How We Ranked the Options
Approximately 53% of Americans do not have emergency savings, so we compared the top ranking lenders to help you make a fully informed financial decision.1 We ranked these lenders by the following cash advance criteria: funding speed, cost and fees, and credit check eligibility.
- Funding Speed — It’s critical that when an emergency situation pops up, you get access to quick cash. That’s why we ranked loan options by funding speed, prioritizing lenders that offer same-day and next-day access to funds.
- Cost and Fees — The overall cost structure of a quick cash advance can improve or further hinder your financial situation. For example, a $15 fee on a $100 loan for two weeks equates to nearly 400% APR!2 We looked at lenders that promote flat fees and fixed APRs.
- Credit Check and Eligibility — Accessibility is very important, so we looked for lenders that offer flexible eligibility requirements, such as no credit checks, low or no minimum credit score requirements, and no specific income levels.
#1 CreditNinja (A Cash Advance Alternative)
CreditNinja is an online lender that provides quick loans that range between $300 and $5,000. While we don’t offer cash advances, eligible borrowers could receive funding as soon as the same day with an unsecured personal loan!*
Here’s a bit more information on CreditNinja online loans:
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a CreditNinja loan, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a reliable source of income, and have an active checking account. Unlike many other lenders, CreditNinja does not require a minimum credit score for approval, so you may qualify even with less-than-perfect credit.
Pros and Cons of CreditNinja
These are some of the pros and cons of getting a loan with CreditNinja:
| Pros | Cons |
| Bad Credit is OK — You may still qualify without a good or excellent credit score. Fixed Rates — Interest rates are fixed, which allows for a predictable, flat fee every month. Same-Day Funding — You may receive same day funding if you’re approved!* Flexible Repayment — We offer flexible repayment options up to 24 months. We also don’t charge prepayment penalties for early payoff. | Bank Account Needed — An active bank account is required for qualification. |
Approval Process
The CreditNinja approval process is quick and easy. You must submit a loan application with basic information through the CreditNinja website to get an approval decision. If you are approved, you can electronically sign your loan agreement and get your money!
Funding Speed
CreditNinja offers financial services at ninja speed. The application process may only take a few minutes, and you could get your approved funding the same day!*
Cost
CreditNinja offers flat fees and fixed APRs that don’t change throughout the repayment process to make budgeting easier. We also do not charge prepayment fees, so you are free to pay off your loan early and save on interest!
#2 Fifth Third MyAdvance
Fifth Third MyAdvance is a cash advance option provided by Fifth Third Bank. This financing option allows you to borrow from $50 up to $1,000 from a future direct deposit.
Keep reading to learn how this cash advance option works.
Eligibility Requirements
You must have an eligible Fifth Third Momentum checking account to request cash advances with MyAdvance. You must also have a history of qualified direct deposits in your account. Your credit limit will be based on the date your account opened and your balance history.
Pros and Cons of Fifth Third MyAdvance
These are some pros and cons you should know about MyAdvance:
| Pros | Cons |
| 24/7 Instant Cash — Borrowers have 24/7 access to cash advances. No Credit Check — Approval does not require a credit check. There is no hard pull to your credit score.3 Easy Repayment — The advance is deducted automatically from your next qualified direct deposit. | Expensive — Fifth Third Bank itself states MyAdvance is an expensive form of credit. High Fees — There is a fee of either $10 or 5% of the advance amount for each cash advance (whichever is higher). These charges generally align with traditional payday models.3 |
Approval Process
In order to apply, you must have or enroll for a Fifth Third Momentum checking account. Choose “MyAdvance” from your online account and submit a loan request. Once approved, you could receive money instantly into your account.
Funding Speed
MyAdvance can provide money instantly into your Fifth Third Momentum checking account. The money is taken from your next qualified direct deposit.
Cost
Fifth Third MyAdvance is often considered a very expensive loan option. FifthThird Bank states on their website that MyAdvance should only be used in situations where you do not have alternative options. The fee structure is similar to a payday loan, which could make it challenging to recoup from.
#3 Varo Advance
Varo is an online financial institution that provides EWA (earned wage access) transactions and other financial products. Qualified customers can access between $20 and $250 instantly, and could build their cash advance limit up to $500 over time.
If you’re thinking about using Varo, here’s everything you need to know:
Eligibility Requirements
In order to get a Varo Advance, you must have an active Varo bank account with a balance over $0. You must also have at least $800 in total qualifying direct deposits. Once eligible, you can use the Varo app to get a same day cash advance.
Pros and Cons
These are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Varo Advances:
| Pros | Cons |
| Instant Funding — Money can be deposited instantly into your Varo bank account. No Credit Check — Eligibility is based on your deposit history, not your credit score. Transparent Fees — Varo is transparent about their interest charges. | Strict Eligibility Requirements — Varo Advances are not available to everyone. You must have an active Varo account with at least $800 in total qualifying direct deposits. |
Approval Process
To get a Varo Advance, you must submit a request through the Varo app for your desired loan amount. If approved, your requested amount will be added to your Varo bank account. The repayment period is 30 days, but you can repay early.
Funding Speed
The funding speed is advertised as instant. Approved borrowers could get a Varo quick cash advance in their bank account the same day.
Cost
Instead of charging interest, Varo charges a flat fee ranging from $1.60 to $40 based on the advance amount.4 While the fee range seems small, this fee structure can be considered high for a short-term loan that must be repaid within 15 or 30 days.
How To Choose the Right Cash Advance for You
It’s critical to choose the right lending option for your financial situation to avoid further issues. A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) is a popular financing option that’s typically easy to get, as approval rates for MCA’s reach up to 90%.5 But while a MCA is convenient, they can have high costs and hinder your future earnings. It’s important to compare all of your loan options and the loan terms before deciding.
Decision-Tree Checklist (With Red Flags to Watch For)
Here’s a quick checklist with helpful decision criteria to help you narrow down your loan options:
1. How Fast Do You Need the Money?
- Need quick cash today or tomorrow? Then choose lenders with same-day or next-day funding.
- If you can wait a few days for a loan, then take time to compare APRs and fees to lower total cost.
2. How Much Can You Afford to Pay in Fees?
- Do you want low payments with predictability?
- Look for flat fees and fixed APRs that stay the same each month.
- Do you want a small loan amount ($20–$100) that you can repay early?
- Consider a bank-linked advance or EWA app, but calculate the APR first.
3. Do You Meet The Lender’s Eligibility Requirements?
- Do you have a steady income and an active checking account?
- You may qualify for a personal loan with CreditNinja (no minimum credit score required).
- If you don’t have an active checking account:
- Your quick cash options may be limited since most cash advance apps and banks require an account for direct deposits.
- If you rely on direct deposits for eligibility:
- Consider whether your deposit history matches what apps like Varo or MyAdvance require.
4. How Flexible Do You Need Repayment To Be?
- Do you need multiple months to repay?
- A personal loan is likely a better fit than a short-term cash advance.
- Can you repay the loan with your next paycheck?
- Cash advances may work for you, but ensure that you will be okay with a financial shortage during your next pay cycle.
5. Are You Trying To Build Long-Term Financial Stability?
- If yes, then you should seek loan options that report to credit bureaus and allow monthly payments that are easier on your budget.
- If not, then you could choose cash advance options as long as the fees are low.
These are some red flags to consider when making a financial decision:
- Cash advance fees ($5–$15) for very small advances often translate to 300%–700% APR.
- Lenders that offer “no-credit-check” with confusing fee structures may be hiding high APRs.
- Some apps delay deposits unless you pay an “instant transfer fee,” increasing the total cost.
- Some cash advance apps reduce your credit limit or block advances if deposits fluctuate.
- Cash advances that auto-deduct the full amount from your next deposit can trigger overdrafts.
- Avoid lenders that pressure you to increase your advance limit or repeatedly borrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive the cash after I apply?
Most loan providers offer funding within minutes to a few hours for same-day options, such as CreditNinja, ACE, and MyAdvance.
Will applying for a cash advance affect my credit score?
Cash advances often involve a soft pull or no credit check, so they typically do not affect your credit score unless stated otherwise.
What fees should I expect for a $100 cash advance?
Fees vary widely depending on the lender and the type of loan you get. Some lenders charge a percentage of the total loan amount ,while other providers like Varo charge a flat fee between $1.60 to $40.
What if I can’t repay the cash advance on time?
Many cash advance providers allow extended repayment windows or partial payments, but repeated delays can incur additional fees or collections.
Are there any cash-advance options with no fees at all?
Genuine no-fee advances are rare; some apps might label contributions as voluntary but verify for hidden fees.
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