If you find yourself in need of a small loan before your next paycheck, cash advance apps like Dave offer a convenient solution. However, choosing the right one among the many options can be daunting.

Dave stands out as a popular choice for many needing quick cash, primarily due to its lack of hidden fees and subscription requirements. But it’s important to note that Dave has its limitations, including a maximum advance amount that might not fully cover your needs.

8 Cash Advance Apps Like Dave – Ranked

1. Earnin

Earnin is a financial technology company that allows you to access your pay as you earn it. With Earnin, you can cash out up to $100 a day and up to $500 per pay period of your earnings.

The app does not charge interest, late fees, or conduct credit checks, but does require a monthly subscription of $9.99 to use their services and $3.99 per $100 advance.

The app allows you to tip what you feel is fair for the service, even if it’s $0. This policy has been well-received by users, who appreciate the flexibility and fairness it offers.

User Ratings and Testimonials

Apple App Store: 4.7

Users have shared extremely positive experiences with Earnin. One user praised the app for its fast and efficient service, while another user appreciated the app’s budgeting tools and the ability to earn extra points when reaching savings targets.

Pros:

• Offers paycheck advances with no credit check or interest.
• Automatic advances can help you avoid overdraft fees.
• Provides reasonably large advances to qualified users
• Tips are optional

Cons:

• No lump sums, and $100 daily max requiring a $3.99 fee for instant transfer
• Requires access to your bank account activity.
• Although optional, tips up to $14 can result in a high cost of borrowing
• The monthly fee of $9.99 to access most features

2. FloatMe

FloatMe is a financial wellness app that offers a variety of services to help users manage their money effectively. One of its key features is the cash advance service, which allows users to access up to $50 of their earned wages before payday.

The app charges a low monthly membership fee of $1.99, and does not require users to pay interest or tips on their cash advances.

However, it’s worth noting that the maximum advance is relatively low compared to some other apps, and using FloatMe does not contribute to improving your credit score.

Pros:

• No credit check required for cash advances.
• No interest or tips needed.
• Offers overdraft alerts and automatic savings.
• Low membership fee of $1.99 per month.
• Simple and quick application process.

Cons:

• Maximum advance limited to $50.
• No options for due date extensions.
• Using FloatMe doesn’t aid in improving credit score.
• Lack of contact information on the website.

3. Empower Cash Advance

Empower is a financial technology company that offers a range of services, including cash advances, budgeting tools, and credit monitoring. Users can access up to $250 instantly, with no interest, late fees, or credit checks.

Empower sets itself apart with its comprehensive suite of financial tools. Users can track their spending, set budgeting goals, and even monitor their credit score. The app also offers personalized financial insights, helping users make smarter financial decisions.

User Reviews and Feedback

Apple App Store: 4.8

Customer experiences with Empower have been largely positive, and no reoccurring themes for the few negative reviews I came across.

I spoke with a user who has first hand experience with cash advances from more than half of the apps on this list, and they mentioned “Empower changes the advance amounts the most and with the largest discrepancy. Like I would get as much as $250 but as low as $100 depending on my balance and what not. But the others didn’t change much and if they did the amount wasn’t drastic.”

Pros:

• No interest or fees on cash advances.
• Flexible eligibility without a credit check.
• Payments reported to credit bureaus, aiding in credit history building.
• User-friendly application interface.
• Customizable budgeting feature within the app.
• Option to set up automatic savings.

Cons:

• Cash advances capped at $250.
• Reoccurring users will experience large discrepancy in allowable transfer amounts
• Monthly subscription fee of $8.
• Requires Empower Card for instant, free cash advance funds.
• Lacks mobile check deposit feature.
• Limited ATM network availability

4. MoneyLion

MoneyLion is a mobile banking service that offers a range of financial products, including cash advances, similar to the Dave app. Users can access their earned wages early, providing a buffer against unexpected expenses or shortfalls.

MoneyLion also offers a suite of financial tools to help users manage their money more effectively, including savings and investment features.

Apple App Store: 4.7

Pros

• MoneyLion allows users to access their paychecks up to two days early.
• MoneyLion does not charge overdraft fees.
• No interest, no monthly fees, and no credit checks
• Up to $500, potentially increasing up to $1,000 with a RoarMoney account and direct deposits

Cons

• High Turbo delivery fee based on disbursement amount. Up to $8.99 for a $90 – $100 transfer to an external bank account
• Can take months to qualify for higher loan amounts
• Not available for those with irregular income
• Slow delivery of payday advance funds (2-5 days) when not using Instacash and/or depositing the funds into an external account
• Cash advances are limited to $100 increments, so accessing larger sums instantly via Turbo Delivery requires multiple requests (and multiple fees)

5. Brigit

Brigit is a financial health app that offers up to $250 in cash advances. Brigit does not charge interest or late fees, making it a popular choice for those who need quick funds without hidden costs.

Although there is a $9.99 monthly subscription cost for the cash advance features.

Customer Rating and Feedback

Apple App Store: 4.8

User reviews for Brigit are largely positive, and the negative reviews typically state the $9.99 monthly charge. Many users shared how Brigit helped them survive between paychecks during a financial crunch.

Another user appreciated the app’s fast verification process and multiple delivery options. On the other hand, a user familiar with many of the services on the list said the weekly limit relative to income is less than the competitors.

Pros:

• Advance amount not determined by previously worked hours.
• Offers financial literacy tools.
• Sends notifications when your bank account balance is low.

Cons:

• The maximum advance is relatively low at $250.
• Your earnings must be higher than competitors to qualify for the maximum $250.
• Must have Plus plan for $9.99/mo to access cash advance features.

6. Klover

Klover is a unique cash advance app that leverages consumer-permissioned data to provide financial assistance. It offers users short-term financial aid, budgeting tools, and cash back rewards. With Klover, users can access up to $200 instantly, even if their payday is still two weeks away.

One of the standout features of Klover is its data-driven approach. The app uses its customers’ most valuable asset – their data – to provide personalized financial services.

This includes offering cash advances, providing spending analytics, and even helping users find gig work. Klover ensures that all user data is anonymized and securely stored using military-grade encryption.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Apple App Store: 4.7

Customer feedback for Klover has been overwhelmingly positive. Users have praised the app for its fast and efficient service, as well as its user-friendly interface. One user stated, “I enjoy this app lets you get money when you are low on cash gives you 30 days to pay it back I really appreciate this app.” You’re hard pressed to come across many negative remarks.

Pros:

• No mandatory fees.
• No credit check required.
• No membership fee required to access advances.
• Earn points through the app to increase advance amounts.
• Clear security and privacy policies.

Cons:

• Small advance limits of $200.
• Advances take three days to reach users’ accounts.
• No option to extend repayment date.
• High fast-funding fees.
• High same-day funding fee, up to $12.29 for $75 or more.

7. Albert

Albert is a financial service that offers up to $250 in cash advances. Like Brigit and Earnin, Albert does not charge interest or late fees, making it a popular choice for those who need quick access to their earnings. Albert also offers automatic savings based on your income, spending, and bills.

The app spots you when you are short between paydays, helping you manage your finances more effectively.

To qualify for Albert’s cash advance feature, you need to have an active checking account for at least 60 days, prove you have direct deposit in the active checking account, provide proof of a stable income for at least the last 60 days from the same employer, and prove you have funds in your account 24 hours after payday.

User Ratings and Experiences

Apple App Store: 4.6

Users have shared positive experiences with Albert. They have praised the app for its user-friendly interface and helpful financial tools. There are few (if any) complaints about customer service.

Pros:

• No credit check required
• 2 or 3 day business day turnaround
• If you set up your paycheck through direct deposit, you can get paid up to two days early.
• With a Genius subscription, you can earn cash-back rewards on categories like gas, delivery, and groceries when you spend with your Albert debit card.
• Gives you 10 days to repay

Cons:

• The Genius subscription is required for $14.99 per month, more than most of the competitors
• Instant transfer fee of $6.99
• Takes time to qualify for cash advances
• Must have smart money feature turned on

8. Vola

Vola is another cash advance app like Dave that provides users with a financial lifeline when they need it most. The app allows users to access up to $300 instantly, providing a bridge between paychecks.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Apple App Store: 4.5

Trailing 3 Months: 1.5

Despite the seemingly solid all time rating of 4.5 on the app store, Vola’s recent reviews have been terrible. Over the last 3 months the reviews have rated the app 1.5 out of 5. Users consistently complaining that despite their banks being listed as supported, they turn out not to be. There is also consistent remarks about terrible customer service.

Pros:

• Same business day funding.
• Suitable for borrowers with poor credit as there’s no credit check.
• Free of overdraft, prepayment, late, and other hidden fees.
• Advance amount not determined by previously worked hours.
• Includes financial literacy tools.
• Notifications for low bank account balance.

Cons:

• A lot of Major banks are not supported
• Monthly fee varies, reaching up to $28.99 per month.
• Lower maximum advance of $300.
• Need to sign in to bank account to view membership tiers and costs.
• Requires an average bank account balance of $150+.
• Terrible customer service per user reviews

Choosing the Right Cash Advance App

When choosing a cash advance app, there are several factors to consider:

• Advance limit: Consider how much money you can get as an advance. This varies from app to app.
• Fees: Some apps charge membership fees, while others do not. Be sure to understand any fees associated with the app.
• Repayment terms: Look at how and when you are expected to repay the advance.
• Additional features: Many apps offer additional features like budgeting tools, savings accounts, and credit score tracking. Consider whether these features are important to you.
• User reviews: Check out what other users have to say about the app. This can give you a good idea of what to expect.

Final Thoughts

Cash advance apps like Dave offer a convenient way to access funds before your next paycheck. Whether you need a small amount to cover an unexpected expense or a larger sum to help with a financial emergency, these apps can provide a helpful solution.

In this article, we’ve explored several cash advance apps, including Brigit, Earnin, Albert, Klover, Vola, and Empower. Each of these apps offers unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your financial needs and lifestyle.

Remember, while these apps can provide short-term relief, they should not be used as a long-term financial solution. Always consider your personal financial situation and consult with a financial advisor if needed. Stay financially savvy!