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.
Best for no membership fee
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.
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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
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| Loan amount | Get up to $100 per day or $750 per pay period. |
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| Loan Term | Due by your next pay date |
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| Turnaround time | 1 to 3 business days, or same-day for a fee |
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| Loan amount | Up to $750 |
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| Turnaround time | 1 to 3 business days, or same-day for a fee |
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| Costs | Free to use or $3.99 for Lightning Speed transfers. |
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Best for larger advances
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Pros
- Two delivery speeds
- No fees or interest for basic plan
- Side hustle extra cash feature
Cons
- Fees may range from $1.99 to $13.99 for immediate transfer
- Need to deposit $1,000 monthly to be eligible for advances
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| Loan amount | Up to $500 |
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| Loan Term | Varies |
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| Turnaround time | Up to 3 business days, or instant for a fee |
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| Loan amount | Up to $500 |
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| Turnaround time | Up to 3 business days, or instant for a fee |
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| Costs | $1 monthly membership fee and express delivery from $3 to $15 fee |
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Best for due date extensions
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.
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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
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| Loan amount | Up to $250 |
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| Loan Term | Varies |
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| Turnaround time | 1 to 3 business days or instantly with a fee |
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| Loan amount | $50 - $250 |
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| Turnaround time | 1 to 3 business days or instantly with a fee |
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| Costs | $8.99 monthly membership fee, up to $3.99 in express fees |
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Best for borrowing small amounts
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.
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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
- Loans not available in all U.S. states
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| Loan amount | $20 to $200 |
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| Loan Term | Varies |
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| Turnaround time | Same day |
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| Loan amount | $20 - $200 |
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| Turnaround time | Same day |
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| Costs | 5% flat fee |
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Best for no late fees
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.
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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
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| Loan amount | Up to $200 per pay period |
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| Loan Term | Until your next payday |
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| Turnaround time | As soon as the same day with fee; 2 to 3 business days for no fee |
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| Loan amount | Up to $200 |
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| Turnaround time | As soon as the same day with fee; 2 to 3 business days for no fee |
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| Costs | No fees for basic advance, $3.99 membership fee for financial management service, $2.99 to $12.29 express funding fee |
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Methodology: How we picked the best providers
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
- May charge subscription fees
- May charge fees for same-day funding
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Why cash advance apps are good for gig workers
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.
You can check out other cash advance apps or payday loan alternatives before you make a final call.
Frequently asked questions
What are typical cash advance amounts for gig workers?
Cash advance amounts for gig workers usually remain well below $1,000. Most apps allow you to advance a couple hundred per pay period.
Where can I download a cash advance app?
You can access cash advance apps from a variety of mobile app stores, including but not limited to the Apple Store or Google Play store.
How do I repay my cash advance?
It depends on the app. Many apps automatically deduct the amount you are advanced from the bank account you have on file.
