## The Best Alternatives to Empower for Small Cash Advances
Empower is a popular mobile app that offers fee-free cash advances of up to $250 without a credit check. Users can also pay a small fee for instant cash rather than waiting the usual processing time of a few business days.
This app is especially attractive to gig workers, as freelancers, contractors, and other non-traditional employees can access cash advances through Empower.
While Empower is a great option for quick cash, there are several other apps that provide similar services—some offer larger loans, more flexible terms, or additional budgeting tools.
### 7 Best Apps Like Empower
Below are some of the best alternatives to Empower that you can download today.
### 1. **Chime** – Best for Immediate Access
[Chime](https://millennialmoney.com/chime-bank-review/) is widely known as a top-tier checking account provider, but it also offers overdraft protection through the *Chime SpotMe* program.
With SpotMe, account holders can overdraw up to $200 on debit card purchases without incurring overdraft fees.
Key Benefits of Chime:
– No monthly service fees, minimum balance fees, or foreign transaction fees
– Free access to over 60,000 nationwide ATMs
– Early direct deposit, allowing users to receive their paycheck up to two days in advance
While Chime is not a bank, it is a fintech company that partners with The Bancorp Bank, N.A., and Stride Bank, N.A., both of which are FDIC members.
[Learn More at Chime.com](https://go.millennialmoney.com/chime/?pd00=44950&pd02=content&aff_slug=chime)
### 2. **Dave** – Best for Low Fees
[Dave](https://go.millennialmoney.com/dave/?pd00=44950&pd02=content&aff_slug=dave) provides cash advances of up to $500 without interest or a credit check, with repayment due on your next payday.
Additional features include:
– Budgeting tools
– Overdraft protection alerts
– Credit monitoring
– Automatic bill payments
Dave requires a linked external bank account and charges a low monthly subscription fee of just $1—considerably lower than Empower’s $8 monthly fee.
### 3. **Varo** – Best for Flexible Repayment
Varo is a mobile banking app offering checking and high-yield savings accounts, along with tools for automated savings. It also provides fast cash advances through *Varo Advance*.
– Borrow anywhere from $20 to $250 without interest
– Repayment period of up to 30 days
– No tips, subscriptions, or transfer fees
Varo lets users borrow up to $20 for free. For larger advances, fees range from $4 to $15, depending on the amount borrowed. Qualified users can eventually access up to $500 in cash advances.
[Learn More at Varo.com](https://millennialmoney.com/varo-review/)
### 4. **MoneyLion** – Best for Larger Cash Advances
MoneyLion is a payday loan app offering cash advances of up to $1,000 as part of its *Instacash* program. The platform also provides:
– Personal loans with low interest
– Credit monitoring
– Budgeting assistance
– Tools to track spending and avoid late fees
To qualify for MoneyLion cash advances, users must:
1. Download the MoneyLion app
2. Enroll in free membership, which includes a MoneyLion checking account
3. Set up direct deposits of at least $250 per pay period
Regular account holders can get up to $500–$700, while *RoarMoney* premium users can access up to $1,000.
[Learn More at MoneyLion.com](https://millennialmoney.com/moneylion-review/)
### 5. **EarnIn** – Best for Getting Paid Early
[EarnIn](https://millennialmoney.com/earnin-app-review/) allows users to access their earned wages before payday. Unlike other cash advance apps, EarnIn does not charge fees or require a credit check. Instead, users are encouraged to tip (typically around 10%).
– Cash advances up to $750 per pay period (max $100 per day)
– No subscription fees
– *Lightning Speed* transfers available for instant cash (fees: $3.99–$4.99)
[Learn More at EarnIn.com](https://millennialmoney.com/earnin-review/)
### 6. **Brigit** – Best for Avoiding Overdraft Fees
Brigit offers instant cash advances of up to $250 with no interest or credit check. It proactively monitors bank accounts and can send money to prevent overdraft fees.
– Works