Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Personal Loans Cash Advance What to Do If You Need $10, $20, or $30 Right Now Updated Nov 13, 2025 8-min read Expert Approved Expert Approved This article has been reviewed by a Certified Financial Planner™ for accuracy. Written by Lindsay VanSomeren Written by Lindsay VanSomeren Expertise: Mortgages, home equity, personal loans, student loans, auto loans, banking, budgeting, debt, credit, tax relief Lindsay VanSomeren is a personal finance writer living in Suquamish, Washington. She's passionate about helping people manage their money better so that they can live the life they want. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and learning new languages and hobbies. Learn more about Lindsay VanSomeren Reviewed by Erin Kinkade, CFP® Reviewed by Erin Kinkade, CFP® Expertise: Insurance planning, education planning, retirement planning, investment planning, military benefits, behavioral finance Erin Kinkade, CFP®, ChFC®, works as a financial planner at AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust. Erin prepares comprehensive financial plans for military veterans and their families. Learn more about Erin Kinkade, CFP® Need $10, $20, or $30 right now? Your fastest option may be EarnIn, LendEDU’s top-rated cash advance app of 2025—it offers a free, instant cash advance of between $10 and $300 to all qualifying first-time users. We’ve all run into tight spots where we just need a small amount of money, but we need it now. Maybe you’re running low on gas or need to put food on the table for tonight’s dinner. If so, you have more options than you might think. Many communities have resources like food banks and quick, low-cost grants. It’s best to spend a few minutes looking for these options first. But if that’s not available, cash advance apps can help if you need $10, $20, or $30 right now. 4.9 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $10 – $1,000 What to know No subscription fees 4.9 Get Cash 4.7 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $10 – $400 What to know Option for non-citizen U.S. residents 4.7 Get Cash 4.7 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $25 – $500 What to know 1.5% of amount for external card; $0 to Dave account 4.7 Get Cash 4.6 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $25 – $500 What to know Great repayment flexibility 4.6 Get Cash Not all users will qualify. Advances range $25-$500, avg advance $73 from 2/2018 to 7/2025. ME: $25-$250 only. Express transfer fee may apply. Monthly $8.99 subscription may apply. Cancel anytime. 4.4 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $10 – $1,000 What to know Increase max advance limit by completing tasks in app 4.4 Get Cash Accomodates gig and freelance workers 4.0 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $20 – $250 What to know Option for gig workers and freelancers 4.0 Get Cash Cash advance apps for when you need $10, $20, or $30 now Cash advance apps work similarly to payday loans, with a few differences. You can get money instantly and without a credit check, but you get cash advances through an app and pay different costs. Many cash advance apps advertise no fees, but that’s not entirely true if you’re in a bind. If you need $10 now, you can expect to pay expedited transfer fees if you want the money within a few minutes. You may also need to pay subscription fees for the service, which can make cash advance apps just as expensive as payday loans in some cases. Below, we’ve noted what fees each of our recommended companies charges and whether it’s a one-time or subscription fee. Cash advance apps are more convenient than other options and can help when needed. EarnIn Early Paycheck Access Without Fees 4.9 /5 Get Cash Why it’s one of the best EarnIn lets you borrow against your paycheck before payday—up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period. There are no mandatory fees, credit checks, or interest. Just connect to your bank, verify your income, and choose standard delivery or Lightning Speed to get your funds within minutes. No subscription required Works with any compatible external bank account Fee-free advances of earned wages arrive in 1-2 business days Smooth, modern in-app experience 24/7 mobile support Doesn’t affect your credit score Don’t need full-time employment to qualify Details Funding amounts$10 – $300 daily, $1,000 per pay periodSpeed of advaneStandard delivery 1-3 days; Lightning Speed within minutesFees$0 for standard delivery; $3.99 for Lightning Speed Tilt Options for Non-Citizen U.S. Residents 4.7 /5 Get Cash Why we selected it U.S. residents—not necessarily only citizens—who are at least 18 years old may be eligible for a Tilt cash advance with a bank account and mobile phone number. It’s an intuitive app, too, with no flashy gimmicks to distract you into borrowing more than you need. 14-day free trial Simple interface, fewer upsells Non-citizen U.S. residents may be eligible Money management tools Requires a paid subscription Not available in Connecticut, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. Prompts you to pay optional tip fees Details Funding amounts$10 – $350Speed of advance15 min. (instant delivery); 2 – 5 days (free delivery)Fees$1 – $8 instant delivery; $8 monthly subscription Dave Best for Side Hustle Matching 4.7 /5 Get Cash Why it’s one of the best Dave from $25 to $500 in cash advances with no interest and no credit check. There’s an optional $1/month membership, plus an instant transfer fee if you want your money right away. It also has a “Side Hustle” tool to help you find gig work. No interest or late fees No credit check required Maximum limit of $500 Reports repayment to the 3 major credit bureaus No requests for tips Details Advance amounts$25 – $500Speed of advance2 – 3 days; Instant (with fee)Fees$0 for 1–3 day delivery to external bank account; 1.5% of transfer amount for 1-hour delivery to external debit card; $0 for instant delivery to Dave Checking account Brigit Best for Repayment Flexibility 4.6 /5 Get Cash Why we selected it You don’t technically need a subscription to get a Brigit cash advance if you email its customer service team. But a subscription can make repayment smoother because you can log in and request payment extensions independently. Free payment extensions Doesn’t prompt you for tip fees Credit-building and financial management tools Reddit users indicate the app can be stingy with unlocking higher loan amounts Clunky process for subscription-free cash advances Details Funding amounts$25 – $500Speed of advance20 min. (express delivery); 2 – 3 business days (free delivery)Fees$0.99 – $3.99 express delivery; $8.99 – $14.99 monthly subscription MoneyLion Best for Building Eligibility 4.4 /5 Get Cash Why we selected it MoneyLion is a massive fintech app that offers many other tools for investing, budgeting, borrowing money, games, and more. It’s great if you find the tools useful. Otherwise, it could be a little too much. Other personal finance tools Gamified ways to boost your cash advance limits Offers $10 trial cash advance if you have trouble qualifying Funds are deposited in $100 increments; new fees for each chunk Higher fees or slower service to get cash in a non-MoneyLion account Prompts you to pay optional tip fees Details Funding amounts$10 – $1,000Speed of advanceWithin minutes (Turbo delivery); 1 – 2 business days (free transfer to a MoneyLion account); 2 – 5 business days (free transfer to a non-MoneyLion account)Fees$9.99 – $19.99 monthly subscription; $0.49 – $8.99 Turbo delivery fee for every $100 borrowed Cleo Options for Gig Workers and Freelancers 4.0 /5 Get Cash Why we selected it Most cash advance apps rely on viewing your past direct deposit history to know when you’ll be paid next. That’s a problem if you’re a nontraditional worker, though. Cleo is willing to look past that to analyze your income patterns, even if they’re erratic, like most freelancers. Offers credit-building tools Choose your due date, 3 – 28 days later Doesn’t require a banking history with direct deposits Clunky process for nonsubscribers to request a cash advance Details Funding amounts$20 – $250Speed of advanceSame day (express transfers); 3 – 4 days (free transfers)Fees$3.99 – $9.99 express delivery; $1.99 – $14.99 monthly subscription What is an urgent cash need? Cash advance apps are best used for things you need to buy to continue meeting your basic needs for food, shelter, and security. If you’re stuck on the side of the road because you ran out of gas on your way to work, a cash advance app can help you get to your job. But relying on cash advance apps too much can harm you in the long run. Cash advance apps caused a 56% rise in overdraft fees one Center for Responsible Lending study found. People often cope by taking out new cash advances on different apps, not unlike how payday loans trap people in a cycle of debt. Step-by-step guide to secure a cash advance Here are the steps to take out a cash advance with an app. Check your options: Some cash advance apps are better than others. Important qualities to look for are transfer speeds, extra fees for faster transfers, subscription fees, and cash advance requirements. Sign up for the service: Download the app and follow the instructions. You’ll generally need to link your bank account and allow the app to withdraw funds when payment is due. Request an advance: Cash advance apps tend to offer a small amount of funding the first time you use the service. But if all you need is $10, $20, or $30, that’s perfect because it’s what you’re more likely to qualify for. Pay it back: You don’t need to do anything now. On the due date, just make sure you have enough money in your account; the app will take it out automatically. Make sure you check for hidden fees and charges throughout this process. Some cash advance apps might add extra charges—like “optional tips”—to your agreement, which can drive your costs up further. Other short-term financial solutions Cash advance apps aren’t your only option if you need $10 now. Some are better than others. Here are a few quick ideas: Ask friends or family for an IOU Sell personal items for quick cash Ask for extensions or forbearance on your bills Look for charities in your community. Call or visit 211.org to find them. I recommend setting aside $200 to $1,000 in a separate emergency savings account for essential, unexpected expenses. This fund should be distinct from your regular checking or other savings accounts. Once it’s in place, be intentional about using it only for true emergencies, not wants or conveniences. Use your emergency fund for essentials like housing costs, utilities, medical bills, car repairs, groceries, job-related needs, minimum debt payments, insurance premiums, and child care. Avoid spending it on non-essentials like dining out, subscriptions, luxury items, vacations, or cosmetic procedures. Knowing the difference can help your fund last when you need it most. Erin Kinkade , CFP®, ChFC® It can also be smart to consider long-term options for help. Opening an account at a credit union that offers payday alternative loans can help you get quick and affordable loans. In contrast, free or low-cost credit counseling can help you develop a holistic plan to get back on track. Recap of cash advance apps to borrow $10, $20, or $30 now 4.9 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $10 – $1,000 What to know No subscription fees 4.9 Get Cash 4.7 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $10 – $400 What to know Option for non-citizen U.S. residents 4.7 Get Cash 4.7 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $25 – $500 What to know 1.5% of amount for external card; $0 to Dave account 4.7 Get Cash 4.6 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $25 – $500 What to know Great repayment flexibility 4.6 Get Cash Not all users will qualify. Advances range $25-$500, avg advance $73 from 2/2018 to 7/2025. ME: $25-$250 only. Express transfer fee may apply. Monthly $8.99 subscription may apply. Cancel anytime. 4.4 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $10 – $1,000 What to know Increase max advance limit by completing tasks in app 4.4 Get Cash Accomodates gig and freelance workers 4.0 Get Cash Get Cash Advance amounts $20 – $250 What to know Option for gig workers and freelancers 4.0 Get Cash About our contributors Written by Lindsay VanSomeren Lindsay VanSomeren is a personal finance writer living in Suquamish, Washington. She's passionate about helping people manage their money better so that they can live the life they want. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and learning new languages and hobbies. Reviewed by Erin Kinkade, CFP® Erin Kinkade, CFP®, ChFC®, works as a financial planner at AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust. Erin prepares comprehensive financial plans for military veterans and their families.