Highlights:
- Up to $100 per day/$750 per pay period
- 0% interest with no service fees
- Ability to link external bank accounts
- User-friendly interface
- No credit check required
- Automatically deduct funds from the next paycheck
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or older
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- iOS or Android smartphone
- Salary or hourly job
- Valid checking account and email address
- Valid email address
How to Apply: Using Earnin is very simple. First, download the smartphone app, create an account, and provide full employment details, including employer name and pay schedule information. From there, Earnin will determine how much to advance you. After that, you will have the option of same day funding for a small expediting fee or a free 2-3 business day turnaround.
Fees:
- No overdraft or minimum fees
- Voluntary tip of up to $14
- Up to $3.99 same-day fee for every $100 advanced
Pros:
- No interest rates or fees
- Can link external bank accounts
- Highest borrowing limits of all cash advance apps (up to $100 per day/$750 per pay period)
- No minimum required credit score
- No monthly membership fees
Cons:
- No interest rates or fees
- Can link external bank accounts
- Highest borrowing limits of all cash advance apps (up to $100 per day/$750 per pay period)
- No minimum required credit score
- No monthly membership fees
The Impact of Covid-19
Earnin has no specific pandemic assistance or hardship options on its website. However, you may email support@earnin.com for more information.
Brigit
Like Earnin, Brigit is one of the more popular cash advance apps, offering paycheck advances of up to $250 at 0% interest, repaid with your next paycheck.
One of the main differences between Earnin and Brigit is its borrowing limits and extra features. For a monthly $9.99 membership fee, Brigit users offer additional tools to help manage your finances, including a credit builder, identity theft protection, and budgeting tools for incoming cash flow and expense tracking. Kudos for all of its built-in insights and recommendations to help you save.
All in all, we highly recommend Brigit for its simplicity, easy-to-use app, and excellent reputation, with more than 4M members served to date.
Highlights:
- 250K ratings in App Store and Google Play
- Paycheck advances up to $250
- Monthly membership fee of $9.99
- Includes budgeting and credit-building tools
- Allows automatic savings
- Flexible repayment options
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or older
- iOS or Android smartphone
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently employed with direct deposit collecting bank account
How to Apply: To get started with Brigit, you must have a checking account with a partner bank, including but not limited to Chase and Wells Fargo. You must also have a regular source of income, directly deposited to your checking account. Once you meet all these eligibility criteria, download the smartphone app and connect your bank account before requesting a paycheck advance.
Fees:
- Monthly $9.99 membership fee
- 0% interest
Pros:
- No interest charges or hidden fees
- Same-day funding to bank account
- Excellent budgeting tools (e.g., automatic savings)
- Strong customer service
- Flexible repayment options with the option to extend
Cons:
- Low cash advance max ($250)
- Monthly $9.99 membership fee
- Not available internationally
The Impact of Covid-19
For more information on company-specific hardship programs, visit info@hellobrigit.com. Brigit also has an automated 24/7 bot named Jess for the fastest response.
Dave
Dave is one of the leading cash advance apps offering small, interest-free loans of up to $250 to cover all emergency expenses.
Benefits to using Dave.com include cash advances of up to $500, repayable up to two days early. This is offered in exchange for a small monthly membership fee of only $1. What’s more — there are no hidden fees.
Additional benefits Dave offers include automatic savings (allowing users to put away a portion of their paycheck every month towards goals), budgeting tools, and a strong customer support team. Of course, like almost all cash advance apps, you must have a regular source of income and a valid checking account.
Highlights:
- Easy-to-use interface
- ~ 1MM positive reviews on App Store and Google Play
- Interest-free paycheck advances of up to $250
- No hidden fees or surprise charges
- Automated savings features
- FDIC-insured up to $250,000
- Up to 15% cash back using Dave’s debit card
- “Side Hustle” job search for gig workers
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or older
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- iOS or Android smartphone
- Have an active checking account
- Have at least two qualifying direct deposits
- Employed with a regular source of income
How to Apply: Applying for a paycheck advance through Dave is a straightforward process. Download the iOS/Android app, create an account, link your bank account, and apply for a loan using the app. All you need to do is select your desired advance amount (up to $250) before providing basic information about your income and employment. Expect approval within a few minutes. Once approved, it can take a few minutes to a few business days for funds to be deposited into your checking account.
Fees:
- No overdraft fees and no late fees
- No minimum balance fees
- No MoneyPass ATM fees
- Up to $5.99 fee for same day funding
Pros:
- Cash advances up to $500
- Available in all 50 states
- FDIC-insured up to $250,000
- Earn up to 15% cash back using Dave’s debit card
- No ATM fees at MoneyPass ATMs
- Helpful “Side Hustle” feature for job searching
Cons:
- Up to $5.99 fee for same-day cash advances
- Lower maximum paycheck advance limit than Earnin
- “Side Hustle” not available in all 50 states
- Limited MoneyPass ATM availability nationwide
The Impact of Covid-19:
Dave has no hardship or forbearance programs listed on its website. However, they do have dedicated customer support teas. Reach out to them by emailing support@dave.com, using its live chat function, or calling 1-844-857-3283.
Albert
Albert is one of the leading cash advance apps for gig workers, good for cash advances of up to $250.
Its cash advance program is solid. After setting up direct deposit with Albert Cash, you can be paid up to two days early, a nice-to-have to pay for unexpected expenses or to cover gaps between paychecks. All you need to do is have a direct deposit set up by your employer.
One of Albert’s biggest benefits is its goal of being a one-stop shop for all things finance-related. Users can enroll in automated savings programs, seek investment advice, and even sign up for a bill negotiation service where Albert reaches out directly to service providers like cable and telephone companies on your behalf. It even runs its debit card with a cash-back rewards program on select purchases.
Highlights:
- Cash advances up to $250
- 0% interest
- Bill negotiation and automatic savings
- More than $1B saved for members to date
- Flexible investment options and high-yield savings account
- All-in-one, e.g., budgeting and investing
- Fee-free MoneyPas ATMs at 55,000+ locations
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or older
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Valet checking account and email address
- iOS or Android smartphone
- Recurring monthly income (no minimum income required)
How to Apply: Getting started with Albert is very easy. First, visit the homepage and scan the QR code to download the app on the aApp store or Google Play stores. From there, follow all instructions to link your bank account and make a cash advance request up to $250, repaid manually or with your next paycheck.
Fees:
- No minimum balance requirements
- $0 maintenance fees
- $6.9 administrative fee
- 0% interest
Pros:
- Cash advance up to $250
- Competitive 0% interest
- Easy and intuitive smartphone app
- FDIC-insured up to $250,000
- No minimum income required
- 55,000+ fee-free ATM withdrawals
- Ability to be paid up to two days early (with direct deposit)
Cons:
- Account surplus required
- Positive balance for past two months required
- $6.99 administrative fee for cash advances (external bank accounts)
- Low maximum advance amount ($250) than competitors
- Charges apply to out-of-network ATM withdrawals
The Impact of Covid-19
No financial hardship options exist on the Albert website. However, you can email support@albert.com to learn more about any assistance programs that may be available.
MoneyLion
Calling itself” the only money app you need,” MoneyLion is an excellent source of emergency cash for gig workers, offering up to $500 at 0% interest with no monthly fees.
MoneyLion’s “InstaCash” program works like Earnin, Brigit, and Dave in that you need to download a smartphone app and link your checking account. One of the best things about it is that there’s no minimum required credit score. In addition, its loan program offers competitive interest rates and a free credit monitoring tool.
There are limited drawbacks to MoneyLion. Besides higher than average APRs on some available products, it is also stricter than other platforms regarding how much to advance users. Depending on your recurring deposits, you’ll be eligible for anywhere from $50 to $500. Participating in the Credit Builder Plus program allows you to advance up to $700, but it may take several requests to reach this stage.
In short, look to MoneyLion less for cash advances and more for its robust budgeting and financial tools.
Highlights:
- Close to 100K positive App Store and Trustpilot reviews
- Broad coverage by the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Fortune Magazine
- Curated financial products, e.g., insurance
- Credit Builder Plus membership with credit-building tools
- Two-factor authentication for fraud prevention
- MoneyLion Checking with no minimum balance required
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or older
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently employed
- Checking account open for a minimum of two months
- $0+ account balance
How to Apply: It is very easy to get started with MoneyLion. All you need to do is download the MoneyLion app, tap “InstaCash,” hit the request button, and enter in your desired loan amount and the choice of free standard delivery or same day “Turbo” delivery for a small fee.
Fees:
- 0% interest
- Small fee for same day “Turbo” delivery
Pros:
- Cash advance is up to $500
- 0% interest
- Easy-to-use interface
- Wide range of services, including credit monitoring and investment tips
- No minimum required credit score
Cons:
- Only available in the United States
- Up to $7.99 for immediate cash advances
- Limited qualifying advance amount ($50 to start)
- Membership fee required for premium services
- Not the most responsive customer support team
The Impact of Covid-19
There are no policies listed on MoneyLion’s website regarding forbearance, hardship, or debt management options. However, you may email customercare@moneylion.com for more information.
What Are Cash Advance Apps?
Over the past decade, cash advance apps have become increasingly popular for their promise of quick access to cash, bank-to-smartphone integration, and, best of all, 0% interest with minimal to no fees.
Amounts offered by cash advance apps typically range from $100 to $750, with balances repaid with your next paycheck. All transactions are managed through a smartphone app connected to your bank account for authorized withdrawals.
Some popular cash advance app options include Earnin, Dave, and Brigit. Each of them offers its competitive advantages. For example, Earnin has the highest borrowing limits (up to $100 per day or $750 per pay period). In contrast, Brigit offers unlimited paycheck advances (one at a time) for a monthly $9.99 membership fee with additional tools, such as credit builder and identity theft protection.
With cash advances apps, expect lower borrowing limits compared to traditional loans. Unlike higher dollar cash advances/bad credit installment loans from reputable lending networks like 100Lenders and FundsJoy, consider Earnin, Brigit, and others strictly as a way to cover gaps between paychecks.
Large-scale home improvements projects like bathroom renovations or $9,000 in unpaid hospital bills are best served with other types of unsecured and secured loans.
Keep in mind that cash advance apps are not payday loan apps. Instead, they operate as paycheck advance apps that provide early access to income you have already earned. It’s a welcome change from traditional payday loans, which charge outrageous 400% APRs and excessive rollover/extension fees as high as $60.
How Do Cash Advance for Gig Workers Work?
Explaining how cash advance apps for gig workers work is very easy.
First, you need to download a smartphone app, register and create an account, and provide your contact/deposit information. For example, Earnin requires users to add earnings information to its smartphone app via printed/electronic timesheets, an employer-provided work email address, or via its Augmatic Earnings (GPS) feature, which automatically adds earnings to your Earnin Account based on your physical work location.
It’s also relatively easy to explain how cash advance apps like Earnin, Brigit, and Dave make money. Instead of interest charges, all operate on a voluntary tip or monthly membership model. For example, every Earnin advance allows voluntary tips of up to $14, whereas Brigit charges a monthly $9.99 membership fee for unlimited advances (no more than one at a time).
What Can I Expect from Cash Advances for Gig Workers?
Popular cash advances apps like Earnin, Bgit, and Dave allow anyone receiving a regular source of income with a valid checking account to qualify for same-day cash advances of up to $100 per day or $750 per pay period. One of the best things about these apps is 0% interest and repayment in two to four weeks, providing excellent flexibility.
Another benefit of using cash advance apps for gig workers is robust features outside of paycheck advances, such as budgeting tools (Brigit) and a “Side Hustle: feature (Dave), allowing users to search for part-time jobs while requesting advances. Even Albert steps up to the plate with a built-in brokerage that allows you to invest as little as $1 toward your favorite stock.
All in all, these mainstream apps offer much greater flexibility and service offerings than pure gig worker cash advance apps like Moves and Giggle.
How to Find the Best Cash Advance Apps for Gig Workers
Here are our top recommendations on finding the best cash advance apps, regardless of whether you have a regular income or are a freelancer or gig worker with an irregular schedule:
Interest Rate/Fee Structure. How frequently do you plan on using cash advance apps? Based on your answer, evaluate two main fee structures offered with cash advance apps based on a voluntary tip and monthly membership fee models.
For example, Earnin charges no interest but does accept voluntary tips of up to $14 with every advance. In turn, Brigit and Dave charge monthly membership fees of $9.99 and $1, respectively. If you are considering a single cash advance, Earnin may be viable over two or three consecutive monthly cash advances, which Brigit and Dave may be better suited for.
Extra Features. Nowadays, cash advance apps go above and beyond paycheck advances. For example, MoneyLion and Brigit offer cash-back rewards for using their budgeting and savings tools.
Dave also offers a debit card that earns users up to 15% cash back on select purchases, along with no ATM fees at 37K MoneyPass ATMs. If your local region has a heavy MoneyPass ATM presence, Dave may be a viable option over a traditional bank debit card.
Carefully review all extra perks offered by each cash advance app. Then, if they match your lifestyle and financial goals, go for them.
Security. Ensure that your cash advance app adheres to data and regulatory best practices. For example, Dave and MoneyLion are backed by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) partner banks. In turn, Earnin uses 256-bit encryption so that they do not have to store your bank account login details. Remember, cash advance apps automatically debit your account on your next payday, so account security is very important.
Privacy Policies. We highly recommend understanding your cash advance app’s privacy policy. Most do not sell your personality identifiable/aggregate information, but they may share your data with third-party partners, Including your phone contact list (with your consent).
Other points that are considered are tracking and communication policies. All cash advance apps use cookies and track device locations, but not necessarily browsing activities on other websites; likewise with communication. Any essential changes to privacy policies, including opt-out marketing communications/post notifications, should be explicitly included in all fine print.
Does Online Cash Advance for Gig Workers Approve People with Bad Credit?
One of the main draws of online cash advance services for gig workers is that it is tailored toward limited to no credit history borrowers, meaning no credit scores are required.
However, it is essential to note that every cash advance app has specific criteria and policies. For example, MoneyLion only makes a small first advance amount available ($50) with the ability to unlock additional cash with recurring deposits. Others, like Albert, require a positive checking account balance for at least two consecutive months.
The same eligibility criteria apply outside of specific rules regarding recurring deposits, the number of recurring deposits, and eligibility for higher advance amounts. To use the best cash advance for gig workers, you must be at least 18 years old with a regular income (recurring or irregular freelancing income), a smartphone app, and a valid checking account to link to.
Remember, your checking account balance must be greater than $0 to repay any paycheck advance on your next payday, which could be two to four weeks out.
Are Cash Advances for Gig Workers No Credit Check?
Yes, most cash advance apps for gig workers run no credit checks with no minimum required credit score.
Remember, cash advance apps operate more as paycheck advance services, providing early access to income you’ve already earned up to specified borrowing limits (e.g., up to $100 per day or $750 per pay period). Since Earnin, Brigit, Dave, and other cash advance apps are not technically direct lenders, no accounts are escalated to collections, nor are default payments reported to credit bureaus.
However, other eligibility criteria apply with cash advance apps, which vary depending on the brand and type of cash advance you seek.
At a minimum, expect to be at least 18 years old with U.S. citizenship/ permanent residency, a steady income source (regular “9-to-5” job or freelance work), and a valid bank account to disburse funds to. Some apps may require that you provide a direct deposit collecting bank account with biweekly payments from your employer.
Other forms of eligibility include identity verification (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
Remember, every cash advance app has its criteria for approving advances. Before committing to a cash advance app, review all terms and conditions, including max borrowing limits and repayment terms.
Cash Advance Apps for Gig Workers vs. Traditional Cash Advance Apps
Expect more similarities than differences in the battle of cash advance apps for gig workers versus traditional cash advance apps. For example, both methods offer advances as high as $500 with same-day approval and funding within minutes in exchange for a small expediting fee.
However, there are fundamental differences between pure gig worker apps like Moves and Giggle versus the mainstream Earnin, Brigit, and Dave. One is how gig workers qualify with pure gig cash advance apps. For example, Moves offers real-time assessments of member eligibility for lower or higher Aadvance amounts based on deposit history and banking activity with no credit checks. Plus, it charges 0% interest but a small service fee.
For this reason, we did not include Moves in our top recommended list of cash advance apps.
Despite these differences, gig workers like Doordash delivery people and Lyft drivers can still use the mainstream apps if they receive regular payments.
Cash Advance Apps Vs. Personal Loans
Here are the key similarities and differences between cash advance apps and bad credit personal loans.
Similarities
Access to Funds. Funds from cash advance apps and personal loans can be used for emergency expenses like past-due utility bills.
Application Process. Both cash advance apps and bad credit personal loans from lending networks offer an easy application process taking no more than five minutes to complete.
Differences
Loan Amounts. At best, expect to qualify for advances up to $750 per pay period versus higher dollar amounts offered by bad credit personal loans, up to $40,000.
APRs. In contrast to 0% interest cash advance apps, bad credit personal loans charge APRs up to 35.99%.
Fees. Depending on the direct lender, you’re more likely to be charged origination and prepayment penalties than cash advance apps. For example, FundsJoy lenders charge origination fees of up to 5%, depending on the direct lender. Cash advance apps charge no overdraft, minimum balance, or late fees.
Repayment Terms. Cash advance apps strictly cover gaps between paychecks, repayable within two to four weeks (on your next payday). Personal loan repayment terms run from several months to several years.
Funding Speed. With cash advance apps like Earnin and Brigit, you can receive funds in your bank account in minutes. In contrast, bad credit personal loans can deposit funding by the next business day, as long as the loan application is submitted and approved by a daily 5 pm cutoff (weekdays).
Cash Advance Apps Vs. Traditional Payday Loans
Here are the main similarities and differences between cash advance apps and traditional payday loans:
Similarities
Same Day Approval. Both cash advance apps and traditional payday loans offer same-day approval.
Funding Speed. Expect funding speeds as early as the same business day. However, cash advance apps like Earnin assess a small expediting fee of up to $3.99 for minute transfers.
Differences
APRs. Arguably the number one difference between cash advance apps and payday loans, cash advance apps offer 0% interest on up to $100 per day or $750 per pay period, repaid on your next payday. In turn, payday loans charge outrageous APRs upwards of 400% (or up to $30 for every $100 borrowed, not inclusive of additional finance and even bank-related charges like overdraft fees and rollovers).
Withdrawal Method. Many cash advance places continue to rely on issuing post-dated checks for payday lenders to authorize withdrawals directly from one’s bank account. It’s a stark difference from cash advance apps, which request authorized electronic withdrawal to debit your account.
Overdraft Protections. Traditional payday loans from local cash advance places have no safeguards against racking up consecutive overdrafts or insufficient funds fees. As a result, withdrawals continue to occur regardless of a $0 account balance.
Cash advance apps like Dave offer overdraft protections, including an automatic alert system that lets users know an account is in danger of being overdrawn.
Extra Features. Traditional payday loans have no financial education resources, credit-building tools, identity theft protection, brokerages, or similar services. On the other hand, cash advance apps like Brigit complement their paycheck advance services with robust financing tools like a credit Builder and up to $1 million in identity theft protection, all included with the monthly $9.99 membership fee.
To take it further, Albert’s built-in brokerage allows you to start building your portfolio with only $1. In addition, it comes with one of the best budgeting tools we’ve ever seen, allowing you to track all bills/subscriptions and expenditures with hidden saving opportunities to boot.
Tips to Get Legit Cash Advance for Gig Workers and Avoid Scams
Here are our top recommendations for getting legit cash advances and avoiding scams:
Review All Fees. Only some cash advance apps are equal when it comes to fees. For example, Earnin charges a voluntary tip of up to $14, whereas Brigit and Dave charge a monthly membership fee of $9.99 and $1, respectively. If you feel good about tipping, go for Earnin. However, if you plan on consecutive cash advances over a longer period, then Brigit and Dave may be more worthwhile options.
Review Eligibility Requirements. The same goes for eligibility requirements. For example, all cash advance apps require that you have a minimum account balance of greater than $0, While others (like MoneyLion) need to open and check accounts for a minimum of two months. Others strictly require recurring deposits, whereas others are more gig and freelancer friendly (e.g., Brigit).
Check Online Reviews. We are big fans of checking online reviews to ensure a healthy negative to positive feedback ratio. Our recommended best cash advance apps for gig workers have hundreds of thousands of positive reviews in the App Store and Google Play stores, not to mention Trustpilot, one of the leading third-party review sites.
By following these three suggestions, you can be assured that the next cash advance app you select will fit your financial situation.
How Did We Pick These Cash Advance Apps?
In writing this guide,, we researched and put into practice more than 15 cash advance apps from iconic names, e.g., Earnin, to lesser-known apps like Grain and Even. After several days, we narrowed the 15 options to seven based on the following criteria: borrowing limits, APRs, fees, eligibility requirements, ease of use, and reputation.
For an in-depth explanation of our evaluation criteria, continue reading below:
APRs. Arguably the number one criterion in selecting our preferred cash advance apps, we opted for strictly 0% interest rates. That means no finance charges from now until your next payday.
Fees. All of our recommended cash advance apps offer favorable fee structures. At best, expect only expediting fees and no minimum, overdraft, or insufficient funds fees. Expediting fees fall anywhere from $1.99 to $5.99 for the same day cash advances, with no charge on standard processing anywhere from two to three business days.
Additionally, expect to pay a voluntary tip or a monthly membership fee of as little as $1 (Dave), upwards of $9.99 monthly.
Eligibility Requirements. At worst, eligibility requirements will ask that you have at least two months of account history. For example, MoneyLion’s InstaCash program does require at least two months. Other criteria include a verified checking account, recurring deposits (either from a full-time employer or gig opportunity), an account balance above $0, and enough cash flow to pay for deposits and expenses sufficiently.
These are reasonable eligibility requirements for a 0% interest paycheck advance with no minimum required credit score.
Ease of Use. We prioritize cash advance apps that have simple and user-friendly interfaces. This means a clean layout with easily navigable menu options and clear step-by-step instructions on linking a valid bank account. Remember, requesting a paycheck advance occurs from your smartphone, so usability needs to be on point.
Reputation. We are big fans of cash advance apps with hundreds of thousands of favorable reviews in the App Store and Google Play stores. For example, Brigit boasts 250K+ positive ratings on the App Store in Google Play, along with wide coverage from leading publications like the New York Times, Forbes, and Bankrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What apps give you cash advances instantly?
Many apps give you cash advances instantly, including but not limited to our recommended options, Earnin, Brigit, Dave, MoneyLion, and Albert. Expect paycheck advances are up to $100 per day or $750 per pay period at 0% interest with a small expediting fee for same-day deposits.
Is there a personal finance app for gig workers?
Yes, there are plenty of personal finance apps available for gig workers. For example, Albert those well beyond offering cash advances with robust finance tools that provide everything from automated savings to bill negotiation services.
What app lets you borrow $200 instantly?
Virtually all cash advance apps allow you to borrow $200. However, there are some exceptions. For example, MoneyLion limits the amount of your initial cash advance to $250 until you show proof of positive earnings and payment history. Review your cash advance app’s terms and conditions, especially with first-time minimums.
Conclusion
Thankfully, there are plenty of legit and reputable cash advance apps for gig workers offering generous borrowing limits, a seamless smartphone to link to bank account integration, and same-day deposits to handle life’s small emergency expenses.
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