Don’t work for an employer that uses this app? Here are others that may be a better fit.
Even is more than a pay advance app — it’s a financial planning tool that calculates how much you can safely spend and sets aside savings so you don’t come up short at the end of the month. But while these features are available to anyone, you need to have an Even Plus membership to qualify for an Instapay cash advance.
And this membership is exclusive: You’ll only have access if you work for a qualifying employer.
Pros
- Interest-free cash advance
- Instant cash pickup available at any US Walmart
- Direct deposit only takes one business day
- Automatically sets money aside for savings
- Calculates an “okay to spend” amount based on your bills and spending habits
Cons
- Must work for a company that uses Even Plus
- Monthly $8 Even Plus membership fee
- Loan amount limited to the hours you’ve already worked
Not sure if Even is right for you? Here are five other pay advance apps to consider:
1. Earnin
Unlike Even, you don’t have to work for a specific employer to get an advance — and most importantly, you won’t have to pay any membership fees. Instead, Earnin makes its money through optional tips. And when you tip, you’ll have access to overdraft protection and quick transfers that take just a few minutes to reach your bank account.
There are some requirements, though. You’ll have to enable your location or upload a work schedule, and Earnin has a borrowing limit of $500 per pay period — or $100 per day.
Pros
- Interest-free cash advance
- Same-day funding available
- No specific company requirements
- No membership fees and tips are optional
- Access to features like overdraft protection
Cons
- Can only borrow up to $500 per pay period
- Cash advance limited to the hours you’ve already worked
- Must upload a work schedule
2. Dave
Dave may not have the quickest turnaround of the pay advance apps — though you can speed it up by paying a $4.99 fee. But unlike Even, it has a low membership fee of $1 a month. And you don’t need to work for a specific employer to qualify. Anyone can use Dave as long as you have a consistent income and some extra money in your bank account at the end of each month. And while there’s no obligation to tip, a portion of each will go toward Trees for the Future.
However, Even wins in the cash advance amount department. Dave’s advances are limited to $75, and you won’t be able to change your payback date or request an extension.
Pros
- Interest-free cash advance
- Lower monthly membership fee of $1
- No need to connect your work schedule
- A portion of each optional tip goes to a good cause
- Monitors your finances to help predict future expenses
Cons
- Limited advance amount of $75
- May take up to three days for standard delivery
- May be banned for missing a payment
- No extensions available
- Can’t change payback date
3. Brigit
Unlike Even, Brigit doesn’t require you to work for a specific employer, but it will cost you. The membership fee is $9.99 a month and you’ll only be able to borrow $250 per pay period. While there are no late fees or costs to borrowing, along with the option to extend your due date, Brigit does have a few limitations. Not only will it take up to two days to process your advance, but you have to make at least $1,500 a month to qualify.
However, Brigit tracks your spending and can automatically send an advance into your bank account if you’re at risk of overdrafting. This feature is optional — but if enabled, may help lessen the worry if you run into any unexpected expenses.
Pros
- Interest-free cash advance
- No need to work for a specific employer
- Can extend your due date
- Automatic advances can prevent overdraft fees
Cons
- Advances limited to $250 per pay period
- Monthly membership fee of $9.99
- May take up to two business days to receive advance
- Strict eligibility and income requirements
4. Branch
Like Even, Branch is more than a pay advance app. However, its main features focus more on making scheduling and other aspects of work easier, rather than organizing your financial life. You can use it no matter where you work, though you may be put on a waitlist if your company doesn’t already have an account with Branch. And you can’t borrow as much as you can with Even, with Branch limiting you to $500 per pay period.
But unlike many pay advance apps, Branch doesn’t cost a dime. There’s no interest, membership fees or obligation to tip. And even if you can’t borrow right away, you’ll still be able to use its other features while you wait.
Pros
- Interest-free cash advance
- Same-day turnaround available
- No membership fees or obligation to tip
- Exclusive features to help manage work life
Cons
- Advances limited to $500 per pay period
- May be put on a waitlist
- Features depend on your employer
5. MoneyLion
MoneyLion is a bank that offers a number of free features, including access to an advance of up to $250 — or 10% of your direct deposit. While you’re required to have a MoneyLion checking account to qualify for an advance, it won’t cost you anything to sign up. And unlike Even, you won’t have to work for a specific employer to qualify.
Advances are deposited directly into your MoneyLion checking account as soon as you request them. But the maximum advance amount is much more limited than Even — and if you live in Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada or Vermont, you won’t be eligible.
Pros
- Interest-free cash advance
- Instantly deposits advance into your MoneyLion checking account
- No membership fees or need to tip
- Access other banking services, including free credit monitoring
- MoneyLion Plus membership gives you access to more features, including small personal loans
Cons
- Limited to $250 per pay period — or 10% of your direct deposit
- Must have a MoneyLion checking account
- Not available in Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada or Vermont
