Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it’s just a few days before payday, but unexpected expenses arise? According to a study, more than 70% of the USA. Adults have confessed to experiencing money shortages before they receive their pay, which can disrupt cash flow. So, what can we do to handle such situations? The answer is to use cash advance apps like MoneyLion.

Instant cash advance apps like MoneLion serve as financial aid during crises. These apps are gaining popularity, especially in the USA. Whether you need cash urgently to pay for gas, food, or any other essential, apps like MoneyLion can help.

There are currently dozens, if not hundreds, of cash advance apps like MoneyLion available in the market. Many of these apps operate well and are doing a good business. For those interested in alternatives to MoneyLion, there are plenty of similar options available that can fill the same role. With so many cash advance apps flooding the app store, it can be challenging to test each one and trust their credentials.

Don’t worry, we’re here to assist you. In this article, we’ll explore the best cash advance apps like MoneyLion and help you choose the best one.

What are Instant Cash Advance Apps?

What are Instant Cash Advance Apps?

Instant cash advance apps are like short-term loan providers, just a tap away, providing users access to a predefined, limited amount of money. This helps them cover temporary gaps in their income. 

Apps like MoneyLion offer short-term loans, repayment on the next payday, early access to a paycheck, and more.  A cash advance app permits users to borrow a small sum of money easily and quickly until their next paycheck.

Overview of MoneyLion Instant Cash App

MoneyLion instant cash app, one of the free instant cash advance apps, is a financial mobile application that offers users seamless access to small, short-term loans. It’s crafted to help users cover unexpected expenses. 

Key Features

  • Flexible Loan Amount
  • Quick and Easy Access to Funds
  • No Credit Check
  • Additional Financial Tools

Users leverage the MoneyLion instant cash app to beat financial emergencies. However, it’s essential to understand the associated fees and use them responsibly.

Market Statistics for Cash-Advanced Apps Like MoneyLion

The worldwide market for cash advance apps is witnessing an unexpected increase. Want to understand what is driving this growth? Let’s take a look at some key statistics to uncover the factors behind this explosive rise.

  • The market for cash advance services is predicted to experience significant growth in the coming years. It is expected to reach $131.5 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 9.6%.
  • More than 33% of people in the USA admit to having used one of the instant cash advance apps like MoneyLion.
  • Big companies in the cash advance market are working on creating new technologies, like point-of-sale (POS) cash advances, to provide better experiences for users.
  • 72% of those who used new cash advance apps did so to cover emergency expenses.

How Does A Cash Advance App like MoneyLion Work?

How Does A Cash Advance App like MoneyLion Work?

The advanced cash app works by providing a small loan amount. Let’s talk about the work in detail sequentially: 

  • Download the app and fill in every detail needed for a quick approval process. 

For example, in MoneyLion, the users’ income deposits and account activity are checked.

  • On approval, the users request an amount in advance. 

For example, MoneyLion usually deposits the money into the users’ linked bank account with a repayment date for the next payday. 

  • The advance repayment (given) is made by automatically drawing the amount plus the applicable fees from the linked account on the set due date. Or a manual repayment can be made beforehand using the app. 

This is the general workings of a cash advance app, and you can decide how your app would work by incorporating distinctive features and functionalities.  

Top Instant Cash Advance Apps In The Market’

Top Instant Cash Advance Apps In The Market'

What are good cash advance apps? What apps give instant cash advances? 

I want to let you know there are a plethora of MoneyLion alternatives available in the market that offer instant cash advances. 

1. Dave – Banking & Cash Advance

Downloads: 10 M+

One of the best cash advance apps, Dave, allows users to borrow money after opening an account with them. They offer instant advance cash up to $200 without any extra fees. An instant cash advance like Dave is usually opted for as it is well-recognized as a good advance loan app. This app is generally opted for because it offers instant cash advances with no subscription charges. 
Also Read: How To Develop an App Like Dave?

Top Features

  • $500+ amount in five minutes or less.
  • No hidden fees
  • Up to 2 days early payment
  • Personalized savings
Pros Cons
No fee is charged for standard advances Allow limited advance amounts 
Easy-to-use interface It may need to link a bank account
Budgeting and credit score monitoring Potential fees for expedited advances

2. Brigit: Borrow & Build Credit

Downloads: 5 M+

Using one of the best cash advance apps that work, you can buy credit, track your spending, and save money when you connect with 4+ million users. Apps like Brigit let users apply for a 24-month loan and offer a credit builder service.

Read Full Blog: Apps Like Brigit

Top Features

  • Build credit and save money.
  • Get cash fast
  • Protect your money
  • Budget smarter
  • Instant loan offers
Pros Cons
Permit budgeting and financial coaching A monthly subscription fee is charged
Automatic advances Limited to members with good financial habits
Up to $250 advance It may demand linking a bank account

3. EarnIn: Make Every Day Payday

EarnIn provides users access to about $100 of their earned wages every day before payday. They don’t have to pay an extra amount, interest, or hidden costs. These pay advance apps, like MoneyLion, offer round-the-clock support.
Also Read: Apps Like Earnin

Top Features

  • Speedy access to the amount
  • About $750 per pay period
  • Free credit score tracking
  • 24/7 support
Pros Cons
Up to $750 per pay period It may need to link a bank account
Allow early access to earned wages Optional tips can raise fees
No credit check Limited to employees of participating companies

4. MoneyLion: Bank & Earn Rewards

Downloads: 5 M+

For better money decisions, you can go for an app for cash advances like MoneyLion. It’s one of the top loan apps like Dave that permits access to personal financial resources, mobile banking, cashback rewards, and fast cash advances for extra money whenever needed. 

Top Features

  • Quick money advance access
  • Rewards and cashback
  • Credit builder loan
  • Cashback on daily spending and significant financial decisions
Pros Cons
Instant cash advances The monthly subscription fee for a few features
Credit score monitoring Limited to users with good financial habits
Budgeting and investing tools It may demand linking a bank account

5. Klover – Instant Cash Advance

Downloads: 1 M+

One of the top cash advance apps that loan you money same day, Klover, provides varied financial tools and services. A standard cash advance of up to $100 can be offered to users with a same-day option for an express fee. Apps like Klover are some of the best money borrowing apps that work. 

Top Features

  • Easy points scoring
  • Daily money win
  • Zero late fee
  • Up to $100 daily
Pros Cons
Permit budgeting and credit score monitoring It may mandate linking a bank account
No fee for standard advances Little advance amounts
Easy-to-use interface Possibility for fees for expedited advances

6. Branch – Digital Bank & Loans

Downloads: 10 M+

What other apps like Earnin can help you with a quick, small cash advance? The Branch is one of the best loan advance apps. Now, you can transfer and save money in the branch wallet and instantly pay your bills. Personal loans range between Ksh 500 and Ksh 300,000. It is one of the widely downloaded, newest cash advance apps without subscription plans that demand no fee for standard advances. 

Top Features

  • No paperwork or office visits are needed.
  • Easy access 24/7
  • easy and quick sign-up
  • Lower fees 
  • Flexible payment option, as per your reply
  • Use your money as you wish
Pros Cons
No credit check It may require linking a bank account
Early access to earned wages Optional tips may increase fees
Budgeting and credit building Restricted to employees of participating companies

7. Affirm

Downloads: 10 M+

More leading apps like the Earnin app, with the buy now, pay later option Affirm, allow users to buy goods without worrying about hidden costs, late fees, and fines. 

Top Features

  • Pay overtime at any store.
  • Provide access to exclusive costs and discounts 
  • Manage accounts easily and make payments
  • Open an account with no fees or minimums
Pros Cons
Buy now, pay later options IVaried range of interest rates
Flexible repayment terms Restricted to participating retailers
Up to $1,000 advance May demand a credit check

8. AfterPay – Buy Now, Pay Later

It is one of the new apps like MoneyLion that’s gaining traction these days. As its name indicates, AfterPay permits users to buy anything and pay for it later. With its shopping app, users can browse the stores, products, brands, gift cards, and discounts across various items. 
Also Read: How to Develop an App like Afterpay?

Top Features

  • Exclusive shopping
  • Sale and price drop alert
  • Allow increasing the spending limit
  • 24/7 customer support
Pros Cons
Up to $1,000 advance Late fees and extra charges may apply
No interest if the total amount is paid within four installments Limited to participating retailers
Easy-to-use interface May need a credit check

9. Cleo: Budget & Cash Advance

Downloads: 10L+

AI money coach Cleo assists users in saving, budgeting, getting a cash advance, or building credit in low-balance moments. An app like Cleo that loans money is where AI meets money. It converts stressful money life into an easy chat where you can learn about your finances and ask questions. Cash Advance, like Cleo, is one of the top apps for getting instant cash. Top 5 cash advance apps like Cleo that work with Chime offer varied benefits, like budgeting, debt management, and help in attaining savings goals.

Top Features

  • Offers a limitless budget
  • Smooth approvals
  • Lower interest rates
  • Higher credit limits
  • Credit builder card
Pros Cons
Allow budgeting and financial coaching Monthly subscription fee
Instant cash advances Little advance amounts
Easy-to-use interface May need to link a bank account

10. Payactiv

Downloads: 500k+

What apps give you money instantly? If you are looking for apps that provide front money, you can go for one of the best cash advance apps 2024. Users are paid as they earn through employer participation. They get their wages from the hours they have worked directly into their bank account or the Payactiv card. 

Top Features

  • Faster access to money
  • Easy, instant, and free mobile payments
  • Insights on what’s possible to save. 
  • Banking without any hidden charges
Pros Cons
Early access to earned wages Optional tips can raise fees
Up to a $500 advance Fixed to the employees of participating companies
No credit check May mandate linking a bank account

11. Avant Credit

With this cash advance app, you can manage your credit or loan from anywhere. One of the top lenders, like a possible finance app, Avant, eases users’ loan management. With this app, you can borrow better as it’s a leading online lending platform that offers access to credit through a fast and straightforward experience. 

Top Features

  • Better loan management
  • Fast loan or card application through a website
  • Simple payments management
  • Alerts for account status
Pros Cons
Up to $3,500 advance Interest rates vary
No prepayment penalty Restricted to approved applicants
Flexible repayment terms It may need a credit check

12. Ingo Money App – Cash Checks

Downloads: 1 M+

Ingo Money app is the top instant paycheck advance app that lets you borrow money instantly. This app even offers personal checks, business checks, cash paychecks, and almost every type of check, anywhere, anytime. Only a few minutes are required; apps for instant money offer users money in their bank accounts, PayPal accounts, and prepaid cards.

Top Features

  • Only approved money is funded.
  • Approval review generally takes 3 to 5 minutes and, in rare cases, up to an hour. 
  • Guaranteed money
  • No check-cashing lines
  • No take-backs
  • No deposit holds
Pros Cons
Peer-to-peer payments Limited advance amounts
Up to $100 advance It may require linking a bank account
Easy-to-use interface Potential for fees

13. Possible: Fast Cash & Credit

Downloads: 1 M+

Have you ever been to the best online places like possible finance? The Possible, one of the top 15 cash advance apps 2024, like MoneyLion, allows users to get cash faster with no late fees. It’s challenging to find apps that offer easy loans like Possible. Even with bad or no credit history, the users can get up to $500 in minutes. Existing Possible Card users can manage their cards using this app. Apps like Possible Finance are good cash advance apps.

Top Features

  • Faster and convenient payment options
  • No late fees or any penalty fees are charged.
  • Allow payment to be rescheduled up to 29 days without impacting your credit score. 
Pros Cons
Early access to earned wages Optional tips can boost fees
No credit check It may mandate linking a bank account
Up to $250 advance Determined to the employees of participating companies

14. Axos All-In-One Mobile Banking

Downloads: 100k+

Do you need a money now app? Axos believes Your Money, Your Way is accurate. It delivers innovative personal and business finance faster. You can plan on your terms. Whatever you need, borrow, bank, or invest. You can even move and access your money with ACH direct deposits, transfers, and deposits. This is one of the top-rated cash advance apps that spot you money without a direct deposit.

Top Features

  • Track savings
  • Manage accounts
  • Pay bills 
  • Monitor credit score
  • Early direct deposit
  • One-time and recurring bill pay
  • Wire transfers
Pros Cons
Up to a $500 advance May demand linking a bank account
Allow checking and savings accounts Restricted to approved applicants
No fee for standard advances Possibility of fees for expedited advances

15. Empower: Advance & Credit

Downloads: 10L+

Your search for what apps let you borrow money until payday ends here. Being a financial tech brand for users, Empower provides a 14-day trial if you are a first-time customer. After the trial ends, this app charges an auto-recurring fee of $8 monthly. The user can cancel the subscription anytime before the end of the trial. The apps that give you money right away are ruling the market, as people usually look for apps that lend you cash till payday. 

Top Features

  • Get a cash advance instantly.
  • Boost limit to $1,000
  • No security deposit or credit score required to qualify
  • Get eligible for an increased credit limit on successful payment of at least a minimum amount by the payday. 
Pros Cons
Budgeting and financial coaching Charges a monthly subscription fee
Easy-to-use interface It may require linking a bank account
Up to $250 advance Limited advance amounts

These are the top 15 legit cash advance apps like MoneyLion that you can opt for to meet your instant cash advance needs. 

Top 15 Cash Advance Apps

A quick review of the apps like MoneyLion, from which you can borrow money. 

App Name Number of Downloads (Approximate) Fees Other Features
Dave 10 million+ No fee for standard advances, optional tips Budgeting, credit score monitoring
Brigit 5 million+ Monthly subscription fee Budgeting, financial coaching
EarnIn 15 million+ Optional tips Early access to earned wages
MoneyLion 5 million+ No fee for standard advances, optional tips Investing, budgeting
Klover 1 million+ No fee for standard advances, optional tips Budgeting, credit score monitoring
Branch 10 million+ No fee for standard advances, optional tips Budgeting, credit building
Affirm 10 million+ Interest rates vary Buy now, pay later options
AfterPay 10 million+ No interest if paid in full within 4 installments Buy now, pay later options
Cleo 5 million+ Monthly subscription fee Budgeting, financial coaching
Payactiv 1 million+ Optional tips Early access to earned wages
Avant Credit 1 million+ Interest rates vary Personal loans
Ingo Money App 1 million+ No fee for standard advances, optional tips Peer-to-peer payments
Possible 1 million+ Optional tips Early access to earned wages
Axos All-In-One Mobile Banking 1 million+ No fee for standard advances, optional tips Checking and savings accounts
Empower 1 million+ Monthly subscription fee Budgeting, financial coaching

Top Features of a Cash Advance App Like MoneyLion

To create the best advanced cash app, you must include the features below that can make it worthwhile. 

Feature Description
Cash Advances Allow users to borrow a small amount (usually up to $500) until their next payday.
Automatic Repayment Provide an alternative to set up automatic repayment from the user’s linked bank account on the due date.
Secure Transfers Seamlessly integrates with secure payment gateways for quick or instant deposits to users’ bank accounts.
Fast and Easy Approval Easy loan application process with quick decisions.
User-Friendly Interface Intuitive and straightforward design for a smooth and easy navigation experience.
Overdraft Protection  The app can protect against overdraft fees on their linked account.
Financial Tools  It may include spending trackers, budgeting tools, or financial education resources.
Reward Programs  The app may offer cashback rewards for app usage or debit cards for purchases.
Credit Building Tools  It may provide top features to help enhance credit scores, like credit score monitoring or secured credit card options.

A cash advance app may include only some of the features mentioned above, but ensure that it incorporates essential ones to make your app worth downloading.

Advanced Features To Consider For Cash Advanced App Development

After you find your app thriving in the market, you need to realize that this is the time to append advanced features to your cash advance app. It will meet the unique requirements they expect from money borrowing apps and will make your app stay competitive.

We have curated a table of possible advanced features of instant pay apps. 

Feature Description
AI-powered financial analysis Leverage artificial intelligence to scrutinize user spending patterns and offer personalized financial advice.
Integration with other financial tools Connects with other financial apps or services, like investment platforms or budgeting tools. 
Credit score monitoring Tracks and updates users’ credit scores.
Social features Permits users to connect with community members or friends to share financial advice, tips, or support.
Gamification elements Includes game-like elements, like rewards or challenges, to make financial management more interesting.
Personalized financial coaching Offers financial advice with perfect guidance based on individual requirements and goals.
Biometric authentication Utilizes fingerprint or facial recognition to safeguard user accounts and secure sensitive financial information.
Voice-activated commands Let users interact with the app using voice commands.
Integration with wearable devices Permits users to track their financial data and spending directly from their wearable devices.
Dark mode It offers a dark theme for the app, which can be easier for the eyes in low-light conditions.

While including advanced features for your apps that give you an advance on your paycheck, refer to this remarkable table. 

How To Build A Cash Advance Mobile App – Steps to Follow

Now that you are aware of the reliable cash advance mobile apps that are ruling the market, it’s time to learn how you can build a basic cash advance app in easy steps. 

Creating a mobile app like MoneyLion demands a multi-step approach; let’s elaborate below:

1. Deep Research & Planning

Start with market research, analyzing the digital landscape, identifying the target audience, and understanding users’ needs. Define your app’s USPs and business model for revenue generation. 

2. Regulatory Compliance

Conduct research and ensure that your applicable financial regulations are in the target market. Remember to prioritize strong data security measures to safeguard user information. 

3. App Development

A team of certified and professional developers builds the app’s core functionalities, like apps for loans, repayment options, secure payment processing, etc. A creative UI/UI designer crafts an intuitive, user-friendly interface for a smooth user experience. 

4. Testing & Launch

The QA experts perform rigorous testing of your cash advance app, including testing all the security protocols and functionalities before the app launch. 

5. Ongoing Maintenance & Updates

Consistent identification of bugs and releasing security updates maintains user trust. 

Building the best payday loans app demands a perfect combination of technical skills, financial expertise, and a user-centric approach. 

How To Choose The Best Cash Advance App?

What apps give you a cash advance instantly? While picking the best instant cash advance app, you need to consider the top three aspects described below:

1. Loan Amount

First, determine your routine needs and decide which app holds the caliber to offer you the same amount. 

2. Processing Time

On average, the processing time for money apps like MoneyLion takes 1-3 days. Choose the one that can offer quick delivery, even within a day. 

3. Repayment Time

Some of the best get cash now apps offer variable payment dates, like Brigit, while most aim at upcoming paycheck dates. 

If an instant cash advance app meets the factors mentioned above, you can download it and reap the benefits of your advance cash needs. 

Why Prefer Instant Cash Apps Like MoneyLion Before Payday Loans? 

The ease of use and quickness make the payday loan apps, like MoneyLion, win the race. It is a reliable app that gives you money before payday. The users only need to sign up to access instant advance cash. Of course, there are various apps you can find in app stores that provide fast delivery services to offer users the money right when they need it. 

How are such quick cash apps better than payday loans? 

We will take some aspects to state this fact:

1. Cost

As compared to payday loans, online cash advance apps charge a lower amount (commission). Payday apps demand high fees and interest rates. 

2. Repayment

The former apps provide a short period to the user’s next payday or even manual payments (before the due date), which means flexible repayment options. 

On the contrary, payday loans usually arrive with shorter repayment alternatives (around two weeks). 

3. Transparency

Apps for payday advances usually have a transparent fee structure, while payday loan apps like Earnin have hidden fees. 

4. Effect on Credit Score

Instant money apps don’t directly impact credit scores (commonly), while payday loan apps perform a hard credit check that harms credit scores. 

So, these aspects are enough to decide which are the best apps (instant cash advance apps no credit check or payday loan apps) to get a cash advance.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Best Cash Advance App Like Moneylion?

The exact cost of developing the top cash advance app demands details of some essentials, like the app’s type, complexity, number of features to include, UI/UX design, and much more. This states you need to be clear and put forth this information while consulting with a mobile app development company. 

On average, the cost to make an instant cash loans app ranges between $20,000 and $200,000. The figure may fluctuate depending on the price parameters, like the app’s complexity, features, functionalities, region of the developers you hire, the platform you want your app to run, devices, mobile app development teams’ expertise, etc. 

Why Start Your Cash Advance App Development Project with EmizenTech? 

Are you looking to transform your instant cash app concept or any other fintech app idea into an authentic product? If yes, you should hire expert mobile app developers with the required knowledge in fintech app development and offer custom cash advance app development services meeting your distinctive requirements. 
EmizenTech is a trusted mobile app development company backed by professionals with years of experience who have accomplished successful projects per clients’ expectations and objectives.

Key Highlights of EmizenTech

Conclusion

Developing an instant cash advance app can benefit your business because of the growing demand for small cash amounts, increased revenue generation, reduced overhead costs (compared to traditional loan services), automated tasks, improved user engagement, competitive advantage, etc. 

The more cash advance apps benefit your business, the more they demand user data security and expected service delivery. Hiring app developers can help you with a seamless app development journey with a relaxed and stress-free mind. 

You can scan the top 15 cash advance apps mentioned above, like MoneyLion, and integrate the features and functionalities you want into your app. 

Contact a fintech app development company, like EmizenTech, to build the best cash advance app to thrive in this instant advance cash landscape. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do cash advance apps work?

Cash advance apps like MoneyLion provide advance payments to users before their actual payday. Customers must sign up on the app's website, providing necessary information, including their bank details, income, and more. Once approved, users can receive advance loans.

What are the best alternatives to MoneyLion?

The Best Cash Advance Apps like MoneyLion include Brigit, Chime, and Pocketly. These apps provide similar features like money advances, budgeting tools, and credit monitoring.

What is the development time for a cash advance app like MoneyLion?

Development time can vary depending on the app complexity, the number of developers involved, and other factors. However, the typical development time ranges from 6 to 12 months.

Can I integrate my existing fintech solution into a cash advance app?

Yes, you can integrate your current financial product to offer a more comprehensive service to users. This can include integrating credit or bank accounts and other financial instruments.

Get in Touch

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Author

Amit Samsukha, CTO at EmizenTech and a proud member of the Forbes Technology Council, is recognized as an innovator and community leader in India’s tech ecosystem. With over 12 years of experience in the technology sector, he plays a key role in driving product strategy, global sales and marketing, and business growth. Amit has led numerous successful projects across the eCommerce and AI development landscapes for clients in India and the U.S. His strategic vision and technical expertise continue to shape the future of digital transformation for businesses worldwide. Connect with Team Amit here.

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