March 13, 2025

Apps Like EarnIn

By Penny Besana
Read more about EarnIn
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EarnIn is considered by many as the best app for early access to a portion of your paycheck. But who comes close? Read on.

Are there other apps like EarnIn?
Here are 8 EarnIn alternatives:
  1. MoneyLion®: Up to $1,000 with Instacash℠
  2. Brigit: Up to $250 with Instant Cash
  3. Dave®: Up to $500 with ExtraCash™
  4. Empower: Up to $300 with Empower Cash Advance
  5. Chime®.: Up to $200 with SpotMe®
  6. Albert: Up to $250 with Instant
  7. Varo: Up to $500 with Varo Advance
  8. Payactiv: Up to 50% of unpaid salary with EWA

EarnIn is popular for a reason—it's a godsend for those needing quick access to their earned wages. However, it isn't the only one that offers flexibility and relief between paychecks.

Learn about other apps that work just like EarnIn, or better.

CreditDonkey SMART Rule: Speed, Minimal fees, Accessibility, Reliability, Transparency

The SMART rule helps individuals remember the key aspects to consider when choosing an app like EarnIn:

  • Speed: Look for apps that offer fast access to funds.
  • Minimal fees: Ensure the app has low or no fees.
  • Accessibility: The app should be easy to use and accessible on multiple devices.
  • Reliability: Choose a reputable app with positive reviews.
  • Transparency: The app should have clear and transparent terms.

8 Best Cash Advance Apps like EarnIn

With a growing market of instant cash advance and loan apps that seem to one-up each other, these excellent EarnIn alternatives offer user-friendly and transparent solutions—not to mention their own perks to boot.

How much cash advance do you need?

Let's begin with an app where you can get more than $750.

MoneyLion®: Up to $1,000 w/ Instacash℠

Timing and Repayment
Get MoneyMinutes (with fee) or at least one business day
RepayOn scheduled repayment date (usually next paycheck)
Fees
Interest Rate0%
Mandatory Fee$0
Instant Transfer FeeTiered fee starts at $0.49/transfer[1]
App Rating
Google Play4.5/5 ✰ (123K+ reviews)[2]
App Store4.7/5 ✰ (135K+ reviews)[3]

Like EarnIn, MoneyLion®'s lets you withdraw against your incoming paycheck without interest or mandatory fees. If time is of the essence, just pay a Turbo Fee, and the money gets transferred to your account in minutes.

Best scenario, you can get as much as $1,000 at a time via Instacash℠. However, the ceiling amount drops to $500[4] if you are linking an external checking account to your MoneyLion® app.

There are also finance tools you can use to manage your cash flow better. These make MoneyLion® a great partner to avoid falling into a cycle of debt so you don't rely too much on cash advance facilities.

Through Auto Invest, you can invest as little as $5 a week and turn it into more than $200 a year without even having to think about it! Simply set it up using your checking account or RoarMoney℠ account and let the saving happen automatically.

MoneyLion® Instacash℠ requirements:

  1. Sign up for a MoneyLion® account.
  2. Link your checking account with a minimum 60-day history and a positive balance.
  3. At least 3 direct deposits from the same source or payroll provider into the linked account.

Pros + Cons

  • Higher cash advance limits
  • 24/7 customer hotline
  • Trial option
  • Standard transfer can be longer
  • Higher fast funding fees

Of course, your access to instant cash does not stop here—the next app offers exactly that.

Brigit: Up to $250 with Instant Cash

Timing and Repayment
Get Money20 minutes (with fee) or at least one business day
RepayNext payday or preferred date using an extension.
Fees
Interest Rate0%
Mandatory Fee$8.99/mo. Plus plan or $16.99/mo. Premium plan[5]
Instant Transfer FeeStarts at $0.99/transfer;[6] free for Premium members[7]
App Rating
Google Play4.7 out of 5 ✰ from 206K+ reviews on Google Play[8]
App Store4.8 out of 5 ✰ from 312K+ reviews on App Store[9]

Brigit is another app like EarnIn. However, you are limited up to $250 via Instant Cash.

While it doesn't use the standard credit checks, it has its own scoring system and eligibility criteria. It looks into the following:

  • Your bank account health
  • Earnings profile
  • Spending behavior

Make sure you hit all the points above to get the highest possible cash advance limit. Because, unlike EarnIn, this amount is fixed once it's assigned to you.

You can also extend repayment dates using an extension or pay earlier by navigating to the Advances tab and clicking Make A Payment.

Brigit Instant Cash requirements:

  1. Sign up for a paid Brigit subscription.
  2. Link an external checking account with a minimum 60-day history, three recurring deposits from the same source, and a positive balance.
  3. Maintain a minimum average end-of-day balance on scheduled paydays.

Pros + Cons

  • Monthly subscription fees
  • Fixed advance limit

Check out the one thing this next EarnIn alternative makes it clear.

Dave®: Up to $500 with ExtraCash™

Timing and Repayment
Get MoneySeconds to a Dave® checking account (with fee)
or within three business days
RepayNext payday or nearest Friday
Fees
Interest Rate0%
Mandatory Fee$1 monthly subscription fee
Instant Transfer FeeStarts at 3% or $3, whichever is higher[10]
App Rating
Google Play4.4 out of 5 ✰ from 528K+ reviews on Google Play[11]
App Store4.8 out of 5 ✰ from 692K+ reviews on App Store[12]

With ExtraCash™, an advance via Dave® is treated as an overdraft. So, if you get it, you may notice a negative bank account balance.

Don't worry—even if you're technically overdrawing your account, you won't be penalized with overdraft fees.

If you need your advance sooner, you have to pay 3% of your paycheck advance amount as an express fee when transferring to your Dave® account. For external bank accounts, it is 5%.

Aside from offering ExtraCash™ advances, Dave® provides earning opportunities with Side Hustle. These include answering surveys and other freelance jobs.

Dave® ExtraCash™ eligibility contributing factors:

  1. Sign up for a Dave® account.
  2. Linked bank account details or Dave® checking account with a minimum 60-day history and a positive balance.
  3. Have at least three recurring deposits.
  4. Minimum $1,000 total monthly deposit.
  5. Pay a monthly membership fee.

Pros + Cons

  • No direct deposit required
  • No interest/late charges
  • Quicker approval process with a Dave® checking account
  • Monthly membership fee
  • Dependent on income

Now let's see how this next app can help you with emergency cash needs.

Empower: Up to $300 with Cash Advance

Timing and Repayment
Get Money15 minutes via Instant Delivery or at least two days
RepayWhenever you can
Fees
Interest Rate0%
Mandatory Fee$8 monthly subscription fee[13]
Instant Transfer FeeStarts at $1/transfer[14]
App Rating
Google Play4.7 out of 5 ✰ from 180K+ reviews on Google Play[15]
App Store4.8 out of 5 ✰ from 200K+ reviews on App Store[16]

Compared to EarnIn, Empower is a multipurpose financial app with robust budgeting, savings, and money tools.

Nonetheless, both tools forego credit checks. Instead, your checking account's paycheck transactions practically dictate how much you can advance.

Sure, you can repay at any time without late fees. But outstanding balances prevent you from additional advances.

Want to build credit? Try Empower Thrive instead. It offers a credit line from $200 to $400 and can grow up to $1,000 over time.[17] However, it has interest charges.

Empower Cash Advance requirements:

  1. Sign up for an Empower account.
  2. Must have a linked active bank account with regular direct deposits.
  3. Click Check Eligibility under the Cash Advance section of your Empower app to see how much you can advance.

Pros + Cons

  • Repayment flexibility
  • No interest
  • No credit check required
  • Monthly subscription fee
  • Tiered Instant Delivery fee

In case you don't need much, skip the fees with this next option.

Chime®: Up to $200 with SpotMe®

Timing and Repayment
Get MoneyImmediately after initiating a SpotMe® transaction
RepayOn your next direct deposit or fund transfer, whichever comes first
Fees
Interest Rate0%
Mandatory Fee$0
Instant Transfer Fee$0
App Rating
Google Play4.6 out of 5 ✰ from 663K+ reviews on Google Play[18]
App Store4.8 out of 5 ✰ from 838K+ reviews on App Store[19]

Chime® is a mobile banking app users love for its no-fee approach. EarnIn is similar, but unlike Chime®, you will be charged an additional fee if you want your funds fast.

Aside from helping you save money, Chime®'s unique SpotMe® feature allows an overdraft of up to $200 without penalty.

The best part? No waiting time and no mandatory fees. Go to any of its 50,000+ fee-free ATMs and withdraw money based on your SpotMe® limit.

Getting your paycheck early is better, depending on your circumstances. By setting up your direct deposit, Chime®'s Get Paid Early facility gives you access to your earned wages in full up to two days ahead of schedule.

Chime® SpotMe® requirements:

  1. Apply for a Chime® debit card or Credit Builder card.
  2. Activate SpotMe® in your app settings.
  3. Have at least $200 qualifying direct deposit from an employer or benefits provider regularly.

Pros + Cons

  • Instant funding
  • No interest/credit checks
  • Multipurpose app
  • SpotMe® limit may take time to increase
  • Requires regular direct deposits

Cash advances may be a temporary solution. That's why this next tool goes more than just providing them.

Albert: Up to $250 with Instant

Timing and Repayment
Get MoneyReal-time via Albert Cash debit purchases and ATM withdrawals;
two to three business days via standard ACH transfer
RepayWithin a six-day grace period
Fees
Interest Rate0%
Mandatory Fee$14.99/mo. Genius account fee[20]
Instant Transfer Fee$4.99/transfer to an external bank account[21]
App Rating
Google Play4.3 out of 5 ✰ from 99K+ reviews on Google Play[22]
App Store4.6 out of 5 ✰ from 189K+ reviews on App Store[23]

Albert's Instant provides overdraft coverage for up to $250. Simply overdraw your Albert Cash account for immediate access to funds.

However, you need a paid Genius subscription to access Instant. Since you're paying anyway, use the integrated budgeting tools to organize your accounts and spending in one place.

Take advantage of Albert's personalized advice from its expert team, who can provide more nuanced guidance in tackling debt or managing your money. Yes, these are actual people and not just AI, which may not have the personal touch needed for more complicated financial scenarios.

Overdrafts must be covered within six days, with a seven-day extension available. You can't request additional overdrafts until you pay.

Albert Instant requirements:

  1. Sign up for a Genius membership.
  2. An Albert Cash account in good standing.
  3. Activate Smart Money transfers in your settings.
  4. Set up Instant by opting into overdrafts on debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, ACH, and other electronic transfers.
  5. A qualifying direct deposit in the linked account.

Pros + Cons

  • Quick access to funds
  • No hidden costs
  • Built-in budgeting and savings tools
  • Monthly subscription
  • Overdraft suspension for late/non-payments

Here's an app where the only choice is for you to get funds in a flash.

Varo: Up to $500 with Varo Advance

Timing and Repayment
Get MoneyInstantly (with fee)
RepayWithin 30 days
Fees
Interest Rate0%
Mandatory FeeTiered cash advance fee starts at $1.60[24]
Instant Transfer Fee$0
App Rating
Google Play4.7 out of 5 ✰ from 235K+ reviews on Google Play[25]
App Store4.9 out of 5 ✰ from 224K+ reviews on App Store[26]

Varo can spot cash without waiting times, which is crucial during unexpected expenses.

Unlike EarnIn, this app does not ask for optional tips. However, it has a mandatory cash advance fee. When you think about it, this likely amounts to the tip you might give to EarnIn.

In exchange, you won't have to pay monthly subscription fees that other cash advance apps ask from you. With your online bank account, Varo has other banking services you can access conveniently.

Varo's main attraction is its High-Yield Savings Account. Earn 2.50% APY on entire balance, with chance to earn 5.00% APY (on up to $5,000) when you meet requirements.

Varo Advance requirements:

  1. Sign up for a Varo account. If you already have one, it must be active and in positive standing.
  2. Have at least $800 in total qualifying direct deposits[27] to either your Varo Bank Account or Savings Account, or both combined (either this calendar month or last).

Pros + Cons

  • Instant access
  • No membership needed
  • Max repayment period
  • Cash advance fee
  • Lower cash advance amount for new users

What if you want more leverage from your paycheck? Ask your employer if they offer this service, up next.

Payactiv: Up to 50% of your salary with Earned Wage Access

Timing and Repayment
Get MoneyReal-time (with fee) or at least one business day
RepayOn your next payday
Fees
Interest Rate0%
Mandatory Fee$0
Instant Transfer FeeStarts at $2.49/transfer[28]
App Rating
Google Play4.4 out of 5 ✰ from 29K+ reviews on Google Play[29]
App Store4.7 out of 5 ✰ from 52K+ reviews on App Store[30]

Payactiv is a financial wellness platform offering Earned Wage Access (EWA). It's an employer-provided benefit that allows employees to access up to 50% of their earned but unpaid wages.

It's easy to get your EWA funds through Walmart Cash Pickup. However, consider a Payactiv Visa® Card to avoid fees. This, or an affiliate card, must be set up with a direct deposit of at least $200[28] per deposit to receive money immediately and for free.

Payactiv EWA requirements:

  1. Check if your EWA is available with your employer first.
  2. Sign up for a Payactiv account.

Pros + Cons

  • Higher advance limit
  • Multiple disbursement options
  • Minimal flat fees for real-time transfers
  • Not offered by all employers
  • Employer determines your advance limit

Now that you've explored apps like EarnIn, take a moment to review its features for a more informed comparison.

What does the EarnIn app do?

As a fintech app, EarnIn focuses on providing users with early access to a portion of their earned wages before payday via Cash Out. This means you can withdraw a total of up to $750 within a pay period, or up to $150 per day.

Meanwhile, EarnIn does not impose mandatory fees. This can keep you from resorting to traditional loans or payday lenders for relatively small amounts since such options often come with origination fees and interest charges.

What app allows you to borrow money instantly?
Moneylion, Brigit, and EarnIn are just some financial services apps where instant cash access is possible. However, they usually come with requirements such as setting up a direct deposit of your paycheck to a checking account, among others.

How to Choose Apps Like Earnin

Getting an advance from EarnIn alternatives can be the best solution to your financial hurdle.

But before you sign up for one, here are things to consider:

  1. Processing time
    When you're in a rush, the processing time is a top priority. It will determine how fast you can get the money. Most cash advance apps take less than 24 hours to process and have express delivery options.

  2. Cash advance amount
    Determine how much cash you need. Many apps cap their cash advance anywhere from $250 to $500. So before signing up, check if the app can cover your target amount.

  3. Repayment date
    Paycheck advance apps on this list set an automatic repayment on your next payday. But there are other repayment options, too. Some let you pay in installments, while others let you choose your repayment date.

  4. Fees
    Check for any possible cash advance charges, such as monthly subscriptions and instant delivery fees.

Is a cash advance app safe?
Reputable cash advance apps like Brigit and Empower are generally safe to use. Since you may have to connect your bank account details to the app, make sure to choose one with strong security measures like data encryption and multifactor authentication.

How to get out of a cash advance cycle

Repayment can sometimes be its own challenge. Budgeting your next salary to pay bills alongside your cash advance can be difficult.

Tips to breaking the cash advance and repayment cycle include:

Use budgeting and spending tools.
Many apps on this list offer budgeting assistance and saving tools. Use them to help improve your financial health.

Earn extra income.
Instead of payday loans, why not go for apps that can make you some money first? Or try a few side hustles to capitalize on your other skills.

Take note of your due dates.
Needless to say, you must be responsible for the cash advance you make. Set reminders of your repayment dates to help you prepare and pay on time.

What happens if I don't pay a cash advance app back?
While several cash advance apps may only suspend their services, others may endorse your account to a third-party collections agency if you don't repay your cash advance. One example of such apps is Solo Funds.

Alternatives to Cash Advance Apps

Other than cash advance apps, here are a few more ways to access cash for emergencies:

  1. Borrowing money from a friend
    Accessing money from someone close to you with extra cash is an option. Family loans may be even better, if possible.

  2. Use your credit card
    Especially if you're running short on groceries before your paycheck arrives, a credit card can be a lifesaver. And then, pay it in full on the due date to avoid interest.

  3. Personal loan
    For emergencies that call for more than a thousand dollars, taking out a loan could be your best bet. Try nearby credit unions, some of which offer small-dollar loans with lower fees and more manageable repayment terms.

Does cash advance affect credit score?
Cash advances obtained through cash advances or loan apps do not usually impact your credit score or report. This is because they don't involve credit checks or reporting to credit bureaus.

Methodology

EarnIn is a reliable finance app. So when making this list, we looked for other apps that you can count on during emergencies.

We also made sure that they could offer you a range of loan amounts. Need only a couple hundred? No problem. Want your full pay right away? We got an app for that, too.

Furthermore, we looked into other features like having financial tools that help you manage your money. That way, we know you're in good hands every time you get strapped for cash.

Bottom Line

EarnIn is a solid option for small cash needs, but it still might not suit everyone. You could consider similar apps that vary in the advance amounts they offer (MoneyLion), processing times (Chime), and repayment flexibility (Varo). There's maybe one that better aligns with your requirements than EarnIn.

References

  1. ^ MoneyLion®. MoneyLion fee schedule, Retrieved 10/07/2024
  2. ^ Google Play. MoneyLion: Bank & Earn Rewards, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  3. ^ App Store. MoneyLion: Banking & Rewards, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  4. ^ MoneyLion®. Get Paid Any Day, Retrieved 10/10/2024
  5. ^ Brigit. How much does Brigit cost?, Retrieved 11/04/2024
  6. ^ Brigit. Brigit Terms of Service, Retrieved 10/07/2024
  7. ^ Brigit. Our pricing, Retrieved 10/07/2024
  8. ^ Google Play. Brigit: Borrow & Build Credit, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  9. ^ App Store. Brigit: Fast Cash Advance, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  10. ^ Dave®. Get up to $500 in 5 minutes or less, Retrieved 10/07/2024
  11. ^ Google Play. Dave: Fast Cash & Banking, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  12. ^ App Store. Dave: Fast Cash & Banking, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  13. ^ Empower. Why Empower Cash Advance, Retrieved 10/07/2024
  14. ^ Empower. Why Empower Cash Advance, Retrieved 10/07/2024
  15. ^ Google Play. Empower: Advance & Credit, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  16. ^ App Store. Empower: Cash Advance & Credit, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  17. ^ Empower. Why Empower Thrive?, Retrieved 10/07/2024
  18. ^ Google Play. Chime - Mobile Banking, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  19. ^ App Store. Chime - Mobile Banking, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  20. ^ Albert. How much does Albert cost?, Retrieved 10/07/2024
  21. ^ Albert. What are direct transfers?, Retrieved 10/10/2024
  22. ^ Google Play. Albert: Budgeting and Banking, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  23. ^ App Store. Albert: Budgeting and Banking, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  24. ^ Varo. Varo Advance Fees, Retrieved 10/10/2024
  25. ^ Google Play. Varo Bank: Mobile Banking, Retrieved 10/07/2024
  26. ^ App Store. Varo Bank: Mobile Banking, Retrieved 10/07/2024
  27. ^ Varo. Varo Advance Overview, Retrieved 10/28/2024
  28. ^ Payactiv. EWA Transfer Timing, Retrieved 10/28/2024
  29. ^ Google Play. Payactiv, Retrieved 8/30/2024
  30. ^ App Store. Payactiv, Retrieved 8/30/2024
EarnIn

Get up to $750 per paycheck

Sign up in minutes
  • Access up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays
  • There's no interest, no credit check, and no mandatory fees. Tips are always optional.
  • Over 19M downloads — and counting
EarnIn is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit EarnIn.com for full details
Dave

Get up to $500

Learn More
  • No interest, credit checks, or late fees
  • No lengthy application process or waiting period
  • Sign up in minutes
Klover

Get Up to $200 Now

Get Up to $200
  • Sign up in seconds: Just enter your name, email and phone to get started
  • Connect your account: Link your bank, so we know where to send your money
  • Access your cash: Get a Klover advance - up to $200 - with no credit check
Brigit

Get up to $250 in minutes with Instant Cash

Learn More
  • No interest, late fees, or tipping
  • No credit check
  • Just $8.99/mo. Cancel anytime
Current

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  • Get Paid Up to 2 Days Faster
  • Build credit and earn points with every swipe
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  • No credit check, minimum balance or hidden fees
Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC.

Write to Penny Besana at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.

EarnIn is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit EarnIn.com for full details

Compare:

How much cash advance do you need?
26% Less than $100
45% $100 to $300
13% $300 to $500
16% More than $500
Source: CreditDonkey
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