Are you running low on cash before payday? You’re not alone in this. Millions of Americans turn to instant cash advance apps like MoneyLion to cover unexpected expenses or make ends meet. But while MoneyLion is popular, it’s not the only player in the game.
There are now dozens of powerful apps that let you borrow money instantly, with no interest, credit checks, or hidden fees. Some even offer budgeting tools, overdraft protection, and credit-building features.
We’ve rounded up the 10 best alternatives to MoneyLion in 2025, so you can find the one that fits your lifestyle and financial needs.
1. Brigit – Best for Preventing Overdrafts
Brigit is not just an app for payday loans. It’s a form of financial backup that will not let you overdraw your account. Brigit tracks your expenses in real-time once linked to your bank. If it sees you’re going to be broke up to your next pay check, it will send you up to $250 automatically to give you a positive balance.
Beyond advances, Brigit also provides:
- Spending insights
- Credit monitoring
- Identity theft protection
It’s perfect if you want peace of mind without manually requesting a loan every time.
Best for: People who want automatic cash advances to avoid overdraft fees.
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2. Empower – Best for Fast Approval
Empower is different from others due to its extremely quick application process. After linking your bank and confirming income, you can borrow a cash advance of up to $250 with same-day deposits in the majority of cases.
The app doesn’t just offer advances. It helps you:
- Track spending
- Set budgets
- Earn cashback from select stores
The 14-day free trial lets you test it out risk-free. After that, it costs $8 per month, which is reasonable considering the extra features.
Best for: Users who want both fast cash and smart financial tools.
3. Chime & SpotMe – Best for Free Overdraft Protection
If you’re already a Chime customer, their SpotMe feature is the most liberal “cash advance” feature out there. Rather than a dusty old advance, Chime will allow you to overdraft your account as much as $200 for free, if you’ve made at least $200+ deposits in a month.
You will be required to use your Chime debit card, and the overdraft limit is $20 but can go up as time passes.
What makes SpotMe awesome:
- No monthly fees
- No interest
- No credit checks
- You repay the amount when you next receive a deposit
Best for: Chime users who want free, automatic overdraft protection.
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4. Earnin – Best for Work-Based Advances
Earnin allows you to borrow money you’ve already earned working—for before payday. In return for linking your bank and posting your timesheet or GPS confirmation of work hours, you can receive access to as much as $100/day, or $750 per pay period.
Earnin offers a few helpful features:
- Balance Shield Alerts to warn you before your bank hits $0
- Lightning Speed to get funds faster
- Tip-based payment model (you choose how much to tip)
If you’re a salaried or hourly employee with a regular job, Earnin can be a great way to avoid waiting for your paycheck.
Best for: Employees who want early access to wages they’ve already earned.
5. Cleo – Best for Budgeting with a Personality
Cleo adds a fun, Gen Z spin to personal finance. The chatbot dialogue and AI assistant saves you money, needles your spending, and lends you up to $100 cash in a flash when you need it.
It’s ideal for someone who wishes to learn about money and be entertained simultaneously. Cleo’s “roasts” and money quizzes assist in developing healthier money habits.
Other perks include:
- Credit-building tools
- Personalized insights
- Auto-saving features
Cleo requires a subscription of $5.99/month for access to cash advances and some premium features.
Best for: Younger users who want budgeting advice with attitude and instant loans.
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6. Dave – Best for Human-Focused Banking
Dave is one of the premier names in the cash advance game and has been so for years, and with good reason! With a subscription rate of just $1/month, you can get up to $500 without any interest.
Dave has a unique algorithm that analyzes your spending and income patterns to determine how much you qualify for. You don’t need a credit check, and funds can be deposited within hours (even faster with express delivery).
Other benefits:
- Automatic budgeting
- Side hustle job board
- Credit-building accounts
Dave gives you the tools to avoid overdrafts while also helping you grow your financial future.
Best for: People who want low-cost loans with helpful financial features.
7. Possible Finance – Best for Building Credit
Unlike traditional cash advance apps, Possible Finance offers installment loans up to $500 that you can repay through biweekly payments. What sets this app apart is that your payment history is reported to credit bureaus, helping you build of repair your credit.
Possible doesn’t require you to have ahigh credit score, just linked bank account and steady income. You’ll get approved quickly and receive the money within 1-2 days.
But keep in mind:
- APRs are high (up to 150%)
- Late payments can hurt your credit
Best for: Users with poor credit who want to rebuild their score.
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8. Klover – Best for Points-Based Borrowing
Klover is perhaps the most off-the-wall MoneyLion rival. Rather than pay interest, you earn points from viewing ads, sharing information, or doing a task. Those points get you increased advance limits ahead of time—up to $200.
It’s an enjoyable, game-like means of making some extra money. Though it’s less than perfect if you must have the money immediately, it’s a fine long-term app for frugal spenders.
Features include:
- Free budgeting tools
- Cashback offers
- Rewards system
Best for: People who want to earn cash advances through engagement rather than fees.
9. Branch – Best for Gig Workers
An app designed specifically for freelancers, gig workers, and part-time employees? Branch is here for you. It integrates with employer payroll systems or gig platforms (like Uber or DoorDash) to offer instant payouts.
You can transfer your earnings to a Branch Wallet or Debit Card and withdraw at ATMs or make purchases.
Other highlights:
- No interest or credit checks
- Same-day funding
- Digital wallet and rewards
Best for: On-demand workers who need faster access to daily earnings.
10. Affirm – Best for “Buy Now, Pay Later” Users
Although Affirm does not provide payday-style loans, it allows you to pay for your purchases in monthly installments. It’s actually quite useful for big-ticket purchases (such as electronics or vacations) where you don’t wish to utilize high-interest credit cards.
Affirm conducts a soft credit check and provides 0% APR for accepted buys. You make fixed payments, so there are no late charges or compounding interest.
Perfect for:
- Furniture
- Flights
- Online shopping
Best for: Responsible borrowers who want to spread out big expenses without debt traps.
Quick Summary
Here’s a quick breakdown of the best options based on your financial needs:
| Use Case | Recommended App |
| Best for overdraft protection | Brigit, Chime |
| Fastest funding | Empower, Earnin |
| Best for budgeting | Cleo, Dave |
| Gig worker friendly | Branch |
| Build credit | Possible Finance |
| No fees or interest | Earnin, Chime |
| Unique rewards system | Klover |
FAQ
Yes, most use bank-grade encryption and are regulated by financial authorities. Just make sure you download from the official app store.
Most do not. Apps like Earnin, Dave, and Brigit rely on income and spending patterns instead of your credit score.
Yes! Many users stack apps like Dave, Earnin, and Empower for extra flexibility. Just be careful not to borrow more than you can repay.
Empower and Earnin offer same-day funding and are among the fastest.
Earnin has the highest limit, up to $750 per pay period if you qualify.
Final Thoughts: Which MoneyLion Alternative is Best for You?
When life throws financial curveballs—like surprise bills, low account balances, or a paycheck that’s days away—apps like MoneyLion can be a lifesaver. But with so many great alternatives available in 2025, you’re no longer stuck with just one option.
Whether you require the need for fast cash to intelligent budgeting, credit building features, or even protection on overdrafts, there is an app designed specifically to your specific situation. From income-based advances on Earnin to forecasting overdraft protection on Brigit and Cleo’s AI-powered sass, these websites return the power to you.
The secret? Select the app that is most appropriate for your spending patterns, paying ability, and future money objectives. Some even provide interest-free money, no credit check, and no fee, hence posing much less danger than high-interest credit cards or payday loans.
