5 Apps Like FloatMe for Short-Term Borrowing Needs

FloatMe is a cash advance app that can help you avoid overdraft fees. The app offers a “Float” or advance of up to $50, which may or may not be enough, depending on your situation. However, you can get the money whenever you need it without any credit checks or interest fees.

If you need to borrow larger amounts, many other apps like FloatMe are available. Read on for our top five recommendations, their features, and pros and cons.

5 Apps Like FloatMe

If you’re looking for apps like FloatMe that allow you to quickly borrow an advance without a credit check, consider our recommendations. We compared the top 12 most popular cash advance apps today based on advance limits, funding time, fees, and features to select our top five recommendations.

1. Chime

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

You can get an overdraft protection of up to $200 if you have direct deposit and are a Chime customer. Compared to FloatMe’s $50 borrowing limit, this is much higher. Chime also has a SpotMe feature, which allows you to overdraw your account without paying any fees when you use your debit card.

There’s no monthly membership fee for using the Chime cash advance app. However, if you want to use the SpotMe feature, you’ll need to have a consistent $200 (or more) in direct deposits sent to your Chime account every 34 days to be eligible.

Pros

• Up to $200 in overdraft protection
• No credit check required
• No mandatory monthly membership fees
• Instant transfers of cash advances
• Ability to extend your repayment date

Cons

• Only available for existing Chime users with direct deposit
• You’ll need at least $200 in direct deposits each month to use the SpotMe feature
• You may have to pay third-party fees like ATM charges
• Doesn’t offer typical cash advances, only overdraft protection

2. Albert

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

Like FloatMe, there are no credit checks of your credit report or FICO score with the Albert cash advance app. You can borrow advances of up to $250 without any monthly membership fees. While the overall borrowing limit is $250 per month, you can borrow up to three advances each pay period (as long as all three total less than $250).

If you’d like additional perks like cash back and ATM withdrawals, you can sign up for Genius, which is Albert’s paid membership program.

Pros

• Advances of up to $250 without credit checks
• Up to three advances per pay period
• Genius membership offers added perks like cash-back on debit card purchases and fee-free ATM withdrawals
• No monthly subscriptions or mandatory fees
• Early access to direct deposit funds

Cons

• Membership cost for Genius is quite expensive ($12.49 to $14.99 a month)
• You’ll need to verify your income to qualify for advances
• The free membership doesn’t offer many added perks

3. MoneyLion

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

The MoneyLion cash advance app offers a larger advance limit of up to $500 without any interest charges or monthly subscription fees. What sets MoneyLion apart from FloatMe is that it also has many added perks, such as a Credit Builder Program. You can borrow loans of up to $1,000 to help improve your credit score.

Pros

• Higher borrowing limits than many similar apps
• No mandatory fees or interest charges
• Offers credit-building loans and products

Cons

• Paid membership required for the Credit Builder Program
• Cash advances are disbursed only in $100 increments
• Larger advances are only available to those who qualify

4. EarnIn

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

Compared to FloatMe and all other alternatives we compared for this guide, the EarnIn cash advance app has the highest standard borrowing limit of all the rest. You can borrow up to $100 per day and $750 per pay period if you qualify for the Cash Out feature.

While there are no interest charges or membership fees, there’s an optional tip. One drawback of EarnIn is that you’ll need to have an income of at least $320/pay period to qualify for the Cash Out feature.

Pros

• Higher advance amounts of up to $750
• No interest charges
• No mandatory monthly fees, only optional tips

Cons

• Cash Out is not available to gig workers
• You’ll need an income of at least $320/pay period to qualify for Cash Out
• Not compatible with all banks

5. 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

Like FloatMe, the Dave cash advance app also requires a monthly membership to borrow advances. However, Dave’s membership is $1/month, while FloatMe members are required to pay $3.99/month.

Dave also offers other perks, such as budgeting tools, early paycheck access, and free rent reporting to credit bureaus.

Pros

• No minimum balance fees, ATM fees, or other fees
• Helpful perks like early access to pay and budgeting tools
• Early access to paycheck direct deposits
• Rent reporting to credit bureaus for free

Cons

• Monthly membership is required to use the app
• Higher instant processing fees
• You’ll need to provide information about income and spending patterns to qualify
• Card transfer fees of up to $13.99 may apply

Things To Consider When Comparing Apps Like FloatMe

When you’re dealing with unexpected expenses, mobile apps like FloatMe can be a lifesaver. However, with so many different options available, it’s important to compare them carefully to ensure your borrowing costs are not too high. Here are a few things to keep in mind when comparing cash advance apps.

Fees and Interest Rates

When compared to payday loans and title loans, apps like FloatMe are less expensive. However, you should be aware that there may be additional costs like monthly membership fees, late fees, ATM charges, and instant transfer fees.

Read the fine print carefully to ensure you’re aware of how you’ll pay in total. Choose an app that’s clear and upfront about the fees they charge.

Repayment Options

When you borrow an advance from an app like FloatMe, you’ll usually need to repay it when you get your next paycheck. Cash advance apps automatically withdraw the amount you owe from your bank account. If there’s not enough balance in your account, you may have to pay an overdraft fee to your bank.

Some lenders may have longer repayment terms or provide an option to extend the repayment date. Compare the repayment options offered by different apps before you choose one.

User Reviews and Ratings

It’s also important to carefully read the customer reviews of each app. This is the best way to learn more about the experience of other users. You’ll be able to find reviews on Android and iOS app stores as well as independent review sites like Trustpilot.

Check the company’s website to see what customer service options they offer and if it’s easy to contact them in case of questions and issues.

Compare Costs Before You Borrow From Apps Like FloatMe

Apps like FloatMe can provide you with a temporary boost when you’re short on money before your next paycheck. However, they’re only meant to be used in the short term. Using them too frequently can lead to debt, so it’s best to only borrow what you can easily repay.

It’s also important to know that other borrowing options are available, depending on your needs, such as personal loans and short-term loans with higher loan amounts. If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with your expenses or need help taming your spending habits, we recommend seeking credit counseling for money management and personal finance education.