Have you ever needed quick cash when payday was still a few days or even weeks away? Maybe the car you depend on to get to work needed a sudden repair, or your heating bill hit a little too hard after a really cold month.
Life doesn’t wait for payday.
Tools like Brigit help many people bridge short-term financial gaps like these, but it’s smart to know your other, often better options. Comparing apps makes it easier to find the right fit, whether that means lower fees, higher advance amounts, or features that better support your lifestyle or financial goals.
Cash advance apps are mobile applications that let you access a portion of your earned wages before your next payday. These apps connect to your bank account to verify income, then automatically repay the advance when your next paycheck arrives.
Cash advance apps work differently from traditional loans. Unlike payday loans and other short-term options that charge very high interest rates, most cash advance apps don’t run credit checks or charge interest that could affect your credit. Instead, they make money through small fees, optional tips, or ads.
People use these apps for situations like:
Both cash advance apps and payday loans can provide access to money, but they aren’t the same thing. Payday loans are high-interest loans taken out against future income. Their fees and short repayment timelines can make them difficult to repay. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that these loans often carry extremely high annual percentage rates (APRs) and that some lenders engage in deceptive or unfair practices.
Cash advance apps don’t work that way. Instead of creating new debt, they provide early access to money you’ve already earned but haven’t received yet. Repayment is typically automatic on your next payday, with clearer terms and more predictable timing. This structure helps reduce confusion and lowers the risk of ongoing financial strain.
Brigit offers a solid product, but it isn’t the best fit for everyone. Cash advance apps take different approaches to fees, limits, and access, and even current Brigit users may find they need more flexibility than one app can provide. Some people compare alternatives to stack advances across apps for short-term needs, such as covering larger or overlapping expenses — when used thoughtfully.
One key consideration is cost. Brigit charges an $8.99 monthly fee for its Plus membership to access instant cash advances. While Instant Cash doesn’t carry interest, it isn’t available without a paid subscription.
Other reasons you might look for a Brigit alternative:
If you’re looking for a cash advance app with less stress and more flexibility, you have plenty of options beyond Brigit.
The comparison table below highlights key differences in advance limits, fees, and features. Use it to narrow down which apps might fit your needs, then explore the details in the sections that follow.
Klover is a strong option for easy, fee-free cash advances of up to $400. You get money you’ve already earned, with no interest and no credit checks. When your paycheck arrives, the advance is automatically repaid.
Klover is unique because we carefully and responsibly use data, not fees or interest, to support the platform. That approach helps keep more money in your pocket. Klover also offers a user-friendly points system, where you can earn points through different activities to increase advance amounts or cover fees for instant transfers.
Perks of using Klover include:
Get started with Klover and access your cash now.
Dave is another cash advance app that can work as a Brigit alternative. It offers small, no-interest advances through its ExtraCash feature, with a maximum advance amount of $500.
Dave also includes basic budgeting tools and a Side Hustle feature that helps you discover new ways to earn extra income.
One catch: Dave is a subscription-only app. You’ll need to pay $1–$5 per month to access its features.
With EarnIn, you can get part of your pay before your paycheck arrives. Daily advances are capped at $150, with up to $1,000 per paycheck if your earnings support that amount.
EarnIn doesn’t charge required fees, but it does ask for optional tips. Like most cash advance apps, it doesn’t run on credit checks. You’ll have to provide proof of current income and work to qualify.
Curious what other apps work like EarnIn? Check out our roundup.
MoneyLion offers cash advances of up to $500. If you open a RoarMoney account, which functions as an alternative to a traditional checking account, you may qualify for advances of up to $1,000.
Basic cash advances don’t have required fees, but the app does allow optional tips. MoneyLion also includes banking, investing, and credit-building tools within the same platform.
Free transfers typically take one to five business days. Some MoneyLion features come with higher monthly costs, including the Credit Builder Plus membership, which costs $19.99 per month and provides credit builder loans.
5. Albert
For eligible users, Albert can provide cash advances of up to $1,000. That said, the app is designed primarily around investment and money management, with cash advances playing a smaller role.
Albert operates on a membership model, with plans starting at $14.99 per month and higher tiers available. Its top-tier Genius plan costs $39.99 per month and includes AI-powered financial and investment guidance.
Be aware that Albert may charge transfer fees when you move a cash advance to your bank account.
For people looking for a more bank-like experience, Chime combines checking, tools to build credit, and early pay features in one app. Through its MyPay feature, eligible users can access up to $500 of their pay early, based on income and account activity.
Chime also offers SpotMe, which provides up to $200 in fee-free overdraft protection for qualifying users. SpotMe isn’t a cash advance, but it can help cover small shortfalls between paydays.
One important requirement: you need a Chime checking account with qualifying direct deposits to access these features. If you want an app that functions more like a full digital bank, with a checking account and debit card, Chime can be a practical option.
Looking for a full list of cash advance apps that work with Chime? Check out our roundup!
FloatMe is a monthly membership program that costs $4.99 and offers small cash advances of up to $50 between paydays. After using the app consistently, some users may be able to request up to $100. This app provides interest-free cash advances and doesn’t run credit checks.
FloatMe isn’t for everyone. Smaller advance amounts paired with a recurring membership may not fit every situation. But for people who prefer lower cash limits and more structure around short-term cash use, it can be a practical option.
Tilt, formerly Empower, offers cash advances of up to $400 through an $8 per month membership. That cost may make sense if you plan to use multiple Tilt features, but it may be less appealing if you’re only looking for occasional cash advances.
Tilt rebranded as part of a broader strategy to expand products like credit cards and other financial tools. It uses nontraditional indicators of financial health to offer financial products to people who may not qualify through traditional banks.
Check out more apps like Tilt (Empower).
Branch works a little differently from most cash advance apps. Instead of setting a fixed dollar limit, it bases advances on your actual income. If you qualify, you can access up to 50% of your upcoming paycheck early through what’s known as an earned wage advance (EWA).
Branch is only available to people whose employer uses its On-Demand Pay program, so it isn’t an option for everyone. If your employer offers Branch, it can be worth exploring. If not, other apps on this list may be a better fit.
SoLo Funds is a peer-to-peer platform where members support each other through lending and borrowing. If you need cash, you submit a request and set the terms, including any tip for the lending member and an optional donation to the platform.
SoLo Funds advertises an average cost of about 17%, which reflects the fact that these transactions function as personal loans, not cash advances.
Because terms are negotiated between members, the experience can vary widely and may feel more complex or stressful than using no-interest cash advance apps with fixed terms.
To choose the right borrowing option, focus on what matters most for your financial needs. For example, do you need quick cash, a larger advance, or more flexible repayment timing?
Compare key app features to see which option fits best, including:
It’s also worth considering whether added features could support your goals, such as budgeting tools, credit-building programs, or financial education resources. Looking at these extra features side by side can help you decide which apps offer the most value for your needs.
Tips to avoid relying on short-term advances
Cash advance apps can provide helpful short-term support, but they aren’t a long-term solution. Building a stronger financial foundation can reduce how often you need to rely on advances over time. The tips below focus on small, practical steps that can help create more stability.
Saving for emergencies like a car repair or unexpected vet visit can feel overwhelming at first. Start small. Any emergency buffer is better than none. Skipping a meal out or pausing a nonessential subscription for a month and setting that money aside, even $20 or $30, is a solid first step.
From there, add to your buffer with each paycheck. Automatic transfers can help by moving money into savings before you have a chance to spend it. As your situation allows, gradually increase the amount you set aside.
Understanding where your money goes each month can make it easier to adjust your spending. Many cash advance apps include tools that help you track expenses and spot patterns.
Look for one small cost you can reduce, then redirect that money to your emergency buffer instead.
It can be frustrating when bill due dates don’t line up with your pay schedule. Many bill providers allow you to change a due date at least once, which can help better align with payday.
Another option is to spread expenses throughout the month so they don’t all come due at the same time. Either approach can help smooth out timing and make monthly costs easier to manage.
One way to ease short-term money pressure is to bring in a little extra income. A few options that may be worth exploring include:
Even after taking the steps above, timing gaps can still arise. These are often the moments when a cash advance makes the most sense.
Try to reserve advances for true emergencies or short-term needs, like a bill that hits before payday or an unexpected expense. Take only what you need and think through how the advance will be repaid before you use it.
The best cash advance app is the one that fits your budget, timing, and lifestyle — without confusing terms or hidden fees. Comparing your options helps you understand what each app actually offers, from advance limits and costs to eligibility and extra features, so you can choose what works best for your situation.
Klover is designed to keep things simple and transparent. With advances of up to $400, no interest, no credit check, and clear fees, Klover offers an easier way to handle short-term gaps without adding unnecessary stress. Automatic repayment and built-in tools help keep the experience straightforward and predictable.
If you’re ready for a clearer, more flexible option, explore Klover and see how easy accessing your cash can be. Download the app to get started today.
Yes. Most reputable cash advance apps are safe to use when you choose a well-known provider and understand the terms. These apps typically use bank-level encryption, don’t require a credit check, and let you access a portion of your next paycheck without traditional loan fees.
That said, safety can vary by provider. It’s a good idea to look for:
If you prefer predictable, low-risk support, apps like Klover offer cash advances with no interest, no credit check, and no late fees, making them a safer alternative to high-cost payday loans or credit card cash advances.
Most cash advance apps don't run credit checks or report activity to credit bureaus, so using them typically won't affect your credit score. However, if an advance leads to overdrafts in your bank account, those fees or account issues could indirectly impact your finances.
Yes, legitimate cash advance apps require a checking account to verify income, deliver advances, and process automatic repayments. Some apps work with prepaid debit cards that have routing numbers, but traditional bank accounts usually provide the smoothest experience.
