Chime users have access to several payday loan and cash advance apps, offering an alternative to traditional payday lenders. These apps provide quick access to funds directly deposited into your Chime account, often with lower fees and more flexible terms. While they can be a convenient solution for urgent financial needs, it's important to understand the terms, fees, and repayment conditions before using these services.
Editor
Zarina S
Update 28.01.2025
Chime is a convenient way to get money quickly, especially when you need it deposited directly into your Chime Checking Account. While Chime is not a bank, it is a financial technology company that provides banking services. As a result, it is a popular option for payday lenders that accept ACH transfers. If you need a payday loan or cash advance, Chime is a great option.
About Chime
Chime, founded in 2012, is a digital banking platform offering services like spending accounts, savings, credit-building tools, and cash advances, all without traditional banking fees. Partnering with The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank, it operates entirely online, making banking simpler and more affordable for users comfortable with digital services.
How Chime Works
Fee-free accounts & cash advance. Chime offers fee-free checking and savings accounts with direct deposit and a debit card, plus cash advances from $20 to $200 as part of its overdraft protection.
SpotMe® & no overdraft fees. Chime’s SpotMe program allows eligible users to access up to $200 without fees, and there are no traditional overdraft charges.
Digital banking. Chime operates fully online, managing all accounts via a mobile app with no physical branches.
Direct deposit & early access. Users can get their paycheck up to two days earlier with direct deposit.
FDIC insurance & Visa card. Chime accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 and come with a Visa debit card for global use.
Credit builder. Chime’s secured credit card helps build credit with no interest or minimum deposit, reporting to all major bureaus.
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Cash Payday Loans
Cash payday loans are relatively easy to get. You’ll need an active checking account (like Chime), identification, and proof of income. These loans are usually between $100 and $500 and don’t require collateral or a credit check. However, they come with high interest rates and short repayment periods (usually two weeks). Many borrowers struggle to repay the loan on time, leading to loan rollovers that come with additional fees. This creates a cycle of debt that can be difficult to break.
Payday Loan With Chime Account
Using Chime for a payday loan is often unnecessary. Chime’s SpotMe feature offers cash advances up to $200, similar to payday loans but without fees. Instead of going to a payday lender, you can use your Chime card, and your account will be overdrawn without charges. While SpotMe is useful in emergencies, it's not a long-term solution and is usually a better option than payday loans.
Note! Payday loans should always be a last resort due to their risks.
Top 9 Payday Loan Apps That Work With Chime
Payday loan apps, or cash advance apps, offer a flexible and safer alternative to traditional payday loans. They provide quick access to funds, often working with Chime for easier application and funding. It’s best to sign up early and plan, as timelines can vary.
EarnIn
Overview. EarnIn is an app that lets employees access their earned wages before payday. It doesn't charge interest but offers advances with optional fees, including a tip. The app is designed for those with direct deposit paychecks.
Qualification. To use EarnIn, you need to receive income via direct deposit, have a fixed work location, and be employed by an employer who provides payroll. You must also be at least 18 years old and have at least two paychecks deposited.
Best for. EarnIn is best for individuals with small emergency expenses who are paid by direct deposit. It suits people with regular income, predictable expenses, and a fixed work situation.
Advance amount. EarnIn offers up to $150 per day, and a maximum of $750 per pay period, based on earned wages.
Fees. The app charges an optional fast-funding fee between $2.99 and $5.99, and users can leave a voluntary tip of up to $13.
Repayment. Repayments are automatically deducted from your account on the date of your next direct deposit.
Funding time. Without the express fee, it takes 1 to 3 business days to receive funds. With the express fee, the advance is available within minutes.
Dave
Overview. Dave provides paycheck advances through its ExtraCash feature, designed to assist with small emergencies or income gaps. It’s available to part-time and temporary workers who may not have regular paychecks, but requires users to open a Dave checking account and pay a subscription fee.
Qualification. To qualify, you need a Dave checking account with at least three recurring deposits totaling $1,000 monthly. You also need to pass identity verification, provide a Social Security number, and be at least 18 years old.
Best for. Dave is ideal for users with irregular income or those in need of emergency cash, especially if they don’t regularly spend more than they earn.
Advance amount. Advances are available up to $500 per request.
Fees. Dave charges a $1 monthly subscription fee. The fast-funding fee ranges from $3 to $25, and you can add an optional tip up to 25% of the advance amount.
Repayment. Repayments are deducted on your next payday or the first Friday after the advance.
Funding time. Without an express fee, it takes up to 3 business days. With the express fee, funds can be available in about an hour.
Brigit
Overview. Brigit offers small cash advances to users with a sufficient banking history. The app focuses on ensuring borrowers can repay their loans and charges low fees for fast funding. Unlike most competitors, Brigit does not request tips from users.
Qualification. To qualify, you need a linked checking account with at least 60 days of activity, a positive balance, and three recurring deposits from the same source. Brigit assigns users a score based on the health of their bank account, their earnings, and spending habits. This score ranges from 0 to 100, and you need a score of 40 or higher to be eligible for an advance. The app provides guidance on how to improve your score if you don't qualify.
Best for. Brigit is best for those who need emergency funds but don’t regularly spend more than they earn. It’s also ideal for users who benefit from budgeting and credit-building tools.
Advance amount. Advances range from $50 to $250.
Fees. Brigit charges a mandatory $8.99 monthly subscription fee for the "Plus" plan. Fast-funding fees range from $0.99 to $3.99, with no tipping required.
Repayment. Repayments are withdrawn from your linked bank account on the date Brigit determines to be your next payday.
Funding time. Standard funding can take up to 3 business days, but users can pay a fee to receive funds within 20 minutes.
Empower
Overview. Empower offers cash advances to users, including gig workers and freelancers, with quicker funding compared to some competitors. While the app’s borrowing requirements are lenient, it comes with higher optional fees, including an $8 subscription fee that users can cancel. However, Empower does not scrutinize users’ spending habits as closely as other apps.
Qualification. To qualify for an advance, users need a bank account that is over 30 days old. While credit checks are not required, the app reviews your banking history and income. Gig workers and freelancers are eligible, which makes it more accessible for those without regular paychecks.
Best for. Empower is ideal for users who need a quick cash advance to cover an emergency expense. It's especially useful for gig workers or freelancers with consistent income who want access to budgeting and credit-building tools.
Advance amount. First-time users can borrow up to $300, while returning customers may receive advances up to $350.
Fees. The app charges an optional subscription fee of $8 per month, which can be canceled. It also has an optional fast-funding fee between $1 and $10.50, and a tip of up to 20% per advance, capped annually at your eligible advance amount.
Repayment. Repayments are automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the due date. However, users are not notified in advance, which may lead to overdraft fees if sufficient funds are not available.
Funding time. Empower processes cash advances within a day, though users can pay an express fee to receive funds within an hour.
Cleo
Overview. Cleo is an AI-powered financial assistant that connects to your bank account via Facebook Messenger or text message. It helps track your income, spending, and budget, and also offers small cash advances. Cleo requires a monthly subscription fee and has a 24-hour cooling-off period between advances. Fast funding is available for a fee.
Qualification. To qualify for a cash advance, you must link a bank account or debit card to Cleo. The app reviews your financial data, including income and spending habits, to determine eligibility. New users typically start with a lower cash advance limit until they establish a payment history.
Best for. Cleo is best for users who want both financial management tools and occasional cash advances. It's suitable for individuals who need small advances, with the flexibility to manage their budgets and spending.
Advance amount. Cleo offers cash advances ranging from $20 to $250, with the limit increasing after consistent use.
Fees. The app charges a $5.99 monthly membership fee for access to cash advances. Same-day funding incurs an additional fee ranging from $3.99 to $9.99.
Repayment. Repayments are automatically deducted on the chosen due date, which can be between 3 and 14 days after borrowing the advance.
Funding time. Regular funding takes 3 to 4 business days, but users can pay for instant funding with a fee ranging from $3.99 to $9.99.
Albert
Overview. Albert is a fintech app that offers a range of banking features, including early paycheck access, financial advice, budgeting tools, and cash advances. To access cash advances, users must subscribe to Albert's Genius plan, which also provides overdraft protection, investing, and more. The app also includes free features like invoice tracking and access to 55,000+ ATMs.
Qualification. To access cash advances, you must have a Genius subscription and an active bank account linked to Albert. The app reviews your account activity, transaction history, and direct deposit frequency to determine eligibility.
Best for. Albert is best for users who need overdraft protection and occasional cash advances. It suits individuals who want to manage finances with features like savings, investing, and budgeting tools, but who are comfortable with a monthly subscription fee.
Advance amount. Cash advances range from $25 to $250, with the potential for increases based on account activity and eligibility.
Fees. The Genius subscription costs $14.99 per month to access cash advances and overdraft protection. There is no additional fee for the cash advance, but it is dependent on having the subscription.
Repayment. Repayment is typically due within 6 days of an overdraft, with the possibility of a 7-day extension. The funds are automatically deducted on your next payday.
Funding time. Albert offers instant funding for qualifying users, providing access to cash advances quickly once approved.
MoneyLion
Overview. MoneyLion Instacash offers cash advances to users with direct deposit paychecks. While no mandatory fees are charged, users must pay a monthly fee of $9.99 or $19.99 for additional features like credit-building tools and budgeting.
Qualification. To qualify, users need a linked bank account, at least three recurring direct deposits, and a MoneyLion membership. Eligibility is based on account activity, and larger advances may be available for users with premium features.
Best for. MoneyLion is ideal for those who need small, flexible advances and are willing to pay for credit-building or budgeting features. It’s best for individuals who can repay on payday and don’t need immediate access to funds.
Advance amount. Users can borrow up to $500, or $1,000 with premium features, in increments of $100.
Fees. The app charges a membership fee of $9.99 or $19.99 per month, plus an optional fast-funding fee between $0.49 and $8.99.
Repayment. Repayment is automatically deducted from the linked bank account on the user’s next payday, with the option to extend the repayment date.
Funding time. For checking account holders, funds arrive within 1-2 business days. Non-account holders may wait 2-5 days unless an express fee is paid, in which case funds are immediate.
Klover
Overview. Klover is a mobile app that provides small cash advances based on users' bank activity. In exchange for access to users' financial and online data, the app offers advances. Users can also participate in a points program to qualify for larger amounts or faster funding.
Qualification. To qualify, users must have a checking account with at least three direct deposits from the same employer in the last 60 days. Users must be U.S. citizens, 18 years or older, and agree to share data with Klover.
Best for. Klover is ideal for users who need a small cash advance and are comfortable with data-sharing for eligibility. It suits those who don't need immediate funds and are willing to wait for 3 days for disbursement.
Advance amount. Klover provides advances between $5 and $200. Participating in the app’s points program can help users qualify for larger amounts or faster funding.
Fees. Klover charges a fast-funding fee ranging from $1.49 to $20.78. An optional tip of up to 20% of the borrowed amount may also be given.
Repayment. Repayment is deducted from the user’s bank account on the next payday or up to seven days from the advance date. There is no option to extend the repayment date.
Funding time. Without a fast-funding fee, it takes up to 3 business days for Klover to disburse funds. With the fee, funds can be received within hours.
B9
Overview. B9 is a membership-based cash advance app that provides instant paycheck advances. The app charges a monthly fee but does not have any fees for immediate funding. Users must have direct deposit set up with a B9 account to access the service.
Qualification. To qualify for a B9 advance, users must have a B9 checking account with at least $500 in monthly direct deposits. Additional requirements include a valid government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number or ITIN, and a residential address in the U.S.
Best for. B9 is best suited for individuals who frequently receive direct deposits and are comfortable with paying a monthly fee. It is ideal for those looking for larger advances and instant access to funds without worrying about additional fees.
Advance amount. Advances range from $30 to $500, with the exact amount depending on the user’s membership level, account history, and pay frequency.
Fees. B9 charges a monthly membership fee of $9.99 or $19.99. There are no fees for instant funding, but the membership cost can make it more expensive for users who need advances infrequently.
Repayment. Repayment is automatically deducted from your B9 account on your next payday when the employer's deposit is made. There is no specific loan term, as repayment aligns with your pay schedule.
Funding time. Once your B9 account is set up and your employer has made a direct deposit, the funds are available instantly, with no additional delay for the advance.
Features Offered by Chime for Cash Advance
Chime offers alternatives to third-party cash advance apps, such as SpotMe, which allows users to overdraft up to $200 with automatic repayment. MyPay lets users access up to 50% of their paycheck, up to $500, with a $2 fee for fast funding. Chime also provides a secured credit card for building credit, with a limit based on the user’s deposit.
Conclusion
While payday loans can be exorbitantly costly and lead to a cycle of debt, utilizing Chime’s SpotMe or other cash advance apps can present a more economical alternative. Moreover, focusing on credit-building and maintaining an emergency savings fund can significantly diminish reliance on such loans, fostering better financial stability over time.
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FAQ
Can I link multiple cash advance apps to my Chime account?
Yes, you can link several cash advance apps to your Chime account. However, it’s essential to remain organized to avoid missed payments and the accumulation of debt.
How can I get a payday loan with my Chime account?
Chime does not directly offer payday loans, but you can apply for personal loans from third-party lenders that deposit funds into your Chime account. Typically, you’ll need to provide your Chime account and routing numbers during the application process. Exercise caution with payday loans due to their high fees and interest rates - resort to them only in emergencies and ensure you read the terms thoroughly.
What are the key differences between Varo and Chime?
Varo and Chime are both online banking services offering similar features, such as fee-free checking and savings accounts, early direct deposits, and cash advances. However, Chime boasts greater ATM access through its additional MoneyPass network and features like SpotMe (overdraft protection) and MyPay (cash advances without fees). Conversely, Varo provides a higher savings APY (5% for the first $5,000) and cashback rewards but requires a higher monthly deposit to unlock these benefits. Varo's cash advances incur fees, while Chime offers fee-free advances with a $2 charge for instant delivery. If higher savings rates and cashback are your priorities, Varo may be more appealing, while Chime excels in lower fees and added perks.