🏆 WINNERS CROWNED: Who Are The Best Instant Money Apps of 2023?

Editor’s Note: Overdraft Apps provides detailed product reviews and recommendations based upon extensive research and our own hands-on testing. We may earn a referral fee when you sign up for or purchase products mentioned in this article.

30-SECOND SUMMARY: With every passing year, the financial landscape evolves, and so do the tools at your disposal. The best money-borrowing apps offer quick and easy money without long waits, strict rules, or frustrating red tape. We couldn’t go past Dave for $500 cash advances and zero wait time for new users but read on for our full list of the best instant money apps | Get your instant cash advance up to $500 with Dave 👈

Not all apps are created equal.

When it comes to the explosion of instant money apps on the market, that is truer than ever.

You’ve got better things to do than download dozens of apps, create profiles, test out features, and track your results… but we don’t.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the best instant money apps of the year. From lightning-fast transfers to high borrowing limits and seamless extra features, we took everything into account.

Ready to say goodbye to waiting (or copping sky-high overdraft fees) and hello to instant cash? 

Let’s dive into the best instant money apps that deserve a spot on your device.

#1 – Dave: Best for Instant Cash Advances

How It Works:

Dave is a pioneer in the instant money lending space, and they remain at the top of the pile with cash advances up to $500 with no interest and no credit check¹. 

You don’t have to jump through hoops or wait days (or weeks) to receive your money. You can request a Dave cash advance right after you sign up and get your money in less than 60 seconds (seriously!) via Dave Debit MasterCard. This comes with an express fee, but if you need money immediately, this can be a small price to pay. 

If you’re not in a rush, or you don’t want to organize a Dave Debit MasterCard, your money will land in your bank account within three business days – with no fees. 

A Dave subscription costs just $1, which is great value for an app that can also get you your paycheck two days early and offers smart budgeting features.

Get a cash advance for up to $500 instantly >>> Check out Dave 👈

#2 – Albert: Best for Instant Money Lending

How It Works:

The Albert app earns its place on the list with instant money advances for up to $250 (known as Albert Instant) with no interest and no fees. ¹

There’s no credit check to apply. Instead, Albert securely links to your bank account, analyzes your transactions and account history, and determines how much you’re able to borrow.

Once you’re eligible, you can wait for your funds to land in your bank account or opt for an Express Fee ($6.99) for immediate funds. You’re not obligated to move your direct deposit, but if you choose to set up an Albert account, funds can be yours in as little as 10 minutes. 

The app is 100% free to download and use, so the express fee is the only fee you’ll need to worry about. As an added bonus, Albert is one of the few apps to combine automated instant money lending with real-world help. Upgrade to Albert’s premium membership ($6/month) and you can speak with real ‘Albert Geniuses’ via the app to help answer any tough financial questions you have.

Get up to $250 Instantly with Albert

Instant approval with no credit check

• No interest, no late fees, no subscription required
• Get your cash in minutes for a $6.99 Express Fee, or within 2-3 days for FREE
• 30 day free access to Albert Geniuses – real human experts who answer your financial questions 

Get up to $250 NOW from Albert

#3 – PockBox: Best for Larger Cash Advance Amounts

How It Works:

The explosion of instant money apps is great for choice. But not so great when you need more than the few hundred bucks most apps can offer.

PockBox is slightly different because it brings together your loan options so you can compare lenders offering up to $2,500 (and more if you’re eligible). With a mission to support one million Americans, just fill out a little information about yourself and you’ll see what you can qualify for in minutes.

There’s no obligation to commit to any lender so you can browse without risk. And with many lenders specializing in instant loans for borrowers with bad credit, there is likely to be plenty of options on the table.

Compare loan offers for up to $2,500 >>> Check out the free PockBox app 👈

#4 – MoneyLion: Best for Combining Cash Advances and Credit Building

How It Works:

MoneyLion’s popular Instacash feature lets you borrow up to $500 in instant money with no credit check, no interest and no monthly fees. ²

With recurring deposits in an external account you can access 0% APR cash advances between $50 and $500 right away. It typically takes between 3 to 8 weeks to hit the maximum advance but if you’re looking for immediate cash, consider adding a RoarMoney account to increase your Instacash limit to $1,000.

If you’re after a higher borrowing amount, MoneyLion’s Credit Builder Plus is worth a look. For a $19.99/month fee, you’ll have access to credit building tools including:

• Loans up to $1,000 with competitive APRs
• 0% interest cash advances up to $1,000
• Lion’s Share Rewards (members-only cashback program)

MoneyLion’s credit builder loans can give you instant cash with extra in a Credit Reserve Account that you’ll get when you pay back your loan in full – along with a potential boost to your credit score.

Why is MoneyLion one of our favorite cash advance apps?

• Super speed - You could have up to $500 in your bank account in under 10 minutes!
• No, No, No! - No credit check, no interest, no tips, no late fees
• 🏗️ 💳 💵 - Get the only credit builder loan that gives you up to $1,000 right away, with no hard credit check³

Get up to $500 NOW from MoneyLion

#5 – Cleo: Best for Instant Advances and AI Insights

How It Works:

Cleo is the world’s first AI assistant dedicated to personal finance that also offers instant money up to $250 with no interest or credit checks.

Cleo uses artificial intelligence to get you to start paying attention to your finances. With a healthy dose of AI-powered comedy, Cleo will track your spending and offer personalized insights to support your spending and saving.

The app is free to download, though you’ll need to upgrade to the paid Cleo Plus version to access instant cash advances, credit score coaching, and cash-back advantages.

Cleo won’t ask you to submit timesheets to access advances (it’ll analyze your bank account and transactions instead). This makes Cleo a great option if you deliver for DoorDash, drive for Uber, or make money through gig work.

Why is Cleo one of our favorite cash advance apps?

• Super speed - You could have up to $250 in your bank account in under 10 minutes!*
• No, No, No! - No credit check, no interest, no tips, no late fees
• 😂 😂 🤣 - Hilarious, smart money advice you might finally listen to

Get up to $250 NOW from Cleo

#6 – Chime SpotMe: Best for Peace of Mind Overdraft Protection

How It Works:

Chime is the most popular mobile banking app in America, with 20+ million users.

When you need instant money, Chime’s SpotMe feature can give you up to $200 in overdrafts, with zero fees. ⁴ Unlike apps like Dave that offer cash through the app, you’ll need to set up SpotMe and use your Chime card to overdraft on debit card purchases or ATM withdrawals.

Your initial overdraft starts at $20 but can grow to the maximum $200 based on your account history and activity.

Once you’re set up with SpotMe, you can overdraft right away for a quick $20 and that amount can grow to up to $200, based on your account activity and history. 

Why have 14 million people ditched their high-fee bank for Chime?

• Get up to $200 whenever you need it. Access extra spending power instantly with no overdraft fees⁵
• Say goodbye to fees! No monthly fees, no minimum balance requirement and over 60,000 fee-free ATMs
• 💸💸😎 Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit⁶

Get up to $200 in fee-free overdrafts with Chime

#7 – Current: Best for Overdrafts with Extra Banking Features

How It Works:

Current is an instant money-borrowing app that gives you the ability to borrow $200 with no interest, fees, or credit checks.⁷

Current’s ‘Overdrive’ feature requires you to swipe your Current debit card, so it’s not as flexible as some of the other apps on this list. But the Current app does come with practically all the features you’d get from your bank – all in the convenience of your phone. With round-up features and Savings Pods, you can better manage your money, knowing you’re covered the next time you swipe your card and need to dip beyond your bank balance.

Get up to $200 whenever you need it >>> Check out the free Current app 👈

WAIT! High overdraft fees aren’t the only way your bank is costing you money.

With inflation overheating, you’ve probably heard that interest rates are climbing sharply. That means that for the first time in years, it’s a great time to shop around for a high interest savings account.

The national average interest rate for savings accounts is currently 0.23% APY – that means that if you have $2,500 in a savings account, you’d earn just $5.76 after one year! Move those hard-earned savings to an FDIC-insured bank paying 3.50% APY and you’d earn $81.73 more!

Don’t let your hard-earned savings sit there doing nothing. Check out the rates that you can earn at other banks:

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Alexander Porter

Alexander J. Porter is an accomplished copywriter with over a decade of experience writing in the fin-tech, business, and technology space, and the Senior Editor of Overdraft Apps. Following a BA from the University of Sydney, he has worked as a writer and editor across a range of marketing, business, and finance platforms including Flying Solo (Australia’s largest community of solo business owners), and Empowered Finance.

Latest posts by Alexander Porter (see all)

• $1,000 Instant Loan Apps: Best (and Easiest) Ways to Borrow a Grand - September 28, 2023
• Boost or Bust: Do Cash Advances Hurt Your Credit Score? - September 19, 2023
• 🏆 WINNERS CROWNED: Who Are The Best Instant Money Apps of 2023? - September 13, 2023

1. Download the Albert app to see if you qualify. Repay the advance with your next paycheck. Fees may apply. Advance amounts based on qualification and may vary. Albert is not a bank. Banking services provided by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC.
2. Instacash is an optional service offered by MoneyLion. Your available Instacash Advance limit will be displayed to you in the MoneyLion mobile app and may change from time to time. Your limit will be based on your direct deposits, account transaction history, and other factors as determined by MoneyLion. See Membership Agreement and help.moneylion.com for additional terms, conditions and eligibility requirements.
3. When you apply for CreditBuilder Plus, MoneyLion will perform a soft credit pull to review certain financial information. This soft inquiry has no impact to your credit score and may or may not be recorded in your credit reports depending on the bureau. This is unlike a hard credit pull which affects your credit score and can appear on your credit report for two (2) years. Credit score improvement is not guaranteed. A soft credit pull will be conducted that has no impact to your credit score.
4. Chime SpotMe is an optional, no fee service that requires a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the Chime Checking Account each month and Visa debit card activation. All qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your limit. Your limit may change at any time, at Chime’s discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe won’t cover non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. See terms and conditions.
5. Chime SpotMe is an optional, no fee service that requires a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the Chime Checking Account each month and Visa debit card activation. All qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on member's Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your limit. Your limit may change at any time, at Chime's discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe won't cover non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. See terms and conditions.
6. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
7. Overdrive™ is available only on Current Individual Accounts and requires $500 in qualifying direct deposits on Current each month. Members will be notified by Current when they are eligible and must opt-in to Overdrive™. The Overdrive™ limit starts at $25, allowing members to overdraft their accounts up to $25 on debit card purchases without any fees, and accounts are reviewed periodically for increases up to $200 at Current’s discretion. Your limit may change based on your account history, spending activity, or other risk-based factors. You will receive a notification of any changes to your limit and your limit may change at any time at Current’s discretion. Your limit and remaining balance will be displayed to you in the Current app. When you receive your next deposit, Current then will apply funds towards your negative balance. Overdrive™ will not cover any non-debit card purchases, including ATM withdrawals, ACH transfers, P2P services (PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or similar services), Current Pay transfers and checks. See terms and conditions.