Gig workers such as independent contractors and freelancers depend on their clients for income. While the flexibility of making your own schedule is appealing, the uncertainty behind your next payday can be stressful. Whether you’re looking for a cash advance app as a delivery or rideshare driver or other form of gig work, we’ve got you covered.
5 Best cash advance apps for Gig Workers
If you’re looking for some cash before your next paycheck and are thinking about a cash advance app, consider their turnaround time, monthly fees and amount loaned, among other factors. We’ve pulled the top five apps, so you won’t have to.
Earnin is a cash advance app that allows you to access up to $100 per day from your earned income and up to $750 from your pay period. Gig workers have to submit their employment information as well as connect their bank account to get verified. There are no required fees to access any services, but gig workers and other users can opt to pay extra to access their Lighting Speed feature, which promises quicker turnaround.
Loan amount
Up to $750
Turnaround time
1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Costs
Free to use or instant with a fee as low as $3.99.
Not available in: Connecticut
Earnin is a cash advance app that allows you to access up to $100 per day from your earned income and up to $750 from your pay period. Gig workers have to submit their employment information as well as connect their bank account to get verified. There are no required fees to access any services, but gig workers and other users can opt to pay extra to access their Lighting Speed feature, which promises quicker turnaround.
Pros
Can access up to $750 per pay period
No mandatory fees
Automatic repayment from bank account
Cons
Low customer rating on Trustpilot
Have to show proof of income
Limited to hours only worked
Loan amount
Up to $750 per pay period, but only $100 per day
Loan Term
1 to 4 weeks
Turnaround time
1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Loan amount
Up to $750
Turnaround time
1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Costs
Free to use or instant with a fee as low as $3.99.
Brigit is a cash advance app that provides access to advances ranging from $50 to $250, with a flat monthly subscription fee and no hidden transaction fees. It offers extra flexibility for gig workers by letting you extend your payment due date up to three times. Standard delivery takes up to three days, but Brigit stands out by offering rush funding, which it claims can be in your account in only 20 minutes. However, it isn't clear which customers may qualify.
Loan amount
$50 - $250
Turnaround time
2 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee.
Brigit is a cash advance app that provides access to advances ranging from $50 to $250, with a flat monthly subscription fee and no hidden transaction fees. It offers extra flexibility for gig workers by letting you extend your payment due date up to three times. Standard delivery takes up to three days, but Brigit stands out by offering rush funding, which it claims can be in your account in only 20 minutes. However, it isn't clear which customers may qualify.
Pros
No late fees
Preventative overdraft notifications
Can extend payment due date three times
Cons
Primary account must be opened for at least 60 days
Must have three recurring deposits from same source
Loan amount
$50 to $250
Loan Term
Varies
Turnaround time
2 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee.
Loan amount
$50 - $250
Turnaround time
2 to 3 business days or instant with a Premium subscription or for a fee.
Cash App provides a pilot feature called Cash App Borrow, enabling all users including gig workers to instantly borrow $20 to $200 with just a few taps on the app. There is a 5% fee involved, however, every time you borrow. To increase your chances of accessing the feature, you'll need to meet certain credit score requirements and deposit at least $1,000 into your Cash App account every month. If you see the Borrow option in your account, you're eligible.
Loan amount
$20 - $200
Turnaround time
Same day
Costs
5% flat fee
Available in all states
Cash App provides a pilot feature called Cash App Borrow, enabling all users including gig workers to instantly borrow $20 to $200 with just a few taps on the app. There is a 5% fee involved, however, every time you borrow. To increase your chances of accessing the feature, you'll need to meet certain credit score requirements and deposit at least $1,000 into your Cash App account every month. If you see the Borrow option in your account, you're eligible.
Pros
Automatic repayments
Short repayment term of 4 weeks
Easy-to-access built-in-functionality
Cons
Only available to select users
Maximum $200 withdrawal
After 90 days of not paying loan, any funds within account will be counted towards outstanding balance
Klover is a cash advance app that offers up to $200 in advances based on bank account eligibility and participation in its points program. The points program involves completing tasks to earn points that can be converted into dollars for advances or to cover fees. However, Klover generates revenue by collecting aggregate user data that is shared with partners, which may raise privacy concerns for some gig workers.
Loan amount
Up to $200
Turnaround time
Within 3 days or within hours for a fee
Costs
No fees for basic advance, $3.99 membership fee for financial management service, $2.99 to $12.29 express funding fee
Available in all states
Klover is a cash advance app that offers up to $200 in advances based on bank account eligibility and participation in its points program. The points program involves completing tasks to earn points that can be converted into dollars for advances or to cover fees. However, Klover generates revenue by collecting aggregate user data that is shared with partners, which may raise privacy concerns for some gig workers.
Pros
No credit check
No membership fees
No late fees
Turn rewards points into cash
Cons
Can only access up to $200
Need three consistent direct deposits from employer
May need to wait 6 weeks to request funds
Loan amount
Up to $200
Loan Term
Until your next payday
Turnaround time
Within 3 days or within hours for a fee
Loan amount
Up to $200
Turnaround time
Within 3 days or within hours for a fee
Costs
No fees for basic advance, $3.99 membership fee for financial management service, $2.99 to $12.29 express funding fee
We evaluated various pay advance apps that served gig workers. We considered criteria such as loan amounts, turnaround time, fees and eligibility requirements. Our staff also reviewed reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot. Finder.com’s methodology aims to provide a comprehensive take on pay advance apps, ensuring that the listed providers are trustworthy for our users.
How to compare cash advance apps for gig workers
When comparing the best apps for gig workers, you should consider the following:
Limits. Some apps only offer advances up to $250, while others offer advances of $700 and higher.
Additional fees. Most apps charge a fee if you want same-day delivery for your advances.
Employment verification. Some apps require proof of employment even if you’re a gig worker.
Income requirements. Apps such as Dave require a minimum $1000 monthly income requirement to unlock higher advances.
Credit Checks. While most apps don’t require a credit check, you may want to review the fine print to make sure.
Repayment terms. Many apps have penalties and extra fees, but not all.
Customer support. If you are looking for support with cash advances, consider apps with customer support hours around your schedule.
User reviews. Many apps have attractive features, but some, such as Earnin, have low customer ratings, which may impact your search.
Pros and cons of cash advance apps
Like any company, cash advance apps come with benefits and risks. It’s important to read the fine print before you agree to an advance.
Pros
Quick turnaround time
No credit check usually
No extensive paperwork
Cons
Cash advance programs generally offer advances up to $250 or less
Cash advances offer gig workers a quick and easy way to access funds without credit checks or a consistent employer. Gig workers also benefit from access to cash without a ton of fees or paperwork. Most importantly, a reliable cash advance app can offer independent contractors who may not have a specific payday or cash flow the financial cushion they need between payouts.
Cash advance apps can be helpful for all types of gig workers, including:
Amazon drivers
Doordash
Freelancers
Independent contractors
Instacart drivers
Lyft drivers
Uber drivers
Uber eats drivers
Are cash apps payday lenders?
Cash apps are not payday lenders, although they do provide advances similar to payday loans, offering quick access to cash without a credit check. However, cash apps don’t generally charge the exorbitant interest rates you’d expect from payday lenders. Instead, cash apps make their money from subscription fees and transfer fees.
Alternatives to cash advance apps
If you want to avoid monthly subscription fees that many cash advance apps may offer or simply seek a higher amount to borrow as a gig worker, consider these alternatives.
Payday Alternative Loan (PAL). Consider a PAL, which is offered by some credit unions and can provide a lower-cost alternative to a payday loan. PALs typically have more favorable terms and lower interest rates than traditional payday loans.
Bad credit personal Loans. Explore the option of a “bad credit” personal loan, which may be available from various lenders. While the APRs can be high, these loans can provide access to funds without the steep costs associated with payday loans.
Local resources and lower-cost loans. Look into local resources, such as small-dollar bank loans offered by financial institutions and lower-cost loans that may be available in your community. Some credit unions and nonprofits also offer small-dollar lending programs as an alternative to payday loans.
These alternatives can provide a more sustainable and affordable way to address short-term financial needs without the high costs and risks associated with payday loans.
Dhara Singh was a freelance personal finance writer at Finder specializing in loans. Formerly she was a top 10 journalist at Yahoo Finance with more than 38+ million content views where she covered retirement and mortgages. She has also written for Bankrate, and CNET and continues to write for a variety of outlets, such as Investopedia and Worth magazine. Her articles focus on equipping readers with the right information and data so they can make the most informed decisions related to their finances.
Dhara previously worked as an insights analyst for Finder’s PR team, where she started the Deadliest Cities to Drive series in 2018, connecting interesting data analysis to a suite of car insurance products. When she’s not writing, Dhara coaches small business owners through her Stories to Sales programs and empowers them to use their life experiences to help other people. She has also self-published a poetry book on Amazon called Tell her She’s Lovely.
Dhara holds a B.S. in Finance and Supply Chain Management from Rutgers University and a M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University. See full bio
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