Best for getting cash the fastest
Top pick
Best paycheck advance — zero fees
No fees
Best for automatic cash advances
Auto-advance
Best AI-powered budgeting + advances
AI-powered
Empower is a financial services company providing cash advances of up to $250 without credit checks or interest.
However, accessing these advances requires an $8 monthly fee. This fee includes standard bank transfers, which can take two to five days. For quicker access, instant transfers are available but come with an extra cost of $1 to $8, unless you hold an Empower Card.
While Empower is popular, it's not the only option for cash advances. There are similar apps like Empower that offer larger advance amounts, lower fees, and extra perks like free overdraft protection, potentially leading to more savings for you.
Cash Advance Apps Like Empower for Instant Money
These cash advance apps that loan you money are all highly reviewed and legitimate. In a hurry? Here are the top loan apps for instant money:
- Best banking app: Current
- Best payday membership: MoneyLion
- Best for gig workers: Cleo
- Best for saving on overdraft fees: Brigit
- Best for flexible work hours: EarnIn
- Best for fast-growing limits: Tilt
1. Current: Best Banking App
Current offers a payday advance of up to $750 when you set up direct deposit, giving you access to your paycheck early without interest or hidden fees. The amount you qualify for depends on your deposit history and account activity, with advances automatically deducted from your next paycheck.
Unlike traditional payday loans, Current doesn’t require a credit check and offers instant transfers for premium members. To access the advance, simply enable the feature in the app, meet the eligibility requirements, and request funds as needed. It’s a simple, hassle-free way to get extra cash when you need it most.
- No interest on cash advances
- Advances of up to $750 (based on eligibility)
- 100% free and no credit check
- Full mobile banking
Where to get it?
2. MoneyLion: Best Payday Membership
MoneyLion gives you 0% APR cash advances and low-interest personal loans while also helping you track spending, save money, and build credit. With over 2 million users, it’s designed for people who want financial flexibility without getting trapped in high-interest debt. Signing up is simple—download the app, open a free MoneyLion Core account, and get a debit card in about a week.
Once you fund your account and set up direct deposit of at least $250, you unlock instant cash advances with no fees or interest. For even more perks, upgrading to MoneyLion Plus gives you access to a 5.99% APR credit-builder loan, daily cashback, and exclusive rewards. If you’re tired of hidden fees and payday loan traps, MoneyLion might be worth checking out.
- Instantly access up to $500 with no interest
- Includes a RoarMoney checking account
- Build credit with low-risk credit builder loans
- Earn cashback on everyday purchases
Where to get it?
3. Cleo: Best for Gig Workers
Cleo is an AI-powered money assistant that helps you budget, save, and track spending without the hassle. Available on iOS and Android, the app makes managing money simple—just ask Cleo things like “What’s my balance?” or “Can I afford this?” and she’ll break it down instantly with personalized insights and spending updates.
Cleo can also automatically save your spare change and set a budget to keep you on track. If you upgrade to Cleo Plus ($5.99/month) or Cleo Builder ($15.99/month), you can get a cash advance of up to $100 with no credit check and no interest—perfect for avoiding overdrafts. Unlike traditional lenders, Cleo doesn’t require W2s or proof of employment, making it a solid option for gig workers needing a quick cash boost.
- Get up to $250 without credit checks
- Chat with an AI that helps you budget and roast your spending
- Automatically tracks and breaks down your expenses
- Fun, no-pressure way to manage your money
Where to get it?
4. Brigit: Best for Saving on Overdraft Fees
Brigit gives you up to $500 instantly with no interest, no credit check, and no hassle. If your checking account balance is low, Brigit automatically spots you cash to cover upcoming expenses, helping you avoid overdraft fees that can add up fast.
Signing up is simple—just connect your bank account, and Brigit works with 15,000+ banks, including Chase, Wells Fargo, and Navy Federal. If you qualify, you get your cash advance immediately with no waiting period. It’s a solid option if you live paycheck to paycheck or just want a safety net for low balances.
- Access between $25 - $500 in Instant Cash with no interest
- Built-in alerts to prevent overdrafts
- No FICO needed
Where to get it?
5. EarnIn: Best for Flexible Work Hours
EarnIn lets you access up to $1,000 of your paycheck per pay period with no fees, interest, or credit checks. Instead of charging you, EarnIn asks for optional tips, which makes it a great option if you’re in a bind but don’t want to rack up debt. You only need to upload your timesheet or connect your employer to verify hours worked.
What sets EarnIn apart is its flexibility—it’s ideal for hourly workers or freelancers who want to get paid as they earn. It also includes features like Balance Shield to help prevent overdrafts and Lightning Speed for instant transfers. Just connect your bank and get paid when you need it most.
- No fees if you choose standard delivery
- Works with most jobs if you have a steady paycheck
- No credit check and won’t hurt your score
- Borrow up to $1,000 as you build history in the app
Where to get it?
6. Tilt: Best for Fast-Growing Limits
Tilt gives you up to $400 instantly with no interest or late fees, and qualifying is simple—just connect your bank and show regular income deposits. Over time, Tilt tracks your finances and can increase your cash advance limit based on your activity.
Beyond advances, Tilt also helps you budget, save automatically, and track spending. If you want a full-service money management app that grows with you, Tilt delivers. The app does charge a $8 monthly subscription fee, but there’s no cost for the advance itself.
- Get up to $400 instantly with no interest or credit check
- Smart budgeting and automatic savings tools included
- Build your spending limit over time with responsible use
- Free 14-day trial, then just $8 a month if you stay
Where to get it?
Final Thoughts
Cash advance apps like Empower can be lifesavers when you need quick cash without the high fees of payday loans. Whether you’re trying to avoid overdraft fees, get a small advance before payday, or just need a financial cushion, these apps make it easy to access money without credit checks or interest charges. Each app has different features, limits, and membership costs, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs.
While cash advance apps provide short-term relief, they aren’t a long-term solution for financial stability. If you find yourself relying on them often, it might be time to look at budgeting strategies, side hustles, or better financial planning to break the cycle. But if you just need a little help making ends meet, these apps can be a quick and easy safety net when used responsibly.
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