In today’s fast-paced world, unexpected expenses can arise at any time. Waiting for payday isn’t always an option, which is why paycheck advance apps have become a financial lifeline for many. These apps allow you to access a portion of your earned wages early, helping you avoid overdraft fees or high-interest loans.
In this article, we’ll review the 10 best paycheck advance apps, covering their features, pros, cons, pricing, and how to download them. Whether you need a small cash advance or a budgeting tool, there’s an app for you.
1. Earnin
Earnin is one of the most popular cash advance apps, allowing users to withdraw up to 100–500 per pay period based on hours worked. Instead of charging fees, Earnin operates on a “pay what you think is fair” tipping model. The app also offers features like Balance Shield (to prevent overdrafts) and Lightning Speed (for instant transfers).
Pros
✔ No mandatory fees (tips optional)
✔ High advance limits (up to $500)
✔ No credit check required
✔ Overdraft protection feature
Cons
✖ Must have consistent paycheck deposits
✖ Not available in all states
✖ Tips can add up over time
Pricing
Free to use (voluntary tips encouraged)
Need early access to your paycheck? Download Earnin Now
2. Dave
Dave offers cash advances up to $500 with no credit check. The app also provides budgeting tools, side hustle suggestions, and overdraft alerts. Dave’s ExtraCash™ feature lets eligible users borrow small amounts before payday.
Pros
✔ No credit check
✔ Up to $500 in advances
✔ Budgeting tools included
Cons
✖ 1–3 monthly membership fee
✖ Express transfer fee (1.99–5.99)
✖ Requires direct deposit history
Pricing
1–3/month membership
Get up to $500 today! Download Dave Now
3. Brigit
Brigit provides up to $250 in cash advances with no interest. The app also offers credit monitoring, financial insights, and automatic overdraft protection. A paid membership unlocks higher advance amounts.
Pros
✔ No interest or credit checks
✔ Credit-building tools
✔ Automatic advances if low balance
Cons
✖ Free plan has limited features
✖ $9.99/month for full access
✖ Slow transfers without premium
Pricing
Free (limited) or $9.99/month
Avoid overdrafts with Brigit! Download Brigit Now
4. Chime (SpotMe)
Chime is a neobank that offers SpotMe, a fee-free overdraft protection feature allowing eligible users to overdraw up to 200.Whilenotatraditionalpaycheckadvance,itworkssimilarlybycoveringshort−termcashshortages.Toqualify,youneedatleast200 in monthly direct deposits.
Pros
✔ No overdraft fees
✔ Up to $200 in negative balance coverage
✔ Free mobile banking with early direct deposit
Cons
✖ Requires Chime checking account
✖ Must receive qualifying direct deposits
✖ Not a true “cash advance” app
Pricing
Free (optional tips for SpotMe)
Bank smarter with Chime! Download Chime Now
5. MoneyLion (Instacash)
MoneyLion’s Instacash feature provides advances up to $500 with no interest or credit check. The app also offers credit-builder loans, investment options, and financial tracking. Free users get standard transfers (1-3 business days), while a small fee unlocks instant transfers.
Pros
✔ No credit check or interest
✔ High advance limit ($500)
✔ Additional financial tools
Cons
✖ $4.99/month for RoarMoney (optional)
✖ Instant transfers cost a fee
✖ Requires direct deposit history
Pricing
Free (express transfers cost extra)
Get a $500 advance today! Download MoneyLion Now
6. Empower
Empower offers cash advances up to 250withnocreditchecks.Theappalsoincludesbudgetingtools,savingsrecommendations,andcreditmonitoring.A∗∗8/month subscription** is required, but it comes with additional financial insights.
Pros
✔ No credit checks
✔ Automatic savings features
✔ Financial tracking tools
Cons
✖ 8/monthsubscriptionfee✖Loweradvancelimit(250)
✖ No instant transfers for free users
Pricing
$8/month
Take control of your finances! Download Empower Now
7. PayActiv
PayActiv is an employer-sponsored app that lets workers access up to 50% of earned wages before payday. It integrates directly with payroll systems, making it a seamless option for employees at participating companies.
Pros
✔ No credit checks
✔ Low-cost wage access ($5 per transfer)
✔ Financial wellness tools
Cons
✖ Must have an employer partnership
✖ Not available to everyone
✖ Small transfer fees apply
Pricing
$5 per transfer (employer may cover fees)
Check if your employer offers PayActiv! Download PayActiv Now
8. DailyPay
DailyPay is another employer-integrated app that allows workers to withdraw earned wages instantly. It’s popular in gig economy jobs (e.g., Uber, Walmart) and offers flexible cash-out options.
Pros
✔ Instant access to earned pay
✔ No credit checks
✔ Useful for gig workers
Cons
✖ Requires employer participation
✖ Fees for instant transfers
✖ Not available to everyone
Pricing
Free for next-day transfers; fees for instant access
Get paid when you need it! Download DailyPay Now
9. Even (by Walmart/One)
Even (now part of One) is an employer-based app that lets users access 50% of earned wages early. Walmart associates and other partnered employees can use it to avoid payday loans.
Pros
✔ No interest or credit checks
✔ Budgeting tools included
✔ Employer-sponsored (low fees)
Cons
✖ Only for partnered companies
✖ Limited to 50% of earnings
✖ Slow transfers without premium
Pricing
Free (employer may cover costs)
See if your job offers Even! Download Even Now
10. Varo (Varo Advance)
Varo Bank’s Advance feature provides up to $500 in cash advances with no interest. Users must have a Varo Bank account and meet eligibility requirements (e.g., regular deposits).
Pros
✔ No interest or credit checks
✔ High advance limit ($500)
✔ Free banking features
Cons
✖ Requires Varo Bank account
✖ Must receive qualifying deposits
✖ Small fee for instant transfers
Pricing
Free (express transfers cost extra)
Bank and borrow with Varo! Download Varo Now
Final Verdict: Which App is Best for You?
App | Max Advance | Fees | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Earnin | $500 | Tip-based | High limits, no fees |
Dave | $500 | 1–3/month | Budgeting + cash advances |
Brigit | $250 | $9.99/month | Credit-building tools |
Chime | $200 | Free (tips optional) | Overdraft protection |
MoneyLion | $500 | Free (express fees) | All-in-one finance app |
Empower | $250 | $8/month | Savings + cash advances |
PayActiv | 50% of pay | $5/transfer | Employer-sponsored access |
DailyPay | Earned wages | Instant transfer fees | Gig workers |
Even | 50% of pay | Free (employer) | Walmart associates |
Varo | $500 | Free (express fees) | Varo Bank customers |
Key Takeaways
Need a high limit? Try Earnin or MoneyLion.
Want budgeting tools? Dave and Empower are great.
Employer-sponsored? Check PayActiv or DailyPay.
Before choosing an app, compare fees, transfer speeds, and eligibility to find the best fit.