Dolly Parton sang the lows of “Workin’ 9 to 5”, but there’s something to be said about the highs. Getting paid is one of those highs, and getting paid early is even better.
This app roundup is all about apps that help you getting paid early. We should also mention that there’s a difference between getting paid early and a cash advance. Some of the apps on this list do offer a way to get a cash advance and we’ll point out the ones that do. But, the focus of this article is to list apps that offer you a way to get your paycheck early.
Here are the 14 best apps to get paid up to two days early.
14 Best Apps To Get Paid up to Two Days Early
Chime®
Chime has all the features you could ask for: no fees on overdrafts*, ATM access1 through a huge network, no foreign transaction fees, and even savings round-ups2. You can get paid up to two days early3 when you set up direct deposit to your Chime account.
This is a crowded space, yet Chime seems to have the right blend of user-friendliness, features, and virtually zero fees4.
App cost: $0
Read more in our Chime Review
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
*Chime SpotMe is an optional, no fee service that requires a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the Chime Checking Account each month. All qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your limit. Your limit may change at any time, at Chime’s discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe won’t cover non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. See Terms and Conditions.
1Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
2Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfers the round up from your Chime Checking Account to into your savings account. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.
3Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
4There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.
Current
Like other banking apps, Current offers the ability to get paid two days sooner than you would with a traditional bank. On top of that is a cascade of other features, including bill pay.
There’s also no minimum deposit, no maintenance fees, and even fast removal for gas station holds. There are no overdraft fees and 40,000 ATMs in-network where you can withdraw money without a fee.
There’s no cash advance with Current, but users can overdraft up to $200 without additional fees.
App cost: $0
Read more in our Current Review
Albert
Albert Cash can get you your paycheck up to two days early. Albert also skips overdraft fees and can offer up to $250 as a cash advance against your upcoming paycheck.
There’s no credit check and no interest, but there is a catch for the cash advance. It takes two to three business days to receive a cash advance unless you pay a small fee.
Other excellent features are an automatic savings function and a debit card that pays rewards. To unlock all the features associated with an Albert Cash account, the price is $6 per month. Users can pay what they think is fair but $6/month is the minimum.
App cost: $6/month
Dave
When the banking app includes an adorable bear as a mascot, you know it has to be good. Dave hits two pain points at once: the need to get paid early and the ability to tap into a cash advance when you need it.
Dave comes with a Visa debit card with no minimum deposit and zero overdraft fees.
The cost? $1 a month. If you need to get a cash advance, you can choose to “tip” instead of paying a set fee. If you need the money sooner, the fee ranges from $1.99 (for advances up to $5) to $5.99 for $250.
You can expect to receive your cash advance in 1-3 business days. Or, if you pay the express fee you can receive the month within 8 hours.
App cost: $1/month
Cash App
Cash App keeps it simple: get paid early, get cash from ATMs, and even get paid in Bitcoin if you want. There’s no cash advance component, but there is a direct deposit that hits roughly two days sooner than the traditional banks.
Using Cash App’s debit card (Cash Card) unlocks “Boosts”, which allow users to save money at select merchants. This is always subject to change, so you’ll have to check Cash App on your phone to stay up to date.
App cost: $0
Empower
With an Empower Card you can get paid up to two days sooner. And if you take advantage of the cash advance feature, you can pay it back without interest.
Empower also offers automatic savings. The app scans your account to determine your income and expenses patterns. Then it decides what’s safe for you to save every week. You can set your own savings goal, and the app will take it from there.
App cost: $8/month
Varo
The online bank account from Varo has the basics nailed: no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and you can get paid two days sooner via direct deposit.
Fee-free ATM access is provided by Allpoint ATMs. There are a few fees at Varo, including cash deposits at retail locations and out-of-network ATMs.
Varo now offers cash advances as well, with no fee for late payments or even a returned payment. The fees for the advances are also reasonable: just $5 for a $100 advance.
App cost: $0
SoFi Checking
SoFi offers a ton of products, but SoFi Checking is special enough to deserve its own section. Not only do you get paid up to two days sooner, but there are also no account or overdraft fees. To sweeten the deal, the SoFi Checking account is offering 1.25% APY. You can sign up and get up to $300 as long as you set up a direct deposit.
The SoFi Checking account also features cash back at local places with an accompanying debit card, which is also free when you open an account. Automatic saving rounds out the list of features nicely. SoFi’s technology helps you save by watching how you spend money.
App cost: $0
Aspiration
Want to give back to the environment? Opening an Aspiration checking account can help you go greener. Aspiration pledges that deposits are free from fossil fuels, and using the round-up feature on the checking account plants a new tree. Our planet certainly can use new trees.
Aspiration Plus is $5.99/month if you sign up for a year or $7.99/month, and unlocks additional features. You get a debit card made from recycled ocean plastic, along with up to 5.00% APY on your savings.
Even if you skip the Aspiration Plus tier, you can still get a good savings APY (3.00% APY). You can pay what you think is fair for the basic Aspiration account. You’ll also get cash back on select purchases, early direct deposit, and a very low opening amount (just $10).
App cost: $0 – $7.99/month
Wealthfront Cash Account
Wealthfront is getting in on the checking account fun by merging the best features of checking and saving together. The company offers Individual, Joint, and Trust Cash Accounts.
Most people will be interested in the Individual Cash Account, which offers a high APY and early direct deposit. Other features include 19,000 free ATMs, a low minimum to open ($1), and the ability to deposit checks with the app.
Wealthfront is not a traditional bank but it partners with banks to offer FDIC coverage so your money is still safe and sound.
App cost: $0
Axos
Axos offers several checking account options. Essential Checking is popular, with zero fees, early direct deposit, and no overdraft fees to worry about.
Essential Checking also offers unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. There are no monthly balance requirements, and accounts are well-managed within the app.
App cost: $0
Read more in our Axos Bank Review
Earnin
Want to access your money fast? Enter Earnin, the app that promotes accessing your money as soon as you earn it, without having to wait for payday.
The fine print is a bit more specific. It says you can get up to $500 of your paycheck every pay period. Of course, like the other apps, you can get your whole paycheck two days early.
The fees with Earnin are voluntary. You can decide how much the service is worth to you and tip what you think is fair.
App cost: Tip what you think is fair
LendingClub
LendingClub has been around since 2007, and they’re known for loans more than checking accounts. Still, this fintech company offers a Rewards Checking account with some solid perks. Getting a free debit card with a checking account online is pretty standard today. But LendingClub also allows account holders to earn 1% cash back when they use their debit card on qualified purchases.
You can also get early direct deposit and free ATM usage. LendingClub can even give rebates if you don’t use an in-network ATM.
App cost: $0
Capital One 360
Capital One has Capital One 360, featuring FDIC insurance coverage and zero overdraft fees. There are no account minimums, no monthly fees, no hassles, and early direct deposit.
Manage your account inside the app, right next to any Capital One credit cards or loans you already have. It’s all in one place, the way it should be.
App cost: $0
Read more in our Capital One Bank Review
How Does Early Direct Deposit Work?
Before you get paid, your employer notifies the Federal Reserve of how much you can expect. Then, the Feds notify traditional banks. Generally speaking, the bank waits for the exact day that you get paid to deposit the cash in your account.
The new wave of online banks realize that getting paid early is awesome. So part of their appeal is that they deposit funds a couple of days early.
For example, if you get paid on a Friday, you may get your funds on a Wednesday.
What if You Need Your Paycheck More Than Two Days Early?
Strapped for cash with payday in the distant future? Start with your emergency fund before turning to other sources for cash.
Payday loans are a bad solution for emergency cash needs. The interest rates are high, and only a few states cap total interest rates. Payday loan APRs can hit 600% – not worth it. Creating an endless cycle of debt in response to a financial emergency is not the right step to take.
If you need a cash advance, check out apps like Earnin, Dave, and Albert.
If you have a fair credit score of at least 600 to 649, you might also consider a credit card for emergencies. However, just like a cash advance, you’ll want to pay off your balance at the end of each month. Paying off your credit card will keep you out of debt and can also help improve your credit score. Here’s our list of best credit cards for fair credit. If you have good credit, check out our list of best credit cards.
Final Thoughts
Getting paid up to two days early with direct deposit may not sound like a big deal. But, it can make a difference by helping you pay your bills on time. Having access to your money early can also help you avoid debt traps like payday loans. All of the apps on this list are great choices. To find the one best for you, look for an app that offers the features you’ll use most.