Looking for alternative apps to Earnin that let you access earned wages early. Earnin isn’t working for me at the moment and I need a reliable option that provides similar benefits. Any suggestions?
Forum Response: Are There Apps Like Earnin I Could Try?
Hey there! I can understand why you’re seeking alternatives to Earnin. Life happens, and sometimes we just need quick access to the money we’ve already worked hard to earn. Thankfully, there are several reliable apps out there that offer similar services. Below, I’ve compiled a ranked list of the top 10 alternatives to Earnin, complete with details like pros and cons, features, user reviews, and a final verdict for each option. Hopefully, this helps you zero in on the perfect app for your needs!
1. Dave
Homepage: www.dave.com
Pros:
- Offers cash advances of up to $500.
- Built-in budgeting tools to help you manage your money.
- Low subscription fee of $1/month.
- No mandatory tips.
Cons:
- Advance limits depend on your membership and payroll history.
- No same-day direct deposit for large advances—could take one to three days.
Features:
- Early wage access (up to $500 with no interest).
- Overdraft protection to avoid fees.
- Side hustle feature to help users find additional income opportunities.
User Reviews:
Users praise Dave as a lifesaver for small, immediate cash needs and for its budgeting features. However, some complain about delays in transfers and small advance limits when starting out.
Verdict:
Dave is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-cost app that combines wage advances with financial management tools. Just bear in mind that larger advances may take longer to transfer.
2. Brigit
Homepage: www.brigit.com
Pros:
- Offers up to $250 in interest-free advances.
- Works well with irregular income schedules.
- Automatic overdraft predictions and alerts.
Cons:
- Monthly subscription fee of $9.99.
- Higher advance limits require a good track record with the app.
Features:
- Ongoing financial health tips and tracking.
- Overdraft prediction to prevent bank fees.
- No hidden fees, tips, or credit checks.
User Reviews:
People love Brigit for its easy-to-use interface and ability to prevent overdraft situations. A common complaint is the subscription fee, which some feel is expensive compared to other apps.
Verdict:
Brigit is a solid solution if you’re trying to become more financially responsible, but its monthly subscription fee might deter occasional users.
3. Albert
Homepage: www.albert.com
Pros:
- Up to $250 in advances without any fees or interest (no subscription needed).
- Smart savings and investment tools included.
- ‘Albert Genius’ feature provides personalized financial advice.
Cons:
- Customer service is only available via text or email.
- Non-instant cash transfers unless you pay an additional fee.
Features:
- $250 no-fee instant cash advance.
- Automatic savings based on your income/spending.
- Financial advisory service (Albert Genius).
User Reviews:
Users are ecstatic about Albert’s wide range of features, calling it a comprehensive financial solution. However, instant transfer fees can be a turnoff for some.
Verdict:
Albert is more than just a wage advance app—it’s perfect for anyone looking to grow their financial literacy and stay on top of saving and investing.
4. Even
Homepage: www.even.com
Pros:
- Allows early access to up to 50% of earned wages.
- Designed for people who work for Even-partnered employers (like Walmart).
- Availability of financial planning tools.
Cons:
- Only accessible if your employer offers it.
- Advance amount depends on hours worked.
Features:
- Earned wage access directly linked to your work hours.
- Helps with budgeting and bill tracking.
- Real-time insights into your financial situation.
User Reviews:
Even is especially popular among Walmart employees due to its integration with their payroll system. Employees who work at non-partnered companies, however, are out of luck.
Verdict:
Even is a great option if your employer is partnered with the app, but if not, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
5. Chime
Homepage: www.chime.com
Pros:
- Access your paycheck up to two days early via direct deposit.
- No hidden fees, overdraft fees, or monthly fees.
- Includes a feature to build credit with its secured credit card.
Cons:
- Direct deposit is required to use many features.
- Does not offer direct cash advances.
Features:
- Early paycheck access.
- SpotMe overdraft protection (up to $200 limit).
- Savings account with automatic rounding up of purchases.
User Reviews:
Users rave about Chime for its early paycheck access and no-fee structure. However, some feel it isn’t a true replacement for Earnin as it doesn’t allow direct advances on earned hours.
Verdict:
Chime may not offer advance loans, but it’s still worth considering if you want a reliable, full-featured banking app with early wage access.
6. PayActiv
Homepage: www.payactiv.com
Pros:
- Access up to 50% of your earned wages before payday.
- Financial counseling services included.
- Allows bill-pays and transfers within the app.
Cons:
- Requires employer participation.
- Cash-out fees may apply.
Features:
- Earned pay advance (on hours you’ve already worked).
- Savings and budgeting tools.
- In-app access to financial counseling.
User Reviews:
PayActiv users enjoy the ability to pay off unexpected bills easily. Complaints often arise from limited access when employers don’t participate in the program.
Verdict:
If your job offers partnership with PayActiv, this app is a solid choice for wage access along with extra financial wellness perks.
7. MoneyLion
Homepage: www.moneylion.com
Pros:
- Offers no-fee cash advances up to $1,000 (depending on account activity).
- Includes a free checking account.
- Provides a credit-building service.
Cons:
- Higher advance amounts are tied to membership upgrades.
- Limited functionality without linking your bank account.
Features:
- Wage advances through its Instacash program.
- Investment and credit-building services.
- Cashback rewards on everyday purchases.
User Reviews:
MoneyLion has highly favorable reviews for its broad suite of features, though the process of receiving higher cash advances can be convoluted for new users.
Verdict:
More than just a wage advance app, MoneyLion invests heavily in growing users’ financial stability.
8. DailyPay
Homepage: www.dailypay.com
Pros:
- Real-time access to earned wages and tips.
- No subscription fees.
- Money can be sent to any bank account or debit card.
Cons:
- Only available if your employer offers it.
- May charge transfer fees for same-day payouts.
Features:
- On-demand payroll access.
- Sends instant payouts based on hours worked.
- Partners with a wide range of employers.
User Reviews:
Employees at participating companies love the flexibility DailyPay offers, but some criticize high fees for immediate bank transfers.
Verdict:
DailyPay’s real-time money access is a lifesaver for employees of partnered companies, but it’s not an option for everyone.
9. FlexWage
Homepage: www.flexwage.com
Pros:
- Targets hourly workers by giving instant access to wages they’ve earned.
- No loan or credit application required.
- Useful for settings like retail and hospitality industries.
Cons:
- Only available through participating employers.
- Limited support for salaried employees.
Features:
- On-demand payment system tied to hours worked.
- Direct-to-bank or debit card transfers.
- Workforce-centric tools for businesses.
User Reviews:
Most users are satisfied with the app’s immediate access to paychecks but dislike the dependency on employer partnerships.
Verdict:
FlexWage caters mainly to workers in hourly roles, making it a niche but effective solution if your employer supports it.
10. Empower
Homepage: www.empower.me
Pros:
- Cash advances up to $250 without any hidden fees or interest.
- Expense tracking and budgeting assistance.
- No credit checks required.
Cons:
- Requires $8/month subscription.
- Limitations on how much you can access as a new user.
Features:
- Instant cash advance (up to $250).
- Personalized budgeting assistance.
- Cashback on certain purchases.
User Reviews:
Empower gets high marks for its money management tools bundled with cash advances, although newer users feel the monthly fee and small advance limits can be restrictive.
Verdict:
Empower balances wage access with money management and cashback incentives, making it a well-rounded app for everyday finances.
Final Thoughts:
If Earnin isn’t working for you, these apps are all fantastic alternatives depending on your specific priorities. For smaller, no-fee advances, Albert and Brigit are strong contenders. If your goal is a broader financial toolkit, MoneyLion or Chime might win your favor. And for those working with participating employers, PayActiv, DailyPay, or Even could be game-changers. Let us know which one you try and if it works out for you! 