Why trust GreenbotThe best cash advance apps help tide you over until your next paycheck. These apps offer a fast and easy way to get extra when you’re in a pinch. However, it pays to read the fine print.
We’ve taken a thorough look at different options and their fine prints. Check out our top picks of apps for payday loans and cash advances below.
HolidayFunded is our favorite pick. The application process is a cinch. You can get an advance pretty much the next business day.
Our recommendations for best cash advance apps:
- HolidayFunded – Editor’s choice as the Best for Seasonal Expenses
- Fast Money Source – Best for Emergency Cash
- Lendfly – Best for Quick Loans
- Brigit – Best for Budgeting Aid
- MoneyLion – Best for Financial Tools
- Solo Funds – Best for Community Lending
- Empower – Best for App Design
- Oportun – Best for Credit Building
Top 8 Cash Advance Apps
When you need extra cash until your next payday, cash advance apps can be a lifesaver. Below are some of the best options available:
HolidayFunded – Best for Seasonal Expenses
HolidayFunded is not an online lender. It facilitates payday loans with no credit check. The platform works with a large network of payday lenders.
Users submit their info using a simple online application. Expect lender approval within a few minutes. Once approved, you can access cash advances from $100 to $10,000.
Actual loan amounts, terms, and APR will vary based on the lender criteria. You can expect the funds to hit your account as soon as the next business day. There’s no subscription fee.
Who Is HolidayFunded For?
HolidayFunded is perfect for people looking to cover seasonal expenses like gifts, travel, or holiday events. It’s ideal for those who need a quick cash boost during festive times without the complexity of traditional loans. If you often find yourself short during busy seasons, HolidayFunded is a hassle-free solution.
Why We Picked HolidayFunded
We picked HolidayFunded because it simplifies getting cash when you need it most. The fast approval process and next-business-day funding stood out during testing, especially for users facing immediate holiday expenses. We loved how easy it was to get a small loan, with no long paperwork or credit checks slowing things down.
The Good:
- Cash advance up to $10,000
- Works with many payday lenders
- Quick online application process
- Access approved cash advances within 1 business day
- No membership fees
The Bad:
- Not a lender
- Small personal loan may carry higher interests
Fast Money Source – Best for Emergency Cash
Fast Money Source offers cash advances and personal loans. You can borrow money up to $50,000. Approved funds hit bank accounts almost instantly.
That makes this cash advance app ideal for those in urgent need of cash. Lenders can quickly transfer funds to your bank account.
Who Is Fast Money Source For?
Fast Money Source is ideal for people who need quick cash in emergency situations. It’s best suited for users who want fast approvals and instant access to small amounts of money for urgent expenses like car repairs or medical bills. If you’re looking for a fast and hassle-free way to cover unexpected costs, this app is for you.
Why We Picked Fast Money Source
We chose Fast Money Source because of its speed in processing and delivering funds. The app ensures you can get cash on the same day or by the next business day, making it a reliable option when time is of the essence. It also offers flexible repayment terms, allowing users to repay without the pressure of tight deadlines.
The Good:
- Personal loan up to $50,000
- Fast transfer to bank accounts
- Convenient online application
- Great for emergencies
The Bad:
- Potentially high interest rates
- Availability may depend on creditworthiness
Lendfly – Best for Quick Loans
Lendfly App works like HolidayFunded. It connects borrowers to a network of payday lenders. They facilitate cash advances and personal loans ranging from $100 to $10,000.
The service helps you access quick and easy funds. Expect an easy online application process. Lender approvals usually happen in minutes.
Who Is Lendfly For?
Lendfly is ideal for borrowers who need quick access to small loans without going through the hassle of a traditional loan application. It’s perfect for users with less-than-perfect credit scores, as Lendfly focuses on your employment history rather than just your credit. If you’re facing unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical bills, Lendfly can help you access funds fast.
Why We Picked Lendfly
We picked Lendfly because of its fast approval process and flexibility for borrowers with bad credit. The application takes only a few minutes, and you can get the funds deposited as soon as the next business day. Lendfly’s automatic payroll deductions also make repayment hassle-free, ensuring that you stay on track without missing a payment.
The Good:
- Lender approvals in minutes
- Simple online application process
- Approve funds hit your bank account quickly
- Works with a large network of lenders
The Bad:
- Loan terms depend on lenders
- Not a lender
Brigit – Best for Budgeting Aid
Brigit offers an Instant Cash feature. It provides borrowers in good credit standing with small cash advances. Signing up takes just 2 minutes with no impact on your credit score.
You can borrow $50 to $250 on the cash advance app. Plus plan for cash advances comes with a monthly subscription fee of $9.99. You can pay an option fast-funding fee between $0.99 and $3.99.
Brigit also offers tools for credit monitoring and smart savings. With budgeting tools, it has over seven million active users.
Who Is Brigit For?
Brigit is great for users who want more than just cash advances. It’s perfect for people looking to improve their budgeting habits, avoid overdraft fees, and manage their finances with helpful insights. If you’re someone who wants a financial assistant that helps track your spending and alerts you about upcoming bills, Brigit’s budgeting tools make it ideal for staying on top of your finances.
Why We Picked Brigit
We picked Brigit because of its all-in-one approach to financial wellness. Not only does it offer instant cash advances, but its budgeting tools stand out by providing personalized insights into your spending. Brigit’s ability to predict potential overdrafts and automatically send advances to cover them adds an extra layer of financial protection, making it a smart choice for users looking to both borrow and manage their money effectively.
The Good:
- No credit impact
- Quick signup process
- Credit, savings, and budgeting tools
The Bad:
- Charges a subscription fee
- Dependent on bank account health
- Low advance cap at $250
MoneyLion – Best for Financial Tools
MoneyLion lets you borrow money up to $500 and pay back on your next paycheck. It adds benefits like credit score building and high-yield savings accounts.
Half of their members raise their scores by up to 27 points within 60 days. Their savings accounts offer up to 5.25% APY. That’s with no monthly fees on most accounts.
Who Is MoneyLion For?
MoneyLion is perfect for users who want a comprehensive financial platform beyond just cash advances. It’s great for people looking to manage their finances with features like automated investing, credit-building loans, and spending tracking. If you need a single app to handle budgeting, investing, and access quick cash, MoneyLion is the right fit.
Why We Picked MoneyLion
We picked MoneyLion because it offers a wide range of financial tools in one place. Its Instacash feature provides cash advances without interest, and the Credit Builder Plus program helps users improve their credit while managing finances through RoarMoney. The automated investing feature is also a highlight, allowing you to grow your savings with no hidden fees or minimums.
The Good:
- High loan limits
- Credit score building tool
- Helps avoid overdraft fees
- High-yield savings options
- No mandatory fees
The Bad:
- High instant delivery fee
- Advance split into $100 disbursements
SoLo Funds – Best for Community Lending
SoLo Funds has a unique peer-to-peer lending platform. It has over 1 million disbursements and a median funding time of 20 minutes.
Unlike other cash advance apps, it offers community-based lending. The P2P loans come with an average cost of 17%. The average tip is 10.4% with a 0.4% late fee.
Up to 60% of requests at SoLo Funds are fulfilled. However, approvals could take up to 3 business days.
Who Is SoLo Funds For?
SoLo Funds is ideal for individuals looking to borrow or lend money within a supportive community. It’s perfect for users who prefer a peer-to-peer lending platform that offers small, short-term loans without interest, relying instead on voluntary tips. If you want a flexible borrowing option that doesn’t involve traditional lenders, SoLo Funds is for you. It’s also great for lenders who want to help others while earning a small return.
Why We Picked SoLo Funds
We picked SoLo Funds because of its unique community-based approach to lending. The platform allows borrowers to set their terms, while lenders can support others in need and earn returns. The absence of mandatory fees and interest makes it a standout option, particularly for users from underserved communities looking for accessible, quick financial help
The Good:
- Overdraft coverage
- Advances up to $575
- Flexible repayment terms
The Bad:
- Approvals could take up to 3 business days
- No budgeting tools
Empower – Best for Instant Advances
Empower offers instant cash advances ranging from $10 to $300. They come with no interest, late fees, or credit checks.
Their Empower Thrive line of credit provides $200 to $400 instantly. Expect flexible payment plans for building good credit history. The platform also includes automatic savings features.
Who Is Empower For?
Empower is perfect for users who want a clean, intuitive app to manage their finances easily. It’s great for gig workers, freelancers, and professionals who need quick cash advances but also value a seamless experience with features like budgeting, automated savings, and spend tracking. If you prefer a beautifully designed app that’s easy to navigate, Empower is made for you.
Why We Picked Empower
We picked Empower because of its simple, user-friendly design that makes managing finances stress-free. The app’s clean layout allows you to access cash advances quickly while also offering features like personalized spending insights and 10% cash back on debit card purchases. Its ability to combine great design with powerful financial tools makes it stand out from the crowd.
The Good:
- Instant cash advances
- No interest fees
- Credit building
- No tip or fast-funding fees
The Bad:
- Lower advance limits
- Requires Empower subscription
- High optional fees
Oportun – Best for Credit Building
Oportun offers cash advances from $300 to $10,000. The app is designed to help users build credit. Loans are small and often funded within the next business day.
Who Is Oportun For?
Oportun is for individuals who are looking to build or rebuild their credit. It’s ideal for those with no credit history or a low credit score who need access to personal loans or credit cards. If you’re looking for a service that helps you improve your financial standing while offering flexible loan terms, Oportun is the right app for you.
Why We Picked Oportun
We picked Oportun because it offers a path to credit-building that doesn’t rely solely on your credit score. With loan amounts ranging from $300 to $10,000, it provides options for those who have had trouble securing loans elsewhere. The app also stands out for its Set & Save feature, which automatically helps users save without feeling a financial strain, making it a great tool for building both credit and savings
The Good:
- Wide range of loan amounts
- Credit building tools
- Longer repayment period
- Affordable loan options
The Bad:
- Loan terms vary by state
- Longer application process
Cash Advance Apps – Pros & Cons of Using Payday Loans
Using a cash advance app can be a convenient solution. That’s especially true when you need to borrow extra money until your next payday.
Pros
- Quick Access to Funds: Most apps provide instant access to approved funds. They often reach your checking account within minutes or hours. Even better when done via direct deposit.
- No Credit Check: Many apps don’t do soft or hard checks on your credit history. That’s unlike other traditional payday loans.
- Ease of Use: These apps help you apply and manage loans directly from your smartphone. They integrate with your checking account.
Cons
- High Fees: Similar to payday loans, some cash advance apps charge high fees
- Small Loan Amounts: The loan amounts are typically small. They rarely go beyond $500.
- Short Repayment Terms: You usually have to repay the advance by your next pay period. They take their cut from your next paycheck.
Alternatives to Cash Advance Apps
If you’re looking for other ways to get quick cash, consider these alternatives to cash advance apps.
Small Personal Loans
Take small personal loans from banks or online lenders. They often offer larger amounts than most cash advance apps. These loans typically have longer repayment terms and low fees.
Credit Union Loans
As a credit union member, you can take out small loans at lower rates than payday loans. They may also offer more flexible repayment terms.
Friends and Family Loans
Borrowing from friends or family can be a viable option if you’re in a bind. These loans usually come with no interest and flexible repayment terms. However, they could strain your relationships.
Cash Advance Apps FAQs
Are Cash Advance Apps Real?
Yes. Cash advance apps are real and legitimate financial tools. They provide short-term loans to help you cover expenses until your next pay period. Examples include HolidayFunded and Empower.
Are Cash Advance Apps Safe?
Most cash advance apps are safe to use, especially those with a well-established reputation and positive user reviews. However, it always pays to check the fine print. Additionally, using an Antivirus for Windows can help protect your PC when using these apps.
Also, a VPN for iPhone, Android, or your PC can provide an extra layer of security and privacy for your online transactions.
Do Cash Advance Apps Hurt Credit?
Cash advance apps typically do not affect your credit score. They don’t perform hard credit checks.
However, failing to repay the advance on time could lead to fees and overdrafts. They might indirectly impact your credit if your checking account goes negative.
Final Thoughts On Cash Advance Apps
Cash advance apps can be a quick and convenient solution when you need money fast. Each app has its unique features.
It pays to find a cash advance app option that best suits. It should fit your budget and financial situation. HolidayFunded ticks all the right boxes for seasonal expense loans, while Empower is great for fast cash.
Though they offer fast access to funds, you should look out for high fees. Short repayment terms can leave you in a fix. The same goes for overdraft fees, monthly subscription fee, or subscription fees.
To protect your next paycheck, consider good alternatives. You can take small personal loans or borrow from your credit union. Borrowing from friends or family can be a good option.
