Top 12 Apps to Borrow Money in 2025

April 21, 202517 min read
Avery Quinn Writer
Table of content

If you’re facing a short-term cash crunch and need quick access to funds, money borrowing apps can be lifesavers. With flexible terms, no hard credit checks, and fast approval, these apps help you bridge the gap when life throws an unexpected curveball.

Whether it’s covering an unexpected medical bill or simply bridging the gap between paychecks, some of these apps for instant money offer very flexible borrowing options. Here are 12 money borrowing apps you can use in 2025 to borrow money instantly.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Many money borrowing apps allow you to access funds quickly, often within minutes or up to a few business days, depending on the app and transfer method.
  • These apps are typically designed to be accessible without requiring credit checks, which means they can be a good option for those with less-than-ideal credit scores.
  • Loan amounts vary widely, with most apps offering up to $500, so you can find an app that matches your specific borrowing needs.
  • While fees can vary, some apps charge low or even no fees for transfers, with others offering features like budgeting tools or credit-building options as part of their subscription plans.

man holding smartphone with money app and graph on the screen

1. FloatMe

Money amount: up to $50

Terms of funding: Advances are deposited into your linked bank account within one to three business days

Fees: $4.99 monthly subscription fee; $1 to $7 instant transfer fee

Borrowing requirements: Active checking account for at least 60 days with at least three recurring deposits from the same source.

App Description: With a monthly fee, users can access cash advances without interest charges. FloatMe also includes features such as in-app budgeting tools and financial forecasting to help users plan their cash flow. The app charges a subscription fee and an additional fee for instant transfers. FloatMe uses its own scoring model, the FloatMe score (0 to 100), to determine eligibility.

2. Brigit

Money amount: $50 to $250

Terms of funding: Standard transfers take two to three business days, while instant funding arrives in 20 minutes.

Fees: $8.99 or $14.99 monthly subscription; $0.99 to $3.99 for instant transfers.

Borrowing requirements: Bank account in good standing; monthly deposits of minimum $1,500; deposits of at least $400 each.

App Description: Brigit’s uniqueness lies in its subscription model. With $8.99 or $14.99 monthly, you get access to instant cash advances ranging from $50 to $250. This subscription also provides overdraft protection, budgeting tools, and credit-building resources. Unlike most other apps, Brigit charges no interest on its advances, only a flat subscription fee. Customers also get access to ID theft protection and financial insights to improve their money management.

3. Dave

Money amount: up to $500

Terms of funding: Advances are typically due on your next payday, with transfers usually taking one to three business days, with instant funding taking minutes.

Fees: The fees are a bit more complicated than those of the other options, so we’ll take a minute to break them down for you.

  • Membership fee: $1 per month
  • Instant transfer (Dave Spending): 5% of the amount advanced, with a $5 minimum
  • Instant transfer (External debit card): The 5% express fee plus an additional 1.5% fee on the total advance

Example: On a $500 advance to Dave Spending, you’d pay 5% = $25. If you also choose to send it to an external debit card, you’d add another 1.5% = $7.50, for a total of $32.50.

Borrowing requirements: An active checking account in good standing for at least 60 days, a positive balance, at least three recurring direct deposits, and monthly deposits of around $1,000 or more.

App Description: Dave’s ExtraCash™ feature sends the cash advance to your Dave Spending (ExtraCash) account. You can then spend via the Dave Debit Mastercard (physical or virtual) or transfer funds to an external debit card for an additional fee. Dave does not charge late fees for advances, though repayment is automatically deducted on your next payday.

4. Earnin

Money amount: up to $100 per day and up to $750 per period

Terms of funding: Standard transfers take one to three business days, while instant funding arrives in a few minutes.

Fees: $2.99 to $5.99 instant funding fee

Borrowing requirements: Checking account used for direct deposit and a verifiable employer-provided email address. You must have verifiable earnings of at least $320 per pay period.

App Description: Earnin offers optional express transfers for faster access to funding and has an optional tip for the service. The app’s borrowing limits are higher than most of its competitors, but it requires users to have verifiable income of at least $320 per pay period. Although the app doesn’t charge mandatory fees, it also requires you to provide a fixed work location or employee-provided email address.

5. Chime SpotMe

Money amount: up to $500 or 50% of your next paycheck (whichever is less)

Terms of funding: Funds are usually transferred within 24 hours.

Fees: $2 for instant funding

Borrowing requirements: A Chime Checking Account with at least two qualifying direct deposits of at least $200 within the last 36 days.

App Description: Chime offers cash advances up to $500 or 50% of your next paycheck, whichever is less. You can borrow money if you have a Chime account and a history of qualifying direct deposits. The app doesn’t charge any fees, except for an optional $2 fee for instant funding. Chime doesn’t have a payment due date extension option.

6. Possible Finance

Money amount: up to $500 ($250 in California)

Terms of funding: Advances are usually due in eight weeks, divided into four equal installments. Funds are distributed within minutes of approval but can take up to five days, depending on your bank.

Fees: Flat fee depending on your state ($25 for a $250 cash advance in California)

Borrowing requirements: Valid checking account and regular income. Direct lending is available only to the residents of California, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

App Description: Possible Finance’s cash advances are due in eight weeks through four installments. This is one of the few money lending apps that allows you to build credit, as it reports your credit activity to Experian and TransUnion. Possible Finance is also pretty generous with grace periods for late payments. However, interest rates are typically much higher than for traditional loans.

7. Empower

Money amount: $10 to $350

Terms of funding: Advances are repaid with your next direct deposit. Standard transfers take up to 24 hours.

Fees: $8 subscription fee; $1 to $10.50 instant transfer fee

Borrowing requirements: Consistent source of income and spending habits. No credit check.

App Description: Empower offers cash advances from $10 to $350, with first-time users eligible for amounts up to $300. The app analyzes your bank account activity to determine eligibility, focusing on factors like income consistency and spending habits. Empower also provides users with budgeting and credit-building tools and resources.

8. Albert

Money amount: up to $250

Terms of funding: Advances are repaid with your next direct deposits. Standard transfers take three to six business days, while instant funding arrives in minutes.

Fees: $11.99/month for Basic plan; $16.99/month for Genius plan; $21.99 for Genius+ plan 

Borrowing requirements: Consistent source of income and a positive account history with Albert.

App Description: An all-in-one financial services app – Albert provides users with banking, savings, and investment accounts. It provides budgeting features and financial protections, including identity theft protection, credit alerts, and dark web monitoring. Albert has a Genius subscription model, which offers overdraft protection and a six-day grace period for repayment.

9. Varo

Money amount: $20 to $500

Terms of funding: Advances are deposited directly into a Varo Bank Account immediately after approval. You have up to 30 days to repay the advance, with the ability to choose your repayment date within this period.

Fees: Flat fee ranging from $1.60 to $40, depending on the amount.

Borrowing requirements: Have an active Varo Bank Account, receive at least $800 in qualifying direct deposits, and have a good payment history with Varo.

App Description: Varo is a neobank that offers a range of services, including deposit accounts, credit building, and tax filings. Existing Varo members can also receive cash advances, with initial amounts of up to $250, which can increase to $500 if you demonstrate responsible borrowing. The app charges a flat fee, with no interest charges or additional fees.

10. MoneyLion

Money amount: up to $500

Terms of funding: Advances are repaid with your next direct deposit. Standard transfers take one to five business days.

Fees: Turbo fee for instant transfer: $0.49 to $6.99 to RoarMoney account; $1.99 to $8.99 to external debit card.

Borrowing requirements: Have an active checking account with at least 60 days of activity and receive regular income deposits.

App Description: MoneyLion’s Instacash app offers cash advances of up to $500, with the potential to increase to $1,000 for RoarMoney members. To qualify for Instacash, you must have an active checking account with at least 60 days of activity and receive regularly scheduled income deposits. Standard transfers are fee-free, but instant transfers will charge a flat fee, depending on the amount.

11. Klover

Money amount: up to $100

Terms of funding: Advances are deposited into your bank account within three business days, while instant funding arrives on the same day.

Fees: Optional $4.99/month membership fee; $1.49 to $20.78 for instant funding.

Borrowing requirements: Have an active checking account with at least three direct deposits within the last 60 days. The checking account must be in good standing and active for the last 90 days.

App Description: Through Klover, users can get advances deposited into a linked bank account within three business days. Same-day funding requires an additional fee. Your last three deposits in your checking account, which must be consistent and within the last 60 days, with no gaps in pay. Pay deposits must be from a company that is not a loan or paycheck advance company. 

12. SoLo Funds

Money amount: $20 to $575

Terms of funding: Loans are typical funded within 20 minutes, with a repayment period period of up to 35 days. Borrowers can set their own repayment dates within this timeframe.

Fees: 1.75% of the loan amount for instant transfers.

Borrowing requirements: Have an active checking account with at least three direct deposits from the same employers in the past 60 days. The checking account must be in good standing and active for the last 90 days.

App Description: SoLo Funds is a peer-to-peer lending platform that allows users to borrow and lend money within a community. Advances are typically funded within 20 minutes, with repayment terms up to 35 days. Borrowers can set their own repayment dates within this timeframe. Users can choose to leave a 0% to 36% tip.

Alternatives to Cash Advance Apps

While money borrowing apps can provide quick solutions for immediate needs, there are other alternatives that might be better suited for larger amounts. Depending on your financial situation, these options may offer more flexibility and lower costs.

Personal Loans

Personal loans often come with lower interest rates and longer repayment terms compared to payday loans or cash advances. They can be used for various purposes, including debt consolidation, home improvements, or unexpected expenses.

1000 Dollar Loans

If you need a larger sum to cover an unexpected expense or consolidate smaller debts, a $1000 loan can provide a quick solution. These loans typically offer manageable repayment terms and may come with lower interest rates compared to payday loans, helping you bridge the gap without overwhelming financial strain.

Bad Credit Loans

Many lenders offer bad credit loans designed specifically for those with less-than-perfect credit scores. These can be a valuable option for those who don’t have access to traditional credit, but they usually have much higher interest rates.

Emergency Loans

In times of financial hardship, emergency loans can be a lifeline. These loans are specifically designed to help you cover urgent expenses, whether it’s car repair, medical bills, or home emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Money Borrowing Apps Work?

Money borrowing apps allow to access short-term loans directly from their mobile phones. These apps typically offer small cash advances based on your income, with no credit checks. They work by linking to your bank account or direct deposit, and the loan is typically repaid through automatic deductions when you get your paycheck.

Are Money Borrowing Apps Safe to Use?

Most apps are safe to use if they are from reputable companies. They use encryption and secure systems to protect your personal and financial data. But always review the app’s terms, fees, and user reviews before borrowing to ensure it’s trustworthy.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Using a Borrowing App?

Typically, these apps require you to be at least 18, have a steady income or employment, and a linked bank account or direct deposit. Some apps may also require a minimum number of monthly deposits to qualify.

How Quickly Can I Get a Loan From a Borrowing App?

Loan disbursement times vary by app. In most cases, you may receive the funds the same day, but sometimes it can take up to a few business days to process and transfer funds.

Avery Quinn Senior Content Creator, Financial Consultant

Avery Quinn is a Senior Financial Consultant with 5 years of experience, specializing in wealth management, retirement planning, and tax optimization. Avery provides personalized solutions and actively contributes to financial education as part of the Buddyloans.com team.

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