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Apps like Albert

Compare these apps now that Albert no longer offers cash advances.

Bethany Hickey's headshot

By

Bethany Hickey

Edited by

Holly Jennings

Updated

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 about $180 per year.

Now that cash advances are no longer offered through Albert, consider these cash advance options that are similar to Albert — some with much higher borrowing amounts.

LenderLoan amountFeesSpeed
Chime SpotMeUp to $200FreeInstant
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EarnInUp to $750 per pay period, but only $100 per dayFree1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee
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CleoUp to $250$5.993 to 4 days standard transfer. Same day with $3.99 to $9.99 express fee.
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Brigit$50 to $250$8.99 to $14.99 monthly membership fee2 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee.
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B9$30 to $500$9.99 or $19.99Instant
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DaveUp to $500UndisclosedUp to 3 business days or instant for a fee
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Our top 6 apps like Albert

  • For overdraft feature: Chime
  • For better customer support: EarnIn
  • For freelancers: Cleo
  • For instant delivery: Brigit
  • For a full paycheck advance: B9
  • For larger cash advances: Dave

Alternative for overdraft feature: Chime SpotMe

Chime SpotMe®

4.2 / 5 ★★★★★

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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.

  • Available in all states
Partner terms and conditions
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 fees or tipping requests
  • No credit check required
  • Saves you from overdraft fees
Cons
  • Only good for Chime accounts
  • Overdraft limits start at only $20
  • Mixed customer reviews
Loan amountUp to $200
Loan TermNext deposit
Turnaround timeInstant

Alternative for better customer support

EarnIn

4.7 / 5 ★★★★★

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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. Standard transfers take one to three days, or you can get the funds instantly for a fee. However, you'll have to upload and verify your hours worked by submitting timesheets and allow location tracking, which may feel intrusive to some.

  • Not available in: Connecticut
Pros
  • Higher cash advances than its competitors
  • 24/7 live chat customer support
  • No membership fees
Cons
  • Can only request $100 per day
  • Must verify hours worked
  • Requires regular payday schedule
Loan amountUp to $750 per pay period, but only $100 per day
Loan Term1 to 4 weeks
Turnaround time1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee

Alternative for freelancers: Cleo

Cleo

4.1 / 5 ★★★★★

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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 direct deposit requirement which could make it easier to qualify for advances.

As long as you have consistent income, you may qualify for cash advances with Cleo. Its cash advance amounts start at $40 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.

  • Available in all states
Pros
  • No direct deposit requirement
  • No credit checks or interest charges
  • Free AI financial planner, bill tracker and low balance alerts
Cons
  • Advance limits start low
  • Same day transfers costs $3.99
  • Mixed customer reviews
Loan amountUp to $250
Loan TermNext deposit
Turnaround time3 to 4 days standard transfer. Same day with $3.99 to $9.99 express fee.

Alternative for instant delivery: Brigit

Brigit

4.2 / 5 ★★★★★

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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 a paid membership for $8.99 to $14.99 monthly membership fee 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 and a high volume of complaints filed against the business.

  • Available in all states
Pros
  • Budgeting tools and credit building
  • No interest or late fees
  • Option to extend due date
Cons
  • $8.99 to $14.99 monthly membership fee monthly membership
  • Direct deposit required
  • Mixed customer reviews
Loan amount$50 to $250
Loan TermVaries
Turnaround time2 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee.

Alternative for a full paycheck advance: B9

B9 pay advance app

Where many other apps max out at $250 and charge a fee for expedited transfers, B9 offers free instant cash advances of up to $500. However, to access payroll advances with B9 you do have to enroll in one of two monthly membership options for either $9.99 or $19.99. These are on the higher end compared to other apps, so for people that don't need advances that often, the monthly membership fee may simply not be worth the cost.

After you set up an account, B9 receives your payroll direct deposit and alerts you in the app if you have an available advance.This is a nice feature that lets you know when you can get an advance and for how much. It also accepts an ITIN or SSN, giving non-residents a cash advance option, plus it offers customer support in English and Spanish.

  • Available in all states
Pros
  • Instant transfer is free
  • Accepts SSN or ITIN
  • English and Spanish customer support
Cons
  • $9.99 or $19.99 monthly membership fee
  • Basic plan only $100 max advance
Loan amount$30 to $500
Loan TermNot Stated
Turnaround timeInstant

Alternative for larger cash advances: Dave

Dave ExtraCash

4.2 / 5 ★★★★★

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Dave offers cash advances with the ExtraCash product, up to $500 with no interest charges or late fees. To get access to the cash advances, Dave requires a Undisclosed monthly membership, but it's still much more affordable than many other cash advance apps. And it doesn't require direct deposits making it more accessible for freelancers, gig workers or others who don't have direct deposit.

Dave offers two delivery speeds, and the instant speed costs could be up to $25, 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.

  • Available in all states
Pros
  • Higher borrowing amount than many competitors
  • No interest or late fees
  • Banking and budgeting features
Cons
  • Need a Dave Spending card for instant transfers
  • Instant delivery fee could be up to $25
  • Users complain of poor customer service
Loan amountUp to $500
Loan TermVaries
Turnaround timeUp to 3 business days or instant for a fee

How does Albert compare?

Now that Albert doesn’t offer a cash advance, it isn’t as 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
Holly Jennings's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Holly Jennings as part of our fact-checking process.
Bethany Hickey's headshot
Written by

Editor, Banking

Bethany Hickey is the banking editor and personal finance expert at Finder, specializing in banking, lending, insurance, and crypto. Bethany’s expertise in personal finance has garnered recognition from esteemed media outlets, such as Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo Finance, GOBankingRates, SuperMoney, AOL and Newsweek. Her articles offer practical financial strategies to Americans, empowering them to make decisions that meet their financial goals. Her past work includes articles on generational spending and saving habits, lending, budgeting and managing debt. Before joining Finder, she was a content manager where she wrote hundreds of articles and news pieces on auto financing and credit repair for CarsDirect, Auto Credit Express and The Car Connection, among others. Bethany holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan-Flint, and was poetry editor for the university’s Qua Literary and Fine Arts Magazine. See full bio

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