The main apps that offer payday loans and cash advances

The most widely used apps for borrowing small amounts before payday are Earnin, Dave, Brigit, MoneyLion, and Chime. Each one works differently—some charge a fee, some ask for a tip, and some tie the loan to your bank account or paycheck. None of them require a credit check, and most can move money to your account within one business day.

Earnin connects to your bank account and lets you borrow up to $750 per paycheck cycle based on hours you've already worked. Dave charges a $1 monthly membership and lets you borrow up to $500. Brigit requires a monthly subscription ($9.99 or $19.99 depending on the plan) and offers up to $250 per advance. MoneyLion is a broader money app that includes a cash advance feature alongside budgeting tools. Chime, which is primarily a checking account, offers SpotMe boosts that let cardholders borrow small amounts interest-free.

Key Takeaways

  • Apps like Earnin, Dave, and Brigit let you borrow $250 to $750 before payday without a credit check or traditional interest charges.
  • Most apps charge either a monthly fee, a one-time fee per advance, or ask for an optional tip rather than interest.
  • Money typically arrives in your account within one business day, though some apps offer faster transfers for an extra fee.
  • You repay the advance automatically when your next paycheck deposits, which means the app needs access to your bank account and income information.
  • These apps work best for small, occasional shortfalls—using them repeatedly can become expensive and may signal a deeper cash flow problem.

How the fee structure works on each app

Earnin doesn't charge a fee or interest. Instead, it asks users to tip what they think the service is worth—typically $0 to $14 per advance. The tip is optional, but Earnin's algorithm may offer you smaller advances or slower processing if you consistently tip nothing.

Dave charges $1 per month for membership and allows one free advance per month; additional advances cost $1 each. The app also offers a feature called ExtraCredit that reports your on-time repayments to credit bureaus, which can help build credit over time.

Brigit's basic plan costs $9.99 per month and covers up to two advances monthly. The premium plan is $19.99 per month and includes up to four advances, plus access to financial coaching. Brigit also reports payment history to credit bureaus on its premium tier.

MoneyLion's cash advance feature is part of a broader subscription ($19.99 per month for the Premium plan). Chime's SpotMe boosts are free for cardholders, though the amount you can borrow depends on your account history and direct deposit activity.

What you need to borrow and how repayment works

All of these apps require a bank account and proof of income. Most connect directly to your checking account via a secure link and verify your employment by checking your payroll deposits or by connecting to your employer's payroll system. You'll need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid ID.

Repayment is automatic. When your next paycheck deposits, the app withdraws the advance amount plus any fees directly from your account. This happens without a second action from you—the repayment is built into the initial agreement. If your paycheck is delayed or smaller than expected, some apps allow you to reschedule the repayment, though this may trigger additional fees or extend the loan term.

Because repayment is automatic and tied to your paycheck, these apps work only if you receive regular direct deposits. If you're paid in cash, by check, or on an irregular schedule, most of these apps won't work for you.

Speed of funding and when to use these apps

Standard transfers take one business day on most apps. Earnin, Dave, and Brigit all offer instant or same-day transfers for an extra fee—usually $1 to $3. If you need money the same day you request it, check whether the app offers this option and what it costs.

These apps are designed for occasional gaps—a car repair that hits before payday, a medical bill, a utility payment you're short on. They work best if you use them once or twice a year. If you're borrowing every paycheck or using multiple apps at once, that's a sign your income doesn't cover your expenses, and a cash advance app won't fix that problem. In that case, looking at your budget, cutting expenses, or finding additional income will address the root issue more effectively.

Risks and downsides to know

The biggest risk is the cycle trap. If you borrow $300 and pay a $10 fee, that's a real cost. If you do that four times a year, you've paid $40 in fees for the same $300 borrowed repeatedly. Over time, the fees add up faster than you might expect.

Another risk is overdraft. If your paycheck is smaller than the advance amount, or if other bills withdraw before the app does, your account could go negative. Some apps will retry the withdrawal, which can trigger multiple overdraft fees from your bank on top of the app's own fees.

These apps also require ongoing access to your bank account and payroll information. While they use encryption and are regulated, you're giving a third party real-time visibility into your finances. Read the privacy policy before connecting your account.

Finally, most of these apps do not report to credit bureaus by default (Dave and Brigit offer this as an add-on), so borrowing from them won't help your credit score. If you're trying to build credit, a secured credit card or credit-builder loan is a better tool.

Alternatives if a cash advance app doesn't fit your situation

If you need a larger amount, a personal loan from a bank or credit union may be cheaper over time, even with interest. If you have a credit card, a cash advance from the card (though expensive) might be faster than an app. If you have an employer, some companies offer paycheck advances or emergency loans to employees at no cost.

If the problem is recurring—you're short every month—a side gig, a budget overhaul, or a conversation with your employer about a raise or flexible pay schedule will solve the real problem. A cash advance app is a patch, not a solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these apps check your credit?

No. Earnin, Dave, Brigit, MoneyLion, and Chime do not run a hard credit inquiry. They verify income through your bank account and payroll deposits instead. This means you can use them even if your credit score is low or you have no credit history.

What happens if I can't repay the advance when my paycheck comes in?

Most apps allow you to reschedule the repayment or extend the loan, though this may add fees or interest. Contact the app's support team as soon as you know you'll be short. Some apps are more flexible than others about extensions, so check the terms before you borrow.

Can I borrow from multiple apps at the same time?

Technically yes, but it's risky. If you borrow from two apps and both withdraw from your account on the same day, you could overdraft. Most apps also check your bank account history, so they may deny you if they see you're already using other cash advance services.

Is borrowing from these apps better than a payday loan?

Usually yes. Payday loans often charge 400% annual interest or more and are designed to trap you in a debt cycle. Cash advance apps charge flat fees or tips, which are typically much lower. However, both are short-term fixes, not solutions. If you're considering either, address the underlying budget problem first.

Will using a cash advance app hurt my credit score?

Not directly, since most apps don't report to credit bureaus. However, if you overdraft your bank account or miss a repayment, your bank may report that to credit bureaus, which will hurt your score. Dave and Brigit offer credit reporting as an add-on, which can help your score if you repay on time.