Best loan apps

Our top 6 picks for best loan apps

To find the best loan apps, the ConsumerAffairs research team looked at companies with solid reviews and ratings, transparency regarding interest and fees, and reasonable limits and terms. You can read our full methodology to learn more about how we compared different loan apps and chose our top picks.

Note that our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us. This does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

• Earnin
• Brigit
• Dave
• Possible Finance
• Klover
• Cleo

Earnin doesn't charge interest or fees when you use its app to access funds, but you can add an optional tip. You may be able to receive funds within 30 minutes if your bank is compatible with Earnin's "Lightning Speed" feature. Otherwise, expect to receive your money in two to three business days.

Brigit lets you sign up in just two minutes. Certain features, like budgeting tools and financial insights, are available for free, but you’ll need a Plus membership to get advances and a host of other features.

This app isn't compatible with all banks, however. If you use Chime, Netspend or Varo Bank, for instance, you probably can't use Brigit. Brigit also doesn’t support joint bank accounts.

Dave is a fintech company partnering with Evolve Bank & Trust, offering a wide assortment of banking products, including a payday advance. Requesting a payday advance through the Dave app can help you avoid hefty overdraft charges. With standard delivery, you'll receive the money within three business days. Express funding provides access to your advance funds the same day, but you have to pay a fee for the convenience.

Although Possible charges more interest than similar loan apps, it does report your loan activity to the credit bureaus, so making every loan payment on time could help you boost your credit score. You also have the option to delay repayment by up to 29 days if necessary, but missed or late payments may also be reported to credit bureaus.

The Klover app doesn't make money through its lending program. Instead, it leverages your custom profile to show you targeted ads and offers. However, Klover does not sell or transmit your personal identifying information.

Cleo lets you get cash advances up to $250, but you’ll need a Cleo Plus membership to access this feature. You have to connect your bank account for Cleo to determine your eligibility for a cash advance and for how much. The service works with more than 3,000 banks in the U.S., but your local credit union or bank may not be compatible with Cleo.

Pros and cons of loan apps

Apps that loan money can be a convenient way to get quick cash that can hold you over until your next payday without having to fill out a long application or talk to a loan officer. These apps may offer better terms than payday loans — and, in many states, payday loans are illegal.

Before you borrow money through a loan app, though, keep in mind that the company may require permission to access information stored in your bank account and phone. Several of these apps let you borrow small amounts against your next paycheck. Since this kind of app typically charges lower fees than payday lenders, it could be a good choice if you’re in a pinch and need some extra cash to bridge the gap until you get paid.

Whether you’re borrowing from an app or a traditional lender, it’s important to compare interest rates, fees and terms and then calculate what you can afford to pay back. As one of our reviewers from Connecticut put it, payday loans and loans with exorbitant interest rates can “rock the hell out of you.”

Loan apps also typically have low maximum limits — most typically only let you take out loans for up to $500.

If you’re struggling to pay your bills, taking out a loan with a high annual percentage rate or using a cash advance app with a monthly fee typically isn't a long-term solution. Instead, try negotiating with lenders, utilities and other companies to get a lower interest rate or work out a payment plan.

"These apps excel when it comes to swiftly providing funding for smaller amounts, catering to the personal cash advance audience, which is particularly appealing to those in need of a rapid injection of up to $500,” explained Joseph Camberato, CEO of National Business Capital, a fintech lending marketplace.

Camberato expanded on some of the potential downsides, though: “You should note these apps come with membership fees, requests for 'tips' and potential interest charges (based on the app you select). Even if you don't require an advance in a given month, the membership fees remain, essentially causing you to pay for an unused service.”

» MORE: 11 payday loan alternatives

Alternatives to cash advance apps

If you’re considering signing up for a cash advance app, you might find that one of these options could be a better fit.

1. Check with your credit union

Joining a credit union that serves your area may open doors to unadvertised financial products, like short-term loans. Many credit unions have developed programs that serve as alternatives to payday loans. While you may not be able to access a short-term loan right away, joining a credit union could save you the frustration of trying to find a suitable cash-advance program next time you need a financial boost.

Credit unions exist to serve their members, and many branches also provide financial education and help with building credit. With good credit, you'll also have access to a greater variety of financial products, including personal loans with lower interest rates.

2. Look at banking services you already have

You may have access to short-term loans through your bank or with apps you already use. Some cash transfer apps, for instance, offer small loans for a flat fee or reasonable interest rates. Some automatically withdraw from your cash balance each month to reclaim the funds.

3. Consider a personal loan

For those with credit scores that fall in the "fair" or "good" range, a short-term personal loan through a traditional lender could be much less expensive than a cash advance. Personal loans generally don't require collateral, so you don't have to give the lender the title to your property for approval. You have to fill out an application, but many lenders advertise that they approve and fund loans within 24 hours.

4. Think about starting a side gig

If you feel like you’re constantly struggling to pay your bills, you may be spending too much money — or just not making enough. Finding ways to make a bit of extra money could provide a longer-term answer to your current financial problems.

This solution won't work for everyone, of course. You’ll have to consider your resources and the amount of time you have to devote to another job.

» MORE: Personal loans vs. credit cards: Which is better?

Methodology

The ConsumerAffairs research team chose the top loan apps by comparing 26 popular companies based on their online reputations, their rate transparency and the availability of their services.

• Online reputation: In addition to our own ConsumerAffairs reviews, we compared reviews on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and we gave preference to loan apps with the highest average ratings. We also checked in with the Better Business Bureau for actions related to marketplace misconduct.
• Rates and fees: We gave preference to lenders with lower fees and easy-to-access information about repayment terms.
• Availability: We confirmed that all of our picks are currently available throughout the U.S.