5 Apps Like SoLo Funds for Short-Term Borrowing Needs

SoLo Funds is a financial technology company that offers peer-to-peer cash advances through its marketplace. You can request an advance, and the lenders will choose whether to fund it. What sets apart SoLo Funds from other cash advance apps is that you have the flexibility to choose an advance amount and repayment date.

Keep in mind that funding can take up to three days or longer, and only 55% to 60% of requested advances are accepted. If you need an alternative, read on for our top recommendations for apps like SoLo Funds.

5 Apps Like SoLo Funds

If you’re looking for SoLo Funds alternatives that offer cash advances with no or low fees, consider our list of the five best cash advance apps.

“When you find yourself in need of these services, read about the additional fees (if any), and check their reviews to help you decide the right one to use,” shares Teresa Dodson, debt expert and founder of Greenbacks Consulting.

We compared the 12 most popular apps today based on a number of factors, such as funding time, advance limits, features, and fees, to select our top recommendations.   

1. Chime

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

If you’re already a Chime customer and have direct deposit, this can be a good alternative to get overdraft protection of up to $200, which is lower than SoLo’s limit of $575. With the SpotMe feature, you can overdraw your checking account when you purchase with your debit card without paying overdraft fees.

There are no membership fees, but you’ll need to have at least $200 in direct deposits in the last 34 days to qualify for the SpotMe feature.

Pros

• Up to $200 in overdraft protection
• No monthly membership fees
• Ability to extend your repayment date

Cons

• Only available for existing users with direct deposit
• 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

The Albert cash advance app offers advances of up to $250 without mandatory membership, fees, or credit score checks, like SoLo Funds. You can also borrow three advances each pay period as long as you don’t exceed the $250 limit.

The paid membership program, Genius, offers other perks like ATM withdrawals and cash-back. You can also get early access to your direct deposit funds.

Pros

• Advances of up to $250 without credit checks
• No mandatory subscriptions or fees
• Early access to direct deposit funds

Cons

• Membership cost is quite steep
• Income verification is required for qualification
• Most features require paid membership

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

If you’re looking for higher borrowing limits, the MoneyLion cash advance app is a good choice. You can borrow up to $500 without a monthly fee or interest charges. MoneyLion also offers other perks, such as credit-building loans of $1,000 through its paid Credit Builder Program. SoLo Funds doesn’t offer these added perks.

Pros

• Higher advance limits
• No mandatory fees or interest charges
• Offers credit-building products

Cons

• Membership fees are quite high for the Credit Builder Program
• 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

Like SoLo Funds, the EarnIn cash advance app has a higher borrowing limit. You can borrow up to $100/day and $750/ pay period with the Cash Out feature if you qualify. There are no membership fees or interest charges but an optional tip structure.

However, it may be difficult to qualify for Cash Out since it’s only available to those with an employment income of at least $320 per pay period.

Pros

• Borrow up to $750
• No interest charges
• No mandatory monthly fees

Cons

• Cash Out is only available to those with an employment income
• You’ll need to verify your income
• 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

While you can only borrow advances through the Dave cash advance app if you sign up for membership, the cost is quite low at $1/month. There are no other fees.

Other perks include early paycheck access and rent reporting to credit bureaus for free if you’re trying to build credit.

Pros

• No minimum balance fees, overdraft  fees, or ATM fees
• Early access to pay, budgeting tools, and other features
• Rent reporting to credit bureaus for free

Cons

• Cash advances only available to those with monthly membership
• Higher instant processing fees
• Information about income and spending patterns required to qualify

Things To Consider When Comparing Apps Like SoLo Funds

While apps like FloatMe, Cleo, or SoLo Funds can be a lifesaver when you’re dealing with unexpected expenses, it's important to compare your options carefully to ensure you’re not paying any more than you need to. Here are a few things to consider when comparing your options.

Fees and Interest Rates

While apps like SoLo Funds cost less than payday loans, they’re not completely free. These financial services apps may charge a variety of fees to offer you their services, such as a monthly subscription fee, express fee, ATM charges, and late fees.

Carefully compare the total fees you’ll pay for every $100 you borrow before you choose an app to use. The best apps are transparent about their fees.

Repayment Options

With most cash advance apps like SoLo Funds, the repayment date is when you receive your next paycheck. The app will automatically withdraw the amount from your account so its important to ensure you have enough balance to avoid an overdraft fee.

Some lenders offer more flexibility than others when it comes to the repayment terms. You may have the option to extend the repayment date, so it's best to check if the app you want to use has this facility.

User Reviews and Ratings

Read what other users have to say about the app’s features, fees, and customer service by reading reviews on Trustpilot, iOS and Android app stores. Make sure the company’s customer service department is easy to reach in case of any concerns or questions.

If your friends or family members have used a cash advance app in the past, ask about their experience and recommendations.

Be Mindful of Your Needs When Using Apps Like SoLo Funds

Apps like SoLo Funds can give you quick cash without any hassle when you need it the most. However, frequently relying on these apps can cost you in the long term. Be mindful of your financial needs and only borrow what you can repay easily.

Before you borrow money, check to see if there are other borrowing options that are more suitable for your needs, such as personal loans for higher loan amounts or other types of short-term loans. Cash advance apps are only a temporary solution to your money problems. You may want to speak to a credit counselor about personal finance and budgeting education.