Cash Advance Apps vs Payday Loans
Apps like Dave, Earnin, MoneyLion, Brigit, and Cleo are dramatically cheaper for small short-term needs.
| Cash Advance App | Payday Loan | |
|---|---|---|
| Max advance | $25 – $500 | $100 – $1,000 |
| Cost | $0 – $5 subscription + optional tip | $15 per $100 |
| Credit check | None | None |
| Funding speed | Instant – next day | Same day |
| Cost of $200 for 2 weeks | $0 – $8 | $30 |
Best apps in 2026
- Dave — up to $500, $1/mo subscription
- Earnin — up to $750, tip-based
- MoneyLion — up to $500, free with Roar
- Brigit — up to $250, $9.99/mo