13 Apps Like Dave for Borrowing Money
Dave is one of the most popular financial apps. It made a name for itself by eliminating overdraft fees for its customers. Famously receiving an investment from Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban in its early stages, Dave is well-known as one of the best fee-free cash advance apps.
A cash advance, simply put, is a short-term loan issued by an institution, usually for a relatively small sum. Dave isn’t alone in providing this service — there are other apps like Dave that offer this amenity. So, consumers should weigh their options and choose the one that is best for them.
Top Apps Like Dave
If you have wondered what apps will let you borrow money instantly, or give you a small cash advance, then wonder no more. In addition to the Dave app, here are five of the best cash advance apps people can use to get quick cash right now.
- Empower: Best for cash-back rewards
- Varo: Best for banking features
- EarnIn: Best for managing bank account
- MoneyLion: Best for building credit
- Brigit: Best for budgeting tool selection
- Albert: Best for money questions
- Payactiv: Best for cash pick up at Walmart
- One @ Work: Best for early earned income access at some employers
- Klover: Best for extra rewards
- Possible: Best for installment loan options
- Branch: Best for easy-to-use digital wallet
- DailyPay: Best for earned income access
- Cleo: Best for AI-supported feedback in real-time
1. Empower
The Empower app lets users claim up to $250 in cash advances. No credit checks, interest or fees apply. Eligibility takes into account earned income and account activity to decide what amount a customer can borrow. Empower offers a two-day-early paycheck scheme too.
An Empower card must be activated for a cash advance. It charges a monthly subscription of $8, but this comes with extra benefits, such as cash-back rewards and free ATM withdrawals.
Pros
- No interest or fees
- Two-day-early paycheck
- Up to $250 cash advance
Cons
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $250 | Up to two days early | $8 per month |
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
2. Varo
Varo offers similar cash advance services, but with more stringent eligibility requirements. The service, known as Varo Advance, requires an active account that has been open for at least 30 days. In the previous 30 days, at least $800 in direct deposits must have been made and the user must have an active Varo debit card linked to a Varo bank account.
Varo members can get a cash advance of $20 or less at no expense, but above that, fees will apply that depend on the amount borrowed. Varo’s cash advance limit is $250.
Once direct deposit is set up with Varo, users can also take advantage of its two-day-early paycheck. This benefit also includes early payment for tax refunds.
Pros
- No fees on cash advances of $20 or less
- Two-day-early paycheck
Cons
- High fees in percentage terms
- Low cash advance limit
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
3. EarnIn
EarnIn is unique on this list, as it lets customers access the money they’ve earned from their work before payday arrives. It works out what percentage of a user’s paycheck is available for redemption based on how far into the earning cycle they are.
For example, say a user is paid monthly and they have already worked for half the month. Before payday, they can claim their wages. However, some restrictions do apply. A maximum of $750 can be claimed early per pay period and only $100 can be redeemed per day.
Most cash-outs take 2 to 3 business days. However, depending on a user’s main bank, they may qualify for a “Lightning Speed” payment. In this case, cash-outs can be processed within 30 minutes, but members need to be aware that fees can apply in this scenario.
Should a user decide not to use this service, a two-day-early paycheck option is also available. EarnIn doesn’t directly charge any user fees itself, but customers can choose to tip for services.
Pros
- No fees
- Two-day-early paycheck
- Up to $500 cash advance
Cons
- Bank fees can apply to “Lightning Speed” payments
- Only available to U.S. citizens
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $750 | Up to two days early | None |
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
4. MoneyLion
MoneyLion operates a service called Instacash that allows users to claim up to $500 in cash advances. To qualify, customers simply need to link with a checking account. In the beginning, members can claim a cash advance of up to $50, but the limits will increase once MoneyLion has determined a user has a recurring monthly income.
No fees apply to the MoneyLion’s Instacash service and it does not affect customer credit scores. However, if the money is required quickly, a “Turbo Fee” will apply. Regular delivery takes 12 to 48 hours with a RoarMoney account or 3 to 5 business days with a regular bank account. For instant cash advances, fees can be as much as $5.99 for RoarMoney accounts or $7.99 for external cards and accounts.
MoneyLion members can also get paid 2 days early by signing up for a RoarMoney account and linking direct deposit.
Pros
- No fees for standard delivery
- Two-day-early paycheck
- Up to $250 cash advance
Cons
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $250 | Up to two days early | None |
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
5. Brigit
The Brigit app gives users the ability to claim up to $250 in cash advances. It doesn’t include interest, fees or “tips” like many of the other apps.
However, to benefit from cash advances, a paid subscription of, which ranges between $9.99 to $14.99 per month, is required.
On top of this, benefits such as overdraft protection, identity theft insurance, flexible repayment schedules and credit builders are available.
Pros
- No interest, fees or tips
- Up to $250 cash advance
- Extra benefits included
Cons
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $250 | No benefit | $9.99 per month |
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
6. Albert
Albert is an app like Dave that offers banking services through partner banks. Through the app, eligible customers can tap into cash advance options of up to $250. You can snag up to three cash advances per pay period, but the total cannot be more than $250. You’ll likely start out with a smaller cash advance opportunity, which can grow over time.
This app doesn’t charge interest or fees on the cash advance. The amount you borrow must be repaid with your next paycheck, on payday. However, you might be able to request a payment extension.
A big catch is that most of the features available require a $14.99 monthly subscription fee.
Pros
- Cash advances up to $250
- Ask questions about money
Cons
- Monthly subscription fee
- Savings account offered has a relatively low rate
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
7. Payactiv
Payactiv is one of many apps like Dave. It is designed to help you tap into your earned income before payday rolls around. In order to use this app, your employer must subscribe to it. If your employer does sign up with Payactiv, you can access some of the funds you earn as you earn them.
It works by tracking your hours and the amount of your paycheck that is currently accessible. You can transfer the accessible funds to your bank account, card, or make a cash withdrawal.
Pros
- Access up to 50% of your net pay early
- More control over your cash flow
Cons
- Your employer must sign up to access full features
- $1 per day fee, up to $5 per month, for cash advance
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
| Up to 50% of paycheck | Up to two days early | $1 cash advance fee per day, up to $5 per month |
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
8. One @ Work (Formerly Even)
Even recently rebranded to become One @ Work. It is another app that offers to give you access to your earned income early. As an eligible employee, you can tap into 50% of your earned income via Instapay. When payday comes, you’ll seamlessly repay the advance.
The platform comes with other perks like 5% APY on eligible savings, earning 3% cash back at Walmart, and up to $200 overdraft protection.
Pros
- Access up to 50% of your paycheck early
- Helpful budgeting tools
Cons
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
| Up to 50% of paycheck | Up to two days early | No monthly fee |
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
9. Klover
Klover offers a way to access a cash advance of up to $200. You won’t encounter an interest or late fees, because the repayment will be taken out of your account on your next payday. Through the app, you can also enter sweepstakes, take surveys for points, and track your savings goals.
Pros
- Cash advances of up to $200
- Fast sign up process
Cons
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $200 | No benefit | No monthly fees |
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
10. Possible
Possible is an app that gives you a chance to take out a loan of up to $500 instantly. Notably, the limit is $250 in California.
The loans are interest-free, even if you have bad credit. You’ll repay the loan in installments over the course of eight weeks, which vary based on your loan size. Although there aren’t any late fees, it might take the funds up to five days to reach your account.
Pros
- Pay back the funds in installments
- No interest or late fees attached
Cons
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $500 ($250 in Calif.) | No benefit | None disclosed |
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
11. Branch
Branch is a digital wallet designed to help you get access to your earned pay earlier. The pay you can access includes things like tips, wages, mileage reimbursement, and more. You can get a cash advance that’s worth up to 50% of your paycheck, which will be repaid on your payment date. However, your employer must sign up for Branch to get access to this suite of benefits. If your employer signs up, they can choose a lower cash advance amount if they want to.
Pros
- Cash advance of up to 50% of your paycheck
- Seamless repayment on payday
Cons
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 50% of your paycheck | No benefit | None disclosed |
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
12. DailyPay
DailyPay offers an opportunity to access 100% of your earned income early. As you earn money, you can access your wages before payday. If you want to tap into the funds, you’ll can send them to your bank account or card. An instant request will come with a fee. But if you can wait one to three business days, it’s free.
DailyPay is only an option if your employer offers it.
Pros
- Access up to 100% of your earned funds early
- Keep tabs on what you’ve earned for far
Cons
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100% of your earned funds | No benefit | $3.49 immediate transfer fee |
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
13. Cleo
Cleo offers an AI assistant to help you manage your personal finances. One of the handy tools available is a cash advance of up to $250, which comes with no interest or credit check attached. Cleo also offers savings tools to help you put your savings on autopilot.
Most of the features, including the cash advance options, require a Cleo Plus subscription. This costs $5.99 per month.
Pros
- Credit building features
- AI-supported financial advice
Cons
- Monthly fee
| Cash Advance | Paycheck | Standard Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $250 | No benefit | $5.99 per month for Cleo Plus |
Download: Android (Free), iOS (Free)
Final Take
Apps offering cash advances without incurred interest can certainly be useful. However, in most circumstances, consumers should strive to only use apps like Dave for cash advances in emergencies. Using cash advance services regularly can tend to lead to bad spending habits and result in the accrual of hefty interest rates when not managed appropriately, not to mention the potential fees.
FAQ
- What apps let me borrow money instantly?
- Many apps offer instant cash advance features, such as SoFi, Dave, Empower, Brigit, Varo, Branch, PayActiv, MoneyLion and EarnIn.
- What app is as good as Dave?
- If you're looking for cash back, consider Empower. MoneyLion is a good option for building your credit, and Brigit offers budgeting tools to help you learn to manage your money.
- Ultimately, whether an app is as good as – or better than – Dave depends on what you need from it. Consider the terms of several options before you pick one to make sure it's the right fit for your finances.
- What loan apps are similar to Dave?
- There are several apps similar to Dave and offer similar cash advance features, such as the following:
- – Empower
- – Varo
- – EarnIn
- – MoneyLion
- – Brigit
- What apps do instant cash advances?
- A few apps that offer instant cash advances include Klover, MoneyLion, Brigit, and Earnin.
Sarah Sharkey and Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- CNBC. 2022. "What is a cash advance and how do they work?"
