Current Cash Advance App Review [September 2024]

Best for multiple advances

4.2 _/5

LendEDU Rating

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Cash Advance

• Safe credit building
• Checking account features
• Interest-free payday advances
• No hidden fees

• Low savings earnings
• High direct deposit requirement
• App only

Rates	Up to 4.00% annual bonus on Savings Pods; 0% interest on Build Card; 0% interest on Paycheck Advance
Credit limit	Build Card spending limit equal to money added to Current Account; Paycheck Advance up to $500
Repayment terms	Repay Build Card balance every month for on-time payment reporting to TransUnion; Late payments incur a fee equal to 3% of the total balance due
Cash advance funding time	Instant (for a fee) – 3 days (free)

Financial technology companies have revolutionized how many of us bank, build credit, and invest. One popular mobile banking app is Current, which has a checking account with a secured credit card, high-yield savings features, cryptocurrency investment options, and even interest-free advances on your paycheck.

But is Current the best mobile banking app out there, and is it right for your needs? In our Current app review, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of Current and help you decide whether it’s the right fit for your finances.

What is the Current app?

The Current app offers members banking services, including a Spend account that works like a traditional checking account combined with a secured credit card. This is a solid option for people trying to establish or repair their credit because there’s no credit check to open the account.

In addition, Current offers a feature akin to a traditional savings account, which allows you to separate your savings into three Savings Pods. Each pod earns up to 4.00% bonus cash (but with much fine print). You can also use Current to invest, but only in cryptocurrency, and to get an interest-free payday advance of up to $500.

How does the Current bank app work?

Current has four main components available to customers who open an account and download the app:

1. Spend is like a checking account and secured credit card in one.
2. Save allows you to create up to three Savings Pods and earn a “bonus,” which is essentially interest.
3. Invest allows you to trade crypto without fees.
4. Advance allows you to get up to a $500 Paycheck Advance.

Current Spend

Spend works like a checking account, but instead of a debit card, you’ll get a secured credit card (called the Build Card). Money in your Current Account acts as your spending limit for the card. As you spend throughout the month, money automatically moves from your Current Account to “Reserved Funds,” earmarked for paying off the card.

You can enroll in autopay to have those Reserve Funds pay off the card each month. Otherwise, you’ll do it manually. Paying the Build Card off in full each month is important because:

• Current reports those on-time payments to TransUnion, which can improve your credit score.
• Current charges a late fee if you miss a payment.

This makes Current a terrific resource for boosting your credit score and learning about responsible spending habits.

A few of our favorite components of the Spend feature:

• If you’re enrolled in direct deposit with your employer, you can get your paycheck up to two days early.
• If you get qualifying direct deposits ($500 per month), you can enroll in Overdrive, a fee-free overdraft feature. If approved, you can overdraft up to $200.
• You’ll earn points when you swipe your card with more than 14,000 participating merchants, which you can redeem for cash back.
• Current removes gas holds when you pay with the Build Card at the pump.
• Current belongs to the Allpoint ATM network, with more than 40,000 in-network ATMs.

Current Save

You can also manage the equivalent of a savings account with Current, but they’re called Savings Pods. You can have up to three pods to organize your savings goals.

Balances in the pods earn 0.25% annual “bonuses” (which are essentially interest), but with a qualifying payroll deposit of $500 or more per month, each pod earns a 4.00% annual bonus amount instead, up to $2,000 per pod.

At most, you can earn 4.00% on $6,000 (or $240 a year). While other savings accounts may have lower APYs, most don’t cap how much you can earn. Current isn’t a good choice if you’re keeping a significant amount in savings.

Current Invest

If you feel like dabbling in cryptocurrency, Current makes it easy to buy and sell crypto, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, in the app. You can purchase fractions of a coin (get started with as little as $1), and no trading fees apply.

At press time, crypto is the only investment available via the Current app.

Current Advance

Current members who get a monthly $500-plus direct deposit can use the Paycheck Advance feature, which allows you to get your paycheck early. You can get as much of your paycheck as you qualify for. It takes three days from when you apply, or you can pay a fee for instant access.

When your true paycheck arrives from your employer, Current will collect what you borrowed and deposit the remainder into your Spend account. See how Current stacks up against these other cash advance apps to borrow money instantly.

Current rates, borrowing limits, and fees

Current’s four distinct products can feel overwhelming when you first sign up, especially if you’re trying to understand interest rates, borrowing limits, and potential fees. Here’s a breakdown of the various terms with Current:

Term	Product	Details
Paycheck advance rates	Advance	0% APR for Paycheck Advance
Credit limit	Spend	Build Card spending limit equal to money in Current Account
Repayment periods	Spend	Pay off the card each month to avoid late fees and to have on-time payments reported to TransUnion; enable autopay to pay off the card with money in Reserve Funds each month
Fees	Spend, Advance	Several may apply, including a $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee, a 3% foreign transaction fee, & fee for instant access to Paycheck Advance (amount unspecified)
Interest rate	Save	Up to 4% bonus on balances up to $6,000

Who’s eligible for the Current app?

Current is available to everyone in the U.S., regardless of income or employment status. Minors can get an account with the help of a parent. Even better: No credit check applies, so you can open an account and get a secured credit card no matter your credit history.

Requirement	Details
Citizenship	Must have U.S. address and U.S. Social Security number
Employment status	Employment required for Paycheck Advance (but not other services)
State of residence	All 50 states
Minimum age	18; minors can open an account with a parent
Minimum credit score	None
Minimum income	None

Pros and cons of the Current app

Unsure whether the Current app is right for you? Let’s break down the pros and cons.

Pros

• Safe credit building

  Use the autopay feature to ensure on-time payments for Build Card; Current reports on-time payments to TransUnion, which can boost your credit score.

• Checking account features

  The Spend account comes with a secured credit card but also offers helpful checking features, including fee-free overdraft, early paycheck access, cashback rewards, and mobile check deposits.

• Interest-free payday advances

  If you qualify, you can get a portion of your paycheck—or even the whole thing—well ahead of payday without accruing interest.

• No hidden fees

  Current doesn’t charge annual fees or interest on the Build Card or on Paycheck Advance. You can even trade crypto for free. You will, however, pay out-of-network ATM fees and late fees.

Cons

• Low savings earnings

  Bonus payout is 4.00%, but the most you can earn that rate on is $2,000 per Savings Pod (or $6,000 total); your max annual earning potential is capped at $240.

• High direct deposit requirement

  You need monthly direct deposits of $500 or more to access core benefits.

• App only

  Current has no physical locations, and you can’t manage the account online. You can only access Current via mobile app.

Current customer reviews

Reading Current app reviews by actual customers can help you decide whether it’s a fit. Here’s how users rate the app:

Source	Customer rating	Number of reviews
Trustpilot	4.5/5	8.8K
Google Play Store	4.6/5	154K
Apple App Store	4.8/5	157.1K
Better Business Bureau (BBB)	2.65/5	86

Many users are pleased with the app, praising its convenience and speed. Several reviews on BBB mention technical issues with Current, but the number of BBB reviews is much lower than that of any other platform.

How to use the Current app

Take the following steps to use Current.

1. Download the app. You can download the app from your smartphone or visit Current’s website, enter your phone number, and get a text with the next steps.
2. Verify your phone number. Current will text you to confirm your phone number. Enter the six-digit code to proceed.
3. Enter personal information. To create an account, enter information such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
4. Fund the account. You can transfer money into the account by adding a funding source in the app, such as an external bank account. To add cash to your account, you can also visit participating retailers, such as CVS and Walmart. Money in your account serves as your Build Card’s spending limit and lets you purchase cryptocurrency.
5. Set up direct deposit. You can set up direct deposit in the app or supply your account and routing number to your employer. Once you get qualifying direct deposits, you can access some of Current’s more robust features, including fee-free overdraft and Paycheck Advance.
6. Set up Savings Pods. To take advantage of the bonus payout for savings, create up to three Savings Pods and start saving for longer-term goals.

FAQ

Can I trust the Current app?

Yes, Current is a legitimate financial technology company that provides modern banking services. The app is backed by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, which insures deposits up to $250,000. Current employs various security measures, such as encryption and fraud detection, to protect your personal and financial information.

Is the Current banking app legit?

Yes, the Current banking app is legitimate. It is operated by Current, a fintech company that partners with Choice Financial Group to offer banking services. 

Current provides a range of features, including spending accounts, savings pods, and fee-free overdrafts for eligible members. The app earns positive user reviews for its user-friendly interface and convenient features.

Does the Current app help build credit?

Yes. Current’s flagship product is the Spend account, which comes with a Build Credit secured credit card to help you build credit. It reports on-time payments to TransUnion.

Can I use my Current card with no money?

No, you can’t use your Current card without money in your account. The Current card functions like a traditional debit card, meaning you need sufficient funds in your account to make purchases.

However, Current offers an Overdrive feature, which allows eligible users to overdraft their account up to $200 without fees, providing a temporary buffer when funds are low.

Does Current work with Chime?

Yes, Chime and Current can be synced up and work well together. Link your Chime account with Current, or visa versa. Both companies use Plaid, which allows banking customers to connect their financial accounts to apps and services securely.

Does Current work with Zelle?

Yes, Current can support Zelle. Although Current is not a bank, it partners with Choice Financial Group to offer banking services. Through its collaboration with Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Current users can link their accounts with Zelle. It’s a bit indirect, but this setup allows Current members to send and receive money using Zelle. 

Does Current work with Cash App?

Yes, Current works with Cash App. You can link your Current account to Cash App by adding your Current debit card details. Transfers between your Current account and Cash App should be nearly instant, though the exact timing can vary depending on the sender of the funds.

How do you transfer money from Current to Cash App?

To transfer money from Current to Cash App, start by linking your Current account. Open Cash App, navigate to the “Banking” tab, and select “Link Bank.” Enter your Current account and routing numbers to connect your account.

Once your account is linked, you can transfer money using your Current debit card. In Cash App, tap “Add Cash,” enter the desired amount, and choose to add a debit card. Input your Current card details and complete the transfer. You can move money between the two platforms by linking your current account or card to Cash App.

How we rated Current

We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help readers find companies that offer the best cash apps. Our system awards higher ratings to companies with affordable solutions, positive customer reviews, and online transparency of benefits and terms.

We compared Current to several cash apps, using hundreds of data points from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives. We weighted, scored, and combined each factor to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Our take is represented in our rating and best-for designation, recapped below.

Product	Best for	Our rating
Current Cash Advance App	Multiple advances	4.2/5

4.5 Current Cash Advance