In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Your reviews
  • Ask a question
Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser disclosure
Albert Instant
Go to site
Min. Amount
$25
Max. Amount
$1,000
Turnaround time
Within minutes

Our verdict

An unsecured line of credit up to $1,000 — no subscription required, but eligibility and limits vary.

Albert Instant is an unsecured line of credit issued by FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered bank, Member FDIC. You can get up to $1,000 and you don't need a subscription to access it. A draw fee applies each time you access funds, and a late fee may also apply. Albert decides your eligibility, geographic restrictions apply and few users qualify for the full $1,000

Best for: Borrowers looking for a no-subscription line of credit for short-term cash needs who live in an eligible state.

Pros

  • No hard credit pull
  • Borrow up to $1,000
  • Receive funds within minutes

Cons

  • No phone support, but customer support available via text and email
  • Mixed customer reviews

In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Your reviews
  • Ask a question

Is Albert legit?

Yes, Albert is a legitimate financial app. Albert itself is not a bank, banking services are provided through partner banks. Albert Instant is an unsecured line of credit issued by FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered bank, Member FDIC.

Albert has a significant online presence and serves over 20 million customers. The app verifies your identity before you can access its features, uses SSL encryption to protect your data and operates under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

What makes Albert Instant shine?

Albert Instant is designed to give you access to funds when you need them, with no subscription standing in the way. A few things set it apart:

  • No subscription required. Albert Instant does not require a monthly plan to access. You can use it as a standalone feature without enrolling in any paid Albert tier.
  • Issued by an FDIC-insured bank. Albert Instant is issued by FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered bank, Member FDIC, which provides an added layer of institutional credibility compared to some app-based alternatives.
  • Get up to $1,000. While few customers qualify for the maximum, the ceiling of $1,000 is competitive among similar products. Albert evaluates your account on an ongoing basis and may adjust your limit over time.
  • Subscription has no impact on eligibility. Subscribing to any Albert plan does not affect your eligibility or your credit limit for Albert Instant in any way.

Where Albert Instant falls short

There are real limitations to keep in mind before signing up:

  • Draw fee applies. Albert Instant charges a draw fee each time you access funds. You’ll see the exact fee amount in the app before you confirm. This is different from using a traditional cash advance app product that doesn’t require draw fees.
  • Late fee may apply. A late fee could also apply depending on your specific terms. Albert doesn’t publish the exact amount on their website, you’ll see it in the app when you sign up.
  • Few users reach the $1,000 limit. Albert is upfront that limits range from $25 to $1,000, but few customers qualify for the maximum. Albert decides your limit based on your account history and activity, and it can go up or down over time.
  • Not available in all states. Albert Instant isn’t available everywhere. It’s currently unavailable in these 11 states: Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
  • No customer service phone number. You can reach support by texting 639-37 or emailing support@albert.com, but there’s no phone line to call.

Albert Instant details

Product nameAlbert Instant
Issued byFinWise Bank, a Utah chartered bank, Member FDIC
Min. amount$25
Max. amount$1,000
Loan termNot listed — check the app for your specific terms
Turnaround timeNot listed
CostsNo subscription required; draw fee applies; late fee may apply — you’ll see exact amounts in the app before you confirm
RequirementsAlbert account in good standing; completed identity verification; must live in an eligible state

Albert contact info

Phone numberNot listed
Customer service hoursNot listed
Text support639-37
Emailsupport@albert.com
Websitealbert.com

How to qualify for Albert Instant

Albert only shares basic eligibility requirements for Albert Instant. To be considered, you’ll need to:

  • Have an Albert account in good standing
  • Have completed identity verification
  • Live in a state where Albert Instant is offered

Even if you check all those boxes, approval isn’t guaranteed, Albert makes the final call. If you’re approved, your limit can also go up or down over time based on your account activity.

Albert reviews and complaints

BBB accredited No
BBB rating B
BBB customer reviews 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 1390 customer reviews
BBB customer complaints 1,273 customer complaints
Trustpilot Score 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on 6,491 customer reviews
App Store Score 4.6 out of 5 stars, based on 302 customer reviews
Google Play Score 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on 152 customer reviews
Customer reviews verified as of 22 April 2026

Customer sentiment across platforms is mixed. App store ratings skew positive, with many users citing Albert’s budgeting tools and the app’s overall ease of use as standout features. Trustpilot reviews are also largely favorable.
BBB reviews tell a different story. Many complaints center on difficulty reaching customer support — there is no phone number, and users report challenges resolving issues via text and email. A recurring complaint involves automatic enrollment in a paid subscription plan after a 30-day free trial ends, with users saying the cancellation process is confusing. Albert’s app also receives complaints about persistent pop-ups prompting users to upgrade their subscription.

What do people on Reddit say?

Reddit users generally view Albert as a useful app for short-term cash needs. Many note that starting limits can be lower than expected and that it can take time to see limit increases. A common point of appreciation is that no subscription is required to access Albert Instant.

On the downside, Reddit users frequently mention surprise subscription charges after free trials end and difficulty navigating the cancellation process. The lack of phone support comes up regularly as a pain point, particularly when users are trying to resolve disputed charges or account issues.

Compare Albert to other cash advance apps

Select Compare for up to four providers to weigh the benefits side by side. If you’re interested in downloading the app, click Go to site.

6 of 6 results
Finder Score Max. amount per pay period Turnaround time Costs
Up to $150/day, with a max of $1000 between paydays
1–2 business days standard; minutes with Lightning Speed
Free to use or within minutes with a fee as low as $3.99 per transfer
Access up to $150 per day, with a max of $1000 between paydays. Not available to CT or Washington, D.C. residents. Subject to EarnIn terms & conditions.
Important information
EarnIn is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit EarnIn.com for full details. Expedited transfers available for a fee. Visit Earnin.com for full details.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
$500 to $5,000
As soon as the same business day
129% - 195% APR
Not available in: CO, CT, GA, IA, MD, MA, NY, SD, VT, WV. Comes with the option to change your due date so you won’t fall behind on repayments.
Important information
The advertised APR is an estimate based on currently available information, is not final, and is subject to change. If approved, your actual rate will be determined and assigned based on your creditworthiness, income, application information, and other relevant factors. Applications submitted on the OppLoans platform will be originated by one of our bank partners and serviced by OppLoans. Please see the Rates and Terms for details regarding the availability of products in your state of residence. Subject to credit approval and verification. Actual approved loan amount and terms are dependent on our bank partners’ standard underwriting guidelines and credit policies. Funds may be deposited for delivery to your bank via ACH as soon as the same business day if verification is completed and final approval occurs before 12:00 PM CT on a business day. If approval occurs after 12:00 PM CT on a business day or on a non-business day, funds may be delivered as soon as the next business day. Availability of the funds is dependent on how quickly your bank processes the transaction. Installment loan amounts typically range from $500 to $5,000. Annual percentage rate (APR) ranges from 129% to 195%. Installment loan lengths range from 9 to 18 months. Example: A $2,000 installment loan repayable in 9 monthly payments with an APR of 160% would have monthly payments of $394.58. Loan amount, APR, and repayment terms may vary by state, please see https://www.opploans.com/rates-and-terms for additional information. Approval is not guaranteed. If approved, your actual rate will fall within the marketed range of rates, and will be determined and assigned based on your creditworthiness, income, application information, and other relevant factors. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest available rates. This is an expensive form of credit and you should determine whether the offered product(s) meets your financial needs. OppLoans’ Bank Partners may use credit report information provided by Clarity Services and Experian as part of the application process to determine your creditworthiness. The credit inquiry will appear as a soft credit inquiry on your Experian credit report and a hard credit inquiry on your Clarity report. Therefore it will not affect your FICO credit score. OppLoans and its Bank Partners report customer payment history to the three major credit bureaus. On-time payments may improve credit score.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
$20 to $250
3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.
$5.99 monthly membership fee to access cash advances
Automatically monitor your spending plus access cash advances up to $100 at a time.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Varo logo
Up to $250 today. Build up to $700 over time with direct deposit at Varo. Average loan: $195. Qualifications Apply.
Instant, once qualified
No membership fees, Flat Fees of $1.60 to $100
Important information
Varo Advance qualification is subject to evaluation of consumer reports and Varo account activity. If approved, initial limits range from $20- $250. Unlock higher limits up to $700 over time when you bring your qualifying direct deposit to Varo and build a positive history with us. Negative repayment history may impact credit. Fees range from $1.60 - $100 based on loan amount, and deposits to your Varo Bank Account. Your current limit and applicable fees can be viewed in the Varo App. Qualifying direct deposits are electronic deposits of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security or unemployment) from your employer or government agency to the extent that can be identified. Tax refunds and government stimulus payments, Person-to-Person payments (such as Venmo or Varo to Anyone), and funds deposited using a Varo routing number are not considered a direct deposit.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Albert logo
$25 to $1,000
Within minutes
No subscription required
Advance up to $1,000 in minutes with Albert Instant.
Important information
Albert is not a bank. Savings account provided by Wells Fargo, N.A., Member FDIC. Albert plans start at $19.99/mo. Try for 30 days before you're charged. Fees auto-renew until canceled. Cancel in the app. Terms apply. Albert Instant Line of Credit is an unsecured line of credit issued by FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered bank, Member FDIC. Limits range from $25-$1,000. Draw fees apply. Terms and eligibility criteria including geographic restrictions apply. In some states, Albert may offer you an Albert Instant Advance instead. Limits range from $25-$1,000, subject to terms and eligibility criteria. No Albert subscription is required for Albert Instant Line of Credit or Albert Instant Advance. See Albert Terms of Use for additional important terms.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Chime logo
Up to $500
Instant transfers: 3% of the advance amount ($2 minimum, $5 maximum)
No subscription fees; Instant transfer fee: 3% of the advance amount ($2 minimum, $5 maximum)
Access up to $500 of your pay before payday fee-free within 24 hours. See Chime terms and conditions. MyPay is only offered in select states.
Important information
MyPay® line of credit provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. MyPay services provided by Chime Capital, LLC (NMLS 2316451). MyPay eligibility: To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive Qualifying MyPay Direct Deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A Qualifying MyPay Direct Deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Available Advance Amount may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. See Bancorp MyPay Agreement or Stride MyPay Agreement for details. Instant funds: Option to get funds instantly for a fee of 3% of the advance amount ($2 minimum, $5 maximum) per advance, or get funds for free within 24 hours. See Bancorp MyPay Agreement or Stride MyPay Agreement for details. SpotMe: SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account. SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, "SpotMe"). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined 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 SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. SpotMe for Credit and SpotMe on Debit share a single SpotMe limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won’t cover non-card transactions, including ACH s, Pay Anyone s, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe terms and conditions. Early Pay: 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. Savings: Chime® Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account. The 3.75% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is only available to members with Chime Prime status, otherwise, either the 3.00% APY for members with Chime Plus status or the standard rate of 0.75% APY will apply. The APYs are effective as of 02/26/2026, are variable and may change at any time. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest. See Chime Membership Tiers Terms and Conditions for more details. Credit Builder: Based on a representative study conducted by Experian® in Sept 2025, the top 10% of members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder, an earlier version of Chime Card, between April and August 2024, observed a FICO® Score 8 increase of 71 points after approximately 8 months. Average increase of 28 points across all participants in the study. Credit score improvement not guaranteed. Paying on time may increase your score, while late payment may decrease your score. Other credit activity can impact your score. Credit score is one of many factors creditors may consider in evaluating credit applications.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
loading
Showing 6 of 6 results

What is the Finder Score?

The Finder Score crunches 3+ types of short-term loans across 65+ lenders. It takes into account the product's interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate - this gives you a simple score out of 10.

To provide a Score, we compare like-for-like loans. So if you're comparing the best short-term loans for all credit types, you can see how each short-term loan stacks up against other short-term loans with the same borrower type, rate type and repayment type.

Read the full breakdown

Frequently asked questions

Albert is not a bank. Savings account provided by Wells Fargo, N.A., Member FDIC. Albert plans start at $19.99/mo. Try for 30 days before you're charged. Fees auto-renew until canceled. Cancel in the app. Terms apply. Albert Instant Line of Credit is an unsecured line of credit issued by FinWise Bank, a Utah chartered bank, Member FDIC. Limits range from $25-$1,000. Draw fees apply. Terms and eligibility criteria including geographic restrictions apply. In some states, Albert may offer you an Albert Instant Advance instead. Limits range from $25-$1,000, subject to terms and eligibility criteria. No Albert subscription is required for Albert Instant Line of Credit or Albert Instant Advance. See Albert Terms of Use for additional important terms.

Your reviews

No reviews yet. Write a review

Ask a question

Ask a question
Avatar

Megan B. Finder

Editor, Loans & Insurance

Hi there, looking for more information? Ask us a question.

Error label

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked
Accept and continue

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our finder.com Terms of Use and Privacy and Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Go to site