- Cash advance apps are usually cheapest for $20–$500, but “instant” delivery costs extra.
- Payday cash advance loans go higher but often cost $10–$30 per $100.
- Credit card cash advances are instant at an ATM, with a fee and high APR from day one.
Three kinds of cash advance
| Type | Typical amount | How fast | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash advance app | $20–$500 | Minutes with an instant fee; 1–3 business days free | Optional tips, subscriptions and/or instant-transfer fees |
| Payday cash advance (online or store) | $100–$1,000 (state limits) | Same day in store; next business day online | Often $10–$30 per $100 borrowed |
| Credit card cash advance | Up to your cash advance limit | Immediately at an ATM | Cash advance fee + higher APR with no grace period |
Instant cash advance apps
Apps such as Dave, EarnIn, Brigit and MoneyLion, and banking apps such as Chime MyPay and Varo Advance, look at your direct deposits and let you take a small advance that is repaid automatically on payday. They do not usually do a credit check.
- Instant costs extra. Most apps charge a fee to send money in minutes; the free option takes one to three business days.
- Watch subscriptions. Some apps require a monthly membership to unlock advances.
- Limits start low. New users often get $20–$100 at first.
Compare them in cash advance apps like Dave and EarnIn.
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Payday cash advance loans
A payday cash advance is a short-term loan due on your next payday. You can apply online or in a store. Store loans can be paid in cash the same day; online loans are usually deposited by the next business day, sometimes the same day if approved early on a weekday. Payday lenders commonly charge $10–$30 per $100 borrowed. At $15 per $100, a two-week loan works out to about 391% APR. See instant payday loans for how instant funding works.
Credit card cash advance
If you already have a credit card with a cash advance limit, an ATM withdrawal is the fastest money there is. Expect a fee (often a percentage of the amount, with a minimum) and an APR that is usually higher than your purchase APR and starts immediately. For a few hundred dollars repaid within a month, this is still often cheaper than a payday loan.
How to choose
- Need under $250 and have direct deposit? Try an app first, and choose the free transfer if you can wait a day.
- Have a credit card? Compare its cash advance fee and APR with a payday loan's dollar cost.
- Need more, or the apps say no? A payday or installment loan from a licensed lender is the next step. Compare fast loans by speed and cost.
Amounts, fees and terms depend on your state. Some states ban payday loans or cap rates at 36%, so lenders do not offer them there. See payday loan laws by state.
Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
How can I get an instant cash advance online?
Cash advance apps can send money in minutes if you pay an instant-transfer fee. Online payday lenders usually fund by the next business day. A credit card cash advance at an ATM is instant if you already have a card.
What is the cheapest cash advance?
Usually an app advance using the free standard transfer, or an advance from your own bank such as Chime MyPay. Payday cash advances are usually the most expensive.
Do cash advance apps check credit?
Most do not do a hard credit check. They base your limit on your direct deposits and account history.
Can I get a cash advance with no job?
Some lenders accept benefits or other regular income. Apps generally need recurring deposits. See our guide to payday loans for the unemployed.