When you need cash fast and don't want a credit check slowing the process down, it's tempting to grab the first cash advance option you find. 

In Texas, that urgency can be costly. Unlike other high-rate states, payday lenders in Texas charge about double in fees for a $500 payday loan, with rates at about 23% of the loan amount due every two weeks. 

This guide explains Texas cash advance rules, compares five popular ways to get a $500 cash advance with no credit check, and highlights safer alternatives that avoid trapping you in a debt cycle.

In Texas, $500 cash advances are legal, but the state's rules are different from most places. The state doesn't cap how much you can borrow or set strict limits on fees — giving lenders more freedom to set their own terms.

Some cash advance companies in Texas operate under the Credit Access Business (CAB) model. This setup lets them partner with out-of-state banks to offer loans that might not be allowed under traditional Texas lending laws. The result? Annual percentage rates (APRs) that can average around 500% due to short repayment terms and multiple fees.

When lenders say "no credit check," they may mean no hard credit pull that affects your credit score. But they'll likely still do a soft check to verify your identity and income. They also may check to see if you owe money to other payday lenders through the Clarity Services database.

Even if your credit score isn't ideal, you can try these loan options to get the money you need: 

Speedy Cash operates as a Registered Credit Access Business with storefront locations across Texas and is a member of the Online Lenders Alliance (OLA) taking applications for cash advances up to $500 or more. Applications take only minutes and typically require proof of income, a checking account, and valid ID. Approval is often quick — even for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit — but this convenience can come with high fees typical of payday loans. 

Advance America is a registered credit services organization with physical locations throughout Texas. It also offers online, short-term cash advances of up to $500 for new customers, with higher amounts available for repeat borrowers. Approval times are quick — often within minutes with online approvals made before 10:30 a.m. ET with cash deposited by 5 p.m. the same day — even with imperfect credit. Like most payday lenders, the company charges origination and finance fees that can create triple-digit APRs when calculated over the short loan term.

ACE Cash Express is a licensed, short-term lender that combines storefront and online lending, helping borrowers secure a cash advance without the wait. In Texas, the lender’s payday loans range from $100 to $1,500, with installment options up to $2,500. First-time borrowers can access up to $500, with the potential for higher amounts over time. Approvals are often fast with applicants receiving funds in minutes via debit card, same-day cash pickup, or next-business-day deposit. While credit history isn’t a major hurdle, borrowing can be expensive with loans carrying flat fees plus interest charges.

Check City acts as a credit services organization in Texas providing cash advances up to $500. Approvals can be fast with same-day funding options delivered via direct deposit or instant funding onto a debit card for returning customers. While their application process is straightforward, borrowers should carefully review the fee structure, which often includes origination fees, finance charges, and potential rollover costs if you can't repay on time. 

Texas has hundreds of Credit Access Businesses (CABs) that broker payday loans and cash advances through third-party lenders at a fee — often a percentage of the loan. Borrowers sign a promissory note with the lender and a credit service agreement with the CAB, and payments are typically handled onsite. While CABs may offer personalized service and have more flexible terms, their fees and interest rates typically match those of larger chains.

Cash advances in Texas come with several cost layers that aren't always obvious upfront. Origination fees hover around $28 per $100 borrowed, while finance charges add another 15% to 20% of the loan amount. If your payment bounces, expect non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees to tack on another $35 on top of your bank's charges.

Short repayment windows create the biggest risk. Most loans are due within two- to four-weeks, and if you can't pay in full, rollover penalties kick in. These can include additional origination fees, extended finance charges, and late payment penalties that quickly double your original debt.

Multiple loans may amplify these problems: Texas doesn't limit how many payday loans you can have at once, so some borrowers end up juggling several high-cost loans simultaneously. This creates a debt cycle where you're constantly borrowing to pay off previous loans while fees continue mounting.

To avoid getting stuck in a debt cycle, consider safer alternatives. Below are three options: 

Instead of borrowing money you don't have, EarnIn lets you access wages you've already earned. With its Cash Out tool, you can get up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays¹ — with no interest charges or mandatory fees. The app tracks your work hours and lets you cash out a portion of your earned wages before payday. 

EarnIn's Lightning Speed² feature provides transfers in minutes, starting at just $2.99 per transfer.² But if you're able to wait, the standard transfers don't involve fees and arrive within two business days. (EarnIn works on an optional tipping³ model, so you can choose whether to tip for the service or not.)

With EWA, since you're accessing your earned wages rather than taking out a loan, there's no interest or compounding fees, helping you to avoid a debt cycle.

Federal credit unions in Texas offer Payday Alternative Loans (PALs) with better terms than traditional payday loans. These range from $200 to $1,000 and are repaid over one to six months with fees capped at $20 and APRs limited to 28%. Membership is required, but many credit unions have broad eligibility requirements.

Many Texas cities and counties run emergency aid programs that cover essentials like rent and utilities, helping to cut the need for costly cash advances. Groups like United Way, Salvation Army, and local churches also step in with grants or resource referrals, typically requiring proof of hardship but rarely expecting repayment.

Texas cash advances can provide fast money, but they also have financial risks. Triple-digit APRs and short repayment terms create debt cycles that are hard to escape. 

Before taking out a cash advance, calculate the total cost — including all fees — and consider how you'll repay without needing another loan immediately. EWA alternatives like EarnIn give you access to money while avoiding the cycle of debt loans can create.

Ready to skip the high fees and get the cash you need? EarnIn may help you access earned wages without mandatory interest or fees for standard transfers, providing a lower-cost alternative to payday loans.