membership fees, overdraft fees, or tips
Cons:
- Only available to Chime users with direct deposit
- Has a low starting limit of $20
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.
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
2. Varo
- Apple iOS: 4.9 /
- Google Play: 4.7
Varo is a digital bank that offers banking features similar to Chime, including a debit card, a high-yield savings account, a large ATM network, and cash advances.
With Varo Advance, you can receive up to $250 to start and work your way up to $500. However, there is a fee ranging from $1.60 to $40, depending on the size of your advance. To qualify, you should have an active Varo debit card linked to your Varo account, and the account should have at least $800 in direct deposits within the past month.
Varo is unique in that you have between 15 and 30 days to pay back your advance instead of automatically withdrawing it on your next payday.
Pros:
- Fifteen to 30 days to repay your advance
- No monthly fees
- Early access to your paycheck with a Varo account
Cons:
- High fees for each advance
- Initial advances can be low
3. Dave
- Apple iOS: 4.8 /
- Google Play: 4.3
Another app similar to Earnin is Dave, one of the most popular cash advance apps. Dave’s ExtraCash offers a no-interest, no-fee cash advance of up to $500. Dave will not check your credit history, so this app is still available to you even if you have bad credit.
With ExtraCash, you can opt for a free standard transfer, which can take one to three business days, or the express option, which can take minutes up to a couple of hours. Fees for the express option start at $1.99 and go up to $13.99.
What makes Dave stand out over Earnin is its partnership with Level Credit, which reports your rent payments to the major credit bureaus, which will help you build your credit score (as long as you make payments on time).
Additionally, Dave sends alerts if your account balance is low, helping you avoid overdraft fees.
There is a $1 monthly membership fee to use Dave, which also gives you access to features such as budgeting tools, low balance alerts, and savings goal setting.
Pros:
- No late fees
- Helps with a side hustle job search
- Features a budgeting tool that creates a personalized plan for you
Cons:
- Access requires a $1 monthly subscription fee
- Standard transfers take up to 3 business days
- Express turnaround fees range from $1.99 to $13.99
4. MoneyLion
- Apple iOS: 4.7 /
- Google Play: 4.5
MoneyLion is a personal finance app that offers useful banking tools, including a RoarMoney account, giving users early access to direct deposit paychecks.
Its Credit Builder Plus program offers credit-builder loans up to $1,000 to be repaid over 12 months (with a $19.99 monthly fee). MoneyLion will report your payments to the major credit bureaus to help you improve your credit score.
MoneyLion’s Instacash feature is for cash advances up to $500 with 0% APR. Standard delivery is free and can take up to five business days (it takes longer for delivery for an account outside of MoneyLion). Turbo delivery can get you quick cash within minutes up to four hours; however, the fee can range from $0.49 to $8.99 (fees are higher for external accounts).
To be eligible, you must have an active linked checking account that’s been open for at least two months, receives direct deposits, and shows a positive balance.
Pros:
- No interest on your advance
- Has all the functionality of a mobile banking app
- $1,000 cash advance limit for those who use Moneylion’s products
Cons:
- Partial payment withdrawals until your repayment is complete
- $1 monthly membership fee
5. Cleo
- Apple iOS: 4.7 /
- Google Play: 4.0
When it comes to Cleo, you are getting more than a money management tool—you’re getting a money-savvy friend to whip your finances into shape. Cleo uses funny quips and motivating messages to manage your spending and savings.
The app will hype you up when you make good financial decisions and roast you for the bad ones!
Cleo offers numerous features, including cash advances that allow users to borrow small amounts of money. First-time borrowers have a cash advance limit ranging from $20 to $100. However, once you’ve shown that you can make timely repayments, your limit can increase up to $250.
The cash advance has no interest, and there’s no impact on your credit score. You can also choose your repayment date (between three days and two weeks). A downside is that it is only available if you subscribe to the Cleo Plus plan at $5.99 per month or the Cleo Builder plan at $14.99.
Pros:
- Cashback rewards with the premium plan
- Savings and budgeting assistance
- Gig or freelance workers qualify
Cons:
- Monthly subscription required for $5.99 or $14.99
- $250 maximum limit
6. Brigit
- Apple iOS: 4.8 /
- Google Play: 4.7
Primarily a financial wellness tool, Brigit provides users with budgeting help, spending insights, and “Instant Cash” cash advances up to $250.
With Brigit’s Instant Cash, you can receive your advance in two to three business days for free or pay a small fee for Express Deliver, which arrives in minutes. It does not require a credit check, charge interest or late fees, or request a tip. Additionally, Brigit provides overdraft protection, as it detects low account balances and transfers up to $250 advance so you can avoid costly overdraft fees.
However, note that this service is only available if you subscribe to the Plus plan ($9.99 per month). The Plus plan includes additional financial support services like credit monitoring, finance helper, and identity theft protection.
Brigit also offers credit-builder loans where you choose your repayment plan—between $1 and $25 per month for a 24-month term. Brigit reports payments to the major credit bureaus, which will ideally help you build your credit.
Pros:
- Covers up to $1 million in identity theft protection
- No interest, fees, or tipping
- Offers credit builder loans with easy payment plans
Cons:
- Brigit will need access to your bank account
- Required monthly membership fee of $9.99 for cash advances
7. Possible Finance
- Apple iOS: 4.8 /
- Google Play: 3.9
Possible Finance is a digital lender that offers small loans with high interest rates through its mobile app. If you have bad or no credit, you can still qualify for a loan of up to $500.
Unlike Earnin, which requires repayment from your next paycheck, Possible Finance breaks it into four payments over two months. Possible Finance also does not require a subscription or monthly fee, so it’s a good option if you need a one-time loan.
However, a considerable downside to Possible Finance is its high loan APRs, ranging from 50% to 249%, depending on your state.
Note that Possible Finance is currently only available in about a dozen states. Before applying, check if they are available where you live.
Pros:
- No subscription or monthly fee
- Repayments spread out over two months
Cons:
- High APRs
- Not available in all states
8. Empower
- Apple iOS: 4.7 /
- Google Play: 4.7
Empower is geared towards helping clients improve their credit. With Empower, you can receive a cash advance of up to $250 with no late fees and no credit check. Your money is instantly delivered, and there are no interest charges.
Users can open an Empower debit card account to deposit funds or transfer them to an external bank account. If you opt for the Empower debit card account, it offers helpful features, such as overdraft fee protection, early paycheck access, and cashback of up to 10% on purchases.
You’ll need a monthly subscription to access Empower’s money management tools, including cash advances. There is a 14-day free trial; after that, the subscription costs $8 per month.
Pros:
- No late fees or interest
- Debit card compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
Cons:
- Empower monthly subscription ($8) required
- Only mobile-based (no web access)
9. PayActiv
- Apple iOS: 4.8 /
- Google Play: 4.3
With PayActiv, your employer must offer it as a benefit to their employees. Once PayActiv is linked with your employer, the app will track your hours and give you access to up to 50% of your earned wages.
You can transfer your earnings to your bank account, debit card, or PayActiv Visa card. Once your next direct deposit arrives, PayActiv will automatically deduct what you borrowed. This app also provides financial services, including prescription discounts, bill pay, and automatic contributions to your savings.
Pros:
- Helps both salaried and hourly employees
- Access up to 50% of your earned wages
- Highly rated app
Cons:
- Your employer must offer it for access to earned wages
- Possible fee of up to $5 if you don’t have direct deposit
10. Vola
- Apple iOS: 4.5 /
- Google Play: 4.0
Vola Finance provides cash advances of up to $300; in most cases, you can receive money within 5 hours. Unlike most apps, you do not need regular direct deposits to be eligible for a cash advance. You should qualify as long as your account has regular activity and an average balance of at least $150.
While Vola appears to have one of the most straightforward cash advance processes, you must enroll in a monthly plan starting at $1.99. Unfortunately, fee information is not easily found on Vola’s website.
A unique feature of Vola is your Vola Score, which can range from 0 to 100. You can qualify for lower subscription fees and larger cash advances as your score increases.
Pros:
- Quick turnaround time
- Easy qualifications
Cons:
- Monthly fee required
- Website lacks information about its monthly plans
What is Earnin and How Does it Work?
Earnin is a digital finance app that gives you part of your upcoming paycheck before payday. It is not a lender and does not offer personal loans; instead, it allows employees to access their money and repay it from their next paycheck.
Cash Out with Earnin
Earnin’s “Cash Out” feature allows you to request a cash advance from your paycheck to your linked bank account. You can request up to a “Daily Max” of $100 per day or up to $750 per pay period.
Earnin’s standard speed transfer is free and usually takes one to two business days. Its “Lightning Speed” transfer can send money in minutes. This service is free with certain eligible banks but charges a fee.
The funds you borrowed are directly deposited into your bank account, and once your next paycheck comes in, the loan amount is repaid from that same account. No interest fees will accrue on your paycheck advance; however, you can choose to leave a tip for using Earnin’s services.
Earnin Eligibility
There are a few requirements regarding your employment and how you receive your paychecks to use the Earnin app. You must:
- Be an employee paid via direct deposit.
- Have a consistent pay schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly)
- Work in a fixed location
- Provide a timesheet (either an electronic, paper printout, or PDF-style)
Pros:
- Low balance alerts to help you avoid overdraft fees
- No interest on your advance
- No transfer fees (unless you opt for express delivery)
Cons:
- App must be able to access your bank account
- Strict eligibility requirements
- Low advance limits
Tips for Choosing an App Like Earnin
Depending on your financial situation, there may be specific features you’re looking for in a cash advance app. Below are a few of the most significant cash advance app features to consider.
Cash Advance Limits
Consider how much you think you will need to cover your expenses. Most cash advance limits range between $100 to $1,000. Many apps will not let you borrow the maximum amount until you’ve shown that you can consistently repay your loan on time.
Customer Service Availability
As these apps are primarily mobile-based, you’ll want to consider the level of customer support offered, including availability, how to reach them, and response time. Reviews posted on Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau can provide insight into how each app communicates and supports its users.
Eligibility Requirements
Every provider has its own set of eligibility requirements that you must meet to get a cash advance. In most instances, you need to be at least 18 years old to qualify. Other qualifications can include:
- Proof of employment
- Level of income
- Direct deposit set-up with your account
- Frequency of your direct deposits
- Active bank account that’s been open for a certain amount of time
- Credit score
Fees and Interest
Before enrolling, look into the fees associated with cash advances, as they can vary across companies. Some common fees can include monthly subscription fees, transaction fees, interest charges, late fees, or delivery fees. You’ll want to consider these potential expenses when deciding if a particular cash advance app is worth it.
Financial Tools
Some cash advance apps like Earnin can do so much more than advances.
- With Chime and Varo, you can manage all of your financial accounts from one location.
- With Brigit and Dave, you can enroll in a credit card account that helps you build up your credit score.
- Other apps provide tools for budgeting, saving, and cash-back rewards.
Turnaround Time
If you’re in a pinch for cash, chances are you want it as quickly as possible, so look into each app’s turnaround time.
Some can transfer within a few hours, while others can take up to five business days. More often than not, there is a fee for express delivery, which can arrive in your account within minutes.
These fees are usually taken out of your account at the same time as repayment, so you’ll want to ensure that when the time comes, you can pay it all back.
Bottom Line
Life is unpredictable. There may be moments when you struggle to make ends meet, or are faced with an unexpected emergency. Early access to your paycheck or a cash advance app can be a great relief.
The apps like Earnin listed here can be helpful alternatives when you need quick, extra cash. While many apps work similarly, some may come with varying fees, turnaround times, or membership requirements.
When considering an app like Earnin, do your due diligence and compare all your options. Read online reviews, and make yourself aware of all related fees.
Choosing the best option for you will help you improve your financial situation in the long run.
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