DailyPay is an app that lets you access up to 100% of the wages you’ve already earned before payday. There’s no credit check, interest or subscription required — and you don’t even need a Social Security number to sign up. Standard transfers are free, but you’ll pay up to $3.49 if you want your money instantly.
While getting paid early can help cover unexpected expenses or gaps in your budget, DailyPay isn’t the right fit for everyone. The biggest limitation is that you must work for an employer that partners with DailyPay to qualify. Some users also report trouble reaching customer service and note that the app lacks extra features. If you’re looking for DailyPay alternatives, this guide explores other apps that may be a better match.
Our 5 top picks for apps like DailyPay
Alternative for excellent customer service: Current
If you're wary of using DailyPay because you need responsive customer service, consider Current as a possible alternative. Current is an online bank that offers paycheck advances up to $750. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A rating and has received an average of 4.5 stars on Trustpilot. Customers comment on how easy it is to contact customer service directly in the app and how helpful agents are. That's in contrast with DailyPay, where users report difficulty reaching customer support.
Current is also widely available; anyone in the US who's at least 18 years old with a valid Social Security number and a smartphone can open an account. But you need to have payroll deposits of at least $200 put directly into your Current account to qualify for an advance, and instant transfers cost you a few dollars, just like with DailyPay.
Loan Amount
$50 - $750
Turnaround time
Up to 3 days or within an hour for a fee
Costs
Free
Not available in: Wisconsin
If you're wary of using DailyPay because you need responsive customer service, consider Current as a possible alternative. Current is an online bank that offers paycheck advances up to $750. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A rating and has received an average of 4.5 stars on Trustpilot. Customers comment on how easy it is to contact customer service directly in the app and how helpful agents are. That's in contrast with DailyPay, where users report difficulty reaching customer support.
Current is also widely available; anyone in the US who's at least 18 years old with a valid Social Security number and a smartphone can open an account. But you need to have payroll deposits of at least $200 put directly into your Current account to qualify for an advance, and instant transfers cost you a few dollars, just like with DailyPay.
EarnIn is an excellent alternative if you like the ability to access earned pay every day, but your employer hasn't enrolled with DailyPay. The EarnIn app tracks your time at work, then allows you to transfer out the money you've earned, up to $150 per day (with a limit of $1,000 per pay period). The only requirements for joining are to be 18+, employed and living in the US with a valid US bank account where you receive regular direct deposits.
Like DailyPay, EarnIn doesn't require any sort of credit check, no interest is charged and there's no subscription required. EarnIn runs on an optional tip model, which makes this an affordable way to access your wages early. However, if you need cash fast, instant transfer fees run between $2.99 and $5.99.
Loan Amount
Up to $1,000
Turnaround time
1 to 2 business days or within 30 minutes for a fee
Costs
Free to use or within minutes with a fee as low as $3.99 per transfer
Not available in: Connecticut
EarnIn is an excellent alternative if you like the ability to access earned pay every day, but your employer hasn't enrolled with DailyPay. The EarnIn app tracks your time at work, then allows you to transfer out the money you've earned, up to $150 per day (with a limit of $1,000 per pay period). The only requirements for joining are to be 18+, employed and living in the US with a valid US bank account where you receive regular direct deposits.
Like DailyPay, EarnIn doesn't require any sort of credit check, no interest is charged and there's no subscription required. EarnIn runs on an optional tip model, which makes this an affordable way to access your wages early. However, if you need cash fast, instant transfer fees run between $2.99 and $5.99.
Pros
Access $150 per day of earned wages
No mandatory fees or subscriptions
Employer participation not required
Cons
Fee for instant transfer
Must have consistent pay schedule
May not qualify for full amount immediately
Loan amount
Up to $150/day, with a max of $1000 between paydays
Loan Term
1 to 4 weeks
Turnaround time
1 to 2 business days or within 30 minutes for a fee
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.
Loan Amount
Up to $1,000
Turnaround time
1 to 2 business days or within 30 minutes for a fee
Costs
Free to use or within minutes with a fee as low as $3.99 per transfer
Payactiv is similar to DailyPay because it also offers paycheck advances to employees of partner companies. Like DailyPay, you must work for a business that offers Payactiv as a benefit to qualify. But PayActiv has one perk that DailyPay doesn't: free instant transfers.
With DailyPay, you must pay a small fee (up to $3.49) to get your advance immediately. PayActiv offers free instant cash advances to your PayActiv card. (You need to pay extra if you want an instant transfer to an external bank.) However, PayActiv doesn't offer as large an advance as DailyPay. You can only access up to 50% of what you've earned compared to up to 100% offered by DailyPay.
Loan Amount
Up to 50% of earned wages per day
Turnaround time
Within 1 to 3 or days or instant onto Payactiv card or for a fee
Available in all states
Payactiv is similar to DailyPay because it also offers paycheck advances to employees of partner companies. Like DailyPay, you must work for a business that offers Payactiv as a benefit to qualify. But PayActiv has one perk that DailyPay doesn't: free instant transfers.
With DailyPay, you must pay a small fee (up to $3.49) to get your advance immediately. PayActiv offers free instant cash advances to your PayActiv card. (You need to pay extra if you want an instant transfer to an external bank.) However, PayActiv doesn't offer as large an advance as DailyPay. You can only access up to 50% of what you've earned compared to up to 100% offered by DailyPay.
Pros
No instant transfer fee to PayActiv card
No subscription required
No interest charged
Cons
Access just half of what you earn
Only available through partner employers
Fee for instant transfer to an external bank
Loan amount
Up to 50% of earned wages per day
Loan Term
Not Applicable
Turnaround time
Within 1 to 3 or days or instant onto Payactiv card or for a fee
Loan Amount
Up to 50% of earned wages per day
Turnaround time
Within 1 to 3 or days or instant onto Payactiv card or for a fee
One of the biggest downsides to DailyPay is its lack of availability, as you can only use the app if your employer has signed up for the service. So, if you need an app that's more widely available, Dave might be a good alternative. Dave is open to anyone 18 or older in the US with a checking account and recurring income, making it much more accessible.
And like DailyPay, there's no credit check or interest required. You can also get your money instantly at no cost if it's transferred to your Dave checking account. But there is a small monthly subscription fee (up to $5), and Dave won't give you access to all of your earned income. You can only borrow up to $500 (and it could be lower, especially for first-time borrowers).
Loan Amount
Up to $500
Turnaround time
Free instant transfers to Dave Checking, up to 3 business days for free, or within an hour for a fee
Costs
Undisclosed
Available in all states
One of the biggest downsides to DailyPay is its lack of availability, as you can only use the app if your employer has signed up for the service. So, if you need an app that's more widely available, Dave might be a good alternative. Dave is open to anyone 18 or older in the US with a checking account and recurring income, making it much more accessible.
And like DailyPay, there's no credit check or interest required. You can also get your money instantly at no cost if it's transferred to your Dave checking account. But there is a small monthly subscription fee (up to $5), and Dave won't give you access to all of your earned income. You can only borrow up to $500 (and it could be lower, especially for first-time borrowers).
Pros
Available to most US residents 18+
No employer partnership required
No interest or credit check
Cons
Monthly subscription fee up to $5
Lower advance amounts of $500 max
1.5% instant transfer fee to external bank
Loan amount
Up to $500
Loan Term
Varies
Turnaround time
Free instant transfers to Dave Checking, up to 3 business days for free, or within an hour for a fee
Loan Amount
Up to $500
Turnaround time
Free instant transfers to Dave Checking, up to 3 business days for free, or within an hour for a fee
MoneyLion offers one of the most comprehensive financial apps on the market. While DailyPay is focused solely on earned wage access, MoneyLion bundles its Instacash advance feature with mobile banking, credit builder loans, investing and cashback rewards. And you don't need to work with any specific employer to qualify, you just need to be 18+ years old, live in the US and link a valid checking account that receives regular direct deposits.
But Instacash advances might not be as much as you'd get from DailyPay. While DailyPay gives you access to 100% of your earned wages, MoneyLion limits you to $500 per pay period (or $1,000 if you have a RoarMoney account). Like DailyPay, MoneyLion doesn't run a credit check or charge interest. However, instant transfers come with a fee that can reach up to $8.99, and some features require a paid membership.
Loan Amount
$50 - $500
Turnaround time
Up to 5 days or instant for a fee of $0.49 to $8.99
Costs
Free
Available in: Alabama, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
MoneyLion offers one of the most comprehensive financial apps on the market. While DailyPay is focused solely on earned wage access, MoneyLion bundles its Instacash advance feature with mobile banking, credit builder loans, investing and cashback rewards. And you don't need to work with any specific employer to qualify, you just need to be 18+ years old, live in the US and link a valid checking account that receives regular direct deposits.
But Instacash advances might not be as much as you'd get from DailyPay. While DailyPay gives you access to 100% of your earned wages, MoneyLion limits you to $500 per pay period (or $1,000 if you have a RoarMoney account). Like DailyPay, MoneyLion doesn't run a credit check or charge interest. However, instant transfers come with a fee that can reach up to $8.99, and some features require a paid membership.
Pros
Offers many extra features
Wide availability
No credit check required
Cons
Instant transfer fee up to $8.99
Some features require membership
Advance limit varies by account activity
Loan amount
Up to $500 or $1,000 with RoarMoney account
Loan Term
Due by your next pay date
Turnaround time
Up to 5 days or instant for a fee of $0.49 to $8.99
Loan Amount
$50 - $500
Turnaround time
Up to 5 days or instant for a fee of $0.49 to $8.99
DailyPay is a company that partners with employers to allow their employees early access to earned wages. You get funds through DailyPay’s free application, which is linked to your employer’s timekeeping system. The app shows you how much you’ve earned so far in the pay period and allows you to borrow up to 100% of that amount. (Though it may be lower if your employer sets a different limit.)
There are no subscription fees or interest charges, which makes this an affordable option if you need money to fill budgetary gaps. The amount of your next paycheck is automatically reduced by the amount of the advance that you took.
The only catch is that you must work for a company that has signed up for DailyPay services. There’s also an instant transfer fee up to $3.49 (set by your employer), but it’s a lot less than what some cash advance apps charge to get funds quickly.
Pros
Advance up to 100% of earned income
No subscription fees or interest
No credit check or social security number required
Cons
Must be employed by a DailyPay partner
Customer service can be hard to reach
Instant transfer costs up to $3.49
Alternatives to cash advance apps
If you’re struggling financially but would like to avoid cash advance apps altogether, there are a few alternatives available, including:
Small personal loan. Taking out a small personal loan allows you to spread out payments over a longer period instead of paying it back on your next payday.
Credit card cash advance. If you have a credit card with an available balance, you could withdraw cash to fill the gap in your budget — but watch out for high fees and APRs.
Payday Alternative Loans (PALs). PALs were created to be a less expensive alternative to payday loans. Available through federal credit unions, these allow you to borrow up to $1,000 and repay it over the next one to six months with rates capped at 28%.
Local community assistance. Nonprofits and local government agencies often offer emergency grants, food aid or utility assistance, so you don’t need to take on any debt.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) apps. If you need help financing a purchase, consider using Buy Now, Pay Later apps to get what you need. Many even offer no interest payments for a set period.
Why avoid payday and installment loans
We don’t recommend payday or installment loans as alternatives to apps like DailyPay because they often come with extremely high costs and trap borrowers in cycles of debt. The average APR on a payday loan can reach up to 650% in states with little regulation, and most borrowers end up staying in debt for nearly a year.
To learn about safer alternatives, check out our full guide to cash advance apps.
Christi Gorbett is a freelance writer with more than eight years of experience and a master's degree in English. She’s created a wide range of content for banks, financial product comparison sites, and marketing companies on topics like small business loans, credit cards, mortgages, retirement planning, lender reviews, and more.
As a former teacher, Christi excels at making complex financial topics accessible and easy to understand. Her interest in finance grew when she returned to the U.S. after living in South Korea for nearly a decade.
This shift was driven by several personal financial challenges: rebuilding her financial base after the move home, starting her own business, and catching up on retirement savings. These experiences deepened Christi’s practical understanding of finance and intensified her interest in the field.
See full bio
Cleo is a budgeting app offering cash advances up to $250.
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