Life has a funny way of throwing us curveballs. Cash advance apps like Albert can help when you can’t make ends meet.
You’ll get access to small amounts of cash to cover your shortage and not get buried in high-interest rates and fees.
Albert is an app that most people think of for cash advances, but other apps offer additional features and benefits you may want to consider.
Albert isn’t the only cash advance app available. Fortunately, there are many options to get cash advances and personal finance assistance without the hassle you might receive using Albert.
11 Apps Like Albert
Here are the best cash advance apps like Albert you can start using today:
1. Albert
The Albert app is a one-stop shop for all things personal finance. Some features require a subscription to Genius, and others are included for everyone, such as the cash advance feature. You can get a cash advance for free if you wait two to three business days for the deposit or pay a small fee for an instant transfer to your linked bank account.
The Albert app offers more than cash advances. Here’s what you can expect from the super finance app:
- Albert Cash – This mobile banking experience allows you to set up direct deposit and receive your funds two days early. It also offers opportunities to save and invest money. Albert Cash also includes a Visa debit card for spending.
- Albert Genius – This paid monthly subscription provides access to ‘geniuses’ or financial advisors who will answer your personal finance questions and help you learn how to save more money. With a Genius subscription, you can earn cash back when you make debit card purchases, access 55,000+ fee-free ATMs, automate savings, build a custom portfolio, and track your bills.
- Cash advances – Members can get up to a $250 cash advance. There’s no credit check required, and you can request cash up to three times per pay period (for a total of $250). You’ll repay the advance when on your next payday.
The Albert app is free for cash advances and basic features. However, if you want access to personal financial advisors, investment opportunities, automated savings, and cashback on your debit card purchases, you must subscribe to Genius. The cost is $8/month, but they ask that you consider ‘tipping’ a higher amount to support the app.
How it Works
Most people who use Albert state the initial cash advance is low, which is typical for cash advance apps. The average person gets approved for a $25 cash advance the first few times. After proving you will repay the advance on time, Albert allows you to build up to higher cash advances, eventually reaching $250.
A partner bank offers Albert’s other features since Albert isn’t a bank. Sutton Bank offers the banking products Albert offers, except the savings accounts, which are held at various FDIC-insured banks.
Many people claim they have trouble with Albert’s customer support, so you may want to look at similar apps to Albert to see if you can get better customer support and features.
2. Chime
The Chime app is available on iOS and Google Play.
Chime is a lot like the Albert app as it offers a cash advance option and many personal finance features to improve your financial situation. Members can access up to $200 in a cash advance and have access to the following personal finance features:
- Free debit card – Link your debit card to your current checking account or open a Chime Spend account and have access to 60,000+ fee-free ATMs
- Credit builder – The Credit Builder card is a secured Visa credit card with a credit line equal to your deposit. Use the secured balance to make your payments on time, and Chime reports the payments to the credit bureaus.
- Chime Checking account – The Spend account is held at a partner bank, allowing you to set up direct deposit or use your Chime debit card for purchases.
- Savings account – The Chime high-yield savings account pays 2.0% APY on all balances.
How It Works
The Chime cash advance works differently than most cash advance apps. First, subscribers get a credit line of up to $200. Most users start with $20 and work their way up with timely repayment.
The SpotMe program covers debit card purchases and cash withdrawals. The service is free, but they ask for tips when you use it to keep paying it forward for other members.
When you overdraft your account or are in danger of it, the SpotMe program automatically transfers funds from your line of credit to cover it. This way, you avoid an overdraft and can repay the amount used on your next payday.
To qualify for the SpotMe program, you must have direct deposits of at least $200 in your Chime account and activate your Chime debit card.
3. MoneyLion
MoneyLion is available on iOS and Google Play.
MoneyLion operates a lot like Albert with its personal finance features; however, MoneyLion also offers options for credit building, and they help members locate beneficial financial offers.
Like the Albert app, new users may have access to up to $25 cash advances; however, if you link an external bank account with direct deposit, you may get up to $500 in cash advances.
How It Works
To get cash advances, you must have a checking account open for at least 60 days with regular direct deposits from an employer, and the account must have never had a negative balance. Then, tap the request button and request the amount you need. You’ll have an answer instantly.
In addition to cash advances, MoneyLion offers the following features:
- RoarMoney – This mobile banking app offers early access to direct deposit funds, debit card rewards, and cash advances of up to $1,000. You can also set up roundups to automatically save your spare change, get refunds if you find a lower price on something you paid for with your MoneyLion debit card, and earn cashback on purchases.
- Instacash – The cash advance feature of MoneyLion offers up to $500 cash advances with a linked checking account. You can get free standard delivery or pay a small fee for an instant transfer.
- Credit Builder+ – This credit builder loan helps you build or repair credit. Unlike most credit builder loans, you can access a portion of the loan’s proceeds before paying it off. You also have access to your credit score, credit-building tips, and access to up to $300 in cash advances.
- Investing – Automatically invest your money and create a fully managed portfolio with no minimums or monthly fees. You can personalize your portfolio and make changes, including deposits or withdrawals, at any time.
4. Dave
The Dave app is available on iOS and Google Play.
Dave doesn’t offer as many personal finance features as other cash advance apps, but for many users, it’s just what they need.
Dave offers cash advances up to $500, but you must qualify to receive them, and most users start much lower.
Dave also offers helpful features, so you don’t need cash advances in the future. Their top two features include:
- Budgeting – Dave tells you how much money you can safely spend and which bills to expect coming up. The idea is to stop you from overspending and needing cash advances, except in emergencies.
- Side hustles – Dave also offers a feature that matches you with side hustles to make extra money. It finds local side hustles and online opportunities, such as paid surveys and phone work you can do from home and make extra cash.
How It Works
Dave has stricter requirements for qualifying for a cash advance. Like Albert, you must have a linked checking account that you’ve owned for at least 60 days. However, you must also have at least $1,000 deposited monthly and proof of three recurring direct deposits from your employer.
Dave’s cash advance limits, called ExtraCash, change daily. It checks your information nightly and refreshes your daily cash advance limits at midnight. Like Albert, you repay your cash advance the following payday; however, Dave allows extensions if you ask and for no fees.
It takes a couple of days to get the transfers from Dave, but if you pay a small fee, they’ll transfer the funds instantly.
5. FloatMe
FloatMe is available on iOS and Google Play.
FloatMe is a cash advance app that offers up to $50 between paydays. In addition, FloatMe works with over 10,000 banks, securely linking to them to help you cover unexpected expenses or to make ends meet during difficult times.
In addition to the cash advance feature, FloatMe offers insights into your spending so you can spend less and save more. It’s a simple app, but the cash advance feature can come in handy if you’re in a bind for money.
How It Works
You won’t need a credit check to get a cash advance, and you’ll pay no interest. However, there is a $1.99 monthly subscription fee to use the service.
To send the funds, FloatMe uses Plaid, a secure bank transfer service that encrypts your information, so FloatMe doesn’t store your bank information. As a result, FloatMe sends money when needed and helps you monitor and organize your financial accounts so you always know where you stand.
6. Cleo
The Cleo app is available on iOS and Google Play.
Cleo is a cash advance app for millennials. It feels more like a social media feed than a personal finance app. Think Venmo, but for cash advances.
Cleo offers lower cash advances of up to $100 when you need it, but they offer other personal finance features too, including the following:
- Budgeting – Get help creating a budget that works for you, not against you. Get a clear picture of your goals’ progress, how much you’ve saved, and how much is due.
- Savings – Cleo helps you save, even if you’ve never had luck. They include things like ‘swear jars,’ ‘round ups,’ and ‘set it and forget it’ savings tactics.
- Credit building – If you need to build or repair credit, the credit builder card (a secured credit card) may help you build better credit.
How It Works
To access Cleo’s features, including cash advances, you must pay a $5.99 subscription fee. Like the Albert app, they don’t do credit checks to qualify you for a cash advance. Instead, they use an algorithm that determines if you are eligible.
They don’t have specific requirements like Albert, such as how long you must have your checking account open, but they look for negative balances, excessive withdrawals, or lack of direct deposits.
Cash advances may take a little longer from Cleo, even the instant transfers you pay a fee to get. However, most people get instant transfers within 24 hours, and standard delivery can take three to four business days.
7. Klover
The Klover app is available on iOS and Google Play.
Klover offers cash advances of up to $200 and a suite of financial tools to get you back on track. What’s interesting about Klover is they offer unique ways to boost your cash advance opportunities. For example, while your checking account and income are the main determining factors, you can increase your cash advance allowance by earning points for taking surveys or watching ads.
Klover also offers robust budgeting options that can earn you more points if you do it right. Budgeting tools include spend and save goals and credit score tracking. As a bonus, you’ll earn more points and increase your cash advance limits if you save money.
Klover offers a monthly outlook that puts your income and spending into perspective, allowing you to see your spending percentages for previous months to see where your habits should change.
If you’re lucky, you can also enter their daily sweepstakes to win $100 daily.
How It Works
To get cash advances from Klover, you must link your checking account and receive direct deposit from your employer. Once you’ve received at least three direct deposits, you may qualify for a cash advance with no credit check.
You’ll repay the cash advance on your next payday with no interest or fees.
8. Empower
The Empower app is available on iOS and Google Play.
Empower is a cash advance app like Albert that offers other personal finance features to help you reach your financial goals.
Empower offers cash advances up to $250 without a credit check or interest charges. If you open an Empower Card, a debit card with no fees, you’ll receive your cash advances instantly and have access to your direct deposit up to two days early. You’ll also have access to 37,000+ fee-free ATMs and be able to earn cashback on purchases made with the Empower Card.
Other features Empower includes are:
- Automatic savings – Empower will automatically send ‘safe’ money to your savings account to help you reach your financial goals.
- Budgeting – Get help creating a functional budget and alerts when you’re off-budget.
- Smart recommendations – Empower will review your spending and savings habits and offer recommendations to help you spend less and save more.
How It Works
An Empower subscription is free for the first 14 days; then, members pay an $8 monthly subscription.
To get cash advances, request the amount, and if approved, you’ll receive it instantly on your Empower card or within a few days in your linked bank account. Like most cash advance apps, the amount you can get varies based on your financial history, including the following:
- Bank account history, including the balance
- Amount of direct deposits and their consistency
- The length of time you’ve received the same direct deposit
9. Earnin
The Earnin app is available on iOS and Google Play.
Earnin is less of a cash advance app like Albert and more of an app that offers early access to your paycheck. Earnin believes you should have access to the money you’ve earned rather than waiting for payday.
With Earnin, you can access up to $100 of your earned income daily, with a maximum of $750 per pay period.
In addition to early access to your earned funds, Earnin offers a program called Balance Shield. This program monitors your linked bank account, letting you know when its balance is lower than your threshold. You can also set up automatic cash outs (early access to your earned funds) to increase your balance.
How It Works
Unlike the Albert app, Earnin works with your employer, so you must provide information about your employer and bank account to receive early access to your earned funds.
However, like the Albert app, Earnin connects directly to your bank account, so the funds go directly to it when you request them. Like most cash advance apps, receiving your funds takes two to three business days. However, you can request a Lightening Speed transfer for a small fee and receive the funds instantly.
Earnin’s fee structure is also a little different. They don’t have a set monthly fee. Instead, they ask subscribers to ‘tip’ them when they use the service.
Learn More:
10. Brigit
You can find the Brigit app on iOS and Google Play.
Brigit is very similar to the Albert app. They offer cash advances of up to $250 and a large selection of personal finance features to help improve your financial situation.
Brigit’s personal finance features include the following:
- Credit builder account – The credit builder loan is a 24-month loan with the loan proceeds locked in a deposit account. You make payments toward the loan, and any remaining funds due get deducted from the loan balance. Brigit reports the payments to the credit bureau to help you build good credit.
- Credit Protect & Secure – Get access to full credit reports and information about identity breaches to protect yourself. It also includes up to $1 million in identity theft protection.
- Financial insights – Get a clear picture of your spending and savings, and find ways to improve your budgeting.
- Find jobs and side gigs – Brigit helps you find ways to make more money to get your finances on track.
How It Works
To get a cash advance of up to $250, you’ll need an active checking account that’s been open for at least 60 days, an ongoing positive balance, and three consistent direct deposits from your employer.
Like the Albert app, there’s no credit check, interest, or fees. The loan is due back on your next payday, but if you can’t pay it, let them know, and they’ll extend it for no fees.
It takes a few days to receive the funds, but like most cash advance apps, you can pay an instant transfer fee and have the funds in minutes.
11. Possible Finance
The Possible Finance app is available on iOS and Google Play.
Possible Finance calls itself the payday loan alternative. They offer advances of up to $500, and like the Albert app, they don’t charge interest. However, Possible Finance charges a fee that varies by the loan amount and state you live, but the average cost is $15 for every $100 borrowed.
How It Works
Possible Finance works differently than most cash advance apps. Instead of paying back the total amount borrowed on your next payday, you pay back the loan over four installments across eight weeks. In addition, they have a 29-day grace period and offer the option to adjust your payment dates if necessary.
However, unlike most cash advance apps, Possible Finance does a soft credit pull. They claim it’s not to determine if you qualify for the cash advance. Instead, it’s for identity protection and to prevent fraud. A soft credit check doesn’t show up on your credit inquiries and doesn’t affect your credit scores.
What Are Cash Advance Apps?
Cash advance apps advance money between paydays. It’s typically not a large amount, usually $250 max, just enough to get you through to the next payday.
Most cash advance apps don’t charge interest or fees, but many charge a monthly subscription fee, so consider the cost before choosing an app.
How Cash Advance Apps Work
Cash advance apps are a simple concept. Most don’t require a credit check or a certain amount of money in your bank account.
To qualify, you typically must prove you have consistent income directly deposited into your account, have had your checking account for at least 60 days, and keep a positive balance. Of course, each app has different qualifying requirements, but these are the average requirements for most apps.
When you need a cash advance, you request it in the app. Some apps already have a predetermined amount they’ll lend you, and others allow you to request how much you need. Remember, when you start with any cash advance app, the loan they’ll offer is usually below $50, sometimes even $25. After that, you can work up to higher cash advance amounts with a good repayment history.
Most cash advance apps require you to link your checking account that receives your direct deposit. You then repay the loan on your next payday. However, some apps allow you to request extra time if needed.
How Cash Advance Apps Can Help
Cash advance apps can help make ends meet when you have unexpected expenses or are short for your bills.
No one should use them regularly because it’s like using a credit card for living expenses. It means you’re living above your means.
Instead, cash advance apps should help in situations such as:
- Unexpected medical bills
- Car repairs you didn’t expect
- A reduction in work hours that left you short on your bills
Anything spontaneous and not a regular occurrence may be a reason to use a cash advance app. However, if you find yourself using the advance regularly, it may be time to revisit your budget and spending to change your habits.
What Is a Payday Loan?
Payday loans are different than cash advances. They are short-term loans that typically have high-interest rates. Most borrowers can get up to $500 in a payday loan; the total amount is due on your next payday and requires automatic payment.
Paying a Payday Loan Off Quickly
Payday loans are often hard to pay off because of the high-interest rates and fees. In addition, borrowing from your future funds reduces the money you have for living expenses and bills during that pay period and often causes a vicious cycle.
Here are a few ways to pay a payday loan off faster:
- Cut back on expenses to free up funds
- Revisit your budget and cut money from unnecessary categories
- Cut unnecessary services
- Use coupons and shop for sales
The key is to budget the freed-up funds to pay off the payday loan and not use them anywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cash advance apps help you in a bind, but are they worth it?
How fast do cash advance apps like Albert work?
Most cash advance apps offer an instant transfer option, giving you the funds within minutes. Unfortunately, this service isn’t free, so try doing a standard transfer and waiting two to three business days to get the funds if possible.
Is a payday loan better than a cash advance app?
Payday loans are usually worse than cash advance apps because they charge interest and fees. Most cash advance apps don’t charge interest; their fees are typically a monthly subscription fee for the app and/or an instant transfer fee.
How is Albert different from other cash advance apps?
Albert offers more than cash advances. The super finance app helps members save, budget, and invest money to reach their personal finance goals.
Do any of these apps help me build credit?
Some cash advance apps offer a credit builder loan or credit card. These loans are secured loans, with your deposit used as collateral. In addition, your payments are reported to the credit bureaus to improve your payment history and credit mix.
How do you qualify for a cash advance app like Albert?
Most apps like Albert require an active checking account, proof of direct deposits, and positive banking history. Of course, each app has unique qualifications too, but at a minimum, you must prove you have a checking account with active income.
Should You Use Apps Like Albert?
Apps like Albert can help you get on track with your finances and bail you out in a financial emergency. Of course, relying on cash advances to cover your bills and expenses is not a good idea, but in times of need, they can be helpful.