Do you need a small amount of cash as soon as possible? You have options in cash advance apps. Most of the providers available in Canada offer instant approval and e-Transfer funding, whether you need a loan of $25, $50, $100 or more.
To help you find the best option, we cover the different loan apps available in Canada and what you need to qualify in this guide.
⚠️ Warning: Be cautious with payday loans
High-cost payday loans are unsustainable for borrowing over a continued period of time and are expensive as a means of longer-term borrowing. View payday costs and regulations by province here. If you're experiencing financial hardship call Credit Counselling Canada for free financial counselling (Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm at +1 866-398-5999). You may also want to consider payday loan alternatives.
Compare cash advance apps in Canada
Pay advance app
Loan amount
Cost
Instant loan?
Early Pay
Up to $250
No interest or fees to access cash advance, fee for express funding (varies based on advance)
Within 8 hours for the express option (fee charged based on advance amount) and up to 3 business days for standard delivery
How it works. Bree is an app like Nyble. Fill out an application and link your banking details through the in-app dashboard. If you’re eligible, you can get a loan up to $250 deposited to your account. You repay the loan on a specific, agreed-upon date. There are no fees, but you can leave a tip if you like the service. Because Bree is a specialized pay advance app in Canada offering smaller loans, you can select from a variety of smaller loan amounts, such as $25, $50 or $100 loans.
Turnaround time. Within 8 hours for the express option (fee charged based on advance amount) and up to 3 business days for standard delivery.
How to qualify. You will need to be the age of majority in your province, have a bank account and be willing to link it to the app. You’ll also have to provide proof of direct deposit into your account for at least two months and have enough money left over from your paycheque to repay your Bree loan.
Free cash advance available? Yes
Serviced provinces. Bree provides cash advances in Canada to all provinces and territories.
Is Bree legit? Bree is a Y Combinator startup that was launched in 2021. Two former employees in investment banking founded it. Bree has LinkedIn and Crunchbase profiles, and its privacy policy states that it doesn’t sell your information to third parties. That said, there are a handful of mixed Bree reviews on Facebook but nowhere else.
How it works. Get a zero-interest cash advance ranging from $20 to $250 when you pay a subscription fee starting at $2/month. You'll need a KOHO account to access this service.
Turnaround time. Immediately
How to qualify. KOHO account – access higher loan amounts over time by using KOHO for everyday spending, repaying your monthly fees and using its other services
Free cash advance available? No
Serviced provinces. All provinces and territories.
Is KOHO legit? KOHO is an established and well-known online bank that’s partnered with Peoples Trust, a CDIC-insured bank. In January 2024, it moved to phase two of obtaining a Schedule 1 banking licence. Schedule 1 banks include RBC, Tangerine, TD and CIBC.
How it works. The iCash payday loan app lets you quickly and easily access up to $1,500. Simply download the app, complete an online application, input your banking information and get a loan starting at $100 nearly instantly through the iCash app.
Turnaround time. It’s an automated process, so it’s possible to receive an e-Transfer in as little as 2 minutes.
How to qualify. You will need a minimum net income of $800 per month and be employed with the same job for at least three months. You’ll also need to have a Canadian bank account that’s been open for at least three months and provide one reference (family member, friend or work colleague).
Free cash advance available? No
Serviced provinces. iCash offers cash advance loans in Canada to BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Is iCash legit? iCash is a direct and licensed payday lender that has been in operation since 2016. It has a highly-rated mobile app. You can find licence information for each province listed on its website.
How it works. You can download the Cash Money payday loan app from the Apple Store or Google Play. To get an instant money loan as low as $100, you’ll first need to go to the Cash Money website on your phone, tablet or computer to complete an online application and get your funds through e-Transfer, direct deposit or cash pick-up. You can then head to the Cash Money app to manage your loan account and make payments.
Turnaround time. It’s an automated process, so you’ll receive funds in as little as 15 minutes.
How to qualify. You’ll need a minimum credit score of 525, a chequing account in your name and proof of recurring income. You’ll also need to provide employer information and contact details, including a working phone number and a valid address.
Is Cash Money legit? Cash Money is a member of the Canadian Consumer Finance Association. It has been in business since 1992 and, in that time, helped nearly 1.2 million Canadians with their short-term cash needs. However, its payday loan app has poor ratings on the Apple Store.
Pros
Instant approvals
e-Transfer funding in as little as 15 minutes
Manage your payments through the instant loan app
Use your government assistance income to qualify
Cons
To apply you must go through the website, not the app
How it works. Credit Club is a payday lender in Canada offering new customers up to $500, although Credit Club members can qualify for up to $1,500 through its payday loan app. Expect to pay very high fees per $100 borrowed, depending on where you live. That said, Credit Club offers a fast turnaround time — typically within 30 minutes of getting approved with funds provided through e-Transfer. Another nice perk of Credit Club is that it does not run credit checks as part of its approval process.
Turnaround time. You can apply online 24/7 and receive funds in as little as 30 minutes.
How to qualify. You’ll have to have an active bank account and be at least 18 years of age to qualify for a Credit Club cash advance loan. You’ll also have to be currently employed for a minimum of three months with the same employer.
Free cash advance available? No
Serviced provinces. Credit Club offers cash advances in Canada to ON, BC and NS.
Is Credit Club legit? Yes, Credit Club was established in 2012 and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) along with a 4.5+ out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot (based on 2,878 reviews).
How it works. You can apply for up to $1,500 through the Money Mart Mobile payday loan app. Apply, make repayments and monitor your loan account all through the app. You can also apply for a payday loan online or at the more than 500 Money Mart store locations across Canada. Money Mart is a well-established company with a track record going back to 1982.
Turnaround time. You can apply for a Money Mart payday loan online, through its app or in-store, and have the funds transferred via e-Transfer within 60 minutes of getting approved.
How to qualify. You must be at least 18 years old with a valid ID and a chequing account to qualify for a Money Mart cash advance loan. You must also have a steady source of income, which can include child tax credit, EI, disability and pensions.
Free cash advance available? No
Serviced provinces. Money Mart provides cash advances in Canada to AB, BC, MB, NS, NT, ON, SK, YT.
Is Money Mart legit? Yes, Money Mart is a licensed lender that is a member of the Canadian Consumer Finance Association. Its website is verified by Entrust, which is a global leader in identity, payment and data protection.
Pros
Money Mart Mobile, their payday loan app, has high ratings on Apple’s App Store
Multiple avenues to apply: Online, using the app or in-store
e-Transfer funding in as little as 60 minutes
Accepts alternative forms of income including child tax credit, EI, disability and pensions
How it works. PAY2DAY offers a payday loan app where you can apply for up to $1,500 through its cash advance app. You can also apply in-store at over 30 locations in Canada. PAY2DAY applications, approval, funding and customer service are available 24/7.
Turnaround time. You can receive a PAY2DAY cash advance loan in as little as 60 minutes via e-Transfer once approved.
How to qualify. You must be at least 18 years old with an active bank account and access to online banking to qualify for this cash advance loan. You’ll also need to have recurring income, which can include alternative forms of income (e.g. EI, retirement income).
Free cash advance available? Only on your first in-store cash advance
Serviced provinces. PAY2DAY offers cash advances in Canada to ON, BC, NS.
Is PAY2DAY legit? Yes, PAY2DAY is a provincially licensed lender with over 30 store locations in Ontario and BC.
Pros
Apply and get approved online 24/7
24/7 customer service
e-Transfer funding within 60 minutes 24/7
Accepts EI, retirement income
Manage your payback options and account balance through the app
Summary: Cash advance app ratings on Google Play & Apple App Store
We’ve summarized Apple App Store and Google Play Store ratings for these cash advance apps in Canada, so you can easily see what other Android and iPhone users think of these apps.
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
Nyble
4.7 – ★★★★★ (770 reviews)
N/A
iCash
4.8 – ★★★★★ (14.3k reviews)
4.7 – ★★★★★ (23.2k reviews)
KOHO
4.8 – ★★★★★ (78k reviews)
4.6 – ★★★★★ (65.9k reviews)
Cash Money
2.1 – ★★☆☆☆(156 reviews)
4.5 – ★★★★★ (531 reviews)
Credit Club
4.8 – ★★★★★ (51 reviews)
4.7 – ★★★★★ (54 reviews)
Money Mart
4.7 – ★★★★★ (4.2k reviews)
4.1 – ★★★★☆ (1.02k reviews)
PAY2DAY
3.6 – ★★★★☆ (31 reviews)
N/A
Focus Cash Loans
4.3 – ★★★★☆ (11 reviews)
4.0 – ★★★★☆ (44 reviews)
Reviews as of March 28, 2024
What is the difference between a cash advance app and payday loan app?
“Cash advance app” can be a confusing term because there are some payday lenders in Canada that call their payday loans “cash advances” and they have apps, and there are lenders who are not payday lenders but also call their small loans “cash advances” – and they too have apps.
Payday lenders are regulated by the provincial governments and have specific regulations they must follow.
Payday lenders with apps are Cash Money, Credit Club, Money Mart, PAY2DAY and Focus Cash Loans. Lenders who are not payday lenders but also have apps for small cash advances are Nyble, Bree and KOHO.
What are cash advance apps in Canada?
Essentially, cash advance apps offer Canadians small loans online through web, Apple or Android apps. These instant loan apps allow you to easily apply, get funding within minutes and manage repayments on the go. They also have easier eligibility criteria than traditional loans.
Pay advance apps are limited in Canada
Pay advance apps that are not payday loans are still in their early stages here, so there aren’t many options for Canadians. The two main apps are currently Bree and Nyble, but we’re keeping an eye out for more fintech companies entering this space in 2024, such as Woveo.
These cash advance apps are worth considering if you are looking to avoid payday loans but need a small emergency loan ASAP.
Am I eligible to use pay advance apps online in Canada?
Eligibility criteria for cash advance loans in Canada vary between providers, but there are a few basic requirements you need to meet:
Be the age of majority
Have an operational chequing account
Receive a steady income paid into your account
Some instant cash app loans may also require you to work for a specific employer or make a minimum amount of money each month to qualify.
How to find the best instant money apps
Ask yourself these questions to help narrow down your options to find the best instant money and pay advance app for your needs.
How much do you need to borrow?
Decide how much you need to borrow to cover your expenses before your paycheque comes in. If you need a small amount, like a $50 loan instantly, then apps like KOHO, Bree and Nyble could be the way to go, although it could take a few hours or days to process. If you need a $200 instant loan (or more), you could look into cash advance options like iCash and Cash Money.
How much does the loan cost?
A small pay advance from an app in Canada can cost a lot when you factor in fees. Even a 0% interest loan may come with a monthly fee. Keep in mind that payday loans are very expensive because they cost between $14 to $17 for every $100 borrowed.
How quickly can you get the loan?
If you need an instant money app loan, one option to consider is a payday loan since these fast cash loans typically take less than 24 hours from application to approval and e-Transfer funding. Early pay apps like Bree and Nyble also provide instant loans if you pay a fee. If you can wait a few days, pay advance apps offer an option to get a slower cash advance with zero fees.
When can you pay it back?
Make sure you can afford to repay the pay-advance loan before taking on this type of debt. If you can’t afford to pay it back, you may need to take out another loan to pay off your first loan — and this cycle can repeat and potentially trap you in a cycle of expensive debt.
When setting up a loan repayment schedule, payday loan lenders will automatically withdraw money from your bank account. Pay advance apps also operate in this way, although some lenders like Nyble will allow you to extend deadlines.
How do cash advances affect my credit?
When getting cash advances through a pay advance app, your credit score won’t be impacted. That’s because most pay advance apps in Canada don’t do a hard credit check when you request an advance. Payday loans can’t improve your credit score, while a cash advance app that reports payments, such as Nyble, can.
How do I repay my instant cash app loan?
Usually, pay advance apps in Canada automatically deduct your funds from your bank account on the due date – typically the day you get paid. Since this is an automatic repayment, you need to make sure there is enough money in your account. If you don’t have enough money in your account, some instant cash app loan lenders that are not payday lenders will hold off making the repayment withdrawal to prevent you from going into overdraft. However, you won’t be able to borrow again until you repay your current advance.
Pros and cons of cash advance apps in Canada
Pros
Limited costs. Some pay advance apps charge zero interest, and you may only be on the hook for a monthly membership fee — if that.
Quick turnaround. You may be able to get your money the same day, depending on the instant cash app loan you opt for, although instant transfers usually come with a cost.
Budgeting features. Some pay advance apps track your income and spending to warn you if you risk overdrawing your account.
Options for small loans. Some pay advance apps offer very small cash advance loans, such as a $50 loan, instantly.
Must have recurring income. You must have a stable income that’s paid directly into your bank account.
Expensive. Payday loans have APRs in triple digits.
Early pay advance vs payday loan apps: How do they compare?
If you’re considering borrowing money fast, here are the similarities and differences between these loan apps.
Early pay advance apps (Nyble, Bree)
Payday loan apps (iCash, Cash Money)
Loan amount
Up to $250 (may be more for repeat customers)
Up to $1,500
Loan term
By your next payday, or roll over to the following months
By your next payday
Cost
Can be significantly cheaper: 0% interest for many apps, some charge a small monthly fee or request a tip
Can be significantly more expensive: $14 to $17 for every $100 borrowed, which works out to APRs in the triple digits
Speed
3 business days or within a few hours if you pay a fee
Usually instant or in under 30 minutes
Eligibility
Age of majority, linked bank account, proof of employment and income
Age of majority, linked bank account, proof of employment and income
Ease of approval
Easy
Easy
Credit check
Not required
Sometimes required
Application process
Through an app
Online, in-person or sometimes through an app
Payment method
e-Transfers
e-Transfers
Repayment method
Automatic withdrawal from your bank account
Automatic withdrawal, cheque or in-person with cash
What about these other cash advance apps?
Recent data from the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey Q3 shows that 23% of respondents got a payday loan in the last three months. While searching for the best cash advance app, many borrowers may come across US-based payday loan apps. Not all of these popular apps are available to Canadians.
Chime is not available in Canada because Chime requires applicants to be US citizens in order to be eligible. Instead, you can explore our list of reputable alternative payday loan apps in Canada here.
Alternatives to pay advance apps
Credit card cash advance. This type of cash advance in Canada lets you borrow money from your credit card. You’ll usually pay interest rates of 21.99% to 23.99%, and the amount you owe will be added to your regular credit card balance. You can take out a credit card cash advance instantly from an ATM, just as you would withdraw cash with a debit card.
Installment loans. Borrow larger amounts between $500 and $10,000 and take 3 - 60 months to repay your loan. You’ll pay lower APRs than you would with payday loan apps. Learn more about top installment loans.
Overdraft protection. You can get overdraft protection with your bank account to ensure you don’t get charged fees if you overdraw your account. Overdraft protection limits can reach as high as $5,000, and you’ll pay interest on any amount you borrow in addition to paying a monthly fee.
Line of credit. Instead of relying on cash advance apps, consider a line of credit. A line of credit is a revolving credit account where you borrow and repay money (up to a predetermined limit) on an ongoing basis. If you have good credit, you may be able to score a line of credit with a low-interest rate. Only consider a line of credit if you’re confident you can regularly repay what you borrow. Otherwise, you may end up maxing out the line of credit and getting stuck with a larger debt load.
Survey methodology
The results of the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey Q3 (CSTQ3) were collected through an online Pollfish survey conducted between August 10 to 21, 2023. In the survey, 1,013 Canadians from across the country were asked about their current debt obligations, among other questions regarding money goals and financial confidence. The estimated margin of error for the survey is +/- 3%, 90% of the time.
Frequently asked questions about instant loan apps
Some examples of payday loan and pay advance apps that give loans instantly in Canada are iCash, Nyble and KOHO. Learn more about these and other instant loan apps in our full breakdown above.
An early payroll loan lets you borrow funds through an instant cash app that works with your employer to give you early access to part of your paycheque. These apps let you borrow money interest-free against funds you've already earned through work.
It depends on how much you need to borrow. Apps like iCash and Cash Money let you borrow up to $1,500 instantly, though you'll pay extremely high fees. With pay advance apps like Nyble and Bree, you can borrow up to $200 within eight hours of applying, if you pay a small fee for an instant transfer.
It doesn't seem like you can borrow funds using Cash App in Canada. With a Cash App account, you can receive paycheques up to two days early, but you can't borrow funds against your paycheque.
No, Nyble and Bree are not payday loan apps. Unlike cash advance apps in Canada like iCash, Money Mart and PAY2DAY that offer loans up to $1,500 at APRs over 300%, apps like Nyble and Bree offer smaller cash advance loans typically up to $250 and at 0% interest with no mandatory fees. Because of that, pay advance apps are a much more affordable option than payday loan apps.
Leanne Escobal is a publisher for Finder. She has over 11 years of experience in financial services, specializing in content and marketing. Leanne has completed the Canadian securities course (CSC®) as well as the personal lending and mortgages course by the Canadian Securities Institute. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English literature and creative writing from Western University.
Borrowing $100 can be a quick and easy process. This guide covers how you can get a small loan in Canada, including benefits, drawbacks and eligibility requirements.
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