5 Best Money Borrowing Apps to Cover You Until Payday

Asking friends for a loan? Awkward. Dealing with banks? Even worse—think endless forms, credit checks, and sky-high interest rates.

Sometimes, you just need a quick, no-judgment way to borrow money—without jumping through hoops.

That’s where money borrowing apps shine.

You can borrow anywhere from a few bucks to $100,000—all without the uncomfortable talks or mountains of paperwork. Some apps are lightning-fast and don’t even charge interest.

Curious about how they work, what the catch might be, and how much you can really get? Keep reading—we’ve got you covered.

5 Best Money Borrowing Apps

Not all money borrowing apps are created equal—some dish out cash fast, others offer bigger loans, and a few do both. Here’s a quick snapshot of what each app brings to the table.

Up next, we’ll dive into the details: how they work, what you need to qualify, and which one might be the right fit for you.

1. EarnIn: Best for payday advance loans

• Loan Amount: up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays
• Processing Time: 1-3 business days via ACH, or in minutes with Lightning Speed transfers, starting at just $2.99/transfer.
• Repayment Date: EarnIn will automatically deduct your payment on or after your payday.

EarnIn lets you tap into your paycheck early—up to $150 a day and $750 between paydays. Unlike traditional loan apps, what you can access depends on your earnings, helping ensure you’re only borrowing what you can realistically pay back.

One standout feature? Balance Shield. It can automatically move up to $100 to your account when your balance dips below your chosen limit (anywhere from $0 to $500). It’s a smart backup for those “just in case” moments.

EarnIn Cash Out Requirements:

• A regular pay schedule
• A linked checking account
• A permanent work location, an electronic timekeeping system, or a PDF timesheet to track your hourly earnings

What happens if you can’t pay EarnIn?
Your credit score will not be affected. However, EarnIn will put your account on hold and send you an email about your repayment.

2. Dave: Best for Small Amount Advances

• Advance Amount: Up to $500
• Processing Time: ACH transfer to a bank account takes 1-3 days at no charge. For a fee, you can transfer to a connected account within minutes with express delivery.
• Settlement Date: On your next payday or the nearest Friday if Dave can’t detect your payday.

Flat tire? Unexpected prescription? When life throws curveballs, the Dave ExtraCash™ account can help smooth things over.

For just $1 a month, you can borrow up to $500 without worrying about interest or credit checks. That fee also unlocks perks like account monitoring, real-time alerts, and secure linking to your bank.

It’s a quick, stress-free way to get cash when time—and money—is tight.

Dave ExtraCash™ Eligibility Contributing Factors:

• An external account with a 60-day history
• 3 or more recurring deposits
• Total deposits of $1,000 or more per month

3. MoneyLion: Best for multiple features

• Loan Amount: Up to $500
• Processing Time: Regular delivery to an external account takes 2-5 business days. But you can get your loan within minutes through their Turbo delivery for an extra fee.
• Repayment Date: On your next payday

Looking for a more well-rounded borrowing option? MoneyLion might be your go-to.

Like EarnIn, MoneyLion’s Instacash feature offers cash advances with no interest and no credit checks. While the borrowing limit tops out at $500, MoneyLion stands out with a broader set of tools—whether you need a quick cash boost or you’re working toward long-term financial goals.

It’s not just about borrowing—it’s about building better money habits too.

MoneyLion InstaCash Requirements:

• A bank account that’s been active for two or more months
• A history of recurring income deposits
• A positive balance

On top of cash advances, MoneyLion also helps you stay on top of your finances. Its free Financial Heartbeat tool acts like a personal money tracker—keeping tabs on your spending, savings, and credit health all in one place.

It’s a simple way to get a clearer picture of where your money’s going and how to stay on track.

4. Albert: Best for no late or overdraft fees

• Loan Amount: You can access up to $250 overdraft coverage on Albert Instant.
• Processing Time: Instantly.
• Repayment Date: Automatic upon Albert Cash account fund deposit.

Albert Instant lets you cover overdrafts up to $250—with no interest, no late fees, and no credit checks. Just a heads-up: if you’re more than 10 days late repaying, you might temporarily lose access to additional overdrafts.

Want your paycheck early? Set up direct deposit with Albert Cash and you could get paid up to two days in advance.

Plus, the app isn’t just for borrowing. With built-in budgeting tools and personalized financial advice, Albert helps you stay on track and make smarter money moves.

Albert Instant Requirements:

• An active bank account linked to an Albert Cash account
• Has activated Smart Money feature on the app
• Has turned on overdraft coverage in app settings
• An Albert Cash account and Genius account in good standing

Is Albert legitimate?
Albert is not a bank. Albert Savings accounts are held in FDIC-insured banks like Wells Fargo. This means your funds are protected by the federal government up to $250,000. It also has 4.6 stars on the App Store with more than 184,000 ratings.

Most payday loan apps on the list have a free money-borrowing feature or a low-cost subscription. Would an app with a higher subscription fee work better? Let’s find out.

5. Brigit: Best for flexible repayments

• Loan Amount: Up to $250
• Processing Time: Brigit takes 1-3 business days. But if you pay a small fee, they can process it within 20 minutes.
• Repayment Date: Set your own repayment date. You can pay earlier or get an extension if you need more time.

Unlike other apps with fixed repayment dates, Brigit Instant Cash gives you up to $250 with no interest or credit checks—and the flexibility to choose when you pay it back. If you prefer control over your repayment schedule, Brigit’s a great choice.

The $250 borrowing limit is on par with Albert and MoneyLion, but Brigit does come with a $8.99 monthly subscription fee. This fee unlocks features like Auto Advances, which automatically covers you when your account is at risk of overdraft.

Brigit Instant Cash Requirements:

• A checking account has been active for at least 60 days
• More than $0 in your balance
• 3 recurring deposits on your account from the same source

Brigit offers a range of financial tools at no additional cost, including a credit builder, up to $1 million in identity theft protection, budgeting assistance, and even resources to help you find jobs or side hustles. It’s a comprehensive suite designed to support your financial journey.

Is it Smart to Use Apps to Get a Loan?

When you’re short on cash and payday feels too far away, money borrowing apps can come to the rescue. These handy tools offer quick cash with minimal fees—and often without checking your credit.

Whether you need a few bucks for fuel or a couple hundred for a medical bill, these apps deliver fast access to money when it matters most. They’re ideal for small, short-term needs you can repay with your next paycheck.

In emergencies, they really shine—some even offer instant transfers. But using them too frequently for everyday costs can lead you into a debt spiral before you know it.

Use them wisely. They’re a great backup when you’re in a bind, but make sure to choose the right one for your situation so you don’t end up stuck in a borrowing loop.

How we came up with the list

To put this list together, I focused on money borrowing apps that pack the strongest features and cater to a range of financial needs.

I began by looking at how much each app lets you borrow and how fast they can deliver the funds. Since these tools are built for urgent situations, speed was a top priority—only the quickest made the cut.

Next, I considered how easy it is to qualify. Clear, simple eligibility requirements help you know right away if an app is a good fit, saving you time and stress when you need money fast.

Finally, I reviewed each app’s repayment terms. Some expect repayment by your next paycheck, while others give you more breathing room—weeks, months, or longer. I made sure the list includes a mix of flexible options so you can find one that works best for your situation.

Bottom Line

Life can throw unexpected challenges your way, and sometimes, asking friends or family for money isn’t the right choice. That’s why it’s smart to have a few backup options ready when you need cash in a pinch.

Money borrowing apps let you borrow anywhere from $200 to $100,000, with flexible repayment options. Whether you need to pay it back on your next payday or prefer installment plans, there’s an app to fit your needs.

From small expenses to funding a new business venture, there’s a money borrowing app for nearly every situation. Take a look at your options and find the one that suits you best.