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Even is more than a cash advance app. It’s a financial planning tool that helps you budget and save.
But to use it and get cash advances with its Instapay cash advance feature, you must work for a qualifying employer and pay a $8 monthly fee. If your employer doesn’t support Even, these other cash advance options may work better for you.
- For fee-free instant transfers: Brigit
- For advances of $100 per day: Earnin
- For low monthly membership fees: Dave
- For organizing your work life better: Branch
- For keeping your money in one place: MoneyLion
For fee-free instant transfers
Like Even, Brigit charges a monthly subscription fee of
$9.99 which is $2 more per month than Even. But unlike other apps that charge for same-day transfers, Brigit offers
free instant transfers with a linked debit card. With Brigit, you can borrow up to
$250 per pay period and while you don't have to work at an eligible employer, you must show at least three recurring deposits from the same employer to qualify.
Pros
- Automatic advances can prevent overdraft fees
- No need to work for a specific employer
- Can extend your due date
Cons
- Monthly membership fee of $9.99
- Advances limited to $250 per pay period
- May take up to two business days to get advance
Loan amount | Up to $250 |
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Interest rate type | Fixed |
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Loan Term | Varies |
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Turnaround time | 1 to 3 days or same-day in some circumstances |
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Loan amount | Up to $250 |
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Turnaround time | 1 to 3 days or same-day in some circumstances |
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For advances of $100 per day: Brigit
Earnin lets you borrow up to
$100 per day or $500 per pay period, but the amount depends on the hours you've already worked. Normal transfer times are
one business day or
within minutes if you qualify for Earnin's Lightning Speed program. There are no fees or tipping required to use Earnin, saving you
$96 a year compared to Even. But its Lightning Speed program may charge a fee in some cases.
Pros
- Same-day funding available
- No specific company requirements
- No membership fees and tips are optional
Cons
- Can only borrow up to $500 per pay period
- Cash advance limited to the hours already worked
- Must upload a work schedule
Loan amount | Up to $500 |
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Interest rate type | Fixed |
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Loan Term | Varies |
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Turnaround time | 2 to 3 days, or instant with Lightning Speed |
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Loan amount | Up to $500 |
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Turnaround time | 2 to 3 days, or instant with Lightning Speed |
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Read Review
For low monthly membership fees: Dave
Dave is an overdraft protection app with a low membership fee of
$1 per month. It doesn't have any specific employer requirements and you don't have to connect your work schedule to use it. But it can take three days to get your money, unless you pay a
$1.99 fee. Borrow up to
$500 per month with Dave, but it's not possible to extend your repayment date, like with Brigit and Vola.
Pros
- Lower monthly membership fee of $1
- No employer requirements
- Monitors your finances to help predict future expenses
Cons
- Limited advance amount of $500
- Can take up to three days
- No extensions available
Loan amount | Up to $500 |
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Interest rate type | Fixed |
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Loan Term | Varies |
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Turnaround time | Same business day to 3 business days |
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Loan amount | Up to $500 |
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Turnaround time | Same business day to 3 business days |
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Read Review
For organizing your work life better: Branch
Like Even, Branch offers more features than just an advance, with a focus on organizing your work life — such as scheduling. And it can be free: There's no interest, no membership fee and no required tip to get advances of up to
$500 per month. But the features available to you depend on your employer and you might be put on a waitlist if your company isn't enrolled.
Pros
- 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
Loan amount | Up to $500 |
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Interest rate type | Fixed |
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Loan Term | Varies |
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Turnaround time | As early as same business day |
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Loan amount | Up to $500 |
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Turnaround time | As early as same business day |
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Read Review
For keeping your money in one place: MoneyLion
MoneyLion Instacash advances
MoneyLion is a bank that offers a number of free features, including access to an advance of up to
$250 per pay period. And this amount can be increased to
$300 if you set up direct deposit to a RoarMoney Account. While you're required to have a MoneyLion checking account to qualify for an advance, it won't cost you anything to sign up. But it isn't available in all states and customer reviews tend to run negative.
- Available in: Alabama, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Pros
- Instant advance
- No membership fees or need to tip
- Access other banking services, including free credit monitoring
Cons
- Limited to $250 per pay period
- Must have a MoneyLion checking account
- Not available nationwide
Loan amount | $25 - $250 |
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Interest rate type | Fixed |
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Loan Term | Varies |
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Turnaround time | 3 to 5 business days to external checking account, 12 to 48 hours to RoarMoney account |
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Loan amount | $25 - $250 |
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Turnaround time | 3 to 5 business days to external checking account, 12 to 48 hours to RoarMoney account |
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Go to site
How does Even compare?
Read our review of Even for an in-depth look at this cash advance app. But these are the main benefits and drawbacks.
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 partners with Even
- Monthly $8 Even Plus membership fee to access cash advances
- Loan amount limited to the hours you’ve already worked
Alternatives to payday and installment loans
We haven’t included payday and installment loans as alternatives to Even. Payday loans are often predatory and come with extremely high interest rates – up to 400% or more – which may hurt users as they end up paying more in interest than what they borrowed.
Fast payday loan facts to consider:
- The typical $375 payday loan comes with $520 in fees because of repeat borrowing.
- The average APR on a payday loan can reach a whopping 650% in states with no protections against predatory short-term lenders.
- Four out of five (80%) of payday loans are rolled over or followed by another loan within 14 days.
- Most payday loan borrowers stay in debt for at least 11 months.
Payday advance apps may be a cheaper option than high interest payday loans. Compare more cash advance apps to find one that works with your payday schedule to avoid taking on high interest debt.
Cash advance apps aren’t the only choice for accessing cash. Also, if you need to borrow more than these apps offer or don’t have a regular paycheck, these alternatives may work better:
- Payday alternative loans. Some federal credit unions may offer payday alternative loans, which are short-term loans up to $1,000. Rates are capped at 28% APR, but they’re not good for short-term emergencies since you have to wait a month.
- Auto title loans. If you own your car, auto title loans use your vehicle’s title as collateral, which makes them more competitively priced payday loans. But if you miss a payment, your car could be at risk of repossession.
- Local programs and resources. Many local government agencies, nonprofits, churches and charities offer free financial services to those in need to pay for necessities like food or utilities. Check out our guide to local resources by state to find one near you.
See our payday loan alternatives guide to compare even more options for your cash needs. It provides local resources in addition to 11 other less conventional alternatives to consider if you’re in need of a financial boost.