Apps like Branch

If you're a Chime customer, taking advantage of Chime SpotMe avoids costly overdraft fees. SpotMe provides up to $200 in free overdraft to users who directly deposit a minimum of $200 into their Chime account in a 34-day period. But to unlock the full amount of overdraft protection, you must build up a history of deposits.

Chime also lets users get paid up to two days early in their Chime bank account. To qualify, sign up for direct deposit with Chime. Chime generally gets high marks from customers for its credit-boosting features, bill-paying service and SpotMe, but some report issues with the app.

• Available in all states

Albert is a financial services app that lets you borrow up to $250 against your next paycheck and doesn't require your employer's participation. But it's more than just a cash advance tool. Albert also features an automated savings account, plus investment portfolio building and financial advice through its Genius service.

The Genius service costs to $16 a month, and you must sign up for a 30-day trial when you start using Albert. However, some users report difficulty canceling Genius, making this app best for users who want Genius as part of their cash advance app service.

• Available in all states

If you're a gig worker who gets paid in cash, you may not qualify for many cash advance apps since they require proof of regular direct deposits. That's where Borrow could come in handy. Borrow is a pilot feature of Cash App that lets you borrow up to $200, apparently, even if you don't have a regular job — but it's only available to select users right now.

Cash App states that its selection criteria is based on your credit score, which state you're in, if you have an activated Cash Card and if you use Cash App. To increase your chances of being selected, start uploading money to Cash App and sending payments. But unlike other cash advance apps, Borrow charges a 5% finance fee on its advances.

• Available in all states

Possible Finance is a short-term lender, not a cash advance app. But unlike normal installment loans, you can borrow up to $500 through its app, and your repayments are reported to two of the three major credit bureaus — Experian and TransUnion — which can help build your credit.

But compared to cash apps, it's a much more expensive option. It charges a fee based on the amount borrowed, which can push your loan's APR well over 400%. On the plus side, you can pay over four installments and get access to the Possible Card with on-time payments. The card features a credit limit of up to $800 and no interest or late fees.

• Available in: Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington

Brigit is a cash advance app and budgeting tool that offers up to $250 per pay cycle. Like Branch, Brigit never charges finance fees or interest, but it does charge a $9.99 monthly subscription fee if you want to access cash advances.

However, this monthly fee includes free overdraft protection, a credit builder program, $1 million in identity theft protection and the ability to extend your payment due date. As long as you've had two consecutive on-time payments, you can request an extension through the app.

• Available in all states

MoneyLion is a banking and cash advance app that offers up to $500 between paydays. Like Branch, it doesn't charge any monthly or finance fees. But if you need funds same day, the cost can escalate quickly depending on how much you need to borrow.

But unlike other apps that cap out at $250 or $500, MoneyLion may let you borrow up to $1,000 per pay period if you open a linked RoarMoney account. MoneyLion also features an investment account, a crypto trading feature and the ability to round up your spare change to buy Bitcoin.

• 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

While Dave charges a monthly subscription fee, it's just $1 a month, which is much lower than some competitors, like Brigit. It offers up to $500 per pay cycle, and if you open a Dave Spending Account, you could get your paycheck up to two days early.

Dave also packs other features to help you save for future goals and expenses and even locate side jobs for extra cash. But if you need an instant transfer, expect to pay between $1.99 and $13.99, depending on the amount and the type of account you transfer it to.

• Available in all states