10 best cash advance apps for January 2025

Pros and cons of cash advance apps

Cash advance apps are a popular means for getting quick access to funds before payday. Here are some things to consider before taking one.

Are cash advance apps safe?

Cash advance apps are generally safe to use. Usually, a cash advance app offers advanced encryption and security measures so that your data is protected. Additionally, some face regulations from financial authorities, depending on whether they’re banks or fintech companies.

Another essential aspect to consider is whether taking a cash advance will further any financial hardship you face. While cash advances are less risky than other methods, such as a payday loan, they aren’t suited for more significant financial issues that require long-term solutions. 

Is a cash advance app right for me?

Determining whether a cash advance is right for you requires some self-reflection on your financial habits. If you take out a cash advance from multiple apps each pay period, this is a sign of some serious financial habits that can hinder you in the long run. The last thing you want is to end up with no wiggle room in your budget because you’ve had to repay all these advances, and you still have two weeks until payday hits again. 

Consider these questions before you take a payday advance:

• How quickly do you need funds, or can it wait until your next paycheck?
• Can you afford to repay the advance without it creating a domino effect with the rest of your budget?
• Have you considered an alternative option, such as cutting back expenses or selling something on Facebook Marketplace or another site?
• Do you understand the fees you might be charged?
• How often do you face cash shortfalls?
• Can you avoid dependency?
• What is your financial health like? 
• Do you have a plan to cover essential expenses after repaying the advance?
• Are you relying on advances regularly or is this a one-time need?
• Would a small emergency fund provide a better solution for unexpected expenses?
• Have you calculated the total cost of the advance, including any fees or tips, compared to other options?
• Is your current income stable enough to ensure you can repay the advance on time?
• Could accessing credit counseling services help improve your financial habits and reduce the need for advances?
• Is your current job enough to cover your expenses, or should you consider increasing your income?

Alternatives to cash advance apps

Cash advance apps aren’t the only choice if you need cash before payday. Here’s a look at some of your other options.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps

A BNPL app is an attractive option if you have a large purchase to pay for but you don’t want it all to be taken out at once. However, if you get stuck in the cycle of using these to shop, rather than paying for the things you need, you can find yourself in an even worse position than where you started.

Personal loans or credit cards

A personal loan can usually help fund larger purchases, though you’ll be charged interest on this. Additionally, a credit card can help you out in a pinch with a cash advance.

“Someone would use a credit card if they could pay back that debt within a few months,” Noble says. “This is due to the large interest rates usually associated with them.”

Debt relief companies

A debt relief company can negotiate debt on your behalf and come up with a plan to help you pay much less than before. They do this by paying a lump sum to your creditors based on money you accumulate in a separate savings account while they do the negotiating. During this time, you’re not paying those creditors, so your credit score will tank in the short term. If you take this route, it’s important to address your financial habits so you don’t find yourself in a similar position years down the road. 

Credit repair companies

While a credit repair company doesn’t lend money, it does help fix your credit by reporting inaccuracies on your credit report. In turn, this can help you qualify for less expensive funding options. 

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The long-term alternative to cash advance apps: Set up a sustainable budget

Consistently using cash advance apps can get you stuck in an ever-widening gap between how much you’re spending and how much cash you actually have available. Creating a budget that you can stick to long-term is a much better solution than relying on cash advance apps before every paycheck. While you may need to tighten your belt for a while, you’ll thank yourself in the long run. 

Try using a platform that syncs with your bank accounts so you can see your entire financial picture at a glance—the best budgeting apps can help you manage your subscriptions and negotiate for lower bills, saving you even more.

Learn more about budgeting:

• See if zero-based budgeting is right for you
• Explore the 50/30/20 budgeting rule
• Check out the “pay-yourself-first” budgeting method

Don’t let the holidays sneak up on you; budget for Christmas all year long

Methodology

We looked at more than 20 cash advance apps and determined the best cash advance apps available today based on these factors:

• Loan amount per pay period (25%):  The most important factor to consider is how much money you can access through the app.
• Speed to access funds without paying a fee (20%): The point of a cash advance app is to get money quickly. If it's not instant or same-day, we rated the app less highly.
• Maximum loan amount per day (15%): Several apps have daily limits that differ from the limit you can access during a pay cycle—if you need money fast, a daily limit could impact how helpful the app will actually be.
• Fast-funding fee (15%): Some apps require a fee if you want instant access to the cash.
• App rating (15%): User experience is critical when trying to move quickly and get the funds you need. Apps that were rated highly scored higher in our rubric.
• Monthly subscription fee (10%): If the app charges a subscription fee to use the service, we rated it less highly.

The takeaway 

Cash advance apps let you access a portion of your paycheck early and may be a good option for meeting occasional financial needs. Using cash advances frequently may indicate a deeper financial issue, so if you find yourself needing help regularly, consider working with a credit counselor or budgeting professional for help. Building up an emergency fund can also help you better handle a financial emergency should one arise.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best pay advance app?

Our top-rated pay advance app is Varo, which allows users to repay advances 15–30 days later on a flexible schedule, splitting up the payments as needed. Initial advances can be up to $250 and with time, customers can increase that to $500. The app requires $800 in monthly direct deposits to a linked checking account to qualify.

What is the easiest cash advance app to use?

Current is a simple app to use if you want a cash advance. It only requires a minimum payroll deposit of $500, whereas many competitors require much more. Additionally, you’re not required to have a Current bank account to get the money.

What app will let you borrow money instantly?

EarnIn and Empower have options to receive instant access to a cash advance. However, there typically is a small fee associated with this, often 1% to 5% of the transaction. Usually, you can save that fee if you’re willing to wait up to an hour for a normal deposit.

What app gives the largest cash advance?

From our list, Payactiv offers up to $1,500. However, you’ll need your employer to participate in the app in order to qualify for an advance. It works to receive money you’ve “already earned” right after you’ve worked, instead of waiting for your paycheck.

How do I borrow $100 instantly?

EarnIn and Empower have options to receive instant access to a $100 cash advance. The amount you’re able to advance depends on many factors, such as spending habits, employment history, and income stability.

What app gives you money instantly without a job?

Empower offers flexible repayment, so you can pay back your cash advance when the funds are available to you. Plus, there are no late fees or interest.

What app can I borrow $200 from?

All the apps on our list offer $200 or more, but note that this amount may not be available right away or it may take more than one loan to reach the desired amount. Most cash advance apps offer less than $200 for first-time borrowers.