Apps Like Earnin: Get up to $250 in Seconds

Need to know the best payday loan apps? We reviewed the best loan apps like Empower, Earnin, Dave, Albert and MoneyLion.

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Discover a world where cash flow worries are a thing of the past! Have you heard about cash advance apps like Earnin?

Picture this:

Your wallet's empty, and payday feels like a distant mirage. Then, out of nowhere, an unexpected expense hits. 😩

Welcome to the rescue: cash advance apps.

These apps are legit though.

Here's why:

  • Instantly tap into the cash you've already earned. No waiting, no stress.
  • Absolutely zero hidden interest rates. Because it's your hard-earned money.
  • A lifesaver for those curveballs life throws your way.
  • The game changers? Apps like Earnin, redefining the financial landscape.

So, when you're pinching pennies, and payday seems eons away, remember: there's an arsenal of apps like Brigit, ready to be your financial superheroes.

Best Apps Like Earnin

These cash advance apps that loan you money are all highly reviewed and legitimate. In a hurry? Here are the top loan apps for instant money.

Best for a mobile banking solution
Best for all-in-one financial app
Access up to $500 today
Access up to $250 today
MMG Rating:
5.0
MMG Rating:
5.0
Pros:
  • Access up to $500 without fees or interest
  • 100% free, no monthly fees at all
  • Mobile banking app with variety of services
  • Rewards program and convenient features
Pros:
  • Cash advances up to $250
  • All-in-one app, banking, budgeting, saving
  • Free trial for 30 days
Cons:
  • No physical locations
Cons:
  • 30 day free-trial; $14.99/month after
  • No physical locations
Best for a mobile banking solution
Access up to $500 today
MMG Rating:
5.0
Pros:
  • Access up to $500 without fees or interest
  • 100% free, no monthly fees at all
  • Mobile banking app with variety of services
  • Rewards program and convenient features
Cons:
  • No physical locations
Best for all-in-one financial app
Access up to $250 today
MMG Rating:
5.0
Pros:
  • Cash advances up to $250
  • All-in-one app, banking, budgeting, saving
  • Free trial for 30 days
Cons:
  • 30 day free-trial; $14.99/month after
  • No physical locations
  1. Best banking app: Albert
  2. Best for membership fees: Dave
  3. Best payday membership: MoneyLion
  4. Best for gig workers: Cleo
  5. Best for saving on overdraft fees: Brigit

1. Albert: Best Banking App

Albert can spot you up to $250 so you can make ends meet. No late fees, interest, credit check, or hidden hands in your pocket. As long as you have a paycheck and have repaid your past advances, you can request up to 3 cash advances per pay period.

Albert is a super app that offers:

  • Checking account with debit card: Offers banking with discounts and cash back on gas, food, delivery, groceries, and more.
  • Savings account: Set your schedule or let Albert analyze your spending and automatically move money into your savings account. (On average, they save people $400 in the first six months.)
  • Cash advances: Up to $250
  • Investing: Invest yourself or enable Robo investing
  • Budgeting: AI-driven auto save feature is a big differentiator and very effective
  • Genius: Text with a certified financial advisor anytime for a $6/month fee

There’s no catch. Albert is legit.

Get up to $250
Albert
4.8
  • Get spotted up to $250 instantly
  • Pay a small fee to get your money instantly or get cash within 2–3 days for free
  • Costs $14.99 per month after a 30 day free-trial
Open Account Albert Review

Where to get it?

2. Dave: Best for Membership Fees

dave cash advance app
Get $500. Bank. Budget. Dave helps over 3 million people thrive, and not just survive between paychecks.

Dave is a banking app that offers ExtraCash™ advances of up to $500 with no interest or late fees for as low as $1 per month.

It’s a reasonable choice for people who want to avoid overdraft fees. Dave offers automated budgeting tools to help you manage your finances better. 

And for freelancers, this app also offers advice on finding side hustles so you can earn some extra money. 

Over 7 million people use Dave on a daily basis to help them achieve their financial goals and you can do the same.

Get up to $500
Dave
4.5
  • Meet the banking app on a mission to build products that level the financial playing field
  • Get paid up to 2 days early, earn cash back with Dave Rewards, and get up to $500 with ExtraCash™ without paying interest or late fees
  • Join millions of members building a better financial future
Open Account Dave Review

Where to get it?

3. MoneyLion: Best Payday Membership

moneylion payday loan app
MoneyLion's personal loans and easy-to-use tools help you borrow for less while saving more, improve your financial health, and monitor your credit all in one place.

This payday loan app packs a big punch with a plethora of features that can help you. MoneyLion provides you with access to 0% APR cash advances, low-interest personal loans, helps track spending and savings.

The app also provides financial advice to help you improve and control your financial life. It is no surprise that the MoneyLion community has over 2,000,000 members.

How MoneyLion works:
  1. Download the MoneyLion app and enroll in free MoneyLion Core. Receive your new black debit card in approximately 7 days.
  2. Fund your MoneyLion Checking account with an instant transfer, and then use it everywhere you go with no fear of hidden fees, overdraft fees, or minimum balance fees!
  3. Add direct deposit of just $250 or more to your MoneyLion checking account to unlock instant 0% APR cash advances.
  4. Upgrade your membership to MoneyLion Plus to get any time access to a 5.99% APR credit-builder loan, $1 daily cashback, exclusive perks, and more.

Since this app has so many bells and whistles you can learn more in a comprehensive MoneyLion review that goes through each feature. MoneyLion is a wonderful choice for people who want to improve their financial situation, but cannot due to high-interest loan rates and many others. It helps them take control of their financial lives and improve their savings and can be downloaded for iOS or Android.

Get up to $250
MoneyLion
4.5
  • The maximum advance is $250
  • No interest. No monthly fee. No credit check
  • Link your checking account to qualify for 0% APR cash advances
Open Account MoneyLion Review

Where to get it?

4. Cleo: Best for Gig Workers

cleo

Cleo is your AI pal that looks after your money. Budget, save and track your spending. It’s available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

After downloading the app and signing up for a free account — ask Cleo anything from ‘what’s my balance’ to ‘can I afford a coffee’, and she’ll do the calculations instantly. Drill down with personalized updates, graphs, and data-driven insights.

Let Cleo do the work, as she puts your spare change aside automatically, sets you a budget, and helps you stick to it.

If you upgrade to Cleo Plus, you can qualify for getting spotted up to $250* to stop you from going into overdraft. This money is given to you interest-free and without a credit check, so they are literally spotting you up to $250.

You can still get a cash advance as a gig worker as they don't check W2s or require proof of employment.

Keep in mind that cash advance is available to Cleo Plus ($5.99/month) and Cleo Builder users ($15.99/month).

Get up to $250
Cleo
4.0
  • Borrow up to $250 instantly with no credit check or interest
  • Personalized tips on how you can save more
  • Get help creating and sticking to a budget
  • Costs $5.99 per month for Cleo Plus
Open Account Cleo Review

Where to get it?

*Subject to eligibility. Amounts range from $20-$250, and $20-$100 for first-time users. Amounts subject to change. Same day transfers subject to express fees. You may also apply for a cash advance without subscribing by contacting [email protected].

5. Brigit: Best for Saving on Overdraft Fees

brigit payday loan app
Never run short on cash again with Brigit. Get budgeting tools, alerts, and up to $250 when you need it. No credit check. No interest.

With the Brigit app, you can get up to $250 with no interest or credit check quickly. It's easy and fast relief when you need it and helps you avoid low balances.

If you have a low balance in your checking account, Brigit will see that your balance isn't enough for upcoming expenses and send you up to $250 to cover your expenses. You can save hundreds by avoiding overdraft fees with this app.

How Brigit works:
  1. No red tape. No hoops. Connect your bank account and that’s it!
  2. Brigit works with thousands of banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, Chase, Navy Federal Credit Union and 15,000+ more.
  3. Get paid up to $250 instantly.

This is best for those users who keep low balances in banking accounts and are prone to overdraft. You can learn more here.

Get up to $250
Brigit
4.0
  • Tap to get an advance within seconds
  • Get up to $250
  • No credit check is required and no interest
  • Pay it back without hidden fees or “tips"
Open Account Brigit Review

Where to get it?

How are Cash Advance Apps Different

Cash advances are sums of money taken from your pending paycheck to help you offset expenses. The most important characteristic of cash advances is that it’s your own money you’re borrowing, you just haven’t received it yet as the bank is still clearing the deposit. They can also be funds you borrow against your credit limit, albeit with a price. 

Yes, cash advances do have caveats. If you initiate a cash advance through your credit card, you’ll pay higher APR fees than you would for traditional credit card balances. In addition, you may be subject to transaction fees and other charges along the way. The idea is that creditors are willing to lend you this type of emergency money, but not without paying the price. 

Cash advance apps, on the other hand, provide a similar (if not better) service without all the unnecessary fees and repayment term restrictions. You’ll still have access to your funds (whether via paycheck or credit card) early, but you’ll pay zero interest in most cases. While these repayment terms last only so long in most cases, they can really help you get a leg up when you need it most. 

In contrast to payday and personal loans, cash advance apps incorporate shorter repayment schedules into their fine print. In most cases, your repayment balance comes out of your direct deposit as soon as it hits your account. At the same time, some people may find this type of arrangement preferable to creditors who don’t care how much you rack up in expenditures. You’ll also receive your funds quickly, typically within 2-3 business days at most. 

Pros


Here are some of the best features of cash advance apps: 

  • Receive the money you rightfully earned quickly
  • Costs less in interest payments than payday loans
  • Won’t negatively affect your credit score
  • Zero-interest terms can help you pay back the advance without any interest 

Cons 


You should also consider the following if you’re contemplating using a cash advance app:

  • It’s not a good idea financially to spend what you don’t have. 
  • Misuse of cash advances can exponentially increase your debt. 
  • It’s still possible to overdraft your account, even with a cash advance. 

FAQs

Which apps give you cash instantly?

Apps like Klover, FloatMe, Albert, Cleo, Empower, and Dave provide members with an instant cash advance, albeit with a price. In some cases, you only have to wait 2-3 days to get your cash advance without having to pay an expedited fee. 

What are the best cash advance apps?

The best cash advance apps are those that suit your needs. Features of the best cash advances include zero-interest terms, higher advance limits, and plenty of financial tools to get back on track. 

Do I have to pay interest on cash advances? 

Cash advances typically require an interest payment. However, cash advance apps do not always have an associated interest rate, as many of them offer free interest for a specific amount of time. 

Are cash advances better than personal loans or payday loans? 

The best type of loan or advance for you will depend on your individual situation. However, you can expect lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms with a cash advance, whereas personal and payday loans are more restrictive in their approach. 

Apps Like Earnin Can Help

We hope you’ve found this article useful in finding out how you can take out a cash advance on an app without agreeing to high-interest rates and long repayment terms. That’s why many individuals choose to download and use cash advance apps like Earnin over payday and personal loans. 

The best cash advance apps, however, are those that ensure they’re simply one part of the financial journey their members are on. They often provide financial resources members can take advantage of to get back on track and provide a brighter financial future for themselves. How will you use your new knowledge of cash advance apps to achieve your financial goals?

About the author

Brian Meiggs
Hi, I’m Brian Meiggs! I’m a personal finance expert and founder of My Millennial Guide, here to help you build real wealth. With a background in finance, I’ve spent years guiding people on smart, practical ways to grow their money. For stock market beginners, I recommend Acorns. It’s a simple way to start investing with just your spare change, helping you steadily grow your portfolio over time without the need to actively manage it. And if you’re interested in real estate, check out Arrived and Fundrise. I use both myself—they make it easy to start investing in property without needing huge upfront capital. These platforms are perfect for anyone looking to add real estate to their investments for passive, long-term growth. I believe these tools are great for building a balanced investment portfolio, combining stocks and real estate for a solid approach to wealth-building. You can trust this advice—my work has been featured in major publications like Business Insider, Entrepreneur, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, NASDAQ, Discover, Fox News, and MSN Money.

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