It isn't right for everyone. If you need advances above $250, hate subscription fees, or want same-day money in under 20 minutes — there's a better-fit app. We tested six alternatives across cost, speed, and eligibility to find the right one for each situation.
Up to $500 · $1/month · No credit check
Dave's ExtraCash offers up to $500 — double Cleo's Plus limit — at just $1/month. The catch: you need to open a Dave checking account and show 3+ recurring deposits totaling $1,000+. Instant transfers to external accounts cost 1.5%. Best for users who want the lowest subscription cost and highest advance limit.
Up to $250 · $8.99–$14.99/month · Same-day within 20 min
Brigit delivers advances within 20 minutes when requested before 10 AM ET — significantly faster than Its same-day option. Also includes credit building and $1M identity theft protection. Downside: requires income from the same employer (bad for freelancers) and costs more than the Plus plan.
Up to $750/paycheck · $0 mandatory fee · Employer verification needed
EarnIn lets you access up to $150/day and $750/paycheck with zero mandatory fees — just optional tips. The limit is significantly higher than Cleo. The catch: you must verify your employment with a timekeeping system or work from a fixed location. Self-employed and gig workers generally can't qualify.
Up to $1,000 · $0 mandatory · RoarMoney account required
MoneyLion offers the highest advance limits — up to $1,000 for existing users with full account setup. No mandatory monthly fee. However, you must open a RoarMoney checking account, and the $100/day transfer cap means larger advances require multiple transfer requests (and multiple express fees).
Up to $500 · Loan model (not advance) · Builds credit
Possible Finance offers a small installment loan (not a true cash advance) of up to $500 with structured repayment in 2 bi-weekly installments. Reports to credit bureaus which can help build credit. Higher effective APR than Cleo but accessible to people with very poor credit scores who may not qualify elsewhere.
Up to $250 · $14.99/month · Saving + investing + advances
Albert bundles budgeting, automated saving, investing, and cash advances into one app at the same price as the Builder plan. The advance limit is discretionary (up to $250 typically, up to $1,000 for some users), and the investment features are a unique differentiator. Best for users who want to invest while managing day-to-day finances.
| App | Max Advance | Monthly Fee | Credit Check | Credit Building | Gig Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleo Plus This Review | $250 | $5.99 | None | Builder tier | Yes |
| Dave ExtraCash | $500 | $1.00 | None | No | Partial |
| Brigit | $250 | $8.99 | None | Yes | No |
| EarnIn | $750/paycheck | $0 | None | No | No |
| MoneyLion | $1,000 | $0 | None | Yes | Partial |
| Albert | $250 | $14.99 | None | No | Partial |
| Possible Finance | $500 | Varies | Soft only | Yes | Yes |