5 Apps Like Brigit for Instant Cash Advances

Brigit is a personal finance app that allows users to borrow cash advances of up to $250 without credit checks, late fees, or interest charges. It also offers services that help you build your credit history. However, only Plus members paying $9.99/month can access these services.

Many other cash advance apps, like Brigit, offer lower or no membership fees. In this guide, we’ll explore the best cash advance apps that are good alternatives.  

5 Apps Like Brigit

While Brigit offers several great features like no-interest cash advances, expense tracking, and credit builder products, it does have some drawbacks, such as high membership costs and a maximum borrowing limit of $250.

We compared the top 12 apps currently offering cash advances based on features like advance limits, repayment flexibility, processing time, and fees to select the top five apps like Brigit.

1. Dave

• Advance Limit: $500
• Monthly Fee: $1/month
• Processing Time: 2-3 business days. Instant processing for an extra fee of $0.99-$3.99
• Repayment: Next payday

Dave is one of the best cash advance apps currently available because of its higher credit limit of $500 and its low monthly fee of $1. While you’ll have to pay a fee to receive the money in your checking account immediately, there are other benefits available to Dave Cash Advance app members, such as early pay and access to a debit card.

Pros

• Flexible borrowing limits of $25 to $500
• No interest fee or late fees
• Very low monthly membership fee
• No credit check required

Cons

• You may have to provide personal information, such as income history, and take some time to establish your spending patterns to qualify for the higher borrowing limits
• Higher instant cash advance processing fees compared to other providers
• Card transfer fees of up to $13.99 may apply

2. MoneyLion

• Advance Limit: $500
• Monthly Fee: N/A
• Processing Time: 1-2 business days. Instant processing for an extra fee of $0.49-$8.99
• Repayment: Next payday

MoneyLion InstaCash app offers larger advances of up to $500 without mandatory fees ($1,000 for customers paying a monthly membership fee). However, if you want to use its budgeting and credit-building features, there’s a monthly fee of $19.99.

Processing time depends on whether you’re an existing member, and express fees can be quite high depending on which bank you’re transferring funds to.

Pros

• No mandatory fees for cash advances
• Larger cash advance amounts compared to other apps and service providers
• Ability to extend repayment date

Cons

• Express fees can be quite high
• Cash advances are disbursed only in $100 increments
• High monthly fee for credit building and budgeting tools   

3. EarnIn

• Advance Limit: $750
• Monthly Fee: Optional tip
• Processing Time: 1-2 business days. Instant processing with the Lightning feature
• Repayment: Next payday

EarnIn cash advance app has high customer ratings due to its lack of mandatory fees and its higher borrowing amounts. If you have a consistent source of income, you can verify your employment to get access to $100/day and up to $750/ pay period.

EarnIn also doesn’t charge any overdraft fees and relies on optional tips instead, which is a major benefit for app users.

Pros

• Higher borrowing limit of $100/day and $750/ pay period
• No overdraft fees
• No mandatory monthly fees

Cons

• Requires your banking details
• You’ll need to verify your employment and income
• Not compatible with all banks where you might hold your account

4. Albert

• Advance Limit: $250
• Monthly Fee: N/A
• Processing Time: 2-3 business days. Instant processing with an extra fee
• Repayment: Next payday

The Albert cash advance app offers advances of up to $250. You’ll need to have a steady source of income to qualify. While there are no mandatory membership fees or late fees, you’ll need to pay $96/year for the “Genius” membership, which offers the additional features that make this provider a standout in many areas.

Pros

• Free advances of up to $250
• Their Mastercard World debit card pays cash back on gas, groceries, food delivery, and ride-sharing purchases
• No mandatory fees
• Perks like fee-free ATM withdrawals and early payday, with an Albert Genius membership

Cons

• Membership cost to get their premium tools and features is quite steep ($12.49 to $14.99 a month)
• Eligibility depends on income verification
• Most financial services and features require a paid monthly membership

5. Chime

• Advance Limit: $200
• Monthly Fee: No fee
• Processing Time: Immediately
• Repayment: Next payday, 14-day extension available

Chime, like a few other apps like Brigit, allows you to get access to your paycheck up to two days early. You can also borrow up to $200 without any fees or credit checks. However, you’ll need to have a Chime account to access advances.

Chime also has a credit builder program, which is a good option for those who have no credit history.

Pros

• No monthly fees
• Instant transfer
• 0% APR credit builder program
• No credit score check
• Early access to your paycheck

Cons

• Services like fee-free overdrafts are not available for all customers
• Third-party fees like ATM charges may apply when accessing cash
• Spending limits on some purchases and withdrawals

Things To Consider When Comparing Apps Like Brigit

While there are several apps like Brigit if you want quick access to cash before your payday, it's important to compare your options to ensure they’re suitable for your financial needs. Here are a few factors to consider when comparing cash advance apps.

Fees and Interest Rates

Not all apps like Brigit work the same way. The fee structure varies widely between apps, as we’ve listed above. Some apps allow you to borrow money interest-free and have no late fees or mandatory membership fees. Instead, some app users can pay an optional tip.

In many cases, there may be other fees you’ll have to pay, such as an express fee if you need cash immediately, ATM charges, or a fee for transferring funds to certain bank accounts. Read the fine print carefully so you’re fully aware of all these hidden fees before you use an app like this.

Repayment Options

When you borrow money from apps like Brigit, you’ll usually have to repay it when you receive your next paycheck, such as payday loans. The amount will usually be deducted from your account automatically when you get your next paycheck.

Ensure you have enough funds in your account on the repayment date to avoid overdraft fees. Some lenders may offer the option of extending your repayment term, but check to see how much it will cost.

User Reviews and Ratings

When comparing apps like Brigit, be sure to check the reviews and ratings on mobile app stores as well as independent review websites. This will provide you with more information about their customer service and the first-hand experience of users who have actually used the app. If you know someone who has used cash advance apps in the past, ask for recommendations.

Use Apps Like Brigit for Emergencies

While apps like Brigit can be a lifeline when unexpected expenses arise, they’re only meant for emergencies. Low or no monthly subscription fees or interest charges and easy access to money can make users reliant on these apps, which can lead to a debt trap.

These loan apps are only for borrowing small amounts. If you need to borrow a larger amount, you’ll need to explore other short-term loans or other conventional personal lending options.

If you’re facing debt or financial difficulties due to your spending habits, there may be other alternatives available. Speak to a credit counselor to discuss your financial situation and come up with a long-term solution.