Can Students Use Cash Advance Apps? Here’s What to Know

Between rent, textbooks, and tuition, it’s no surprise that many college students face cash shortages while in school. Cash advance apps can seem like a quick fix, but they often come with high fees and the potential for a debt cycle. And relying on short-term loans or risky credit options is not ideal either.

Earned wage access (EWA) is another model for accessing cash — but it's not a loan. It's a way to access your earned wages before payday, and it's emerging as a safer financial alternative to risky borrowing options. The only snag is that most EWA apps usually require a regular paycheck and direct deposit — which many students may not have.

In this guide, you’ll learn who typically qualifies for cash advance apps. And, if that’s not you, discover practical, student-friendly alternatives that are safe, reliable, and within reach.

Can students use cash advance apps?

Students can use cash advance apps, but there are some rules. Starting with the fact you need to be 18 or older. When it comes to earned wage access (EWA) apps, even more rules can apply.

For example, to access your wages early through EarnIn, you'll typically need:

a regular job with a consistent direct deposit pay schedule (weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, or monthly)
a fixed work location or an employer-provided email address
to make at least $320 each pay period
a primary residence in the United States or U.S. territories
a U.S. bank checking account (EarnIn can't send wages to prepaid or savings accounts)

For instance, if you rely on gig or freelance income or are unemployed, then EWA likely won't be an option for you.

If you have a credit card, you may be able to take a credit card cash advance. This doesn’t require a paycheck but often comes with high interest that starts immediately, plus upfront fees, making it costly if not repaid quickly.

Payday loans are another short-term option. You need to have an income. But unlike EWA, this doesn't need to be a job and could include benefits or graduate stipends. However, payday loans can carry extremely high fees and short repayment terms. These factors can lead to a cycle of debt. So you should be extremely careful and understand fully what you're signing up for before taking on a payday loan.

How cash advance apps work for students

Cash advance apps can mean short-term credit tools, like credit card cash advances or payday loans. Earned wage access (EWA) is another form of getting cash quickly, but it's based on wages you've already learned vs. a loan. Here's more:

Earned wage access (EWA) tools, like EarnIn, let you access your own pay without interest or credit checks. You can cash out a portion of your earned wages before getting your scheduled paycheck. Repayment occurs automatically once your paycheck is deposited into the linked account. For example, if you're eligible, EarnIn's Cash Out¹ tool lets you get up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays.

Credit card cash advances let you withdraw cash from your credit card at an ATM or bank, up to a set limit. Unlike regular purchases, interest starts accruing immediately — often at a higher rate — and you may also pay an upfront fee (usually 3%–5% of the amount). This makes them more expensive than EWA and is best reserved for unavoidable circumstances.

Payday loans are short-term loans, typically due on your next payday. They don’t require good credit, but can charge extremely high fees, sometimes the equivalent of triple-digit annual percentage rates (APRs). If you can’t repay on time, it can lead to rapidly escalating debt. Many states regulate or cap payday lending due to these risks.

Smarter alternatives for students who need cash fast

Many students may not qualify for EWA or credit card cash advances. If that's you, then you might need to lean on other options. Here are some suggestions:

Campus emergency funds or financial aid offices

Many colleges offer financial aid, emergency grants, or “just-in-time” financial assistance. These might be grants that you don't have to repay or emergency loans, which are often interest-free. They are there to help cover unexpected costs like medical bills and car repairs, or just basic living expenses during difficult times.

These are free to apply for. Reach out to your college’s financial aid office or dean of students to ask how the process works.

Part-time or gig work with fast payout options

If you're a student who's short of cash, then you may already be working part-time or looking for a part-time job. There may be on-campus jobs available at your university's library, dining hall, or campus bookstore. Alternatively, many students find work off-campus at restaurants, bars, or stores.

However, most jobs don't provide immediate cash. You'll likely be paid every two weeks or perhaps even every month. And you'll need to wait for your next payday to access your money.

If you're looking for work with immediate payout options, here are some opportunities to consider:

Shift-based gig platforms. Apps like Instawork connect students with one-off shifts in hospitality, events, or light warehouse work, often with the option to cash out faster for a small fee. Similar services like Wonolo and GigSmart offer flexible shifts with quick payouts.
Delivery and rideshare apps. Driving for DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart allows you to earn tips instantly, with most platforms offering fast payment features that transfer earnings to your bank or debit card quickly (often for a small fee). For students with access to a car, bike, or scooter, this can be a fast way to turn free time into cash.
Freelance microtasks and online gigs. Sites like Amazon Mechanical Turk, UserTesting, or Fiverr let you complete small digital tasks — ranging from surveys and usability tests to quick freelance jobs. Payment schedules can vary, though, and you'll need to wait for tasks to be approved before you can cash out.
Local casual jobs. Don’t overlook offline opportunities. Jobs like babysitting, dog walking, tutoring, or yard work often pay in cash at the end of the shift. Posting in neighborhood groups or campus boards can lead to quick, one-time jobs that put money in your pocket immediately.

Buy Now, Pay Later for small, essential purchases

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm let you split purchases — like books or groceries — into smaller installments. For example, you might make four payments spread over six weeks. Approval is usually quick, and these tools don’t require strong credit histories, which makes them attractive for students.

However, BNPL isn’t “free money.” If you miss a payment, you could face late fees, overdraft charges, or interest, depending on the provider. Too many active BNPL accounts can also make it harder to keep track of what you owe, and some credit reporting agencies are beginning to track BNPL usage. That’s why it’s best to use BNPL sparingly — only for essential purchases you’re confident you can repay on time.

Community or family resources

Sometimes the most reliable support comes from the people around you. This might look like a small loan from a family member, a roommate covering their share of rent a bit early, or a mentor offering advice and connections. Local community organizations and student groups also frequently provide resources like food pantries, clothing closets, or emergency grants.

It can feel difficult to ask for help, but remember that people understand how financially challenging student life can be. Often, friends, family, and community members want to help. Being open and honest about your situation can make it easier for others to step in. Whether it’s emotional or financial, leaning on your circle for support can be a low-cost, safe way to get through a tough spot.

Start building credit with low-risk tools

If you have some income but a limited credit history, EarnIn's Credit Monitoring² tool tracks your credit score for free and allows you to view credit usage, open accounts, and payment history so you know where you stand. Also, Chime’s Credit Builder Secured Visa requires no credit check, no annual fee, no interest, and no minimum deposit. You add funds to the secured account and use the card responsibly to build credit over time. Another option is the Self Credit Builder Account, a secured loan that reports to credit bureaus and can eventually qualify you for a credit card after meeting eligibility criteria. These options can help you build financial health rather than just patch a temporary need.

Risks and best practices for student cash advances

If you’ve ever thought, “I just need a little cash to get through the week,” a cash advance might feel like the right fix. And sometimes it can help. But here’s the catch: relying on quick cash too often — whether from cash advance apps, credit card advances, or payday loans — can lead to overdraft fees, late charges, or high interest. Since most advances are small, they won’t cover bigger, ongoing expenses like rent or tuition.

To access cash safely, keep these tips in mind:

Use only for emergencies. Cash advances should be your backup plan, not everyday spending money.
Borrow small, repay fast. Pay back on time to avoid bank fees and reduce stress.
Pair with smart habits. Track your spending with a budgeting tool and look for part-time or gig work that pays quickly. This will give you more breathing room.

Used carefully, cash advances can get you through tough moments without pulling you further behind. But they're only a short-term bridge — not a long-term solution.

Smart ways for students to access cash

If you have a steady paycheck from a part-time or on-campus job, you may qualify for an earned wage access (EWA) app like EarnIn, which lets you tap into money you’ve already earned before payday. For some students, this can be a safe, no-cost way to handle short-term expenses without turning to high-interest credit.

But not every student has a regular income or direct deposit set up, and if that’s you, there are still other options worth exploring. Gig work or financial programs at your university are just two promising ones. For more, check out our guides to making quick money in one day, getting cash fast, and easy ways to make money in one hour.

FAQs

What app will let me borrow money fast?

Earned wage access (EWA) apps like EarnIn let eligible users access part of their paycheck before payday. EarnIn’s Lightning Speed³ option allows access within minutes for a small fee (starting at $3.99). If you don’t qualify for EWA, you may be able to get a credit card advance, borrow money from friends or family, or sign up for gig apps like DoorDash or Instawork.

Are Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) tools safe for students?

Yes. But you should use them sparingly and only for essentials. Services like Afterpay or Klarna split payments into installments. But missed payments can trigger high fees, and juggling too many plans can create stress.

How can you build credit without a credit card?

Students can explore secured credit cards, credit-builder loans, or tools like the Chime Credit Builder Card or Self Credit Builder Account. These options report to credit bureaus and help establish a positive history without relying on traditional unsecured cards.

Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.

This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.

EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out.

¹
A pay period is the time between your paychecks, such as weekly, biweekly, or monthly. EarnIn determines your daily and pay period limits (“Daily Max” and “Pay Period Max”) based on your income and financial risk factors as outlined in the Cash Out Maxes section of our Cash Out User Agreement. EarnIn reserves the right to adjust the Daily Max and Pay Period Max at its discretion. Your actual Daily Max will be displayed in your EarnIn account before each Cash Out.

EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1–2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not be available at all times and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply; see the Lightning Speed Fee Table and Cash Out User Agreement for details and eligibility requirements. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.

²
Your VantageScore 3.0 from Experian® indicates your credit risk level and is not used by all lenders, so don't be surprised if your lender uses a score that's different from your VantageScore 3.0. Learn more.

³
Lightning Speed is an optional service that allows you to expedite the transfer of funds for a fee. Depending on the product, the fee may be charged by EarnIn or its banking partner. Lightning Speed may not be available in all states and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply. See the Lightning Speed Fee Table for details.