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Jarrod Suda
Guide
A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.
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Read morePayday loans often serve as short-term solutions for immediate cash needs and emergencies. However, many payday loan providers do not transparently disclose their Annual Percentage Rate (APR) upfront in their websites.
Despite their convenience, payday loan APR rates are also very high. We strongly caution against their use, as nothing in this world truly comes for free. If you are unable to pay the loan back, you can potentially find yourself in a never-ending spiral of repayments.
Instead of resorting to risky payday loans, we advocate for savvy and safe alternatives that promote financial wellness. Cash advance apps like Dave and Brigit offer accessible solutions that not only provide immediate relief but also encourage responsible financial habits over time. By opting for these alternatives, you can steer clear of the pitfalls associated with traditional payday loans and build your financial well-being in the process.
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we analyze factors like loan size, fees, repayment deadlines, transfer times, company reputation, and eligibility requirements.
Dave is an excellent payday loan alternative, helping you get up to $500 with its ExtraCash™ advance. Dave members across the US have taken $71 million in advances and avoided overbearing overdraft fees.
A payday loan represents a form of short-term, high-interest borrowing typically scheduled for repayment on or before your next payday. These loans commonly range from $500 to $5,000 or more and are often used for quick access to funds during urgent expenses or emergencies.
Approach these loans with caution as they are legitimate forms of debt provided by lenders. While some payday loans commence with a 39% Annual Percentage Rate (APR), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has revealed that typical two-week loans can carry APRs soaring up to 400%. By comparison, the average APR for credit cards nationwide in 2023 stood slightly above 22%.
Here's how a payday loan typically works:
As a type of short-term debt with very high interest rates, payday loans are among the most expensive forms of borrowing. We at Monito, along with many consumer protection agencies and financial experts, recommend against using payday loans.
In addition to the high interest rates, some payday loan lenders have been known for predatory lending practices. This may include adjustable interest rates, unfavorable terms and conditions, lack of transparency, and more. For these reasons, we generally recommend alternatives, such as credit cards to build credit, personal loans from traditional financial institutions and local credit unions, or instant cash advance apps.
Advance America is a payday loan company that operates across 23 states with both in-store and online services. Despite the convenience of repaying loans either online or at a branch, we do not recommend this option due to its very high interest fees.
The typical fee structure involves a fixed rate of $15 per $100 borrowed, due by the following payday (fees may fluctuate based on state regulations). Advance America does not report to major credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
More info: visit their website
NetPayAdvance is available in California, Utah, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. We generally do not recommend it due to its high APRs and potentially steep late fees. Loan amounts vary by state, with CA offering a low amount of $255, TX up to $1,200, and others up to $3,000. Late fees can be as high as 10%, adding to the financial burden. The APR for a 14-day term ranges from 391.07% to 664.29%, depending on state regulations, making NetPayAdvance a costly option for short-term borrowing needs.
Unlike traditional lenders, payday lenders like NetPayAdvance typically consider factors such as income verification, state of residence, and active bank accounts of at least 30 days, rather than credit scores, for eligibility. Borrowers must be at least 18 years old and not active military personnel.
More info: visit their website
If you find yourself facing an unexpected expense before your next payday, a variety of money advance apps can also provide up front financial assistance. These apps sustain their cash advance services through subscription fees, instant transfer charges, or optional tipping features. Some platforms help you build up your savings, serving as collateral for secure loans, while others offer substantial overdrafts without standard overdraft fees.
Essentially, these apps operate on a reciprocal basis, promoting financial responsibility in exchange for expanded borrowing privileges. Accessing their cash advances typically requires establishing regular direct deposits from your employer. The consistency and size of these deposits, coupled with your savings, determine your eligibility for higher cash advance amounts.
All of the apps reviewed in this guide partner with FDIC Member banks in order to keep your balances insured and safe. Let's have a look at the top 7 alternatives to payday loan apps (all available on Android or iPhone) and how they can help you get a cushion of cash when you need it:
Dave members can use the ExtraCash™ service to get up to $500 transferred to your account, free of interest charges or late fees. Dave offers one of the largest cash advance amounts in the industry. You can spend the money on anything you need, from gas to groceries to rent. However small, Dave does charge a $1 monthly membership.
Dave looks at multiple factors to determine eligibility, making it one of the most accessible options. You should have at least three regular deposits to be eligible. You can enhance your eligibility when you link your bank, have a 60-day account history of positive balances, or have a total monthly deposit of $1,000 or more. A consistent income history and responsible spending habits will also improve your profile. One great caveat is that Dave does not require a credit check.
Like other apps on this list, Dave offers a function to get paid up to two days earlier than your traditional bank if you set up a qualifying direct deposit. Like Chime® and Brigit, you'll access a large portfolio of businesses that offer gig work for you to earn a side hustle, making it another great reason to have as your personal finance side kick.
Dave's express fee for sending cash advances to the Spending account ranges from $1.99 to $9.99, depending on the size of your advance. You can also send the cash advance to an external debit card within 1 hour. These card transfer fees cost a little more, ranging from $2.99 to $13.99.
More info: read our Dave comparison guide or visit the Dave website
FDIC-insured parter: Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC
Brigit's Instant Cash feature offers a $250 cash advance for qualifying Plus members. Brigit charges no late fees and, unlike Dave, it does not ask for tips.
Only Plus members can access Brigit's Instant Cash feature, fee-free overdrafts, and credit builder. Brigit does offer a free plan, but it only comes with financial planning tools to monitor spending and a marketplace for opportunities to earn a side income.
Brigit works by integrating with your primary bank accounts. As long as it can confirm that your account has been active for at least 60 days, has a balance above $0, and has 3 recurring deposits from the same source, you may be approved for an instant loan.
One great aspect about Brigit is that it is open to US residents, not just US citizens. If you are an immigrant with US residency, Brigit may the most accessible option on this list. Like Chime® and Dave, you'll get access to a catalog of side gigs that you can choose from to get some extra income. It's also very highly recommended by customers, with a 4.7+ rating with 401k reviews on the App Store and Google Play.
Overall, we recommend Brigit despite the high membership fee because they charge no hidden late fees or interest fees, and it offers credit builder secured-loans that can improve your credit history.
More info: read our Brigit comparison guide or visit the Brigit website
FDIC-insured parter: Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC
Current offers the Overdrive™ feature, granting access to up to $200 without incurring overdraft fees. To be eligible, you must receive $500 or more in qualifying deposits into your current account within the past 30 days. While this loan is lower than others, Current is a great option because it charges no recurring membership fees.
Beyond its borrowing feature, Current boasts saving pods with competitive APY rates, a credit builder card, and a direct deposit feature to receive your salary up to two days earlier.
Current offers a points program for spending at participating merchants, which you can turn in for cash back. Additionally, Current presents a robust network of 40,000 fee-free ATMs and the convenience of depositing paper checks.
More info: read our in-depth Current review or visit the Current website
FDIC-insured parter: Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC
Varo has the "Advance" feature, accessible to those with a minimum of $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits to their Varo Bank Account. Varo's Advance feature allows you to advance up to $250. While using $20 is fee-free, Varo does charge flat fees for borrowing anything above that. The fees go up from $4 to $15, depending on the size of the advance.
While no interest fee is charged, a fixed fee of between 6% to 8% will accompany every cash advance exceeding $20. It also has a feature to get you paid up to two days earlier.
Unique compared to other money borrowing apps on this list, Varo is a duly-licensed bank in the United States and a Member FDIC. While we think Varo's fees for Varo Advance are a little high, it offers a highly-rated credit builder card and a checking account without a monthly maintenance fee.
More info: visit the Varo website
FDIC-insured parter: Varo Bank, NA, Member FDIC
Instead of getting one lump-sum at the end of each month, the EarnIn app lets you track your salary over the month — and gives you the option to cash that amount out throughout the month. Their "Cash Out" feature allows you to access up to $750 per month of your paycheck early (eligibility based on your hourly wage), with a daily limit of $100. EarnIn has the highest eligibility requirements on this list but also offers the largest borrow amount.
Instead of transferring funds to your main bank, you can also use their EarnIn Card, a Visa contactless card. This card enables immediate access to your earnings, allowing you to spend up to $1,500 per day. You can also take a no-fee cash advance (up to $300 per day from an ATM using the card).
EarnIn also offers a credit monitoring feature at no cost. This service doesn't involve hard or soft credit pulls, ensuring that your credit score won't be affected. Unlike some others on this list, however, EarnIn does not offer features like savings, rewards, roundups, or cash back. Ultimately, EarnIn is best if you simply want to free up your monthly paycheck into daily cash flow.
More info: read our EarnIn comparison guide or visit the EarnIn website
FDIC-insured parter: Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC
Revolut offers personal loans between €1,000 and €35,000 to customers in Poland, Lithuania, Ireland, Romania, and Spain. The APR starts at 5.99% and you will be subject to credit check. However, we like that Revolut provides transparent loans with no application fees, early repayment fees, or settlement fees. You’ll know exactly what you owe up front, and from month-to-month.
For customers outside of Poland, Lithuania, Ireland, Romania, and Spain, Revolut has the "Early Salary" feature, which lets you receive your funds up to two days earlier than traditional banks if your salary is connected by direct deposit to your Revolut account. Its a hassle free way to free up at least 2 days of cash flow when you are in a bind before payday.
Revolut extends its appeal with features that allow you to manage and block unwanted subscriptions, access secure savings vaults with attractive APY rates, earn rewards from participating merchants, and enjoy travel perks as a paid member.
Unlike other money borrowing apps on this list, Revolut offers a multi-currency account supporting 28 foreign currencies for exchanging up to $1,000 per month without any fees. In addition to cheap international money transfer capabilities, Revolut provides access to a fee-free network of 55,000 ATMs, budgeting features, and more.
More info: read our in-depth Revolut review
You don't need a credit check to qualify for Klover's advances up to $200. Instead, you'll need three consistent direct deposits from your employer.
In addition to cash advances, Klover has a points rewards program and useful budgeting software. However, we were turned off by their lack of transparency when it came to the Express fee to expedite the cash advance transfer. We were unable to find a clear fee schedule anywhere on their website or terms and conditions. They also make money by gaining insights from your data, which we know can be a concern for many customers these days.
More info: read our money borrowing comparison guide or visit the Klover website
FDIC-insured parter: Blue Ridge Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
When you're thinking about borrowing money for a short time, pay attention to the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which represents how much it costs to borrow money. Cash advance apps, such as Dave, may offer a better alternative for your because it doesn't charge interest. Other popular means to build a financial buffer and reduce the need to take out a payday loan may include:
Also, make sure to practice caution against lenders with:
The two payday loan companies we listed are regulated as state-licensed direct lenders, which is reassuring. However, it's still better to explore alternatives that can positively impact your financial future in the long run.
Here are our recommendations for the best payday loan alternative apps, all of which have no credit check products:
Cash Out. EarnIn. Accessed 20 November 2023.
Dave. Dave. Accessed 20 November 2023.
Finance Helper. Brigit. Accessed 20 November 2023.
Cash Advance. Varo Money. Accessed 20 November 2023.
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| Navy Federal Cash Advance |
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