6 Apps Like MoneyLion That Cover You ‘Til Payday in 2024

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Discover the best apps similar to MoneyLion with higher cash advances, lower fees, and more. Your guide to smarter financial choices.

MoneyLion is a financial services company that offers a variety of services such as 0% APR cash advances, zero-fee checking accounts, zero-fee investment accounts, and personal loans up to $50,000.

apps like moneylion
MoneyLion's personal loans and easy-to-use tools help you borrow for less while saving more, improve your financial health, and monitor your credit all in one place.

However, some of MoneyLion's accounts have a monthly fee of $1, $3, or $5. MoneyLion's Credit Builder Plus loan also has a $19.99 monthly membership fee.

While MoneyLion is popular, it's not the only option for cash advances. There are similar apps like MoneyLion that offer larger advance amounts, lower fees, and extra perks like free overdraft protection, potentially leading to more savings for you.

6 Best Apps Like MoneyLion

  1. Best overall: Dave
  2. Best for cash advances: Empower
  3. Best for gig workers: Cleo
  4. Best for saving on overdraft fees: Brigit
  5. Best banking app: Chime
  6. Best all in one app: Albert

1. Dave: Best Overall

apps like moneylion - dave
Get $500. Bank. Budget. Dave helps over 3 million people thrive, and not just survive between paychecks.

Dave is a banking app that offers ExtraCash™ advances of up to $500 with no interest or late fees for as low as $1 per month.

It’s a reasonable choice for people who want to avoid overdraft fees. Dave offers automated budgeting tools to help you manage your finances better. 

And for freelancers, this app also offers advice on finding side hustles so you can earn some extra money. 

Over 7 million people use Dave on a daily basis to help them achieve their financial goals and you can do the same.

Get up to $500
Dave
4.5
  • Meet the banking app on a mission to build products that level the financial playing field
  • Get paid up to 2 days early, earn cash back with Dave Rewards, and get up to $500 with ExtraCash™ without paying interest or late fees
  • Join millions of members building a better financial future
Open Account Dave Review

Where to get it?

2. Empower: Best for Cash Advances

apps like moneylion - empower
The Empower Card is the only card you’ll ever need. Score Cash Advance up to $250 with no interest. Get paid up to 2 days faster.

Empower is an application built for today's generation. They'll be there for you every step of the way, whatever comes your way. You may get a cash advance of up to $250 when you need it most by downloading the app, and save for your future.

apps like moneylion - empower

They're always there for you, and they'll get a cash advance up to $250 straight into your bank account. Free instant delivery is available for eligible Empower Checking Account customers with an activated debit card.

To determine if you're qualified to receive a Cash Advance, Empower calculates your bank account history and activity, recurring direct deposits, and average monthly direct deposits.

There are no applications, interest or late fees, or credit checks or risks involved. You simply reimburse them as soon as you receive your next payday. There's nothing hidden about it. It's that easy.

Get up to $250
Empower
4.5
  • Get a no-fee and interest-free cash advance of up to $250
  • Use AutoSave to automatically set money aside every week
  • Costs $8 per month after a 14-day free trial 
Open Account

Where to get it?

3. Cleo: Best for Gig Workers

apps like moneylion - cleo

Cleo is your AI pal that looks after your money. Budget, save and track your spending. It’s available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

After downloading the app and signing up for a free account — ask Cleo anything from ‘what’s my balance’ to ‘can I afford a coffee’, and she’ll do the calculations instantly. Drill down with personalized updates, graphs, and data-driven insights.

Let Cleo do the work, as she puts your spare change aside automatically, sets you a budget, and helps you stick to it.

If you upgrade to Cleo Plus, you can qualify for getting spotted up to $100* to stop you from going into overdraft. This money is given to you interest-free and without a credit check, so they are literally spotting you $100.

You can still get a cash advance as a gig worker as they don't check W2s or require proof of employment.

Keep in mind that cash advance is available to Cleo Plus ($5.99/month) and Cleo Builder users ($15.99/month).

Get up to $250
Cleo
  • Borrow up to $250 instantly with no credit check or interest
  • Personalized tips on how you can save more
  • Get help creating and sticking to a budget
  • Costs $5.99 per month for Cleo Plus
Open Account Cleo Review

Where to get it?

*First timers can usually qualify for $20 to $70 to start with. Once you pay it back you'll unlock higher amounts up to $100.

4. Brigit: Best for Saving on Overdraft Fees

apps like moneylion - brigit
Never run short on cash again with Brigit. Get budgeting tools, alerts, and up to $250 when you need it. No credit check. No interest.

With the Brigit app, you can get up to $250 with no interest or credit check quickly. It's easy and fast relief when you need it and helps you avoid low balances.

If you have a low balance in your checking account, Brigit will see that your balance isn't enough for upcoming expenses and send you up to $250 to cover your expenses. You can save hundreds by avoiding overdraft fees with this app.

How Brigit works:
  1. No red tape. No hoops. Connect your bank account and that’s it!
  2. Brigit works with thousands of banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, Chase, Navy Federal Credit Union and 15,000+ more.
  3. Get paid up to $250 instantly.

This is best for those users who keep low balances in banking accounts and are prone to overdraft. You can learn more here.

Get up to $250
Brigit
4.0
  • Tap to get an advance within seconds
  • Get up to $250
  • No credit check is required and no interest
  • Pay it back without hidden fees or “tips"
Open Account Brigit Review

Where to get it?

5. Chime: Best Banking App

apps like moneylion - chime
Chime is the banking app that has your back. Keep your money safe with security features, overdraft up to $200 fee-free, and get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit, with no hidden fees.

Chime is one of the best checking accounts we've reviewed and allows you to overdraw up to $200 on debit card purchases without charging a fee with SpotMe®.

If you set up a Chime account with direct deposit through them — you can get early access to your paycheck, up to 2 days earlier than some of your co-workers*.

Plus, they don't charge any overdraft fees, no foreign transaction fees, no minimum balance fees, or no monthly fees at all.

Top that off with 60,000+ fee-free ATMs at stores you love, like Walgreens, CVS, and 7-Eleven1.

This is the best app to get up to $200 spotted to you at any time. It's that simple.

Get up to $200
Chime
5.0
  • Experience fee-free overdraft up to $200* when you set up direct deposit with SpotMe.
  • Let Chime spot you when you need that little extra cushion to cover an expense.
  • Join the millions and make the switch today!
SIGN UP FREE
*SpotMe eligibility requirements apply. Overdraft only applies to debit card purchases and cash withdrawals. Limits start at $20 and may be increased up to $200 by Chime.

Where to get it?

6. Albert: Best All-in-One App

apps like moneylion - albert

Albert can spot you up to $250 so you can make ends meet. No late fees, interest, credit check, or hidden hands in your pocket. As long as you have a paycheck and have repaid your past advances, you can request up to 3 cash advances per pay period.

Albert is a super app that offers:

  • Checking account with debit card: Offers banking with discounts and cash back on gas, food, delivery, groceries, and more.
  • Savings account: Set your schedule or let Albert analyze your spending and automatically move money into your savings account. (On average, they save people $400 in the first six months.)
  • Cash advances: Up to $250
  • Investing: Invest yourself or enable Robo investing
  • Budgeting: AI-driven auto save feature is a big differentiator and very effective
  • Genius: Text with a certified financial advisor anytime for a $6/month fee

There’s no catch. Albert is legit.

Get up to $250
Albert
  • Get spotted up to $250 instantly
  • Pay a small fee to get your money instantly or get cash within 2–3 days for free
  • Costs $14.99 per month after a 30 day free-trial
Read Review

Where to get it?

How are Cash Advance Apps Different

Cash advances are sums of money taken from your pending paycheck to help you offset expenses. The most important characteristic of cash advances is that it’s your own money you’re borrowing, you just haven’t received it yet as the bank is still clearing the deposit. They can also be funds you borrow against your credit limit, albeit with a price. 

Yes, cash advances do have caveats. If you initiate a cash advance through your credit card, you’ll pay higher APR fees than you would for traditional credit card balances. In addition, you may be subject to transaction fees and other charges along the way. The idea is that creditors are willing to lend you this type of emergency money, but not without paying the price. 

Cash advance apps, on the other hand, provide a similar (if not better) service without all the unnecessary fees and repayment term restrictions. You’ll still have access to your funds (whether via paycheck or credit card) early, but you’ll pay zero interest in most cases. While these repayment terms last only so long in most cases, they can really help you get a leg up when you need it most. 

In contrast to payday and personal loans, cash advance apps incorporate shorter repayment schedules into their fine print. In most cases, your repayment balance comes out of your direct deposit as soon as it hits your account. At the same time, some people may find this type of arrangement preferable to creditors who don’t care how much you rack up in expenditures. You’ll also receive your funds quickly, typically within 2-3 business days at most. 

Pros


Here are some of the best features of cash advance apps: 

  • Receive the money you rightfully earned quickly
  • Costs less in interest payments than payday loans
  • Won’t negatively affect your credit score
  • Zero-interest terms can help you pay back the advance without any interest 

Cons 


You should also consider the following if you’re contemplating using a cash advance app:

  • It’s not a good idea financially to spend what you don’t have. 
  • Misuse of cash advances can exponentially increase your debt. 
  • It’s still possible to overdraft your account, even with a cash advance. 

FAQs

Which apps give you cash instantly?

Apps like Klover, FloatMe, Albert, Cleo, Empower, and Dave provide members with an instant cash advance, albeit with a price. In some cases, you only have to wait 2-3 days to get your cash advance without having to pay an expedited fee. 

What are the best cash advance apps?

The best cash advance apps are those that suit your needs. Features of the best cash advances include zero-interest terms, higher advance limits, and plenty of financial tools to get back on track. 

Do I have to pay interest on cash advances? 

Cash advances typically require an interest payment. However, cash advance apps do not always have an associated interest rate, as many of them offer free interest for a specific amount of time. 

Are cash advances better than personal loans or payday loans? 

The best type of loan or advance for you will depend on your individual situation. However, you can expect lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms with a cash advance, whereas personal and payday loans are more restrictive in their approach. 

Apps Like MoneyLion Can Help

We hope you’ve found this article useful in finding out how you can take out a cash advance on an app without agreeing to high-interest rates and long repayment terms. That’s why many individuals choose to download and use cash advance apps like MoneyLion over payday and personal loans. 

The best cash advance apps, however, are those that ensure they’re simply one part of the financial journey their members are on. They often provide financial resources members can take advantage of to get back on track and provide a brighter financial future for themselves. How will you use your new knowledge of cash advance apps to achieve your financial goals?

About the author

Brian Meiggs
Hi, I'm Brian Meiggs! A personal finance expert, entrepreneur, and the founder of My Millennial Guide. My drive is to help others unlock the wealth of freedom and pave the path to financial success. With my bachelor's degree in finance, I help millennials follow the smart money in order to increase their earning potential and start building wealth for the future. I write regularly about side hustles, investing, and general personal finance topics aimed to help anyone earn more, pay off debt, and reach financial freedom. I have been quoted in major publications including Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, NASDAQ, Discover, GoDaddy, BiggerPockets, Fox News, Debt.com, Quick Sprout, Money Geek, MSN Money and many more!