Best Cash Advance Apps for Gig Workers of September 2024
Unfortunately, an unexpected expense can throw any gig worker’s monthly budget out of whack. Access to quick cash is a must, whether it’s an unexpected hospital bill, past due utility bill, or any other small inconvenience. Fortunately, reputable cash advance apps for gig workers like Earnin and Brigit are here to feel the void, complete with generous borrowing limits, 0% interest, same day approval, no credit checks, and all-around awesomeness.
Keep reading to learn more about the best cash advance apps for gig workers, including our top-rated apps, how cash advance apps work, eligibility requirements, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Review our marketplace to find the best cash advance apps for gig workers of September 2024.
Best Cash Advance Apps for Gig Workers of September 2024: Key Findings
The best cash advance apps for gig workers offer 0% interest advances of up to $100 per day or $750 per pay period, repayable in two to four weeks.
All cash advance apps operate on a voluntary tip (e.g., Earnin) or monthly membership fee model (e.g., Brigit and Dave).
Cash advance apps are not technically loans, but paycheck advance services that allow you to receive a portion of your earnings before payday, up to two days early (Dave).
Most cash advance apps offer additional services beyond paycheck advances, such as credit building, side job search, built-in stock investing, and identity theft protection.
Expect to pay same-day expediting fees anywhere from $1.99 to $5.99, depending on the cash advance app.
Why Should You Trust ElitePersonalFinance’s Guides?
For over ten years, ElitePersonalFinance has helped hundreds of thousands of consumers navigate the highly congested loan industry, recommending only the top loan products and services, including cash advance apps for gig workers.
To compile our guides, we perform hours and hours of research, narrowing down from a large selection of 20+ lending networks to a narrow few based on key criteria, including but not limited to APRs, fee structure, ease of use, online reputation and other key metrics to instill confidence in any lending decision.
Whether you are looking for a quick $200 paycheck advance or a higher dollar bad credit installment loan, ElitePersonalFinance is ready to offer expert guidance from its panel of experts. Have all the confidence in the world ElitePersonalFinance will steer you toward the correct lending decision with expertise on the best cash advance apps for gig workers.
Earnin App
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| Loan Amount: | Up to $100 per day and $500 per pay period |
| APR: | 0% |
| Terms: | Repay manually via money order or with your next paycheck |
| Fees: | Up to $3.99 per $100 for same-day cash advances (first is free) |
| Credit Check: | No |
| How to Qualify: | Have a checking account with frequent direct deposits |
| Link External Bank Account: | Yes |
| Learn More | |
With close to 500K positive reviews in the App Store and Google Play stores, Earnin is one of the better-recognized cash advance apps for gig workers like Uber/Lyft drivers and Doordash delivery personnel.
Earnin offers cash out requests of up to $100 per day or $750 per period, the highest borrowing limits of all providers we’ve reviewed. Added features include Balance Shield (automatic money deposits when balances fall below a certain threshold), Cash Back Rewards, and an innovative tipping system that accepts voluntary tips of up to $14 for each cash advance instead of a monthly membership fee like Brigit and Dave.
Need funds fast? Earnin’s Lightning Speed feature allows users to receive cash advances within minutes. It’s a welcome change from the traditional one to two business day turnaround offered by banks, credit unions, and some online lending networks.
Another benefit of using Earnin is its minimum fee structure, meaning no overdraft, insufficient funds, or ATM fees. Not to mention, 0% interest on all paycheck advances. We highly recommend Earnin for its tie borrowing limits, user-friendliness, and quick application process.
Highlights:
- Up to $100 per day/$750 per pay period
- 0% interest with no service fees
- Ability to link external bank accounts
- User-friendly interface
- No credit check required
- Automatically deduct funds from the next paycheck
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or older
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- iOS or Android smartphone
- Salary or hourly job
- Valid checking account and email address
- Valid email address
How to Apply: Using Earnin is very simple. First, download the smartphone app, create an account, and provide full employment details, including employer name and pay schedule information. From there, Earnin will determine how much to advance you. After that, you will have the option of same day funding for a small expediting fee or a free 2-3 business day turnaround.
Fees:
- No overdraft or minimum fees
- Voluntary tip of up to $14
- Up to $3.99 same-day fee for every $100 advanced
Pros:
- No interest rates or fees
- Can link external bank accounts
- Highest borrowing limits of all cash advance apps (up to $100 per day/$750 per pay period)
- No minimum required credit score
- No monthly membership fees
Cons:
- No interest rates or fees
- Can link external bank accounts
- Highest borrowing limits of all cash advance apps (up to $100 per day/$750 per pay period)
- No minimum required credit score
- No monthly membership fees
The Impact of Covid-19
Earnin has no specific pandemic assistance or hardship options on its website. However, you may email support@earnin.com for more information.
Brigit
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| Loan Amount: | Up to $250 |
| APR: | 0% |
| Terms: | Repay manually or with your next paycheck |
| Fees: | $9.99 monthly membership fee |
| Credit Check: | No |
| How to Qualify: |
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| Link External Bank Account: | Yes |
| LEARN MORE | |
Like Earnin, Brigit is one of the more popular cash advance apps, offering paycheck advances of up to $250 at 0% interest, repaid with your next paycheck.
One of the main differences between Earnin and Brigit is its borrowing limits and extra features. For a monthly $9.99 membership fee, Brigit users offer additional tools to help manage your finances, including a credit builder, identity theft protection, and budgeting tools for incoming cash flow and expense tracking. Kudos for all of its built-in insights and recommendations to help you save.
All in all, we highly recommend Brigit for its simplicity, easy-to-use app, and excellent reputation, with more than 4M members served to date.
Highlights:
- 250K ratings in App Store and Google Play
- Paycheck advances up to $250
- Monthly membership fee of $9.99
- Includes budgeting and credit-building tools
- Allows automatic savings
- Flexible repayment options
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or older
- iOS or Android smartphone
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently employed with direct deposit collecting bank account
How to Apply: To get started with Brigit, you must have a checking account with a partner bank, including but not limited to Chase and Wells Fargo. You must also have a regular source of income, directly deposited to your checking account. Once you meet all these eligibility criteria, download the smartphone app and connect your bank account before requesting a paycheck advance.
Fees:
- Monthly $9.99 membership fee
- 0% interest
Pros:
- No interest charges or hidden fees
- Same-day funding to bank account
- Excellent budgeting tools (e.g., automatic savings)
- Strong customer service
- Flexible repayment options with the option to extend
Cons:
- Low cash advance max ($250)
- Monthly $9.99 membership fee
- Not available internationally
The Impact of Covid-19
For more information on company-specific hardship programs, visit info@hellobrigit.com. Brigit also has an automated 24/7 bot named Jess for the fastest response.
Dave
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| Loan Amount: | Up to $250 |
| APR: | 0% |
| Terms: | Repay manually or with your next paycheck |
| Fees: |
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| Credit Check: | No |
| How to Qualify: |
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| Link External Bank Account: | Yes |
| Learn More | |
Dave is one of the leading cash advance apps offering small, interest-free loans of up to $250 to cover all emergency expenses.
Benefits to using Dave.com include cash advances of up to $500, repayable up to two days early. This is offered in exchange for a small monthly membership fee of only $1. What’s more — there are no hidden fees.
Additional benefits Dave offers include automatic savings (allowing users to put away a portion of their paycheck every month towards goals), budgeting tools, and a strong customer support team. Of course, like almost all cash advance apps, you must have a regular source of income and a valid checking account.
Highlights:
- Easy-to-use interface
- ~ 1MM positive reviews on App Store and Google Play
- Interest-free paycheck advances of up to $250
- No hidden fees or surprise charges
- Automated savings features
- FDIC-insured up to $250,000
- Up to 15% cash back using Dave’s debit card
- “Side Hustle” job search for gig workers
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or older
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- iOS or Android smartphone
- Have an active checking account
- Have at least two qualifying direct deposits
- Employed with a regular source of income
How to Apply: Applying for a paycheck advance through Dave is a straightforward process. Download the iOS/Android app, create an account, link your bank account, and apply for a loan using the app. All you need to do is select your desired advance amount (up to $250) before providing basic information about your income and employment. Expect approval within a few minutes. Once approved, it can take a few minutes to a few business days for funds to be deposited into your checking account.
Fees:
- No overdraft fees and no late fees
- No minimum balance fees
- No MoneyPass ATM fees
- Up to $5.99 fee for same day funding
Pros:
- Cash advances up to $500
- Available in all 50 states
- FDIC-insured up to $250,000
- Earn up to 15% cash back using Dave’s debit card
- No ATM fees at MoneyPass ATMs
- Helpful “Side Hustle” feature for job searching
Cons:
- Up to $5.99 fee for same-day cash advances
- Lower maximum paycheck advance limit than Earnin
- “Side Hustle” not available in all 50 states
- Limited MoneyPass ATM availability nationwide
The Impact of Covid-19:
Dave has no hardship or forbearance programs listed on its website. However, they do have dedicated customer support teas. Reach out to them by emailing support@dave.com, using its live chat function, or calling 1-844-857-3283.
Albert
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| Loan Amount: | Up to $250 |
| APR: | 0% |
| Terms: | Repay manually or with your next paycheck |
| Fees: | $6.99 per cash advance to an external bank account |
| Credit Check: | No |
| How to Qualify: |
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| Link External Bank Account: | Yes |
| Learn More | |
Albert is one of the leading cash advance apps for gig workers, good for cash advances of up to $250.
Its cash advance program is solid. After setting up direct deposit with Albert Cash, you can be paid up to two days early, a nice-to-have to pay for unexpected expenses or to cover gaps between paychecks. All you need to do is have a direct deposit set up by your employer.
One of Albert’s biggest benefits is its goal of being a one-stop shop for all things finance-related. Users can enroll in automated savings programs, seek investment advice, and even sign up for a bill negotiation service where Albert reaches out directly to service providers like cable and telephone companies on your behalf. It even runs its debit card with a cash-back rewards program on select purchases.
Highlights:
- Cash advances up to $250
- 0% interest
- Bill negotiation and automatic savings
- More than $1B saved for members to date
- Flexible investment options and high-yield savings account
- All-in-one, e.g., budgeting and investing
- Fee-free MoneyPas ATMs at 55,000+ locations
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or older
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Valet checking account and email address
- iOS or Android smartphone
- Recurring monthly income (no minimum income required)
How to Apply: Getting started with Albert is very easy. First, visit the homepage and scan the QR code to download the app on the aApp store or Google Play stores. From there, follow all instructions to link your bank account and make a cash advance request up to $250, repaid manually or with your next paycheck.
Fees:
- No minimum balance requirements
- $0 maintenance fees
- $6.9 administrative fee
- 0% interest
Pros:
- Cash advance up to $250
- Competitive 0% interest
- Easy and intuitive smartphone app
- FDIC-insured up to $250,000
- No minimum income required
- 55,000+ fee-free ATM withdrawals
- Ability to be paid up to two days early (with direct deposit)
Cons:
- Account surplus required
- Positive balance for past two months required
- $6.99 administrative fee for cash advances (external bank accounts)
- Low maximum advance amount ($250) than competitors
- Charges apply to out-of-network ATM withdrawals
The Impact of Covid-19
No financial hardship options exist on the Albert website. However, you can email support@albert.com to learn more about any assistance programs that may be available.
MoneyLion
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| Loan Amount: | Up to $250 |
| APR: | 0% |
| Terms: | Repay with your next paycheck |
| Fees: | $1.99 to $7.99 for immediate cash advances |
| Credit Check: | No |
| How to Qualify: |
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| Link External Bank Account: | Yes |
| Learn More | |
Calling itself” the only money app you need,” MoneyLion is an excellent source of emergency cash for gig workers, offering up to $500 at 0% interest with no monthly fees.
MoneyLion’s “InstaCash” program works like Earnin, Brigit, and Dave in that you need to download a smartphone app and link your checking account. One of the best things about it is that there’s no minimum required credit score. In addition, its loan program offers competitive interest rates and a free credit monitoring tool.
There are limited drawbacks to MoneyLion. Besides higher than average APRs on some available products, it is also stricter than other platforms regarding how much to advance users. Depending on your recurring deposits, you’ll be eligible for anywhere from $50 to $500. Participating in the Credit Builder Plus program allows you to advance up to $700, but it may take several requests to reach this stage.
In short, look to MoneyLion less for cash advances and more for its robust budgeting and financial tools.
Highlights:
- Close to 100K positive App Store and Trustpilot reviews
- Broad coverage by the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Fortune Magazine
- Curated financial products, e.g., insurance
- Credit Builder Plus membership with credit-building tools
- Two-factor authentication for fraud prevention
- MoneyLion Checking with no minimum balance required
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or older
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently employed
- Checking account open for a minimum of two months
- $0+ account balance
How to Apply: It is very easy to get started with MoneyLion. All you need to do is download the MoneyLion app, tap “InstaCash,” hit the request button, and enter in your desired loan amount and the choice of free standard delivery or same day “Turbo” delivery for a small fee.
Fees:
- 0% interest
- Small fee for same day “Turbo” delivery
Pros:
- Cash advance is up to $500
- 0% interest
- Easy-to-use interface
- Wide range of services, including credit monitoring and investment tips
- No minimum required credit score
Cons:
- Only available in the United States
- Up to $7.99 for immediate cash advances
- Limited qualifying advance amount ($50 to start)
- Membership fee required for premium services
- Not the most responsive customer support team
The Impact of Covid-19
There are no policies listed on MoneyLion’s website regarding forbearance, hardship, or debt management options. However, you may email customercare@moneylion.com for more information.
What Are Cash Advance Apps?
Over the past decade, cash a