Need $100 Now? The Best $100 Instant Loan Apps for Fast Cash

Need $100 right now? We’ve all been there—whether it’s a surprise bill or a rough stretch between paychecks, sometimes a little extra cash makes all the difference. Cash advance apps are the best solution in these moments. They offer small loans, often within minutes, with no hard credit check. While personal loans or credit cards might advertise same-day funding, they usually require borrowing more or come with high interest rates.

Of all the apps we tested, EarnIn came out on top. It’s the only one that gives you a free instant $100 transfer your first time, and standard transfers (1–3 days) are always free.

That said, there are a few other solid options. We tried nine of the most popular cash advance apps and picked the ones with the lowest total cost to borrow $100 for the first time.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best instant cash apps for borrowing $100 now at little-to-no added cost.

Table of Contents

1. EarnIn
2. FloatMe
3. Albert
4. Empower
5. Varo
6. What is my best option for an instant $100 cash advance?
7. What are the risks of using an app to get $100 right now?
8. How do you repay a $100 instant loan from an app?
9. Where else can I borrow $100 instantly?

EarnIn

Best Overall

5.0 _/5

Get Cash

---

Why we picked it

EarnIn is hands-down the best choice for borrowing $100 instantly—especially if it’s your first time using a cash advance app. It’s the only app we tested that lets you get your first $100 Lightning Speed transfer completely free, with no monthly fee, subscription, or hidden charges.

After that, instant transfers typically cost $3.99, but standard transfers (which take 1–3 days) remain free forever.

Beyond the low cost, EarnIn stands out for being transparent, easy to use, and packed with helpful features. You can qualify with just a regular direct deposit and a steady paycheck.

Plus, you can borrow up to $100 a day—or even up to $1,000 per pay period—once you’ve built up a history. Fast, flexible, and truly fee-free if you’re patient, EarnIn is our top pick.

• First instant $100 transfer is completely free
• No subscription or hidden fees
• Up to $1,000 per pay period available
• 24/7 customer support and excellent app reviews

• Instant transfers after your first free one cost $1.99–$4.99
• Requires regular direct deposit and a consistent pay schedule

Instant transfer fee	First $100 free; $3.99 thereafter
Other fees	None
No-fee funding time	1–3 days
Advance amounts	Up to $100/day (or $150 per day, depending on state); Up to $1,000/ pay period

FloatMe

3.6 _/5

Get Cash

---

Why we picked it

FloatMe is one of the most affordable options for borrowing $100 instantly, especially if you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss app. It charges just $3.99 for an instant transfer and doesn’t require a subscription to get started. That makes it one of the lowest-cost apps overall for first-time users who need a small cash boost right away.

The app lets you access up to $100 and typically funds within minutes. You’ll need a steady paycheck and a linked debit card to qualify, but FloatMe keeps things pretty straightforward otherwise.

While its monthly subscription ($3.99) kicks in after your first transfer, the upfront cost is still lower than most alternatives.

• Instant transfers for just $3.99
• No subscription required to start
• Quick, easy setup
• Great user ratings on both app stores

• Advance amounts capped at $100
• Monthly fee applies after your first transfer
• Fewer extra features compared to other apps

Instant transfer fee	$3.99
Other fees	$3.99 monthly subscription
No-fee funding time	Within 3 business days
Loan amounts	$10 – $100

Albert

3.6 _/5

Get Cash

---

Why we picked it

Albert offers fast access to up to $250 and includes a solid mix of budgeting and financial planning tools. For your first advance, you can get an instant $100 transfer for just $4.99 during the 30-day free trial period.

But after that, Albert charges a steep $14.99/month subscription, making it less ideal for long-term use unless you also want its full financial toolkit.

Still, Albert is worth trying out during the 30-day trial to get $100 with relatively low costs. You might also find the budgeting tools are worth the monthly fee. The app bases eligibility on your bank activity and history with direct deposit, not your credit score.

• Access up to $250
• Instant $100 transfer costs $4.99 with 30-day free trial
• Offers helpful budgeting and financial tools
• No credit check

• $14.99 monthly fee after free trial
• Advance amounts and timing can vary
• Not the cheapest long term

Instant transfer fee	$4.99
Other fees	$14.99 after 30-day free trial period
No-fee funding time	1 – 3 business days
Loan amounts	Up to $250

Empower

Best Overdraft Reimbursement

4.6 _/5

Get Cash

---

Why we picked it

Empower shines for offering a 14-day free trial, during which you can get an instant $100 transfer for just $5—with no monthly fee until the trial ends. After the trial, Empower charges $8/month, which is on the higher side, but you get more features in return, like overdraft fee reimbursement and the ability to adjust your repayment date.

The app provides access to up to $300 and consistently ranks high in user satisfaction. If you’re looking for something with a bit more flexibility and support, Empower is a solid option—especially if you only need it for a short time.

Instant transfer fee	$5.00
Other fees	$8.00 monthly subscription after 14-day trial
No-fee funding time	Within 5 business days
Loan amounts	$10 – $300

Varo

Get Cash

---

Why we picked it

Varo is a bit different from the others—it’s a full-fledged online bank that offers cash advances up to $250 with no subscription or instant transfer fee. However, it does charge a flat $8 fee for a $100 advance, which puts it in the middle of the pack in terms of affordability.

What makes Varo worth considering is its lack of ongoing fees and the fact that it doesn’t require tipping, trials, or surprise charges. If you already bank with Varo or want to, this could be a convenient all-in-one solution for both banking and borrowing small amounts.

• No subscription or instant transfer fees
• Straightforward $8 fee per $100 advance
• Can access up to $250
• No credit check

• Requires a Varo bank account
• $8 flat fee is higher than some others for first-time users
• Not ideal for those who don’t want to switch banks

Instant transfer fee	None
Other fees	Flat fee per advance based on loan amount; $8 for $100
No-fee funding time	As soon as same-day
Loan amounts	$20-$250, work your way up to $500 over time

What is my best option for an instant $100 cash advance?

If you’re looking for the fastest and most affordable way to borrow $100 right now, EarnIn is the best option. It’s the only app we tested that offers a completely free instant $100 transfer your first time, with no subscription or hidden fees. And if you’re okay waiting a day or two, standard transfers are always free.

That said, the right app for you might depend on your situation. If you want something super simple with no monthly membership, FloatMe is a solid second choice. If you’re already banking with Varo, it can be a convenient all-in-one option—though it charges a flat $8 fee. And if you value added features like budgeting tools or overdraft protection, Albert or Empower may be worth trying during the free trial.

You might also be wondering about Dave, another popular app that offers a $100 advance for a $5 instant transfer fee. While the cost is competitive, we left it off our top picks due to a 2024 FTC complaint over misleading marketing practices, which raised concerns about transparency.

Before choosing, consider:

• How fast you need the money
• Whether you’re okay with a subscription fee after the trial
• How often you plan to use the app for advances

For a one-time need with no strings attached, EarnIn is hard to beat.

Read More

Our top recommendations for cash advance apps overall

What are the risks of using an app to get $100 right now?

While cash advance apps can be a lifesaver in a pinch, they’re not risk-free. The biggest concern is falling into a cycle of dependency—borrowing from one paycheck to cover the last. Some apps also charge fees that can add up quickly if you use them often or don’t repay on time.

Another risk is overdrawing your bank account. Many apps automatically withdraw repayment on your next payday. If your balance is too low, you could get hit with overdraft fees. Always read the fine print so you understand when repayment is scheduled and what happens if there’s not enough money in your account.

How do you repay a $100 instant loan from an app?

Most apps automatically deduct the advance from your bank account on your next payday or a scheduled date you choose. You don’t usually need to do anything manually—just make sure the funds are available to avoid overdraft fees.

Some apps also let you reschedule your repayment date or repay early without penalty. That flexibility can help if your payday shifts or you’re dealing with irregular income. Just be sure to stay on top of your balance and notifications so you’re not caught off guard when repayment hits.

Where else can I borrow $100 instantly?

Cash advance apps are usually the best bet for speed, convenience, and low cost—but there are a few other ways to get $100 quickly.

Some banks offer early access to your paycheck, and buy now, pay later (BNPL) services can help with purchases at specific retailers. Credit card advances and payday loans also provide fast cash, but we don’t recommend them due to high fees, steep interest rates, and the risk of debt cycles.

If you don’t need the money immediately, you might also consider safer alternatives like:

• Payday alternative loans from credit unions
• 0% APR credit cards (for larger expenses)
• Personal loans (but most require borrowing more than $100)
• Borrowing from a friend or family member

Cash advance apps still offer the most accessible way to borrow a small amount fast—with fewer strings attached.

Generally speaking, the better someone plans, the better their options will be. I suggest understanding your costs and fees before embarking on any of these methods.

Recap of the best cash advance apps when you need $100 right now