We’ve all felt the squeeze: the fridge is empty, the gas tank’s low, and payday is five business days away. It’s a stressful but common reality for working adults, and it can leave you scrambling for solutions.
In those moments, it’s tempting to turn to payday loans or other borrowing options. But many of those come with high interest and hidden charges that only make things harder.
Cash advance apps are a safer alternative. Apps like EarnIn provide early access to money you’ve already earned without credit checks, interest, or late fees. In this guide, we’ll cover how these platforms work and which alternatives to EarnIn may be the best fit for you.
Cash advance apps let you tap into wages you’ve already earned, so you can cover expenses right away instead of waiting for your paycheck. A familiar name in this space is EarnIn, which offers short-term advances on earned wages. That’s important when you consider that nearly two in five Americans say they couldn’t afford an unexpected $400+ expense.
Here’s how they usually work:
What makes cash advance apps stand out is that many:
Compared to payday loan lenders (who can trap you in excessive interest charges and fees), cash advance apps let you borrow money at a lower cost, helping you cover short-term expenses without getting stuck in debt. Still, they aren’t always fee-free — about 70% of users said they paid interest or fees with an advance. That’s why it helps to know your options. While EarnIn is a familiar platform, it’s far from the only one worth considering.
EarnIn is a well-known cash advance app, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Advances are often capped at smaller amounts, and depending on where you live or how you’re paid, the app may not even be available. It also mainly focuses on early wage access and doesn’t offer much in the way of budgeting or money management tools.
Other apps work differently. Some allow larger advances, some rely on subscription fees instead of tips, and others can send money almost instantly. The right platform for you really depends on what you need to manage your short-term finances.
And you don’t have to stick to just one: The average user relies on more than two cash advance apps at a time. While it’s not ideal to depend on multiple apps long term, having a backup or two can be helpful when you’re in a bind, and give you more flexibility when an unexpected expense pops up.
To help you compare, here’s a quick side-by-side look at 15 of the best cash advance apps like EarnIn. This overview covers limits, fees, and standout features — then we’ll dive deeper into what makes each one unique and how to pick the right fit for your needs.
Klover is the leading cash advance app and a reliable alternative to EarnIn. You can access up to $400 in cash without credit checks, interest, late fees, or membership fees — even if your next paycheck is two weeks away. That means you keep more of your paycheck instead of losing part of it to borrowing costs.
With Klover, you don’t have to worry about tipping pressure, and your advance limits stay predictable. You can also grow your limit over time by earning points for simple actions like taking surveys, scanning receipts, or inviting friends.
Other helpful features include automatic repayment on payday and built-in budgeting and credit tools. You can even pair a Klover advance with other apps if you need extra flexibility.
Download Klover and get up to $400 now.
Dave offers cash advances of up to $500 without credit requirements or penalties. That higher limit can make it a useful option for covering bigger bills or urgent expenses. However, eligibility can change daily based on Dave’s requirements and your bank activity.
The app also includes budgeting tools and even connects users with side gigs to help boost income.
With Brigit, you can unlock up to $250 with no credit checks or late fees. A standout feature is its real-time alerts that warn you when your account is running low, helping you avoid overdraft fees.
Advances can arrive in minutes for a small fee, but the service requires a subscription, and eligibility requirements are a bit more detailed than some competitors.
MoneyLion offers advances of up to $500. You can receive funds instantly for a small fee, or within five business days at no cost. Setting up recurring direct deposits or meeting certain incentives can unlock higher advance amounts.
Beyond advances, MoneyLion also provides cashback rewards and lets you invest spare change.
Chime is a mobile banking app with a built-in cash advance feature that provides you with up to $500, depending on your account balance. There are no interest, fees, or overdraft penalties.
Availability depends on your state, and members who set up direct deposit can unlock additional banking features.
Current is a mobile banking app that lets borrowers like you access as much as $750 ahead of payday, delivered either within three business days or instantly for a fee. It’s a strong option if you’re looking for mid-sized advances plus tools that support building credit, investing, saving, and more.
SoLo Funds works differently from most apps. It’s a peer-to-peer lending platform where other members fund your request. You can borrow up to $575 and set your own repayment schedule and interest rate, making it one of the more flexible options. It’s best suited for people who want greater control over their terms and are open to borrowing from individuals rather than a traditional bank.
Varo begins with $250 in available advances, with the opportunity to increase your limit to $500 by maintaining good account activity and on-time repayment. You’ll have up to 30 days to pay it back. Advances are interest-free, though instant transfer fees may apply. Eligibility is reviewed daily.
Cleo makes its cash advance feature available primarily through a subscription, with limits that go up to $250. If you’d rather not subscribe, you can still request an advance by contacting customer service.
Alongside advances, Cleo’s AI-powered assistant offers budgeting and spending insights to help you manage your money day to day.
FloatMe charges a $4.99/month subscription fee and gives new members access to up to $50 between payments. Over time, you can qualify for higher limits by meeting ongoing eligibility requirements.
Beyond advances, the app provides financial insights and a cash flow calendar that helps you plan ahead. FloatMe works best for covering small expenses while also getting tools to strengthen your overall money management.
Albert lets members start with $250 in cash advances, with higher limits unlocked through a subscription plan. A subscription also gives you access to instant transfers and personalized financial advice. It’s best if you want a decent chunk of quick cash along with support tools to help you build better financial habits.
DailyPay is a workplace benefit that gives you access to earned wages before payday. You can withdraw up to 100% of what’s available in your app, with a daily limit of $1,000.
Transfers are fast, and everything is managed directly through your employer’s payroll system. This makes DailyPay a strong option for covering larger, planned expenses.
Tilt offers cash advances up to $400 with no interest, late fees, or credit checks. Eligibility depends on your current financial situation. If you need additional support, Tilt also provides credit cards and lines of credit — though these options come with more risk.
Branch is another employer-backed program that gives workers early access to their earned wages. It’s free for companies to offer and includes a no-cost option for employees. Payout amounts and frequency are set by the employer.
Beem starts at $0.99/month and offers fast, no-hassle advances of up to $1,000, plus no interest or hidden fees. You can choose payout by direct deposit, a gift card, or a prepaid card. Good financial behavior over time can unlock higher limits.
Finding the right cash app starts with knowing what you need. How much cash would really help between paychecks? And just as important, what can you realistically afford to pay back on your next payday? Some apps cap advances at $250, while others let you borrow a couple thousand.
Next, check the costs. Some apps charge a monthly fee (subscriptions), some use optional tips, and others don’t charge anything at all. Pick what works for your budget. And don’t forget to review your eligibility requirements — many apps ask for direct deposit, proof of income, or employment verification.
Finally, check customer support and user reviews. Delays and errors can happen, and having responsive support makes a real difference if you’re waiting on money. Reviews also give you a clearer picture of how reliably the app delivers on its promises.
Managing money between paychecks is stressful, but you don’t have to fall back on high-interest debt to get by. Cash advance apps offer a safer way to cover unexpected bills, car repairs, or even overdrafts, helping you stay in control of your finances when your wallet is stretched thin.
Klover isn’t just about quick cash. When you need money to cover an expense before payday, you can access up to $400 without credit checks, interest, membership, or late fees — while also building toward higher limits through simple actions like surveys or receipt scans. Repayment lines up with payday automatically, and built-in budgeting and credit tools give you more visibility into your money.
Ready to take charge of your payday? Download Klover and access your earned money today.
