4 Paycheck Advance Apps to Get Your Paycheck Early

Finances would be simple if everything went according to plan. You work and make money, then you pay for what you need. But what if you’re living paycheck to paycheck and you have an unexpected expense?

According to a survey by the American Payroll Association, nearly 69% of Americans would experience financial difficulties if their paychecks were delayed for a week. You could turn to a payday loan or cash advance on a credit card to help get the money you need. But these options can be expensive and may end up being more trouble than they’re worth.

With some help from technology, you have a more favorable option. Paycheck advance apps can help you get the cash you need to make ends meet without the scary feeling of getting into high-interest debt. Here are four apps that can help you get a paycheck advance when you need it most.

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Discover® Cashback Debit Benefits

• Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month¹ <p>See website for details.</p>
• No minimum deposit, no minimum balance, and no account fees
• Easily switch direct deposit via the Discover mobile app or online for Early Pay (get your paycheck up to 2 days early!)
• 60K+ fee-free ATMs and make cash deposits at Walmart stores nationwide

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Best paycheck advance apps

• Chime®
• Empower
• Current
• MoneyLion

Best paycheck advance apps comparison

Best for early direct deposits: Chime®

Chime offers financial services through a mobile app that’s available on iOS or Android devices.³ <p class="">Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.&nbsp;<br></p> Services include the Chime Checking account and Chime Savings account. The Chime savings account can't be opened without the Chime Checking account.⁴ <p class="">Chime Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account.<br></p>

We love Chime for those living paycheck to paycheck for two reasons: early direct deposits up to two days early with direct deposit, and SpotMe®, a way for eligible members to get an overdraft of up to $200.⁵ <p> 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.</p> ² <p>SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account; SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined 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 SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/">SpotMe on Credit Builder Terms and Conditions</a>.</p> .

If you want to get money early with Chime, you need to open a Chime Checking Account and set up direct deposit. This will connect the account with your employer and potentially qualify you to get early access to your paychecks. Paychecks could arrive up to two days early with this feature. This may come in handy if you run into unforeseen circumstances or want to get a head start on paying for certain expenses.

Chime has no monthly fees — including no overdraft fees, minimum balance fees, monthly maintenance fees, and foreign transaction fees.⁶ <p>There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.</p> Eligible accounts can use SpotMe to overdraft your account up to $200 without worrying about your card getting declined or getting penalized. SpotMe limits starts at $20, but can increase based on your account history and spending activity.

Visit Chime® | Read our Chime review for more details.

Best for instant funds: Empower

Empower offers Cash Advance, which can provide from $10 to $300 instantly,⁷ <p>Not everyone will qualify for a Cash Advance offer. Offer amounts range from $10 - $300. As of 3/31/2024, the average offer amount is $145. Instant delivery is optional, and fees may apply. See Empower’s Terms for instant delivery fee amounts.</p> ⁸ <p class="">Empower is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by nbkc bank, Member FDIC.&nbsp;Empower offers a 14-day trial for new customers followed by an auto-recurring $8/month subscription fee. Cancel anytime.<br></p> with no interest or late fees, to help you get by. Empower will check your account history, account activity, and direct deposit information to see whether you qualify for Cash Advance.

If you qualify and need a Cash Advance, simply request it in the mobile app (available for both iOS and Android devices). We like that Empower can deposit money into your account for your immediate use — the majority of users will receive their funds within 15 minutes. The exact Cash Advance offer is decided by Empower, so you don’t get to select the number. Repayment occurs automatically on your repayment date, but you can reschedule this repayment if needed.⁹ <p class="">Subject to approval. Instant delivery fees may apply.</p>

Note that Empower is not available in all states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia. You also won’t find your typical banking accounts, but you can apply for a credit builder card with Thrive, which gives you a credit line of $200 to $400. You can also use the Empower debit card that allows you to get your paycheck up to two days early and rewards you 10% cash back for certain categories.

Visit Empower | Read our full Empower review.

Get Cash Advance From $10 to $300 Before Your Next Paycheck Comes

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Empower Benefits

• Cash Advance is available instantly
• No interest or late fees
• Easy automated repayment
• No credit score or security deposit required

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Best for unlimited access: Current

Current offers an account you can use through a mobile app that’s available for both Apple and Android devices.¹⁰ <p><b>Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC.</b>.</p> ¹¹ <p><b>Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC</b>. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.</p> This makes it easy to budget and manage your money and access your account balance while you’re on the go. We like Current's 24/7 customer service availability and ability to receive your paychecks early.

To potentially get access to your paychecks up to two days early, you need to open a Current account and set up direct deposit.¹² <p>Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer's submission of deposits.</p> This account comes with other perks too, like credit building and 40,000 in-network ATMs to withdraw from.¹³ <p>Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.&nbsp;</p> You may also qualify for up to $200 in fee-free overdraft protection, along with the benefit of no minimum balance fees.¹⁴ <p>Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to <a href="https://current.com/overdraft_protection_terms_of_service/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions</a>. Individual Current Accounts only.</p> You’ll also pay no minimum balance fees.¹⁵ <p>Out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party, and cash load fees may apply.</p>

One way Current stands out against its competitors is that it offers unlimited paycheck advance opportunities. As long as you qualify for an advance, you can request a fee-free paycheck advance for up to $500. Note that most advances can take up to three days to hit your account, but if you want the money quicker, you will have to pay a fee. Additionally, Current is not available in the following states: Connecticut, Maryland, and Nevada.

Visit Current | Check out our Current review.

A Smarter Way To Manage Your Money

Current Benefits

• Online-only banking service¹⁰ <p><b>Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC.</b>.</p> offering individual and teen accounts
• Get paid up to 2 days faster with direct deposit¹² <p>Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer's submission of deposits.</p>
• Saving Pods offering earnings up to 4.00% (as of Nov. 21, 2023) bonus¹⁶ <p>Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.<br></p> and automatic roundups
• $0 monthly fees¹⁷ <p>Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.</p>
• FDIC Insured through Choice Financial Group

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Best for cash boosts: MoneyLion

MoneyLion offers the largest variety of financial products on our list, including mobile banking, managed investing, and cash advances.¹⁸ <p>This material is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. You should consult your own financial, legal, and tax advisors before engaging in any transaction. Information, including hypothetical projections of finances, may not take into account taxes, commissions, or other factors which may significantly affect potential outcomes. This material should not be considered an offer or recommendation to buy or sell a security. While information and sources are believed to be accurate, MoneyLion does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information or source provided herein and is under no obligation to update this information. For more information about MoneyLion, please visit <a href= "https://www.moneylion.com/terms-and-conditions/">https://www.moneylion.com/terms-and-conditions/</a>.</p><p>Instacash is an optional service offered by MoneyLion. Your available Instacash Advance limit will be displayed to you in the MoneyLion mobile app and may change from time to time. Your limit will be based on your direct deposits, account transaction history, and other factors as determined by MoneyLion. See Membership Agreement and help.moneylion.com for additional terms, conditions and eligibility requirements.</p> Its cash advance feature is called Instacash, which never charges interest and paying back the borrowed amount is straightforward. MoneyLion will automatically deduct the Instacash amount from your linked bank account according to your paycheck cycle.

Our favorite feature of Instacash is that it allows for cash boosts, which means you can increase the limit of your advance when you complete actions through the MoneyLion app or participate in promotions. Additionally, you can boost five of your friends’ limits for the month, and they can boost you back. This is a helpful option for months when you need a little more borrowing wiggle room.

Visit MoneyLion

Alternative options to consider

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Borrow up to $250¹⁹ <p>Subject to eligibility. Amounts range from $20-$250, and $20-$100 for first time users. Amounts subject to change. Same day transfers subject to express fees.</p> with no interest or late fees

No credit check. Set your own payback date (up to 4 weeks away).

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Paycheck apps for employers

Employers can also use apps to help their employees get the money they need between paychecks. If you’re an employer, you may want to look into these apps for your employees. If you’re an employee, ask your human resources department if any of these apps are available.

Here are some apps to help employers provide additional financial benefits to their employees:

• FlexWage: Employees get instant access to earned wages and can use wages to pay anywhere Visa or Mastercard are accepted.
• DailyPay: Employees get instant access to earned wages, including tips and gratuities, and can use savings features to put away money.
• PayActiv: Employees get instant access to up to 50% of earned wages and can pay for Uber or Amazon expenses, or online bills, directly through the PayActiv app.
• Branch: Employees get instant access to earned wages, whether you’re a W-2 or 1099 employee.

However, these apps didn’t make the list because you can’t access them as a stand-alone app. Your employer needs to make the first move.

FAQs

Products that didn’t make our list

When it comes to paycheck advance apps, most of the companies in our list offer similar services. And remember, choosing a paycheck advance app is a personal preference. However, there are some companies that fell short during our selection process.

Brigit

To qualify for Brigit Instant Cash, you need to sign up for a Brigit Plus account (there is a $8.99 monthly fee) or Brigit Premium account ($14.99 per month) and meet all bank and deposit requirements. You will also need to have an open account for more than 60 days to qualify. We think the fees are high when you can find the same banking services, such as credit builder loans and credit monitoring for free with other companies.

Additionally, the FTC settled an allegation with Brigit in November 2023 for $18 million. The FTC found that Brigit’s plans were hard to cancel and that only 1% of users qualified for the full $250 advance while another 20% were denied altogether.²⁰ <p>Eligibility requirements apply. Advance limits vary between $50 and $250. See hellobrigit.com for details. Brigit Plus membership required - Subscription fee may apply.</p>

Get up to $250 when You Need It

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Brigit Benefits

• Get a cash advance up to $250
• Find full or part-time jobs to increase your income
• Track your spending and earning trends over time
• Start building your credit

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Avant

Another option for a quick advance is through the AvantCard, since you can get cash as quickly as going to an ATM. However, with this option you can only pull up to 25% of your credit line, and you will have a $3 or 10% fee — whichever is greater. Additionally, the cash advance will be like other credit card purchases and will incur interest charges if you don’t repay it within the billing cycle. Because of the high fees and interest, we don’t recommend this cash advance option.

Featured Checking Account

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Discover®️ Cashback Checking

Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.¹ <p>See website for details.</p> No minimum deposit or balance. FDIC Insured.

Learn More

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Earn up to $450

When you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through December 30, 2024. Member FDIC. Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.

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Bottom line

Paycheck advance apps can help provide you with needed financial assistance when the unexpected happens in the middle of a pay cycle when you don’t have cash. There are some things even the best banks can't do for you. So it makes sense to use these online banking apps when you need them, as everyone needs extra cash sometimes. But don’t become too reliant on borrowing your own money.

Remember that focusing on the short term won’t necessarily help you achieve your financial goals in the long run. If you borrow money from future paychecks, those paychecks immediately arrive with less money. This can become a vicious cycle where you have less and less money to work with over time.

Instead of falling into this cycle, use these paycheck advance apps when you need them. Then focus on how to make extra cash on the side or learn how to manage your money more efficiently. This can help you escape from living paycheck to paycheck and constantly stressing over your finances.

Rare Checking Account That Offers Cash Back

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

Discover® Cashback Debit Benefits

• Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month¹ <p>See website for details.</p>
• No minimum deposit, no minimum balance, and no account fees
• Easily switch direct deposit via the Discover mobile app or online for Early Pay (get your paycheck up to 2 days early!)
• 60K+ fee-free ATMs and make cash deposits at Walmart stores nationwide

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

Open Account