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Personal Loans

Need $200 Right Now? How to Get $200 Instantly with Cash Advance Apps

Need $100, like, right now? Earnin offers a free, instant $100 cash advance to all qualifying first-time users. (To get the $200 you need, you can advance yourself another $100 the following day.)

*Limitations apply. Must meet qualification standards to advance yourself $200 or more per pay period.

Need $200 ASAP?

It’s not ideal, but we’ve all been there.

Sudden expenses. Sick leave. Hours cut back at work. Job loss. Things like this can derail even the most carefully planned budgets.

The good news: If you earn paychecks on a regular basis, you could request a cash advance from a paycheck advance app or certain banks. With a cash advance, you can get $200 now and pay it back the next time you get paid. 

This is our No. 1 recommended way to borrow $200 instantly. You’re borrowing against your own next paycheck, and can avoid fees by waiting for standard delivery (one to two days).

We’ve tested the most popular cash advance apps, and we have successfully borrowed $200 from EarnIn, Empower, Brigit, Dave, and MoneyLion. While EarnIn let us borrow $100 instantly for free (a deal for first-time users), we had to wait until the next day to advance another $100 (and we had to pay the instant fee or wait 1-2 business days for the second one.

Best Overall
Funding
$150 max per advance
Funding Time
1 – 3 days
Instant Option
Yes
Apple Reviews*
4.7/5 (284K)
5.0
Best All-in-One Tool
Funding
$300 max per advance
Funding Time
1 – 5 days
Instant Option
Yes
Apple Reviews*
4.8/5 (193K)
4.7
Best for Larger Advances
Funding
$500 max per advance
Funding Time
2 – 3 days
Instant Option
Yes
Apple Reviews*
4.8/5 (690K)
4.7
Best Repayment Date Flexibility
Funding
$250 max per advance
Funding Time
1 – 3 days
Instant Option
Yes
Apple Reviews*
4.8/5 (308K)
4.6
Best Financial Health Tools
Funding
$250 max per advance
Funding Time
--
Instant Option
Yes
Apple Reviews*
4.6/5 (133K)
4.0
Best Mobile Banking App with Cash Advance
Funding
$500 max per advance
Funding Time
1 – 3 days
Instant Option
Yes
Apple Reviews*
4.8/5 (157K)
3.9

* App Store ratings collected June 20, 2025

Table of Contents

EarnIn

Best Overall

5.0 /5

LendEDU test run results: With EarnIn, we were able to advance $100 instantly for free (a deal for first-time users). This was very convenient! The catch is that we had to wait until the next day to advance another $100. At that point, we had to either pay the instant fee or wait 1-2 business days for the second advance to get the full $200.

Why we picked it

  • Advance up to $150 at a time
  • No mandatory fees
  • Fast access to funds
  • No credit check
  • Balance Shield Alerts
Lightning Speed fee$2.99 – $5.99
No-fee funding time1 – 3 business days
Advance amounts (per day)$10 – $150
Advance amounts (per pay period)$750
More Details

EarnIn offers “Cash Out” advances, allowing you to access $10 or more of your earnings ahead of your next paycheck. To get started, you’ll need to link your bank account and provide your employer email to verify a steady income. You can borrow up $150 maximum daily and up to $750 maximum per pay period, depending on your earnings.

EarnIn doesn’t charge any mandatory fees if you choose a standard transfer; just tip what you think is fair (or don’t tip) and the funds typically arrive within one to three business days.

For instant access, EarnIn charges a Lightning Speed fee starting at $2.99 per transfer to a deposit account or $3.99 for cash-out transfers. If you’re using the EarnIn Card, fees can vary based on your direct deposit setup, with a $5.99 fee for cash-only transfers without a qualifying deposit.

Empower

Best Overdraft Reimbursement

4.7 /5

LendEDU test run results: We were able to advance $300 within the first 11 minutes after download. It was pretty close to instant, but cost $9.00. Avoided paying the $8 per month subscription while on free trial. Next time they logged in (after paying for the subscription) it allowed our team member to advance $350.

Why we picked it

  • Advance up to $250
  • Financial management tools included
  • Instant access to funds
  • No credit check
  • AutoSave feature
Instant access fee*$11
No-fee funding time1 business day
Loan amounts$10 – $300
*Includes monthly membership fee
More Details

To borrow $200 from Empower, connect your bank account and see how much you qualify to borrow. Once you approve the amount, choose between instant or standard transfer. You’ll repay it automatically out of your next paycheck. 

Empower charges an $8 monthly membership fee, which includes a whole host of money management tools and reimbursement for any overdraft fees if your repayment causes your bank account to overdraft. The amount you qualify for is based on your banking activity. You can choose from the standard transfer (within one business day) or pay a $3 fee to get funds as fast as one hour. You can sign up for a 14-day trial to see whether it’s for you.

Dave

4.7 /5

LendEDU test run results: Our team member was eligible for a $400 ExtraCash advance with an instant fee of $7.50 with Dave.

Why we picked it

  • Advance up to $500
  • No interest or late fees
  • No credit check required
  • High maximum limit of $500
  • Reports repayment to the 3 major credit bureaus
Instant access fee*$4 – $26 ($3 – $15 for Dave Checking accounts; $5 – $25 for external bank accounts)
No-fee funding time2 – 3 days
Loan amounts$5 – $500
*Includes monthly membership fee
More Details

Dave allows you to borrow up to $500, but it’s especially accessible for a smaller amount like $50. The app charges a $1 monthly subscription fee and express transfer fees ranging from $3 to $15 for Dave Checking accounts and $5 to $25 for external bank accounts. These fees vary based on the amount you borrow and how soon you want the funds.

Dave stands out for its budgeting tools and ability to help you avoid overdraft fees, making it a suitable choice for those who occasionally need a small, quick cash boost. However, if you’re looking to minimize fees, it might not be the cheapest option for a $200 loan compared to alternatives (such as EarnIn).

Brigit

Best for Repayment Flexibility

4.6 /5

LendEDU test run results: Brigit had trouble verifying personal information, but our team member was approved for a $200 cash advance after connecting their bank account.

Why we picked it

  • Advance up to $250
  • Overdraft protection
  • Budgeting tools included
  • No credit check
  • Credit monitoring
Instant access fee*$10.98 – $14.99
No-fee funding time2 – 3 business days
Loan amounts$50 – $250
*Includes monthly membership fee
More Details

With Brigit, you can download the app, sign up for a monthly plan, and connect your bank account. As soon as you’re approved, you can request an advance and select your repayment date.

Brigit lets you borrow up to $250 once your account is approved and you’ve signed up for a monthly plan. The app has a free tier, but it won’t allow you to access instant transfers. You can choose between a Plus membership ($8.99 monthly) and a Premium membership ($14.99 monthly). Once approved, you can request a cash advance.

Cleo

4.0 /5

LendEDU test run results: Our team member could only instantly advance $30 even after paying the $5.99 monthly subscription fee for Cleo Plus, and even though they have a solid financial history. We recommend trying Cleo for a $200 advance only if you already have a very strong financial history (high account balances, strong repayment track record) and are interested in using the Cleo Builder Card to unlock higher advance amounts.

Why we picked it

  • Advance up to $250
  • No credit check
  • Helpful money management tools
Instant access fee*$9.98 – $24.98
No-fee funding time3 – 4 days
Loan amountsUp to $250
*Includes monthly membership fee
More Details

Cleo offers cash advances of up to $250. To access cash advances, you must subscribe for $5.99 or $14.99 per month, depending on the plan. Instant transfer fees can range from $3.99 to $9.99, depending on the amount and speed required.

Cleo also provides budgeting tools, spending insights, and even a quirky AI chatbot to help you manage your money. It might be suitable for someone who needs a combination of quick cash and financial guidance, but the subscription fee can make it less appealing if you’re only looking for a one-time cash advance.

Albert

4.4 /5

Why we picked it

  • Advance up to $250
  • Budget, bank, save, and invest all in one app
  • Cashback-earning debit card
  • Investing support for beginners
  • 30-day free trial
Instant access fee*$14.98 – $19.98
No-fee funding time1 – 3 business days
Loan amountsUp to $250
*Includes monthly membership fee
More Details

Albert provides cash advances of up to $250. The app charges a $4.99 fee for instant access, in addition to monthly fees of $9.99 or $14.99, depending on which plan you select. Albert also includes budgeting, automatic savings, and subscription tracking tools, offering a more comprehensive financial management solution than some other cash advance apps.

However, while the app’s cash advance service is helpful for small, short-term needs, its membership fee may not be ideal for those seeking a cost-free option. This app can be a valuable choice for users who can benefit from the full suite of financial tools Albert offers, but if you only need a one-time advance, you might consider other alternatives.

FAQ

Can you get $200 now for free

Yes, there are ways to get that $200 for free.

The best way is to earn it, of course, so you’re not paying fees, and so you’re not burdened by debt after the income crisis passes. The modern world offers many ways to do this online and with handy apps (which I’ll drop the link to below), but these ways to earn money can take time and be just slow drops into the bucket when you urgently need money.

A number of apps offer instant cash advances and small loans, allowing you to access $200 the same day you need it. But whether it’s “free” is the real question. If you want the money instantly, it will come at a price.

Instant funding with cash advance apps comes with an additional fee. If you can wait one to two days for standard delivery, you can usually get the advance for free.

Popular cash advance app EarnIn, for example, lets you borrow up to $100 per day and $750 per pay period. You can opt for free delivery or get fast funding for a fee between $1.99 and $4.99. EarnIn also gives you the option of leaving a tip for each cash advance. Note: For first-time users, EarnIn charges zero fees for the first instant transfer of $100.

Is it safe to borrow $200 with an app?

Having an urgent need for $200 can be a stressful situation, but it’s important to proceed with caution. While legitimate apps and institutions can offer fast loans, a number of predatory lenders in this space take advantage of vulnerable borrowers. 

Payday lenders often charge exorbitant interest rates and fees on loans that can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt. You may not be able to pay the loan back on your next paycheck, so you borrow another payday loan to pay off the first, and so on. 

Before you take out any money, make sure to do the following:

  • Read the fine print about any associated interest and fees, including penalties for not paying the loan back on time.
  • Consider upfront how you’ll pay back the loan, so you know what to expect and have a solid plan for repayment in place. 
  • Make sure the lender is trustworthy before sharing any sensitive personal information, such as your bank account details or Social Security number. Review customer feedback on a site like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau, and check out the CFPB’s consumer complaint database to make this assessment.

Note: We’ve done the above work for you already with our list of top cash advance apps for getting $200.

If you feel you have been taken advantage of by a predatory lender, the Commodity Futures Trade Commission offers several steps to take.

Erin Kinkade, CFP®
Erin Kinkade , CFP®, ChFC®

What are my alternatives to borrow $200 instantly?

If none of the methods described above are a good fit for your finances, there are alternative ways to access the financing you need. Here are additional options worth exploring.

  • Payday Alternative Loan (PAL): Offered by credit unions, PALs range from $200 to $1,000 with repayment terms up to six months or a year, depending on the loan. The rate on a payday alternative loan maxes out at 28%. However, you may need to be a member of the credit union to borrow a loan. 
  • Buy now, pay later (BNPL) service: If you’re looking for $200 to cover a purchase, consider using a BNPL service at checkout. BNPL providers like Affirm and Afterpay let you spread out the cost of a purchase over time. You may be able to avoid interest and fees if you pay back the amount over four to six weeks. Longer repayment terms, however, may come with interest charges. 
  • 0% rate credit card: Creditworthy borrowers may consider opening a credit card with a 0% interest promotional period, which could span a year or longer. During this time, your purchase balance won’t accrue interest. However, you’ll be responsible for interest charges when the introductory period comes to an end, so this approach is best if you can pay off your balance in full before that date. 
  • Family or friend loan: If you’re in need of $200 fast, consider asking a friend or family member to front you the cash. You could draw up an agreement so you’re both on the same page about when and how you’ll pay the loan back. 

Of these alternatives, a family or friend loan will be the least expensive and will not affect credit your credit. Be reliable, and pay them back as soon as you can!

Erin Kinkade, CFP®
Erin Kinkade , CFP®, ChFC®

Not recommended:

  • Personal Loan: While we do typically recommend personal loans as a worthwhile financial too, the catch is that most have a minimum lending amount around $1,000.
  • Credit card advance: The exorbitant withdrawal fees and APRs on credit card advances make them a non-starter, even when you urgently need cash.
  • Payday loan: These are well-known for their predatory practices and extremely high APRs, so we never recommend them.
OptionFastest funding timeRate (APR)Credit check? 
Cash advanceInstant0% No
Personal loan Same day 8% – 36% Yes
Credit card advance Instant29%+No
Payday loan Same day400%+No