If you need cash fast, several apps offer instant $50 loans without complicated credit checks or lengthy approval processes. Our research found that EarnIn is the cheapest cash app to borrow $50 instantly. This guide covers EarnIn and other top cash apps that can provide a quick cash advance to help cover unexpected expenses.
Keep reading to find the best app for your needs, along with details on fees, features, and how quickly you can get your money. The table below features companies in order from the lowest to highest potential fees to borrow $50.
| App | Cost to get $50 instantly |
| EarnIn | $2.99 – $5.99 |
| MoneyLion | $3.99 (MoneyLion account) or $5.99 (external account) |
| Dave | $4 – $26 (incl. monthly fee) |
| FloatMe | $6.99 – $10.99 (incl. monthly fee) |
| Cleo | $9.98 – $24.98 (incl. monthly fee) |
| Brigit | $10.98 – $14.99 (incl. monthly fee) |
| Empower | $11 (incl. monthly fee) |
| Albert | $14.98 – $19.98 (incl. monthly fee) |
| Klover | Up to $16.78 |
| Current | Not disclosed |
Instant $50 cash apps
Cash advance apps can be a lifesaver when you’re in a bind and need to borrow $50 instantly. These apps provide small, short-term loans from your next paycheck with minimal fees, making bridging the gap between paychecks easier. Here’s a closer look at several $50 instant cash apps and how they work.
EarnIn
Best Overall
5 /5
LendEDU Rating
Get Cash
Why we picked it
EarnIn offers “Cash Out” advances, allowing you to borrow $50 or more against your next paycheck. To get started, you’ll need to link your bank account and provide your employer email to verify a steady income. You can borrow up to $750 per pay period, depending on your earnings.
EarnIn doesn’t charge any mandatory fees if you choose a standard transfer; just tip what you think is fair, and the funds typically arrive within one to two business days.
For instant access, EarnIn charges a flat Lightning Speed fee: $3.99 for cash-out transfers and $2.99 for transfers to a deposit account. If you’re using the EarnIn Card, fees can vary based on your direct deposit setup, with a $5.99 fee for cash-only transfers without a qualifying deposit.
- No mandatory fees
- Fast access to funds
- No credit check
- Balance Shield Alerts
- Daily cap of $100
- Encourages optional tips
| Instant access fee | $2.99 – $5.99 |
| No-fee funding time | 1 – 2 business days |
| Loan amounts | $50 – $750 |
MoneyLion
Best for building eligibility
4.5 /5
LendEDU Rating
Get Cash
Why we picked it
MoneyLion allows you to request Instacash after verifying your identity and linking your bank account. Just select the amount you want and agree to any applicable fees. You must repay it by your next paycheck.
MoneyLion is free if you want to make a standard transfer. The fee for instant transfers depends on the amount you borrow and whether you want the money transferred to a MoneyLion or an external account. To borrow $50, it costs $3.99 to transfer it to a MoneyLion account and $5.99 to an external account.
- Higher cash advance limits
- Additional financial services available
- No credit check
- Lower fees with a RoarMoney account
- Fees for instant access
- Requires bank account linkage
| Instant access fee | $3.99 (MoneyLion account) or $5.99 (external account) |
| No-fee funding time | 1 – 5 business days |
| Loan amounts | $25 – $500 |
Dave
Best early payment benefit
4.6 /5
LendEDU Rating
Get Cash
Why we picked it
Dave allows you to borrow up to $500, but it’s especially accessible for a smaller amount like $50. The app charges a $1 monthly subscription fee and express transfer fees ranging from $3 to $15 for Dave Checking accounts and $5 to $25 for external bank accounts. These fees vary based on the amount you borrow and how soon you want the funds.
Dave stands out for its budgeting tools and ability to help you avoid overdraft fees, making it a suitable choice for those who occasionally need a small, quick cash boost. However, if you’re looking to minimize fees, it might not be the cheapest option for a $50 loan compared to alternatives (such as EarnIn).
- No interest or late fees
- No credit check required
- High maximum limit of $500
- Reports repayment to the 3 major credit bureaus
| Instant access fee* | $4 – $26 ($3 – $15 for Dave Checking accounts; $5 – $25 for external bank accounts) |
| No-fee funding time | 2 – 3 days |
| Loan amounts | $5 – $500 |
FloatMe
3.4 /5
LendEDU Rating
Get Cash
Why we picked it
FloatMe offers cash advances of up to $100 to help cover small, unexpected expenses without a credit check or interest charges. You’ll pay a membership fee of $3.99 per month. The fee structure is straightforward, with no hidden costs, and you can get your cash advance within 30 minutes with a fee of $3 to $7 for Instant Floats (but they aren’t truly instant).
FloatMe also provides balance alerts and budgeting insights to help users manage their finances, but if you need more flexible options, other cash advance apps might be a better fit.
- No interest
- Fast funding
- In-app forecasting
| Instant access fee* | $6.99 – $10.99 |
| No-fee funding time | 1 – 3 days |
| Loan amounts | Up to $100 |
Cleo
4.1 /5
LendEDU Rating
Get Cash
Why we picked it
Cleo offers cash advances of up to $250. To access cash advances, you must subscribe for $5.99 or $14.99 per month, depending on the plan. Instant transfer fees can range from $3.99 to $9.99, depending on the amount and speed required.
Cleo also provides budgeting tools, spending insights, and even a quirky AI chatbot to help you manage your money. It might be suitable for for someone who needs a combination of quick cash and financial guidance, but the subscription fee can make it less appealing if you’re only looking for a one-time cash advance.
- No credit check
- Helpful money management tools
| Instant access fee* | $9.98 – $24.98 |
| No-fee funding time | 3 – 4 days |
| Loan amounts | Up to $250 |
Brigit
Best for repayment flexibility
4.3 /5
LendEDU Rating
Get Cash
Why we picked it
With Brigit, you can download the app, sign up for a monthly plan, and connect your bank account. As soon as you’re approved, you can request an advance and select your repayment date.
Brigit lets you borrow up to $250 once your account is approved and you’ve signed up for a monthly plan. The app has a free tier, but it won’t allow you to access instant transfers. You can choose between a Plus membership ($8.99 monthly) and a Premium membership ($14.99 monthly). Once approved, you can request a cash advance.
- Overdraft protection
- Budgeting tools included
- No credit check
- Credit monitoring
- Monthly subscription fee
- Maximum advance of $250
| Instant access fee* | $10.98 – $14.99 |
| No-fee funding time | 2 – 3 business days |
| Loan amounts | $50 – $250 |
Empower
Best overdraft reimbursem*nt
4.6 /5
LendEDU Rating
Get Cash
Why we picked it
To borrow $50 from Empower, connect your bank account and see how much you qualify to borrow. Once you approve the amount, choose between instant or standard transfer. You’ll repay it automatically out of your next paycheck.
Empower charges an $8 monthly membership fee, which includes a whole host of money management tools and reimbursem*nt for any overdraft fees if your repayment causes your bank account to overdraft. The amount you qualify for is based on your banking activity. You can choose from the standard transfer (within one business day) or pay a $3 fee to get funds as fast as one hour. You can sign up for a 14-day trial to see whether it’s for you.
- Financial management tools included
- Instant access to funds
- No credit check
- AutoSave feature
- Monthly subscription fee
- Instant access fees can be high
| Instant access fee* | $11 |
| No-fee funding time | 1 business day |
| Loan amounts | $10 – $300 |
Albert
Get Cash
Why we picked it
Albert provides cash advances of up to $250. The app charges a $4.99 fee for instant access, in addition to monthly fees of $9.99 or $14.99, depending on which plan you select. Albert also includes budgeting, automatic savings, and subscription tracking tools, offering a more comprehensive financial management solution than some other cash advance apps.
However, while the app’s cash advance service is helpful for small, short-term needs, its membership fee may not be ideal for those seeking a cost-free option. This app can be a valuable choice for users who can benefit from the full suite of financial tools Albert offers, but if you only need a one-time advance, you might consider other alternatives.
- Budget, bank, save, and invest all in one app
- Cashback-earning debit card
- Investing support for beginners
- 30-day free trial
| Instant access fee* | $14.98 – $19.98 |
| No-fee funding time | 1 – 3 business days |
| Loan amounts | Up to $250 |
Klover
4.1 /5
LendEDU Rating
Get Cash
Why we picked it
Klover lets you borrow up to $200 without a credit check, making it a convenient option for quick, small loans like a $50 advance. Klover’s fee-based structure can range up to $15.98, depending on the amount borrowed and how fast you need the funds. While the app advertises free advances, expedited transfers may incur fees, which vary based on the speed of delivery and your financial profile.
Klover also offers financial management tools, such as budgeting assistance and rewards for sharing data, making it an appealing choice for users looking to build better financial habits. However, with fees potentially higher compared to several alternatives, Klover might not be the cheapest option if you frequently need a small cash advance.
- Qualify without a credit check
- Agree to share your data with the app instead of paying fees or interest (but instant transfer fees still apply)
| Instant access fee | Up to $16.78 |
| No-fee funding time | 1 business day |
| Loan amounts | $5 – $200 |
Current
Best for multiple advances
4.2 /5
LendEDU Rating
Get Cash
Why we picked it
Current allows users to get multiple advances in a single pay period, with a maximum funding amount of $500. Once you qualify with Current, you can request a cash advance and agree to pay the instant fee. You’ll pay back what you owe by your next paycheck.
After signing up for a Current checking account, you can see whether you qualify for a cash advance. If so, you can request one and choose to make a standard or instant transfer. You’ll be notified of the fee beforehand.
- Multiple advances in a pay period
- No credit check
- Includes premium account features
- Budgeting and tracking tools
- Monthly fee
- Instant access fee not disclosed
| Instant access fee | Not disclosed |
| No-fee funding time | 1 – 3 days |
| Loan amounts | $50 – $500 |
Read More
Cash advance apps to borrow money from your next paycheck
How much does it cost to borrow $50 instantly?
The cost to borrow $50 instantly varies by app. Here are the costs for several of our top-rated cash apps:
- With EarnIn, you’ll pay a flat fee between $2.99 and $5.99, depending on the transfer method you choose.
- MoneyLion charges $3.99 to transfer to a MoneyLion account or $5.99 to an external account.
- For Brigit, the fee ranges from $10.98 to $14.99, including a monthly membership fee.
- Empower charges a flat fee of $11, which includes its $8 monthly subscription fee.
These apps don’t charge interest, just the fees mentioned above. The amount you can borrow and the speed of access depend on your financial habits, income, and app-specific requirements. Choose the app that balances cost and speed based on your immediate needs.
Our expert’s advice when using cash apps
Erin Kinkade
CFP®
Make every effort to repay the loan in full and on time. If you can’t do it in one fell swoop, I advise not taking on another loan until you repay the first loan in full.
Can I get a $50 loan on an instant cash app without a bank account?
Getting a $50 loan without a bank account is possible. Some apps might let you borrow money and send it to an account within the app, and you can then transfer it.
But most, including those mentioned above, require you to connect your bank account to the app because you’ll agree to repay what you owe from your next paycheck. Your employer may have a cash app that lets you borrow money because it can track your earnings.
Even if you don’t need to link a traditional bank account to access money through a cash app, many view your banking activity as one of several factors when assessing how much to lend.
Other eligibility requirements may include:
- Qualifying employment. Many cash apps require you to be employed with a full-time employer or provide proof of employment. Documentation may include a pay stub or other ways to show you earn income.
- Steady income. Cash apps want to know you earn regular income to show you can repay your loan. In most cases, you can link to your bank account or show proof of regular direct deposit from an employer.
- Age. Most apps require that you be at least 18 years old and are a citizen or resident of the U.S. You may need to provide your birthday or government-issued ID as proof.
What our expert recommends
Erin Kinkade
CFP®
First, ascertain whether the app is legitimate—the ones mentioned above are—and understand how repayment works. Also, discern whether the loan is for a need vs a want. Steer clear of taking out a loan for a want; only use them for urgent needs.
Are there alternatives to a $50 instant cash app?
| Method | Best for |
| Instant cash app | Quick cash with minimal hassle |
| Buy now, pay later | Purchasing goods or services now |
| Credit card | Revolving credit for purchases |
| Friend or family loan | Interest-free short-term loan |
| Payday loan | High-interest short-term borrowing |
Buy now, pay later
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services allow you to make purchases and pay over time in interest-free installments. Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm are examples. They can be useful if you need to make a purchase but prefer to spread the cost over several weeks or months. These services often don’t require a credit check and can be used for online and in-store purchases.
Credit card
Using a credit card for small purchases can provide instant access to funds. If you already have a credit card, you can use it to cover a $50 expense and repay the balance over time. Credit cards often come with interest rates, so paying off the balance as soon as possible is important to avoid high interest charges. Some credit cards also offer a grace period where no interest is charged if you pay the balance in full by the due date.
Friend or family loan
Borrowing $50 from a friend or family member can be a quick, interest-free way to get the money you need. This option relies on personal relationships and trust. Ensure you agree on repayment terms to avoid any potential misunderstandings or conflicts. If you have someone to help you, this can be the fastest and most cost-effective method.
Payday loan
Payday loans are short-term loans designed to be repaid on your next payday, usually within two to four weeks. While they can provide quick access to cash, payday loans come with sky-high fees and interest rates, making them a pricey option for borrowing small amounts.
For example, payday lenders might charge a flat fee of $15 to $30 for every $100 borrowed. This fee may not seem steep, but it translates to an annual percentage rate (APR) of 400% or higher, far exceeding the interest rates on credit cards or personal loans. If you can’t repay the loan in full by your next payday, the lender might charge additional fees, leading to a cycle of debt that’s hard to escape.
We don’t recommend payday loans except as a last resort due to their high costs and potential for long-term financial harm. If you have exhausted all other options, consider a payday loan only after reviewing the terms and understanding the total cost of borrowing.
FAQ
What is my best option to get $50 ASAP?
If you need immediate money and have access to a cash advance app, these can be terrific options due to their fast funding times and minimal fees. We found that EarnIn was the lowest-cost app to borrow $50. Borrowing from a friend or family member is also quick and cost-effective if you have someone willing to help.
Can you borrow money from Venmo?
Venmo does not offer traditional loans or cash advances. However, you can request money from friends or family through the Venmo app. If they agree to send you money, it will be available in your Venmo balance immediately. Venmo also has a Venmo Credit Card for purchases, but this requires an application and approval process similar to other credit cards.
Can you borrow money from PayPal?
PayPal offers several options for borrowing money. For personal users, PayPal Credit allows you to make purchases and pay for them over time with no interest if paid in full within six months on purchases of $99 or more. For business users, PayPal Working Capital provides business loans based on your PayPal sales history. However, PayPal does not offer direct personal loans or cash advances like the apps mentioned.
Recap of cash apps to borrow $50 instantly
| App | Cost to get $50 instantly |
| EarnIn | $2.99 – $5.99 |
| MoneyLion | $3.99 (MoneyLion account) or $5.99 (external account) |
| Dave | $4 – $26 (incl. monthly fee) |
| FloatMe | $6.99 – $10.99 (incl. monthly fee) |
| Cleo | $9.98 – $24.98 (incl. monthly fee) |
| Brigit | $10.98 – $14.99 (incl. monthly fee) |
| Empower | $11 (incl. monthly fee) |
| Albert | $14.98 – $19.98 (incl. monthly fee) |
| Klover | Up to $16.78 |
| Current | Not disclosed |
