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

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).

^{* App Store ratings collected June 20, 2025}

Table of Contents

1. EarnIn
2. Empower
3. Dave
4. Brigit
5. Cleo
6. Albert
7. FAQ

EarnIn

Empower

Dave

4.7 _/5

Get Cash

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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 time	2 – 3 days
Loan amounts	$5 – $500

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

Cleo

4.0 _/5

Get Cash

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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 time	3 – 4 days
Loan amounts	Up to $250

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

Get Cash

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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 time	1 – 3 business days
Loan amounts	Up to $250

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.

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.

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!

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.

Option	Fastest funding time	Rate (APR)	Credit check?
Cash advance	Instant	0%	No
Personal loan	Same day	8% – 36%	Yes
Credit card advance	Instant	29%+	No
Payday loan	Same day	400%+	No