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EarnIn is a mobile app that offers cash advances up to $1,000 per pay period to users who link an external bank account and show consistent direct deposits, among other requirements. The advance is then automatically repaid in full on your next payday.
In this review, I cover how the EarnIn app works, what it costs, who qualifies and how it compares to similar cash advance apps.
» COMPARE: The best cash advance apps
⚠️ Before you borrow
Cash advance apps can seem like a quick and easy way to get money. But since most apps charge fees, you’ll likely end up owing more than you originally borrowed. This can trap you in a cycle of repeat borrowing that’s hard to break.
At a glance: EarnIn app cash advance
| Amounts available | $10 to $150 per day or $1,000 per pay period |
| Free delivery | Within 1 to 2 business day to an external bank account |
| Express delivery timing and fees | Within minutes to an external bank account: $3.99 to $5.99 |
| Mandatory fees | No mandatory fees, but requests optional tip |
| Eligibility requirements |
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| Repayment | Automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the date of your next paycheck |
| State availability | Not available in Connecticut |
How does EarnIn work?
EarnIn works by giving you an advance on your paycheck up to $150 per day. This feature is known as EarnIn Cash Out.
- To request an advance, download the EarnIn mobile app and link your primary checking account. You’ll also need to provide employment information, like your work email address or fixed work location.
- If approved for an advance, you’ll receive the funds in your bank account in one to two business days for free.
- You can also choose to receive the money within minutes, but you’ll pay a fee.
- On your next payday, EarnIn automatically debits the amount you owe from your linked bank account.
- You can reschedule your payment due date once every 60 days, but you’ll need to make the request by 8 a.m. PT at least one business day before the payment is due.
How much does EarnIn cost?
EarnIn doesn’t charge any mandatory fees.
For customers who want their cash advance funds instantly, you’ll pay a “lightning speed” fee of $3.99 (for advances $75 and under) or $5.99 (for advances over $75).
EarnIn also requests an optional tip, which not all cash advance apps do. Users should avoid tipping, since this only increases the cost of getting an advance. The tip amount may be pre-filled for you, so you’ll have to change the amount to zero before proceeding to the next page.
🤔 What does that really cost?
A $150 advance with a $5.99 lightning speed fee works out to an effective APR of roughly 104% if repaid in two weeks. Though cheaper than taking out a typical payday loan, this is still an expensive borrowing option. See our alternatives section below for cheaper ways to get quick access to cash. You can also avoid fees by choosing standard delivery.
Is EarnIn legit?
EarnIn is a legitimate financial services company. Here’s what we know:
- EarnIn is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.
- The EarnIn app is rated 4.7 stars on Google Play (290,000 reviews) and 4.8 stars on the App Store (408,000 reviews).
Who qualifies for EarnIn?
To qualify for an EarnIn Cash Out advance, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be a United States resident.
- Must have a valid U.S. cell phone number.
- Must be employed with a consistent direct deposit pay schedule (weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly or monthly).
- Must link a primary checking account that shows $320 or more in direct deposits per pay period.
- Must supply a fixed work location or an employer-provided email address.
On average, new users receive up to $85 per day when they sign up. EarnIn Cash Out isn’t available in Connecticut.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Though EarnIn Cash Out only accepts employment wages, a separate EarnIn product called Cash Out Link has more flexibility. Cash Out Link accepts Social Security (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. You can set up Cash Out Link when you sign up for EarnIn. Unlike the traditional Cash Out, you’ll pay a mandatory $1.99 service fee for each advance. Pros and cons of using EarnIn
Pros
- Offers larger advances: EarnIn’s cash advance amounts are particularly high, with a maximum of $1,000 available per pay period. No other app we review offers amounts this high. The Current app comes closest with a max advance amount of $750.
- Accepts external bank accounts: Unlike other cash advance apps, EarnIn doesn’t require you to open a bank account with the company to get a paycheck advance. Instead, you can link the bank account in which your paycheck is already deposited.
Cons
- Requests tips: EarnIn requests an optional tip for its service, which not all cash advance apps do. NerdWallet doesn’t recommend tipping for a cash advance, since this increases the cost of the advance, and you’re essentially paying to access your own money.
- May trigger overdraft fees: EarnIn debits the full amount you owe on your payday, whether you have the funds available or not. This is different from other cash advance apps, which only withdraw the amount you have available in your account, ensuring you’re never charged overdraft fees from your bank.
Is EarnIn worth it?
Nerdy Perspective
“EarnIn definitely stands out for its large advance amounts, and since it charges zero mandatory fees, you could get access to a pretty sizable loan for 0% interest. But EarnIn isn’t as careful as other apps about preventing overdrafts, so keep a close eye on that repayment date. If you don't have the money available, contact EarnIn ASAP to request a due date change.”
EarnIn vs. Dave vs. Chime
Compare EarnIn to other cash advance apps like Dave and Chime.
Dave offers advances up to $500 with free instant funding to your Dave checking account. You’ll be charged two automatic fees, though.
Chime offers advances up to $500 with no mandatory fees, but funding may take slightly longer.
| EarnIn | Dave | Chime | |
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| Mandatory fees |
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| Free delivery |
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| Express delivery |
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Alternatives to using EarnIn
There are other ways to get quick cash besides taking out a cash advance.
Explore other ways to make money: Instead of borrowing money, consider a temporary gig to cover small gaps in your budget. You can make money at home or online by selling things you don’t need, taking surveys and testing websites, among other options.
Download a BNPL app: If you need cash to purchase an essential item, like a laptop or mattress, “buy now, pay later” apps like Affirm and Klarna may be a good option. These apps split your purchase into smaller installments, usually with no interest and no fees if you pay on time, and you don’t need good credit to qualify.
Take out a friend or family loan: Friends and family are often an untapped resource for small loans. Though it may be difficult to ask for help, you can make it easier by drawing up a contract that clearly lists when you’ll repay the loan and if you’ll pay interest.
» MORE: Learn more about family loans
Consider a pawnshop loan: A pawnshop loan lets you borrow money by using a valuable item, like jewelry or electronics, as collateral. You leave the item with the pawnshop and receive a loan based on the item’s value. If you repay the loan, including fees, by the due date, you get your item back. If you don’t repay, the shop keeps the item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EarnIn work for gig workers?
EarnIn isn't the best fit for gig workers because of its strict employment criteria. Unlike other cash advance apps, which may only look at your bank account to qualify you, EarnIn requires a work-provided email address or a fixed work location to confirm your employment. If you supply a physical work location, you’ll need to enable location services for the app on your phone.
How does EarnIn verify your income?
EarnIn verifies your income by looking at your direct deposit history in your linked checking account. You’ll need to show at least $320 in direct deposits per pay period.
What is EarnIn Balance Shield?
When you sign up with EarnIn, you can opt into Balance Shield, which has two distinct features. The first is a basic alert system, which lets you know (via email and push notification) that your bank account balance has fallen below a designated threshold.
The second feature is auto-transfer, in which EarnIn will automatically send a $100 cash advance to cover you when you fall below the same threshold. This can be done with or without an express delivery fee. You don’t have to opt into either feature to use EarnIn.
Does EarnIn affect your credit score?
No, EarnIn doesn’t conduct a hard credit check when you apply, and it doesn’t report payments to the credit bureaus, so there's no effect on your credit score when you use EarnIn Cash Out.
How do I increase my EarnIn limit?
EarnIn imposes a limit of $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period for all Cash Out users. New users typically qualify for $85 per day. If your limit is low, you’ll likely need to show more available income (or lower overall expenses) in your linked checking account. Paying off your EarnIn Cash Out advances on time and in full may also increase your limit.
