Key takeaways
- Few cash advance apps are truly free — most let you borrow $200 at no cost if you can wait a few days, but instant transfers and monthly memberships add up.
- Speed is where the fees hide, with instant transfers costing anywhere from a few dollars to $25 or more, plus subscriptions as high as $20 a month on some apps.
- Some apps skip the fees altogether — Albert and Chime offer instant overdraft protection at no extra charge, which works much like a free advance.
- Qualifying is simple, requiring only that you’re 18, a US resident with an SSN or ITIN, an active checking account and a history of regular deposits — some apps like Dave, Cleo and Vola don’t even require direct deposit.
Cash advance apps can be a lifesaver when you’re in a bind, but they’re not all created equal. Some providers charge hefty instant transfer fees on top of mandatory monthly subscriptions, which can significantly add to the cost. Compare cash advance apps carefully to find the one that makes the most sense for your budget.
How to get a $200 cash advance
Getting a cash advance is fairly similar between providers but may vary a bit. Follow these steps to get a $200 cash advance:
- Download an app that offers at least $200 advances.
- Sign up by following the prompts.
- Link your bank account.
- Wait for the provider to verify your details.
- Request an advance amount.
- Receive funding in a few days or request an instant transfer for a fee.
In some cases, the provider may require you to sign up for its bank account or debit card to qualify for advances. Most providers require you to get paid by direct deposit. Plus, keep in mind that you likely won’t get the full $200 on your first try — it may take some time to get that large of an advance.
23 cash advance apps that offer $200 advances
Compare these cash advance apps that offer $200 advances. Consider eligibility requirements, mandatory monthly fees and instant transfer fees.
| Cash advance app | Advance amount | Cost | Turnaround time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigit | $50 to $500 | $8.99 per month to use the app, free requested through email | 1 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee. | |
| Cleo | $20 to $250 | As low as $5.99 to use the app | 3 to 4 days or instant for a fee. | |
| Current | $50 to $1,000 | Free | Up to 3 days or within an hour for a fee | |
| EarnIn | Up to $150/day, with a max of $1000 between paydays | No fee when you link your bank account | 1-2 business days standard, in minutes with a small fee | |
| Albert | $25 to $1,000 | No subscription required | Within minutes | |
| B9 | Basic: up to $250/pay period. Premium: up to $1,000/pay period. New users typically start between $10 to $50. | $11.99 or $19.99 | Instant | |
| Branch | Up to 50% of paycheck, up to $1,000 | Available to employees at a company that offers the app as a benefit. | Within 3 business days, instant with delivery fee | |
| Cash App borrow | $20 to $500 | 5% fee | Same day | |
| DailyPay | Up to your available earned wages (specific % or cap not listed on site) | No fee, available for qualified consumers | 1 to 3 business days: free. Instant: $3.49 flat fee (fees vary by employer — log in to your account for your specific fee). | |
| Dave | Up to $500 | Undisclosed monthly membership fe | Free instant transfers to Dave Checking, up to 3 business days for free, or within an hour for a fee | |
| Tilt | $10 to $400 | $8 per month | Same day or instant delivery available ($1 to $8 for instant transfer to external bank account) | |
| Grid | Up to $200 | $10 a month | Within 8 hours for $2.99 or 1 to 3 days for free delivery | |
| Klover | Up to $400 | $4.99 a month | Within 3 days or within hours for a fee | |
| ONE@Work | Not listed | Available to members employed at a company that offers the app as a benefit | Same day if employer has configured this benefit. If not, small fee applies | |
| Payactiv | Based on earnings so far in the pay period; employers may set lower limits. Specific % not listed on site. | Available to members employed at a company that offers the app as a benefit | Within 1 to 3 days or immediately to Payactiv card or for a fee | |
| Possible finance | $50 to $500, except in California, where max loan amount $250 | No membership fee, but about $15 to $20 per $100 borrowed | As soon as same day | |
| SoLo Funds | $20 to $575 | No fees, but asks for (optional) tips and donations | As soon as same day, but instant transfers cost 1.75% | |
| Varo | Up to $250 today. Build up to $1,000 over time with direct deposit at Varo. Average loan: $195. Qualifications Apply. | $1.60 to $100, available for qualified members | Instant turnaround, but fees up to $100 | |
| Vola | Up to $300 | Starting at $1.99 for advances from app or free requests via email | Within 5 hours or instant to Vola card | |
| Wisely | Depends on wage and hours worked | No fee, available for qualified members | Instant to Wisely card | |
| Beem | $5 to $1000 | $2.47 to $12.97 per month | Within 3 days or instant for a fee | |
| Go2Bank | Up to $200 | $5 per month, no fees after eligible direct deposit, 26.99% interest charges | Instant from ATM or participating bank for $10 or 5%, whichever is greater | |
| Super.com | $20 to $200 | No fee, available for qualified consumers | Within 3 business days, instant with a small fee or Super Pay account |
How much does a $200 cash advance cost?
Very few cash advance apps are truly free, but some are more expensive than others. For example, while most providers offer free advances if you can wait a few days, you’ll typically pay a fee for instant transfers. Some apps only charge a few dollars for fast transfers, but others could charge up to $25 or more, depending on the loan amount.
You may also be on the hook for a monthly membership fee, because some apps require a subscription to qualify for advances. We’ve seen membership fees as high as $20 a month, but some are more reasonable.
How long does it take to get a $200 cash advance?
If you’ve already been verified and approved for advances, you could receive funds within a few minutes if you pay the fee for a fast transfer. However, a few providers, like Albert and Chime, offer instant overdraft protection — which is essentially the same as getting an advance — at no additional charge.
If you don’t have free instant transfers or don’t want to pay the fee, most apps deposit the funds in your account within one to five days.
Eligibility requirements for a $200 cash advance
Requirements to qualify for cash advances are basically the same across most providers, although they may have varying income or deposit requirements.
- Be at least 18 and a US resident
- Have a valid Social Security number or ITIN
- Have a job or other reliable source of income
- Have a valid, active checking account
- Have a history of regular deposits
Some cash advance providers may also require you to have direct deposit, while others — like Dave, Cleo and Vola — don’t require direct deposit to qualify.
Pros and cons of cash advances
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of cash advance apps before you decide if it’s the right move for you.
Pros
- Typically fast funding
- Usually no interest charges or late fees
- Less expensive than credit cards
- Generally easier to qualify for than loans
Cons
- May require a monthly subscription to qualify
- Loan terms are short
- Expedited transfer fees can be high
- Relatively smaller loan amounts than other options
What to watch out for
Not all cash advance apps are created equal, so keep your eye out for these issues:
- Mandatory membership fees. Many apps charge a monthly subscription fee to qualify for advances, which could cost up to $20.
- Fees for expedited transfers. You may have to pay up to $25 or more — depending on the advance amount — if you can’t wait a few days for a free transfer.
- Reviews of the provider. Find out what users say about experiences they’ve had with different apps. Are advances too low, does the app have technical difficulties and how is the customer service?
Alternatives to cash advances
Cash advances may not always be the right answer for you. If so, you may want to consider these alternatives instead:
- 0% credit card. For purchases rather than cash, you could apply for a card with a 0% introductory rate and pay no interest for up to a year or more, but you’ll need to have your credit pulled.
- Personal loans. If you’re looking to borrow more than $200 — or prefer a longer loan term — you may want to consider a personal loan instead. But it may be harder to qualify for than a cash advance and there’s usually a credit check involved.
- Payday alternative loan (PAL). Some federal credit unions offer small loans at reasonable rates, but you must be a member.
- Loan from your bank. You may want to consider a loan from your existing bank or credit union. Rates could be very competitive if you’re in good standing, although the loan process may not be as fast as other options.
Frequently asked questions
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If you already have a cash advance app, you may be able to request a $200 advance and have the funds within minutes. Just keep in mind that you'll pay a fee for instant transfers in most cases.
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Yes. Cash advance apps are actually designed for people with bad credit who don't have easy access to other types of loans — and to provide a less expensive option than payday loans. As long as you have a job or other source of income and a history of regular deposits, you should be able to qualify for a cash advance even if your credit score isn't ideal.
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Yes. Most cash advance providers don't pull your credit when deciding if you qualify for an advance. A few providers may conduct a soft credit check, but that won't affect your score.
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From the Cash App main page, select the bank building icon in the lower left corner. From there, scroll down to "More ways to add money." If you don't see the Borrow option, you aren't yet eligible to borrow money from Cash App yet.
If you are eligible, select Borrow to unlock this feature, and it should display the amount you qualify for. You can then select an advance amount, pick a repayment term, agree to the terms and conditions and expect the money in your account within the same day.
Other cash advance loan amounts
Lacey Stark is a freelance personal finance writer for Finder, specializing in banking, loans, investing, estate planning, and more. She has 20 years of experience writing and editing for magazines, newspapers, and online publications. A word nerd from childhood, Lacey officially got her start reporting on live sporting events and moved on to cover topics such as construction, technology, and travel before finding her niche in personal finance. Originally from New England, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver and completed a postgraduate journalism program at Metropolitan State University also in Denver. She currently lives in Chicagoland with her dog Chunk and likes to read and play golf. See full bio
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