Rent’s due. Your car just gave out. School’s starting tomorrow, and your kid still needs supplies. When such last-minute expenses hit, they don’t wait for payday — and neither can you.
Sure, there are plenty of apps and lenders promising “instant” cash. But many same-day cash advances still take a full day or more to hit your account, which doesn’t help much when the bills are already overdue. Some same-day cash advance options are actually fast and genuinely deliver on their promises. But, they vary wildly in how they deliver funds, what they charge, and how much red tape you’ll have to cut through first.
So, which one should you pursue?
This story breaks down five online cash advance loans — same-day delivery — ranked by payout speeds, delivery methods, and real costs.
What is a same-day cash advance loan?
A same-day cash advance is a short-term loan that hits your account within the same business day, typically within hours of applying.
Provider | Claimed Payout Speed | Delivery Method | Cost | Notes |
Earnin Lightning speed | Within 30 minutes (Lightning Speed) | Debit card (Lightning Speed), ACH (standard) | $3.99 for Lightning Speed; free for standard | Access up to $750/pay period; real-time approval |
MoneyLion Instacash | Instant (minutes) or 1–5 business days | RoarMoney, external bank via ACH | Up to $8.99 for instant; free for standard | Up to $1,000 with RoarMoney; $100 disbursement increments |
NetCredit | Same day or next business day | ACH transfer | Varies by creditworthiness (APR-based) | Loans up to $10,000; credit check required |
Dave | Instant (depends on bank) | Dave Checking or external debit card | Up to $5/month + optional 1.5% fee + overdraft fee | Overdraft protection; quick approval; repay on demand |
Brigit | 20 minutes (Express) or 1–3 business days | Bank account (standard or express) | $8.99–$14.99/month + optional express delivery fee | Budgeting tools; eligibility-based advance; no credit checks |
Unlike traditional personal loans that might take days or weeks to process, same-day cash advance loans are quicker, making them ideal for covering urgent expenses when payday’s still a few days out.
However, same day doesn’t always mean right away. The speed depends entirely on the delivery method. Some apps use instant transfers that can get money to your debit card in minutes, while others rely on standard ACH or direct deposit — which could leave you waiting a day or two (especially if you apply after hours).
The loan might be approved quickly, but the money doesn’t always show up right away. And in a pinch, waiting even a few hours can feel like forever.
How fast is fast? What affects payout time
Same-day delivery doesn’t always mean the money hits your account right away. Timing depends on a few key factors, starting with banking hours. If you apply late on a Friday night, for instance, you could be waiting until Monday — even if the app offers instant transfers. Most banks only process transactions during weekday business hours.
The delivery method also matters. Instant transfers to your debit card are quickest but often come with fees, ACH transfers are usually free but can take one to two business days, while direct deposit might seem convenient, but is typically the slowest option.
If you’re a first-time user, you might face additional delays. Most apps require ID verification, bank account linking, proof of income, or banking activity before releasing funds. So even with a same-day promise, these checks alone can stretch processing times by hours or even days — even if subsequent ones are much faster.
5 same-day cash advance loans ranked by payout speed
Need fast, same-day cash online but not sure where to start? Here are five options:
1. EarnIn (via Lightning Speed)
The EarnIn app, with its Lightning Speed1 option lets you expedite the transfer of funds to your debit card in minutes for a fee starting at $2.99. Unlike traditional cash advance loans, EarnIn’s Cash Out2 service lets you access money you've already earned at work — getting up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays. The app uses real-time approval logic, so there's no waiting around for underwriting decisions. Standard transfers are free but take one to two business days, while Lightning Speed1 can deliver funds within minutes during business hours.
2. MoneyLion Instacash
MoneyLion offers cash advances of up to $500 through its Instacash app with no interest, credit check, or mandatory fees. Delivery occurs within one to five business days with standard delivery or instantly (within minutes) for an optional fee of up to $8.99. With a MoneyLion RoarMoney account, the advance amount goes up to $1,000, with funds typically showing up within 12 to 48 hours — but external bank accounts can take three to five days. Advances are disbursed in $100 increments, and repayment happens automatically with your next deposit, so there’s no need to track due dates.
3. NetCredit
NetCredit operates more like a traditional lender, offering personal loans of up to $10,000 with same-day funding potential. Once approved, funds can be deposited as soon as the next business day or sooner via ACH transfer, depending on your bank's processing times. The application process is typically faster than traditional banks, with decisions often made within minutes. However, as a loan product, NetCredit charges interest rates that can range significantly based on your creditworthiness, income, state of residence, and overall financial profile.
4. Dave
Dave lets you borrow between $25 and $500 through its ExtraCash service, with most approvals happening in under five minutes. While the app advertises instant transfers, delivery speed can still depend on your bank’s processing times. To access ExtraCash, you’ll need both a Dave Checking account and an ExtraCash overdraft deposit account. There’s a monthly membership fee of up to $5, and if you choose to transfer funds to an external debit card, expect an optional 1.5% fee. Overdrafts come with a charge — the greater of $5 or 5% — and you might need to overdraft more than once to access your full limit, while repayment is due on demand, so it’s important to stay on top of your balance.
5. Brigit
Brigit offers cash advances up to $250, with standard transfers landing in one to three business days or within 20 minutes if you opt for express delivery (fees apply). The app goes beyond advances, bundling in overdraft protection and budgeting tools to help you stay ahead. There are no credit checks or late fees, and approvals are typically quick. Advance amounts vary based on eligibility, though not everyone will qualify. A monthly subscription between $8.99 and $14.99 may apply.
Fast isn't always free — understanding the cost
The faster you want your money, the more it’ll likely cost you.
Cash advance apps usually offer standard transfers that are free but slow, and express transfers that get you cash in minutes often come with fees. These fees typically range from $1.99 to $8.99, depending on the app and how much you’re borrowing. That might seem small, but if you’re borrowing $100 and paying a $5.99 fee, that’s essentially a 6% cost for speed. Use express delivery a few times a month, and those charges can add up quickly.
Some apps operate on a tip-based model2, letting you choose what to pay — even $0. Others use APR-based pricing like traditional lenders, which can get expensive depending on your credit. And then there’s the transparency issue: not all apps clearly break down what you’ll actually pay. Fees might be buried in memberships or “optional” add-ons that feel anything but optional when you need money fast.
Choose the fastest, safest option for you
Not all apps are built with your best interests in mind. Some have predatory fee structures or terms that can trap you in cycles of borrowing.
Before you download the first app that promises instant cash, ask yourself:
- When do you actually need the money? If your bill isn't due until next week, you might not need to pay express fees for instant access.
- Can you handle the repayment terms? Some apps automatically debit your account on your next payday, which could cause problems if you're already cutting it close financially. Others give you more flexibility with repayment schedules.
- Are you comfortable with fees or tips? If paying $5.99 to get $100 instantly is worth it for your situation, go for it. But if those fees feel steep, slower free transfers might be the smarter choice.
Always read the fine print before hitting "accept", especially around automatic renewals, overdraft policies, and what happens if you can't repay on time.
EarnIn: A faster way to access your money
Unlike other apps, EarnIn lets you access wages you've already earned at work, which means no loans, interest charges, or mandatory fees for standard transfers.
EarnIn's Lightning Speed1 feature gets your earned money to your debit card in minutes — not days. The process is straightforward: link your bank account, verify your employment, and you can access up to $150 per day, with a max of $750 between paydays — based on the hours you've already worked.
The app is designed for people who want to avoid payday loan traps and expensive overdraft fees. Since you're only accessing money you've already earned, there's no risk of spiraling into debt or getting stuck with high-interest payments.
The bottom line: Same-day cash without the stress
Getting cash fast doesn’t have to mean falling into a cycle of debt.
With the right app and understanding what same-day means for each provider, what it'll cost you, and whether the terms work for your specific situation, you can handle unexpected expenses without the financial strain of emergency borrowing.
The best same-day cash advance for you depends on your urgency, budget, and comfort level with fees. However, speed, cost, and flexibility rarely come together in one perfect package. Some apps excel at getting you money in minutes but charge premium fees. Others are free but take longer.
EarnIn blends speed and safety in one easy-to-use platform so you can access money you've already earned without the stress.
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
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.2
EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out. 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.
