Cash advance apps advance money against wages you have already earned or a paycheck that is about to arrive. The products look similar and the pricing models are not. Below is what distinguishes the main names, and how to work out the real cost of any of them.
Written by the Loan For Any Purpose USA lending team. Reviewed by the Loan For Any Purpose Editorial Review Team. Last reviewed September 10, 2026. We explain products we do not sell as well as the ones we do.
The main apps at a glance
| App | Typical maximum | Pricing model | Notable condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| EarnIn | About $150/day, $750/pay period | No mandatory fee; optional tip and paid instant transfer | Needs consistent direct deposit history |
| Dave | Up to $500 via ExtraCash | Moved to a flat service fee model in 2025 | Free instant transfer to its own checking account |
| Brigit | $25–$250, up to $500 on the higher tier | Monthly subscription, two tiers | Includes budgeting and overdraft alerts |
| Chime MyPay | Varies by account history | No mandatory fee; express transfer costs extra | Requires a Chime checking account |
| Current Paycheck Advance | Up to $750 | No subscription or service fee; optional instant fee | Requires qualifying payroll deposits to a Current account |
| Tilt (formerly Empower) | Varies | Flat monthly subscription | Rebranded from Empower in 2025 |
How to calculate what one actually costs you
Add the monthly subscription, plus any instant transfer fee, plus any tip you would actually leave. Divide by the amount advanced, divide by the number of days until repayment, multiply by 365, and you have an APR you can compare against any loan.
Choosing between them
- Regular payroll, need it free: look for an app with no mandatory fee and use the standard transfer.
- Already bank with one of them: in-house instant transfers are usually free, which removes the express fee.
- Irregular or gig income: check eligibility before subscribing, since limits for non-payroll income are lower.
- Only need it occasionally: avoid subscription models, because twelve months of fees for three advances is poor value.
Where apps stop working
Advances cap out around $750, they are repaid in full on your next payday, and they do not build credit because nothing is reported to the bureaus. If you need more than one paycheck can absorb, or you want the balance to fall over months, that is a different product: see installment loans from $500 to $5,000.
Related: apps like Dave, EarnIn and Brigit and earned wage access explained.
Frequently asked questions
Which cash advance app advances the most?
Limits around $750 per pay period are at the top of the market, and reaching the maximum usually requires a history of qualifying payroll deposits with that provider. Most new users start considerably lower.
Are cash advance apps free?
Some charge no mandatory fee if you use the standard transfer, which can take one to three business days. Costs appear as monthly subscriptions, optional instant transfer fees and pre-selected tips.
Do cash advance apps build credit?
No. Advances are not reported to the major credit bureaus, so repaying them does not add payment history. An installment loan is reported and does.
How do I work out the APR on an app advance?
Add the subscription, instant fee and any tip, divide by the amount advanced, divide by the days until repayment, then multiply by 365 and by 100. A $9 tip on $100 over 14 days is 235% APR.
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