Albert is a banking app that used to have a cash advance feature called Albert Instant. But that feature has changed to an overdraft service offering up to $250 in protection. To access Instant, you must subscribe to Albert’s Genius program, which costs $14.99 per month, or a little under $180 per year.
Now that cash advances are no longer offered through Albert, consider these cash advance options — some with much higher borrowing amounts.
Our top 6 apps like Albert
- For overdraft feature: Chime
- For freelancers: Cleo
- For instant delivery: Brigit
- For a full paycheck advance: B9
- For larger cash advances: Dave
- For better customer support: Earnin
Alternative for overdraft feature: Chime SpotMe
Chime SpotMe is a no-fee service that allows overdrafts of up to $200 for your Chime Checking account. Unlike Albert, you don't need a special subscription to access this overdraft feature. Instead, to qualify for coverage, you need to have at least $200 direct-deposited into your Chime checking account every month.
But you don't get $200 automatically. Your overdraft coverage starts at $20, but with regular deposits and a solid account history can increase to $200. Chime also gives you access to your paycheck up to two days early, if you have your paycheck direct-deposited into your Chime account.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. Direct deposit: Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date. SpotMe: Chime SpotMe is an optional, no fee service that requires a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the Chime Checking Account each at least once every 34 days. All qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your limit. Your limit may change at any time, at Chime’s discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe won’t cover non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. See Terms and Conditions.
Pros
- No credit check required
- Gives you 10 days to repay the overdraft
- Saves you from overdraft fees
Cons
- Must have Genius subscription to access
- Must have the Smart Money feature turned on
- No customer service phone number
- Mixed customer reviews
| Loan amount | Up to $200 |
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| Loan Term | Next deposit |
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| Turnaround time | Same day |
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| Loan amount | $20 - $200 |
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| Turnaround time | Same day |
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Alternative for freelancers: Cleo
If you're a freelancer or gig worker with different clients or irregular deposits, Cleo may work better for you than Albert when it comes to getting cash advances. Unlike Albert, Cleo doesn't require employment verification and has no minimum income requirement which could make it easier to qualify for advances.
As long as you have consistent income, you could qualify for cash advances with Cleo. Its cash advance amounts start at $20 to $70, but could increase to $250 over time. Like Albert, Cleo has an AI assistant that can answer queries in everyday language, but its monthly fee of $5.99 is significantly cheaper than Albert's.
Pros
- No payslips or W-2 forms required
- No credit checks or interest charged
- Free AI financial planner, bill tracker and low balance alerts
Cons
- Advance amounts limits start low
- Same day transfers cost $3.99
- Mixed customer reviews
| Loan amount | Up to $250 |
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| Loan Term | Varies |
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| Turnaround time | 3 to 4 days standard transfer. Same day with $3.99 express fee. |
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| Loan amount | $20 - $250 |
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| Turnaround time | 3 to 4 days standard transfer. Same day with $3.99 express fee. |
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Alternative for instant delivery: Brigit
Brigit offers one of the fastest delivery speeds we've seen, offering advances within 20 minutes of the request if you're enrolled in the membership, have a linked card and pay an extra fee. Advances are up to $250 per pay period. There are also no late fees and the option to extend your due date up to three times. However, Brigit may only be worth it if you need advances often, since you'll need to enroll in the paid membership, costing $8.99 monthly.
Brigit also offers additional features, like its credit builder product, along with budgeting and monitoring tools. You can also sign up for auto advances for overdraft protection. Additionally, Brigit has earned recognition from the BBB for having a 100% response rate, but has a B rating with the BBB over the high volume of complaints filed against the business. It also receives poor reviews on Trustpilot.
Pros
- Delivery as soon as 20 minutes
- Competitive advance amount
- No interest or late fees
- Option to extend due date
Cons
- $8.99 monthly membership
- Mixed customer reviews
| Loan amount | Up to $250 |
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| Loan Term | Varies |
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| Turnaround time | 1 to 3 business days or instantly with a fee |
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| Loan amount | $50 - $250 |
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| Turnaround time | 1 to 3 business days or instantly with a fee |
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Alternative for a full paycheck advance: B9
Where many other apps cap out at $250, B9 offers cash advances of up to 100% of your earnings. There are no additional fees with B9's advances, but some standard eligibility requirements include having a positive account balance and direct deposit set up. After you set up an account, B9 receives your payroll deposit and you're deemed eligible, it alerts you right in the app if you have an available advance. It also accepts an ITIN instead of SSN and offers customer support in English and Spanish.
While B9's advances don't have fees, it still isn't free — you'll have to enroll in a $9.99 or $19.99 monthly membership, one of the highest membership fees compared to other apps. For people that don't need cash advances that often, the monthly membership fee may simply not be worth the cost. And there aren't many reviews for B9, so there's little insight into its customer experience.
Pros
- Advance up to 100% of your paycheck
- Instant delivery available
- No SSN required
- English and Spanish customer support
Cons
- $9.99 or $19.99 monthly membership fee
- Not many customer reviews
| Loan amount | Up to 100% of your paycheck |
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| Loan Term | Not Stated |
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| Turnaround time | Instant |
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| Loan amount | $30 - $500 |
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| Turnaround time | Instant |
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Alternative for larger cash advances: Dave
Dave offers cash advances with the ExtraCash advance product, up to $500 with no interest charges or late fees. To get access to the cash advances, Dave does require a $1 monthly membership, but it's still much more affordable than many other cash advance apps. And like other cash advance apps, tipping is optional.
Dave offers two delivery speeds, and the instant speed costs anywhere from $1.99 to $11.99, depending on the size of your advance. The standard delivery comes with no extra fee but a turnaround time of two to three days. Dave also offers extra perks, such as a gig connection service and budgeting features.
Pros
- Higher borrowing amount than competitors
- No interest or late fees
- Banking and budgeting features
Cons
- Requires paid membership
- Instant delivery fee varies
| Loan amount | Up to $500 |
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| Loan Term | Varies |
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| Turnaround time | Up to 3 business days, or instant for a fee |
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| Loan amount | Up to $500 |
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| Turnaround time | Up to 3 business days, or instant for a fee |
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Alternative for better customer support: Earnin
Formally known as Achieve Hours, Earnin is a cash advance app that's best suited for hourly workers. Earnin has a much better BBB rating and plenty more positive customer reviews than some of its competitors. Earnin has in-app 24/7 live chat support, and positive reviews praise its fast and knowledgeable representatives.
Earnin has no membership fees and tipping is optional. It also has a much higher cash allowance of up to $750 per pay period, depending on hours worked and wages. If you sign up for Earnin's Lighting Speed service, you may be eligible for cash advances up to 80% of your paycheck or $1,000 per pay period. However, you'll have to upload and verify your hours worked by submitting timesheets or location tracking, which may feel intrusive to some.
Pros
- 24/7 live chat customer support
- No membership fees
- More positive reviews than many competitors
- Higher cash advances than its competitors
Cons
- Must verify hours worked
- Requires regular payday schedule
| Loan amount | Get up to $100 per day or $750 per pay period. |
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| Loan Term | Due by your next pay date |
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| Turnaround time | 1 to 3 business days, or same-day for a fee |
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| Loan amount | Up to $750 |
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| Turnaround time | 1 to 3 business days, or same-day for a fee |
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How does Albert compare?
Now that Albert doesn’t offer a cash advance, it isn’t comparable to apps that do. But if you’re interested in its banking or overdraft features, read our Albert Instant review.
Pros
- No credit check required.
- Gives you 10 days to repay the overdraft
- Saves you from overdraft fees
Cons
- Must have Genius subscription to access
- Must have the Smart Money feature turned on
- No customer service phone number
- Mixed customer reviews
