Apps Like EarnIn

Many of us have run into situations where we don’t have the cash we need before our next payday, especially if we’re still working on building our savings. If you find yourself in those shoes, the EarnIn app is a popular way to borrow money. 

EarnIn is a much better option than high-cost payday loans, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for you. We’ve rounded up a handful of other cash advance apps like EarnIn to help you compare the costs, cash advance amounts, funding timelines, and more.

The best apps like EarnIn

You can borrow a fairly large amount with an EarnIn cash advance compared to its competitors, all without having to pay a monthly subscription fee. That makes it especially handy for occasional use since you won’t want to pay a regular fee if you aren’t using it all the time. 

That said, a monthly fee could be worth it in some cases, like if you can take advantage of the other money tools that apps like EarnIn often come with. Make sure to compare the potential cash advance limits and funding times, too, since these vary by app. 

Empower

Best overdraft reimbursement

4.6 _/5

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Why we picked it

Empower is an excellent choice for those seeking to trial an all-in-one personal finance tool. Empower offers features that help users manage their finances efficiently, from budgeting and savings to financial coaching and early paycheck access. Its comprehensive suite of tools makes it easy for users to gain control over their financial lives.

• Comprehensive personal finance tools
• Early paycheck access
• Financial coaching available
• User-friendly interface

• Instant access fee
• Limited loan amounts compared to some competitors

No-fee funding time	1 minute if loaded onto your debit card, or 1 business day if deposited into your paycheck account
Instant access fee	$1 – $8
Loan amounts	$10 – $300

What’s the overall cost?

You’ll need to pay an $8/month subscription fee, although Empower does offer a 14-day free trial. Empower cash advances may also incur two other costs: an instant access fee ranging from $1 to $8, depending on your advance amount, and an optional “tip.” 

You can choose the tip amount (if anything), but you can’t tip more than 20% of each advance, or more than your cash advance limit each year.

MoneyLion

Best for building eligibility

4.5 _/5

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Why we picked it

MoneyLion, a robust and user-friendly mobile app, provides a seamless experience for managing finances on the go. 

The app offers comprehensive features, including cash advances, personal loans, banking services, investment opportunities, and financial tracking tools. This makes it an excellent all-in-one solution for users who prefer to manage their financial needs from a single platform.

However, it’s important to note that there is a maximum disbursement amount of $100 at a time.

• Comprehensive financial management tools
• No interest or hidden fees on cash advances
• User-friendly and highly rated mobile app
• Includes banking and investment options

• Monthly subscription fee for certain features
• Limited loan amounts compared to traditional lenders
• Max. disbursement of $100 at a time

No-fee funding time	1 – 2 business days to a RoarMoney account, or 2 – 5 business days to a third-party checking account
Instant access fee	$0.49 – $6.99 for transfers to a RoarMoney account, $1.99 – $8.99 for transfers to a third-party checking account
Loan amounts	$25 – $500, or up to $1,000 with a RoarMoney subscription

What’s the overall cost?

You aren’t required to subscribe to MoneyLion to access a cash advance, but it has its perks. A RoarMoney subscription costs $1 per month but offers higher cash advance limits of up to $1,000 and lower instant access fees. It also allows you to pay an optional tip.

Brigit

Best repayment flexibility

4.3 _/5

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Why we picked it

Brigit stands out for its flexibility in allowing users to choose their repayment date, making it easier to manage cash flow and avoid overdraft fees. Additionally, Brigit provides tools to help users improve their financial health, including budgeting assistance and credit score tracking. T

This combination of flexibility and support makes Brigit an excellent choice for users seeking more control over their finances.

• Flexible repayment dates
• No interest or hidden fees
• Includes financial health tools
• User-friendly app

• Monthly subscription fee
• Lower loan amounts compared to some competitors

No-fee funding time	1 – 3 business days
Instant access fee	$0.99 – $3.99 for Plus plan members
Loan amounts	$50 – $250

What’s the overall cost?

Brigit offers two subscription levels that allow for cash advances. Its Plus membership costs $8.99 per month and if you want instant access to your cash advance, you’ll pay a fee ranging from $0.99 to $3.99. 

Premium membership costs $14.99 monthly, but there’s no expedited delivery cash fee. Neither option has a free trial.

Current

Best for multiple advances

4.2 _/5

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Why we picked it

Current is ideal for those who need multiple advances within a single pay period. It provides flexibility and easy access to your earnings before payday, helping manage cash flow effectively. 

Current’s platform also offers features like budgeting tools, savings pods, and spending insights, making it a robust financial management tool.

• Allows multiple advances per pay period
• Additional financial management tools
• User-friendly mobile app

• Instant access fee
• Lower loan amounts for new users

No-fee funding time	1 – 3 business days
Instant access fee	Not disclosed until you request an advance
Loan amounts	$50 – $500

What’s the overall cost?

Current doesn’t require a subscription or charge any fees to get a paycheck advance other than the optional instant access fee. Unfortunately, it doesn’t state upfront what that fee is.

Why consider other apps like EarnIn?

EarnIn only does one thing: it gives you a simple cash advance from your paycheck. If that’s all you’re looking for—or if you don’t want to be distracted with other fee-carrying clutter—then EarnIn may be a good choice. 

However, cash advance apps are understandably geared toward people working to get their financial feet under them. Many of those people could use help from other financial tools, like safer paths to building credit or ways to save money more easily. These tools can be very useful as long as you know the costs.

In addition, not everyone will qualify for EarnIn. To get an EarnIn cash advance, you’ll need to work for an employer and receive regular direct deposits—which is a big problem if you’re self-employed or only receive government benefits. Some cash advance apps, like Current, will count your government benefits as income. 

Expert take

Rand Millwood

CFP®

If you are looking for relatively small balances for short periods of time, then these are likely going to be your best option. However, you don’t want to become dependent on them regularly as you are giving up some of your already-limited paycheck consistently. If you want a stable savings balance, it may be worth looking into a personal loan to get you ahead of the game. This will require interest and a monthly payment, but even with this, it may put you in a better long-term financial position.

Customer ratings of apps similar to EarnIn

Most customers give cash advance apps like EarnIn a glowing rating in the app stores. This shows that, on the whole, people are generally happy with the service they get, no matter where they get their cash advance from. 

However, reviews on other platforms often tell a different story. Many people have had problems with the subscription fees that cash advance apps, particularly MoneyLion and Brigit, sometimes charge. 

This has become a common and harmful customer complaint that numerous government regulatory agencies have stepped in over the years to penalize these companies in certain cases. These customer reviews show why carefully considering cash advance apps is important. 

App	Apple ratings	Google Play ratings
EarnIn	4.7/5 (283.6K)	4.7/5 (241K)
Empower	4.8/5 (191K)	4.7/5 (173K)
Brigit	4.8/5 (305.6K)	4.7/5 (200K)
MoneyLion	4.7/5 (132.6K)	4.5/5 (123K)
Current	4.8/5 (156.3K)	4.6/5 (156K)

How to choose the best loans like EarnIn 

Finding the right help when you need a cash advance can be tricky, especially since you often don’t have time to spend hours and hours researching different options. 

If you’re sure that a cash advance app like EarnIn is right for you, here are some questions to ask yourself so you can quickly zero on on the right cash advance app option:

• How much cash do you need? Some apps have a cash advance limit, but only allow you to withdraw a smaller amount at a time.
• Is a subscription fee worth it? Apps like EarnIn often feature additional financial tools, but you’ll need to weigh whether they’re worth the extra monthly fee.
• How quickly do you need the cash? Most cash advance apps make their money by charging a fee for a faster transfer. If lickety-split transfers are important to you, choose a service with a smaller rush fee. 
• How do you get paid? Cash advance apps often rely on looking up your checking account’s direct deposit history. Consider other options if you can’t show this type of income.

Expert take

Rand Millwood

CFP®

Cash advance businesses appeal to those already in tight financial positions and can make those worse due to fees and restrictions. You want the use of these apps to be limited and only as a last resort. The goal should be to use these only a time or two while you get other areas of your finances in order so you don’t need them going forward.

FAQ

Are other apps like EarnIn free to use?

Many apps similar to EarnIn offer free basic services, but may also include premium features with a fee. Apps like Dave, Chime, and Brigit provide cash advances without interest or mandatory fees. 

However, they might charge for instant access to funds, have subscription fees for additional features, or request optional tips. It’s important to review the terms of each app to understand any potential costs associated with their services.

Where can I find more companies like EarnIn?

You can find more companies similar to EarnIn by exploring financial comparison websites, app stores, and personal finance blogs or by seeing our article here. 

Additionally, app stores (Google Play Store and Apple App Store) have user reviews and ratings that can help you identify reputable alternatives. Blogs and forums focused on personal finance can also provide recommendations based on user experiences.

Can sites like EarnIn ensure the security of my financial information?

Reputable apps like EarnIn prioritize the security of your financial information. They typically use encryption, secure servers, and other security measures to protect your data. Many also comply with industry standards and regulations for financial services. 

Before using any financial app, it’s essential to review its privacy policy and security measures. Look for features like multi-factor authentication, secure data encryption, and compliance with financial regulations to ensure your information is safeguarded.

Recap of the best EarnIn alternatives