FlexWage pay advance app review
This employer-based app is one of the few that offers advances on tips and commission.
Bottom line: This employer-based pay advance app is one of the few to offer instant access to tips and other one-time payments — in addition to your base salary. But you’ll need to use it regularly to avoid paying unnecessary fees. Read our full review or get our 30-second take.
Details
| Product Name | FlexWage OnDemand Pay |
|---|---|
| Loan Term | Not stated |
| Turnaround Time | Instant or within 2 business days |
| Requirements | Work for an eligible employer |
Pros
- Offers immediate access to tips, commissions and bonuses
- Instant funding for everyone
- Customer service line
Cons
- Must transfer funds to FlexWage card
- Not transparent about fees
- Inactivity fee if you stop using the card for six months
Our take on FlexWage
FlexWage is an employer-based pay advance app that could be a good option if you rely on tips or commission. In addition to offering an advance on your base salary, FlexWage also provides instant access to compensation that isn’t part of your regular salary. In addition to advances, it has financial wellness services, including access to a coach to help build savings and manage your money.
But it lacks transparency about most fees it currently charges — it’s charged as much as $5 per transaction in the past. Other employer-based apps I’ve reviewed tend to charge between $2 and $3 per transaction — if anything at all. It also charges an inactivity fee if you sign up for a FlexWage Pay Card and don’t use it for more than six months, which I haven’t seen on any other app.
Consider another pay advance app if you don’t regularly need an advance on pay outside of your salary. Other apps offer a similar level of financial assistance to members and are more transparent about pricing.
FlexWage overview
FlexWage works by offering two services to people who work for a partnered employer:
- OnDemand Pay. This is an advance on your earned wages — typically between 70% and 80% of your pay after deductions.
- Flex Pay. This is a 100% advance on tips, commissions, bonuses and other irregular pay like per diems.
If you sign up for a FlexWage Pay Card, you could receive the funds immediately. Otherwise transfers take up to two business days.
Features
- Maximum withdrawal. Typically 70% to 80% of earned income.
- Transaction fee. Typically it’s around $3 though it can reach $5 for each time you request an advance vary by employer.
- Inactivity fee. You may be charged $4.95 if you don’t make a transaction or receive a deposit on a FlexWage Pay Card.
- Turnaround. Instant or up to two business days.
Requirements
You must work for an employer that offers FlexWage to use any of this company’s services. There are no other requirements — you don’t even need a bank account.
Other features
FlexWage offers a free financial wellness service called Sum180, which provides the following types of services:
- Overview of all of your personal finance accounts
- Budgeting assistance
- Access to financial wellness coach
- Daily insights and suggestions to manage debt and build savings
It also offers employees that work for a FlexWage partner the chance to sign up for a prepaid debit card. This allows you to get paid electronically without having to open a bank account — and receive your advance faster.
FlexWage reviews and complaints
| BBB accredited | No |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | NR |
| App Store Score | 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on 361 customer reviews |
| Google Play Score | 4.3 out of 5 stars, based on 72 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 27 April 2022 |
The FlexWage app gets mixed reviews on Google Play and the App Store. While most reviews are positive, mentioning great customer service — others complain about glitches with app and limited customer service.
FlexWage has fewer reviews than most pay advance apps I’ve written about. Customers have nothing to say on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Trustpilot.
How FlexWage compares to other pay advance apps
Here’s how FlexWage compares to Brigit, an app that doesn’t require you to work for a specific employer.
| FlexWage OnDemand Pay | Brigit | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum withdrawal | Typically 70% to 80% of earned income | $250 |
| Fees | Typically $3 per transaction | $9.99 monthly membership fee |
| Turnaround time | Instant or up to 2 business days | 1 to 3 days or same-day in some circumstances |
FlexWage vs. payday loans
Apps like FlexWage pose themselves as alternatives to payday loans. Here’s how the two products actually compare.
| FlexWage OnDemand Pay | Typical payday loan | |
|---|---|---|
| Borrowing amount | Varies by employer, typically around 70% to 80% of earned wages | Up to $1,000, depending on your state |
| Turnaround time | Instant or up to two business days | Next business day |
| Application process | Register on FlexPay’s mobile app and request funds as needed | Simple online application, typically requiring your Social Security number and bank account information |
| Costs | Varies by employer, typically around $3 | Between $15 and $25 per $100 borrowed, depending on the state |
| State availability | Available in all 50 states | Illegal in some states |
How safe is FlexWage?
While no app can ensure your information stays 100% secure, FlexWage takes reasonable steps to protect its customer data with the latest SSL technology and SHA-256 encryption. It also runs daily scans to ensure its SSL is intact and to check its website for malware, malicious links and phishing scams.
Its privacy policy states that it may share information about you with “trustworthy business partners,” but it won’t sell or rent personal information collected through its site to anyone. If you have questions, read over Flexwage’s privacy policy or contact customer support at support@flexwage.com.
Is FlexWage worth it?
If you rely on extra pay on top of a base salary, FlexWage is a better choice than most pay advance apps — for larger borrowing amounts. But it can be more expensive than the alternative.
With fees reaching $5 in some cases, it’s still cheaper than a payday loan, bank account overdraft or credit card cash advance. But you may want to consider apps that don’t depend on your employer first.
Compare FlexWage alternatives
These providers offer pay advances and financial services — and don’t require you to work for a specific employer. Select your state to see personalized options.