- Earned wage access and early direct deposit let you use pay you have already earned.
- A payday loan is designed to be repaid in one payment on your next payday.
- The real risk is being short again next payday. Borrow the smallest amount that covers the gap.
Ways to cover the gap until payday
| Option | How it works | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Early direct deposit | Many banks and apps release your paycheck up to two days early | Usually free |
| Earned wage access (EWA) | Take part of pay you have already earned, through your employer or an app | Free to a few dollars per transfer |
| Employer paycheck advance | Payroll advances part of your next check | Usually free |
| Cash advance app | Small advance repaid from your next deposit | Optional tips, subscriptions or instant fees |
| Payday loan | Loan repaid in one payment on your next payday | Often $10–$30 per $100 |
Earned wage access vs. a payday loan
With earned wage access, you are drawing on wages you have already worked for. There is no interest, and the amount comes out of your next paycheck. A payday loan is credit from a lender, priced with a fee per $100 borrowed. Payday lenders commonly charge $10–$30 per $100 borrowed. At $15 per $100, a two-week loan works out to about 391% APR.
Ask your HR or payroll team whether your employer offers EWA. Many large employers do through their payroll provider.
Need $100–$1,000 before payday?
- One free request, many lenders
- Bad credit and benefit income considered by many lenders
- See the APR and total cost before you sign
PaydayEase is not a lender. Requests go to lenders in our network; approval, rates and terms are set by the lender. Rates & fees
How a loan until payday works
- You apply online or in a store with ID, proof of income and a bank account.
- If approved, you receive the money, often the next business day online or the same day in a store.
- On your next payday, the lender collects the amount borrowed plus its fee, usually by debiting your bank account.
If repaying the loan leaves you short again, you may need to borrow again: the cycle the CFPB warns about. Work out your next payday budget first, including rent, food and the loan payment.
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 borrow money until payday?
Options include early direct deposit, earned wage access through your employer, an employer paycheck advance, a cash advance app or a payday loan. The first three are usually free or close to it.
What is the cheapest way to get money before payday?
Early direct deposit and employer advances are usually free. Earned wage access and cash advance apps can be free if you wait for a standard transfer.
When do I repay a loan until payday?
Payday loans are typically due in one payment on your next payday, usually two to four weeks after you borrow.