I’m looking for an app similar to Earnin because I need to access my paycheck early for some urgent expenses. I’ve used Earnin before, but I want to explore other options that provide a similar service. Any recommendations?
Here are ten solid alternatives to Earnin, ranked for their ease of use, features, and overall reliability. I’ve personally tested most of them or gone down the rabbit hole of user reviews, so you’ll get a balanced perspective.
1. Dave
Homepage Link: https://dave.com
Pros:
- Low fees ($1 per month subscription fee).
- Offers up to $500 advance.
- Includes budgeting tools to track spending.
- No credit check required for cash advances.
Cons:
- Support response can be slow.
- Bank account connection required.
- Doesn’t work if your bank isn’t supported.
Features:
- AI-backed budgeting system.
- Insights on upcoming bills.
- Side hustle feature for earning extra income.
User Reviews:
- Most users praise its simplicity and fast access to funds.
- Complaints primarily focus on connectivity issues with non-major banks.
Verdict:
Dave’s one of the closest competitors to Earnin. It’s simple, affordable, and works well if you need an advance before payday.
2. Brigit
Homepage Link: https://www.hellobrigit.com
Pros:
- Fast approval and up to $250 cash advance.
- Credit protection and financial insights included.
- No late fees or interest.
Cons:
- Requires $9.99/month membership fee.
- Smaller amount of cash advance compared to Dave.
- Not ideal if you’re looking for free services.
Features:
- Auto advances to prevent overdrafts.
- Credit score monitoring.
- Alerts for low balances.
User Reviews:
- Users generally love the overdraft prevention feature and transparency. Some feel the subscription fee is too steep if they only use the cash advance feature.
Verdict:
Great for people wary of overdraft fees. However, the subscription price might deter those who don’t plan to use all its features.
3. Chime (SpotMe)
Homepage Link: https://www.chime.com
Pros:
- No fees for overdrafts under $200.
- Fully free to use if you’re eligible.
- Acts as an all-in-one digital bank too.
Cons:
- Newer users must initially qualify for SpotMe.
- Limited to overdrafts (not an upfront payday advance like Earnin).
Features:
- SpotMe covers small overdraft amounts without fees.
- Integrated fee-free debit card system.
- Direct deposit for faster paycheck access.
User Reviews:
- People love the “fee-free banking” model and the peace of mind SpotMe provides. Loss in eligibility for SpotMe due to account inactivity annoyed some.
Verdict:
Chime’s SpotMe is a reliable go-to if you need basic overdraft protection and are okay having a banking account tied to the app.
4. MoneyLion
Homepage Link: https://www.moneylion.com
Pros:
- Instant cash advance of up to $500 with no interest.
- Extra features like a credit builder loan.
- Free or low-cost tiers available.
Cons:
- Some advanced financial tools are behind the monthly membership plan.
- Customer service has mixed feedback.
Features:
- RoarMoney checking account integration.
- Crypto investing options.
- “Instacash” gives quick paycheck advances.
User Reviews:
- Many users swear by Instacash, but MoneyLion’s occasional glitches when linking bank accounts were complaints.
Verdict:
MoneyLion is feature-stuffed. It’s a solid choice for paycheck advances and extras like credit building, especially for people with broader financial planning needs.
5. FloatMe
Homepage Link: https://www.floatme.io
Pros:
- Quick approval process.
- No credit checks, and you can get $50 fast.
- Low $1.99/month fee.
Cons:
- Small advance limit ($50 to $100).
- Not as functional as apps like Brigit or Dave in terms of features.
Features:
- Balance alerts to track potential overdrafts.
- Subscription-driven model with no interest or hidden fees.
User Reviews:
- Highly rated for those needing smaller amounts. The biggest complaint is the small max advance compared to alternatives.
Verdict:
Perfect for small and quick advances. Don’t count on it for anything over $100 in most cases, though.
6. Albert
Homepage Link: https://albert.com
Pros:
- Advances up to $250.
- Budgeting advice via “Genius” feature.
- Automates savings alongside advances.
Cons:
- Some features locked behind optional paid ‘Albert Genius’ subscription.
- Takes longer than Earnin for funds to deposit (a few hours to a day).
Features:
- Cash advance system called Albert Instant.
- Offers tools to save for goals automatically.
- Free tier for basic users.
User Reviews:
- Frequently recommended for its clever budgeting functionalities. Downside is occasional slow deposits.
Verdict:
Albert blends budgeting with payday advances seamlessly. It’s ideal for proactive planners who also need cash in a pinch.
7. PayActiv
Homepage Link: https://www.payactiv.com
Pros:
- Employer-backed system provides up to 50% of earned wages.
- Serves as a full-suite financial wellness app.
- No interest on cash advances – just a small transaction fee (if applicable).
Cons:
- Requires employer to be signed up for PayActiv.
- Limited personal banking insights compared to other apps.
Features:
- Earned Wage Access is instant and seamless.
- Integrated budgeting and saving functionalities.
User Reviews:
- Users working for partner companies love the app. Those at non-partner workplaces highlight PayActiv’s limited utility in that context.
Verdict:
Awesome if your employer participates. Don’t bother if they don’t.
8. Empower
Homepage Link: https://empower.me/
Pros:
- Advances up to $250 without requiring credit checks.
- 14-day free trial to explore the app.
- Includes price tracking for recurring bills.
Cons:
- Monthly $8 subscription fee (after free trial).
- Limits on initial advance amounts.
Features:
- Advance funds deposited instantly with Empower Card.
- Personalized spending recommendations.
User Reviews:
- Users laud its easy-to-use interface. However, those reliant only on the cash advance feature feel the subscription is less justified.
Verdict:
A polished app loaded with techy tools for better finances. Use the trial period to see if it fits your paycheck advance needs.
9. Even
Homepage Link: https://www.even.com
Pros:
- Allows real-time access to earned wages for users of partner employers.
- Quicker than most payday advance systems.
- Tracks financial progress holistically.
Cons:
- Restricted to supported employers.
- Monthly subscription required ($8).
Features:
- Instapay gives early access to earnings.
- Budget assistance with upcoming bill forecasts.
User Reviews:
- Praised by Gig economy workers and hourly employees working at companies using Even. Complaints come from people who just want the payday advance feature but find the subscription costly.
Verdict:
Fantastic if your workplace already uses Even. Not worth signing up for just the subscription otherwise.
10. DailyPay
Homepage Link: https://www.dailypay.com
Pros:
- Seamless integration with certain employers.
- Instant access to up to 100% of earned wages.
Cons:
- Only works with partnered employers.
- Transfer fees ($2.99) for expedited access to funds.
Features:
- Instant pay tracking dashboard.
- Functions across a wide array of payroll systems.
User Reviews:
- Gig workers and retail staff love its immediacy. Few users criticize the small fees for expedited transfers.
Verdict:
Best suited for on-demand workers because it’s employer-driven. Pointless without employer participation.
Hope this guide helps! If you’re switching from Earnin, my go-to picks would be Dave, Brigit, or Albert—all solid choices with unique advantages.