Where Can I Get a Cash Advance?

Short answer: You can get a cash advance from online cash advance apps like MoneyLion Instacash^®, storefront payday lenders, credit card issuers through an ATM or bank teller and federal credit unions that offer payday alternative loans.

Cash advances — also sometimes called payday loans — can help you bridge the gap until your next paycheck hits, and if they're legal in your state, you likely have options both online and in person. 

Key Takeaways

• You have several cash advance options including apps like MoneyLion Instacash®, Varo, Dave, Brigit and Klover, plus storefront lenders, credit card cash advances and payday alternative loans from federal credit unions.

• Costs vary widely — app advances often charge no interest and cap fees at a few dollars, while credit card cash advances typically run 25% to 36% APR with a 3% to 5% fee and payday loans can hit 300% to 600% APR.

• Pick the lowest-cost option you qualify for. If you need a small amount before payday, try a no-interest app like Instacash before turning to a credit card or storefront payday lender.

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8 Online Cash Advance Options

If you're considering cash advance options, here's a list of reputable lenders that have relatively low fees, predominantly online processes, and solid reputations within the industry. Here's a quick breakdown: 

1. MoneyLion Instacash

Instacash is MoneyLion's no-interest cash advance built for moments when payday feels too far away. You can get an advance against your next paycheck without a credit check or monthly fee.

• Advance amount: Up to $500 per pay period, with eligible RoarMoney members able to access up to $1,000.

• Cost: $0 interest and no mandatory fees, with an optional Turbo delivery fee for instant funding.

• Funding time: Standard delivery between 1 to 5 business days, or minutes with Turbo to a RoarMoney account.

• Credit check: None.

• Repayment: Auto-repaid from your linked bank account on your next pay date.

2. Advance America 

Advance America can offer as fast as same-day funding with their cash advance program. They have over 800 locations if you prefer in-person, but they also offer a fully online application. You’ll need to repay the loan in two to four weeks, but it’s a quick process if you need funds fast.  

Borrowable amount: Dependent by state

Fees and APR: Typically around $15 for every $100 borrowed, but varies according to state regulations 

3. Varo 

Varo is an FDIC-insured mobile banking platform and app, and Varo Advance is their native cash advance feature. Requested cash advance funds are deposited directly into your Varo account, and you’ll have 30 days to pay back the cash advance. While you can only borrow up to $250 the first day you join, you can eventually receive up to $500 per cash advance. 

Borrowable amount: Up to $250 first day, up to $500 if certain criteria is met 

Fees and APR: No interest; flat fees range from $1.60 to $40 

4.  Dave

Dave is a digital banking platform, and members can borrow up to $500 if eligible without any interest or late fees. The funding will be deposited directly into your Dave checking account, so funding can be quickly. Compared to traditional payday loans, this may offer financial flexibility without high fees. 

Advance amount: Up to $500

Fees: No interest or late fees; Dave’s platform $5 monthly membership and express transfers have a 1.5% fee

5. FloatMe 

FloatMe is a solid option if you only need up to $50 for your first withdrawal. These are interest-free cash withdrawals that can help if you only need a little extra while waiting on your paycheck. You’ll need to download and use the mobile app for these cash advances, but they can be sent directly to your debit card for your convenience. 

Borrowable amount: $50 between paychecks; some existing eligible members may be able to request up to $100

Fees and APR: Monthly $4.99 fee, and instant transfer fees from $1 to $7

6. Brigit 

Brigit is a popular cash advance app that works a little differently than some other platforms. Their platform continuously monitors your bank account activity. It alerts when you when your balance is low, and the platform can automatically send a cash advance before you overdraft. For those who want proactive overdraft protection, this can be helpful. 

Borrowable amount: Typically between $50 and $250

Fees and APR: No late fees or interest, but monthly subscriptions cost either $8.99 or $15.99 depending on your plan 

7. Tilt 

Tilt’s cash advances are quick-acting, and you can get approval in as little as three minutes. You can also receive funding quickly, especially if you’re willing to pay for an instant transfer fee. You’ll repay the balance when your next paycheck hits the account. 

Borrowable amount: Between $10 and $400 

Fees and APR: No interest or late fees; $8 monthly pricing 

8. Klover

Klover is an online budget management that offers cash advances, and it does so in an unconventional way. Instead of charging mandatory fees or interest, Klover generates revenue for its platform if users opt into its data-sharing features. Some users may be uncomfortable with this even though Klover’s terms of service are clear, while others will take the trade for quick access to no-fee cash advances. 

Advance amount: Up to $400 

Fees: No mandatory fees for a basic cash advance; express transfers may have a small fee

How To Get a Cash Advance in 6 Steps

Getting a cash advance is quick when you know what to expect. Here's how the process works from start to finish.

1. Choose a lender. Compare apps, storefront lenders and your credit card issuer to find the option with the lowest fees and the right funding speed.

2. Check eligibility. Most apps need proof of regular income, an active checking account and a U.S. address. Storefront lenders may also ask for a pay stub and ID.

3. Link your bank account. Cash advance apps connect to your checking account to verify income and set your advance limit.

4. Request your advance. Choose how much you want to borrow and pick standard or instant delivery.

5. Receive your funds. Money lands in your account in minutes with instant delivery or within one to three business days with standard delivery.

6. Repay on your due date. Most apps auto-debit the amount from your linked account on your next payday.

Alternatives To a Cash Advance

The above lenders are all trustworthy and come with relatively low fees, but cash advances still may not always be the right fit. It’s important to make sure you fully understand what you’re agreeing to, when you need to repay a loan, and any terms that could impact the total loan cost.

Fortunately, there are other cash advance alternatives to consider. These include:

• Earned Wage Access (EWA) services: MoneyLion lets you access wages you've already earned but haven’t yet been paid for before your next payday. These services often have very low or no fees, and it’s often cheaper than getting loans.

• Payday alternative loans (PALs): Many credit unions offer federally regulated small-dollar loans that service as a lower-cost alternative compared to traditional payday loans or cash advances.

• Side gigs: Some of the best cash advance apps like Dave include a gig marketplace. If you have the time, completing a gig job is a debt-free way to cover a temporary financial gap — and it can even open doors to a lucrative side business over time.

• Credit cards: If you have a credit card, using it to cover purchases or even take a credit card cash advance may have lower interest rates than higher-cost cash advances or payday loans. However, this is still a form of high-interest debt, so use credit cards and their cash advances mindfully. 

How To Get a Cash Advance From a Credit Card

Your credit card can give you cash in three ways. Each one comes with a cash advance fee of 3% to 5% of the amount and an annual percentage rate (APR) that often runs from 25% to 36%, with interest starting the day you take the money out.

ATM Withdrawal

Insert your credit card at any ATM, enter the personal identification number (PIN) your issuer set up and withdraw cash up to your cash advance limit. You'll pay an ATM fee on top of your issuer's cash advance fee.

Bank Lobby Withdrawal With ID

Walk into any bank that displays your card's network logo, hand the teller your credit card and a government-issued ID and request a cash advance. This option works when you don't have a PIN.

Convenience Checks

Your card issuer may mail you blank checks tied to your credit line. You can write one to yourself, deposit it and access the funds, though the same cash advance APR and fees apply.

FAQs

What is a cash advance?

A cash advance is a short-term loan that lets you borrow a small amount of money — often between $50 and $500, depending on your state’s regulations — to cover expenses until your next paycheck. It's sometimes used interchangeably with the term “payday loans.” 

Where can I borrow money immediately that's legitimate?

There are legitimate cash advance platforms that offer fast or even immediate access to funds. Look for cash advance platforms with low or minimal fees, and try to avoid predatory payday loans that can keep you trapped in a cycle of debt.

Can I get a cash advance with bad credit?

Yes, you can often get a cash advance with bad credit, as cash advances and similar products look at income than your credit score. 

How much can you borrow with a cash advance?

Cash advance apps offer $20 to $750 per pay period, while credit card cash advances are capped at a portion of your credit limit — often 20% to 30%. MoneyLion Instacash isn't a loan, so you're not borrowing, but you can get an advance on your paycheck up to $500, or up to $1,000 for eligible RoarMoney members.

How fast does cash advance funding arrive?

Instant delivery lands in your account in minutes for a small fee, while standard delivery takes one to three business days at no cost.

Do cash advances affect your credit score?

Most cash advance apps don't run a credit check or report to the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — so they don't directly affect your score. Credit card cash advances can hurt your score if they push your credit utilization above 30%.

How is a cash advance different from a payday loan?

A cash advance from an app is usually interest-free and capped at a few hundred dollars, while a payday loan from a storefront lender can carry an APR of 300% to 600%. Payday loans are also regulated separately and often come with rollover fees.

What do you need to qualify for a cash advance?

You typically need a checking account with regular direct deposits, a steady income source, a U.S. address and proof you're at least 18 years old. Credit card cash advances also require an available cash advance limit on your card.

Key Terms

• Cash advance: A small, short-term advance or loan that gives you quick cash before payday and is usually repaid from your next paycheck or card balance.

• Payday loan: A short-term, high-cost loan, usually for $500 or less, typically due on your next payday.

• Credit card cash advance: Cash you pull from your credit card at an ATM, bank or with a convenience check. Interest starts right away and fees usually apply.

• Annual percentage rate (APR): The yearly cost of borrowing money, including interest and some fees, shown as a %.

• Earned wage access (EWA): A service that lets you access part of the pay you already earned before your scheduled payday.

Sources:

• Federal Trade Commission: What To Know About Payday and Car Title Loans

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Can I withdraw money from my credit card at an ATM?

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: What is a credit card interest rate? What does APR mean?

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Data Spotlight: Developments in the Paycheck Advance Market

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com/Liudmila Pleshkun