Need cash, like, right now? EarnIn lets eligible users access up to $300 from their earned wages with no interest or mandatory fees.¹ First-time users may be eligible for expedited funding at no cost.²
EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1-2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not be available at all times and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply; see the Lightning Speed Fee Table and Cash Out User Agreement for details and eligibility requirements. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.
Lightning Speed is an optional service that allows you to expedite the transfer of funds for a fee. Depending on the product, the fee may be charged by EarnIn or its banking partner. Lightning Speed may not be available in all states and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply. See the Lightning Speed Fee Table for details.
Our take: Money App cash advance stands out with transparent pricing for instant delivery and no required fees. However, the app can be glitchy, and it isn’t available in every state. We suggest checking out our top-rated cash advance app options before choosing Money App.
Cash Advance
- No mandatory fees
- Fast signup
- Transparent pricing
- Not available in every state
- Low borrowing limit
- Frequent technology glitches
| Funding | $25 – $250 |
| Speed of advance | 3 business days (Instant with a fee) |
| Subscription fees | None |
| Instant funding fees | $4.99 – $18.99 |
Money App is a cash advance app that lets you borrow money quickly for a fee, or for free if you can wait a few days.
It isn’t on our list of top cash advance apps, mostly because its technology can be unreliable. Still, it could be worth trying if you can get through the verification process. Here’s what to know.
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How Money App works
Money App is free to use, but you’ll need to wait three business days for the money to hit your account.
If you need cash right away, it costs up to $18.99. It’s similar to other cash advance options like EarnIn, Dave, and Tilt, but it doesn’t have the same name recognition, especially since people confuse it with Cash App.
Most users can’t borrow the maximum amount of $250 right away. You typically must borrow a lower amount a few times before Money App approves you for more. Stick to the repayment agreement, and make sure you have a paycheck direct deposit set up for the bank account you link.
| Term | Details |
|---|---|
| Advance amounts | $25 – $250 |
| Interest rate | None |
| Fees | $0 monthly fee; $4.99 – $18.99 optional fast funding fee |
| Repayment time | Varies (often your next payday) |
| Funding time w/ fee | Instant |
| Funding time w/o fee | 3 business days |
Money App lists these cash advance features on its homepage.
No hidden fees
Money App keeps pricing straightforward. You don’t have to pay anything to use the app or get a cash advance. There’s an optional fee for faster delivery. The cost depends on the size of your cash advance, and it’s quite expensive for every amount.
No credit check
You won’t undergo a credit check to get a cash advance from Money App. So your credit score doesn’t affect whether you can borrow money, but that’s standard for all cash apps. The companies use your income and employment to figure out whether you’re eligible.
Transparent and secure
You don’t need to set up a payment or share extra personal details with other companies to repay your cash advance. Money App will automatically take the repayment from your checking account on the date you choose for direct deposit, or when there’s enough money in your linked account.
Express delivery
If you want your advance sooner, you can pay for Express Delivery. The company charges instant transfer fees:
| Cash advance amount | Expedited fee |
|---|---|
| $25 | $4.99 |
| $50 | $7.99 |
| $75 | $9.99 |
| $100 | $12.99 |
| $125 | $13.99 |
| $150 | $14.99 |
| $175 | $15.99 |
| $200 | $16.99 |
| $225 | $17.99 |
| $250 | $18.99 |
Costs and fees
Using Money App for a cash advance is free. There are no membership fees, late fees, or interest charges. Many other cash advance apps charge membership fees, so Money App’s no-fee policy makes it stand out. The company still charges for instant transfers.
Here’s what you can expect to pay.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cash advance | $0 |
| Express delivery (optional) | $4.99 – $18.99 |
Tip: Even though Money App is free, most people pay a fee for instant transfers. To figure out the real cost, calculate both fees (membership + instant transfer). It will make it easier to compare options.
Pros and cons
Pros
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No mandatory fees
Money App doesn’t charge any mandatory fees. It’s one of the app’s biggest selling points, since most cash advance apps require a paid membership.
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Fast signup
It takes only a few minutes. Once you enter your information and get verified, it only takes a few minutes to finalize the advance. (Some users report technology issues with the verification, but it’s quick when it works.)
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Transparent pricing
You won’t have any surprises, and it’s easy to find information about the cost of express delivery. Some cash advance apps make it hard to find the pricing information until you sign up.
Cons
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Not available in every state
You can’t get Money App cash advances in every state. It’s also tricky to find the list of states where the app operates, which can be frustrating if you only find out after downloading.
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Low borrowing limit
You can borrow up to $250. The limit isn’t as high as some other cash advance apps, like EarnIn and MoneyLion.
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Frequent technology glitches
Based on reviews, the app has many glitches, especially during signup.
Is Money App legit? Customer reviews
Money App is a legitimate business connected to Prog Holdings Inc., a fintech holding company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. It earns decent ratings in the app store, but the company isn’t accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
| Source | Rating | Number of reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play | 4.1/5 | 7.18K |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | 1.0/5 | 1 |
| Apple App Store | 4.6/5 | 19K |
Here’s the bottom line
What it does well: When the Money App works, it works well. Users report that requesting money is fast and straightforward. Borrowers also say that the money arrives quickly.
Where to be cautious: Recent reviews on Reddit and Google Play mention that the app glitches on the signup page. Users report that the app can’t verify their identity, making it impossible to get a cash advance. Customer support also seems to be lacking when reviewers reach out for a solution.
Alternatives
Here’s an in-depth look at the cash advance apps we recommend instead of Money App. The following apps earn high editorial ratings from our team.
$0 to Dave account
Money App vs. EarnIn
EarnIn is our top-rated cash advance app. The app’s borrowing limit of $1,000 per pay period is much higher than Money App’s limit of $250. Our tester was able to borrow $100 within eight minutes after downloading the app.
EarnIn’s $2.99 fee for instant transfers is also much lower than Money App’s.
Money App vs. Tilt
Tilt stands out with an all-in-one subscription fee. The company charges a mandatory monthly fee of $8, but it includes instant delivery, something most apps charge extra for.
Once you pay Tilt’s monthly fee, you’re good to go. Money App is free to use, but instant transfers cost up to $18.99. Tilt’s flat fee makes it easier to budget and track your spending on advances.
Money App vs. Dave
Dave is a solid option if you want to combine your cash advance with money-making gigs. The app offers a unique side hustle finder tool, plus opportunities to complete surveys for extra cash. The fees, up to $25 for an “overdraft” fee, are higher than other options, but it might be worth it, especially if your fees are on the lower end.
Article sources
At LendEDU, our writers and editors rely on primary sources, such as government data and websites, industry reports and whitepapers, and interviews with experts and company representatives. We also reference reputable company websites and research from established publishers. This approach allows us to produce content that is accurate, unbiased, and supported by reliable evidence. Read more about our editorial standards.
- Money App, Cash When You Need It With No Hidden Fees
- Money App, FAQs
- Money App, Terms of Service
- Prog Holdings Inc., Our Companies
- Prog Holdings Inc., Q4 Earnings
- Better Business Bureau, Money App
- Reddit, r/IssuesResolving
About our contributors
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Written by Taylor Milam-SamuelTaylor Milam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator who is passionate about helping people take control of their finances and create a life they love. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their three senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.