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EarnIn is a mobile app that offers cash advances up to $1,000 per pay period to users who link an external bank account and show consistent direct deposits, among other requirements. The advance is then automatically repaid in full on your next payday.
In this review, I cover how the EarnIn app works, what it costs, who qualifies and how it compares to similar cash advance apps.
⚠️ Before you borrow
Cash advance apps can seem like a quick and easy way to get money. But since most apps charge fees, you’ll likely end up owing more than you originally borrowed. This can trap you in a cycle of repeat borrowing that’s hard to break.
At a glance: EarnIn app cash advance
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Amounts available
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$10 to $150 per day or $1,000 per pay period
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Pros and cons of using EarnIn
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Offers larger advances: EarnIn’s cash advance amounts are particularly high, with a maximum of $1,000 available per pay period. No other app we review offers amounts this high. The Current app comes closest with a max advance amount of $750.
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Accepts external bank accounts: Unlike other cash advance apps, EarnIn doesn’t require you to open a bank account with the company to get a paycheck advance. Instead, you can link the bank account in which your paycheck is already deposited.
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Requests tips: EarnIn requests an optional tip for its service, which not all cash advance apps do. BW doesn’t recommend tipping for a cash advance, since this increases the cost of the advance, and you’re essentially paying to access your own money.
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May trigger overdraft fees: EarnIn debits the full amount you owe on your payday, whether you have the funds available or not. This is different from other cash advance apps, which only withdraw the amount you have available in your account, ensuring you’re never charged overdraft fees from your bank.
EarnIn vs. Dave vs. Chime
Compare EarnIn to other cash advance apps like Dave and Chime.
Dave offers advances up to $500 with free instant funding to your Dave checking account. You’ll be charged two automatic fees, though.
Chime offers advances up to $500 with no mandatory fees, but funding may take slightly longer.
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EarnIn
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Dave
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Chime
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Max advance
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Mandatory fees
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Free delivery
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Express delivery
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Alternatives to using EarnIn
There are other ways to get quick cash besides taking out a cash advance.
Explore other ways to make money: Instead of borrowing money, consider a temporary gig to cover small gaps in your budget. You can make money at home or online by selling things you don’t need, taking surveys and testing websites, among other options.
Download a BNPL app: If you need cash to purchase an essential item, like a laptop or mattress, “buy now, pay later” apps like Affirm and Klarna may be a good option. These apps split your purchase into smaller installments, usually with no interest and no fees if you pay on time, and you don’t need good credit to qualify.
Take out a friend or family loan: Friends and family are often an untapped resource for small loans. Though it may be difficult to ask for help, you can make it easier by drawing up a contract that clearly lists when you’ll repay the loan and if you’ll pay interest.
Consider a pawnshop loan: A pawnshop loan lets you borrow money by using a valuable item, like jewelry or electronics, as collateral. You leave the item with the pawnshop and receive a loan based on the item’s value. If you repay the loan, including fees, by the due date, you get your item back. If you don’t repay, the shop keeps the item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EarnIn work for gig workers?
EarnIn isn’t the best fit for gig workers because of its strict employment criteria. Unlike other cash advance apps, which may only look at your bank account to qualify you, EarnIn requires a work-provided email address or a fixed work location to confirm your employment. If you supply a physical work location, you’ll need to enable location services for the app on your phone.
How does EarnIn verify your income?
EarnIn verifies your income by looking at your direct deposit history in your linked checking account.
To qualify for EarnIn, you must demonstrate at least $320 in direct deposits per pay period. This requirement ensures that you have a steady income flow to support your cash advance needs. By meeting this criterion, you can access the benefits and features offered by EarnIn without any hassle. following sentence: The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.
The fast brown fox leaped over the lethargic dog.