With the rise of modern technology, there’s no longer a need to stress about getting your paycheck when you need it.
These apps to get paid early are a lifesaver for individuals who need a financial boost before their paycheck arrives and need money fast.
The best apps offer users an advance on their upcoming wages, allowing them to cover unexpected expenses without resorting to loans or credit cards.
Keep reading to learn about how these apps work, the benefits to users, and some of the top choices available for getting paid early.
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Quick Picks
With the right app and checking account set up, you can get a cash advance when needed.
Here are my tops picks for apps that offer direct deposits on your paychecks that can get deposited earlier than most banks:
- Best Overall For Online Banking – Empower
- Quickest Direct Deposit – Chime
- Get Paid Same Day – Cash App
9 Best Apps To Get Paid Early
1. Empower
Empower is a versatile app that provides early access to your paycheck, enabling you to manage your money more effectively.
I’ve been using Empower to budget and track my money for a long time- back when it started as Personal Capital!
When you need money fast, Empower can get you up to $250 quickly to deal with bills and unexpected emergencies.
You have to qualify for a cash advance, but once approved, they deposit the money into your account for immediate use.
Check out my in-depth Empower Review to learn more about budgeting with the app and getting cash advances when needed.
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2. Chime
Chime is a popular banking app that allows you to receive your paycheck up to 2 days early through direct deposit.
This app links with your Chime checking account to get your cash advances quickly while avoiding overdraft fees.
I’ve used Chime mostly for my high-yield savings account, which is great, earning 2% APY, but it was a welcome surprise to learn they could help with advanced paychecks too.
They have a great reputation for their financial services, like credit builder accounts, savings, and fee-free ATMs.
Check out my in-depth Chime Review to see what services they offer!
A bank account should not cost you money. Chime has your back with no monthly fees so you can build credit and more.
3. Cash App
Cash App enables you to get your paycheck early with direct deposit, sometimes even a few days ahead of schedule.
Its user-friendly interface provides a quick and simple way to access your money earlier with cash advances.
Cash App even has a database full of employers/companies, so you can search and select your boss quickly to get direct deposit set up in minutes.
However, Cash App is not a bank, and you’ll want to be sure your employer is okay with setting up direct deposits to the app.
Do more with your money! Download Cash App Scan to download Cash App send and spend, bank, and buy stocks or bitcoin.
4. Earnin
Earnin is an app that allows you to get paid for the hours you’ve worked without waiting for your pay period to end.
Simply link your bank account, and you can request up to $100 per day from your paycheck.
That limit increases for some users who use the app consistently- they can request up to $500 of their paycheck in a pay period!
It’s important to tell you I found out in my research that some remote workers couldn’t use the app for advanced paychecks.
The app logs your hours/location to make sure you go to work, basically using a digital timesheet to make sure you will get a paycheck and pay them back.
5. Capital One
Capital One provides early direct deposit services, allowing you to access your paycheck up to two days before your scheduled payday.
You can open a 360 Checking Account to quickly access your money, where you can set up direct deposit for payroll.
Your 360 Checking Account offers 24/7 banking with no fees, plus you get access to over 70K ATMs when you need money on the go.
I’ve used Capital One Shopping to look for coupons and savings when shopping online for years, but Capital One is a great brand to work with for banking services.
6. Brigit
Brigit is a well-designed app that helps you get your paycheck early and manage your finances effectively.
With its cash advance feature, you can borrow $50 – $250 instantly to cover unexpected expenses or bills.
However, it’s a paid service for online banking- the membership is $9.99 per month, which includes the Instant Cash option plus budgeting and credit improvement programs.
I think this app is worth the cost because you can track your credit score, look for side hustles and job opportunities, plus get quick access to money funds.
7. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is a regular old bank account that you’ve probably heard about in TV commercials, but it can be helpful with its Early Pay Day option.
It offers an early direct deposit for your payroll so you can receive your paycheck up to 2 days before your regular payday.
It’s not even something you have to sign up for it’s naturally just part of your bank account info when you create your new Wells Fargo account.
Their mobile app makes it easy to track your money on the go and get access to your savings and credit cards whenever your need to.
8. MoneyLion
MoneyLion is a financial app offering early access to your paycheck, as well as various budgeting and investment tools.
By utilizing its Instacash feature, you can access up to $250 ahead of your payday.
You simply link a checking account with them or open a RoarMoney account and select direct deposit with it.
You’ll need to be a member for 2 months before requesting an early paycheck, but it demonstrates that you get paid and can pay back the advanced cash.
9. Dave
Dave is a mobile banking app that helps you avoid overdraft fees by offering paycheck advances.
Instead of using traditional banks, you can open a Dave Spending Account and set up for direct deposit with ExtraCash to get your paycheck faster.
You can receive up to $100 early, and it also provides useful budgeting tools and expense-tracking features to improve your financial management.
It costs $1 per month, but it’s not an expensive membership and has much to offer to help you manage your money and get it early.
Interest & Fees Of Get Paid Early Apps
In the end, you have to pay back the money you borrow from these apps, and while there’s no interest or fees typically, you won’t be able to borrow more money until you’ve paid them back in full.
When evaluating get-paid early apps, make sure to take into account the following:
- Interest rates or interest-like fees
- Overdraft protection and related fees
- Membership or subscription fees
Many get paid early apps say they have no fees and no overdraft fees. This can be appealing, as it may save you money compared to traditional banks.
However, some apps may charge a membership or subscription fee to access their services. Like Dave, which is $1 per month for membership.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Advanced paycheck apps give you access to your earned money before your scheduled payday
- Diminish the need for high-interest borrowing
- Early access to funds can also be beneficial during emergencies or unforeseen expenses
- Many apps offer overdraft protection
- Apps partner with employers to make these services available to employees
- User-friendly mobile and online interfaces, as well as helpful notifications to keep you informed
- Some apps offer additional benefits besides a checking account- credit-building, high-yield savings accounts, banking services, additional lending options, etc.
Cons
- Apps come with terms and conditions, which may include fees and transaction limits
- Some advanced paychecks depend on your work schedule or credit history
- Advanced cash sometimes encourages excessive spending or impulse purchases
- Using advanced paycheck apps as a long-term solution can lead to financial problems- you should still aim to get a savings account and build an emergency fund
FAQs
How can I get my paycheck early?
Apps like Empower and Chime provide you with a small cash advance before your payday arrives so you can have your paycheck early.
To use these apps, you usually need to link your bank account, set up direct deposit through your employer, and have a reliable source of income.
Some apps might require you to connect a debit card to receive funds or track your work hours to make sure you can pay them back.
Read the hows and whys to know what money limits you have and how you’ll pay them back.
What is direct deposit? How does it work?
Direct deposit is a method of electronic fund transfer that allows your employer to deposit your salary directly into your bank account rather than giving you a physical check.
With direct deposit, your paycheck is accessible as soon as it’s deposited, and your bank checks the money and releases the funds to you.
Using apps that pay early will make that process go faster, making it happen even 2 days earlier than normal.
What apps will help me get my paycheck early?
Numerous apps offer early paycheck access and cash advance services. Here are a few popular ones:
- Empower: Empower is a great service to help you manage and budget your money, plus get your paycheck a few days early.
- Chime: Chime is an online banking service that provides early direct deposits, helping you receive your paycheck up to 2 days earlier- plus, they offer a great savings account!
- Earnin: Earnin allows you to get a portion of your wages before payday. There’s no need for a traditional pay cycle wait.
- Dave: Dave offers small advances on your upcoming paycheck to help you make ends meet before payday arrives.
What happens if I don’t pay a cash advance back?
Some apps automatically deduct the amount due from your linked account on your next payday, so read the terms and conditions to see what your preferred app does.
But if it doesn’t automatically take what you owe out of your paycheck, you may need to set up repayment yourself.
If you fail to repay a cash advance, you might face late fees, account closures, or loss of access to certain services the app provides.
Most cash advances don’t have interest fees, which is why I picked these, but you won’t be able to get any more advanced funds until you pay back what you borrowed.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of apps to get paid early can be a lifesaver when you need cash advances.
These apps allow you to access your paycheck before your regular payday, ensuring that you can cover bills, buy groceries, and more when you need to.
Getting a cash advance boosts your financial flexibility and can help you avoid payday loan traps when you need money now.
Direct deposits can get you your paycheck fast, and Empower is my top pick to get your money in your wallet faster. Plus, it helps you manage your money and budget your funds wisely!
So, as you explore the world of apps that allow you to get paid early, remember to make smart choices and use these tools responsibly.
Get clarity on your money, with tech you can trust. See all your accounts in one place, including your investments. And go deeper with our planning and analytics tools.
