Attention, Chime users in need of cash advance: As of May 2024, Chime offers MyPay, its own cash advance feature where you can access up to $500 of your paycheck before each payday. It’s a free-to-use advance service, as long as you don’t mind waiting 24 hours for the funds to disburse, and you can opt to pay $2 if you need the money sooner. Non-users can sign up for a new Chime account here.
Chime users now have more ways than ever to access their money early, including Chime’s own MyPay feature.
But if you’ve hit your MyPay limit or need extra flexibility, several other apps can connect directly to your Chime account to advance cash from your next paycheck.
We tested and compared the most reliable apps that work with Chime, focusing on low fees, quick access, and seamless integration.
Here’s what to know before you borrow, and which apps stand out.
Table of Contents
Which cash advance apps work with Chime?
Ideally, you’ll always have money put away and not need your paycheck early. But life happens. Sometimes, the car breaks down, the rent is due, or your dog needs surgery. Maybe this all happens in the same week, and suddenly you need to borrow money.
If you have a Chime checking account and find yourself in a financial pickle, several cash advance apps work with Chime. Here are several of the most popular cash advance apps and what you can expect from them.
EarnIn
Best Overall
How it works
EarnIn allows you to access up to $150 per day and up to $1,000 per pay period from your earned wages. It’s unique because you won’t pay fees or interest to get your money. EarnIn encourages users to tip, but it’s optional: You can type in $0.
Your money will arrive in one to two business days. If you need it faster, you can opt for Lightning Speed for a fee.
- At the time of writing, EarnIn only allows a small group of users to connect with Chime. When you select Chime from the bank list, the app will notify you whether it can support your Chime account.
Details
| Fees | $3.99 – $5.99 for Lightning Speed delivery |
| Limits | $300 a day; $1,000 per pay period |
| Compatibility with Chime | Right now, compatibility with Chime is hit or miss. The app allows a small group of users to connect to Chime, but it’s easy to know whether you’re in that group when you select Chime from EarnIn’s bank list. |
Tilt
Best Overdraft Reimbursement
How it works
Tilt (formerly Empower) will let you advance from $10 to $350 from your next paycheck with no interest or late fees. The catch? After a 14-day free trial, Tilt deducts an $8 subscription fee from your checking account every month. This fee allows you to get cash advances whenever needed.
Tilt also provides a $200 to $400 line of credit and other services, such as tools to help you save more and track your spending and credit monitoring.
- Tilt and Chime are compatible. To link the two apps, set up your Tilt account and follow the instructions.
Details
| Fees | $8 a month subscription fee; no late fees |
| Limits | $300 cash advance; regular customers may get $350 |
| Compatibility with Chime | Tilt and Chime are compatible. Just set up your Tilt account and follow the instructions to link the two apps. |
Brigit
Best Financial App Subscription
How it works
Brigit is a cash app with three pricing tiers, including a free version. The free version lets you get early access to upcoming paychecks in one to three business days. The other two tiers are subscriptions that offer customers other services, such as identity theft monitoring.
The Federal Trade Commission released a consumer alert on Brigit in 2023 after the government agency settled a lawsuit with the company. Brigit ended up returning $18 million to customers.
- Brigit is compatible with Chime, but customers reported issues connecting the two apps; however, many advise that the problems are fixed.
Details
| Fees | $0, $8.99 a month, & $14.99 a month |
| Limits | Up to $500 |
| Compatibility with Chime | Brigit is compatible with Chime in theory, but customers reported having trouble connecting the two apps. Many customers have also reported that the problems are fixed. |
MoneyLion
Best for Building Eligibility
How it works
MoneyLion is a money app that will let you request early access to your earned pay and use its banking services, credit-building services, and personal loans.
You won’t pay a fee to borrow at standard delivery speeds (up to five business days). If you need immediate cash, you can choose Turbo delivery for a fee.
- MoneyLion and Chime are compatible.
Details
| Fees | $1 monthly admin fee for banking services; $1.99 – $8.99 for optional Turbo cash advances |
| Limits | $100 for external accounts; $1,000 with a RoarMoney account and qualifying recurring direct deposits |
| Compatibility with Chime | MoneyLion and Chime are compatible. Go to “transfers” on the MoneyLion app and tap “add account.” After that, look for and add Chime. You can also use your Chime app and add MoneyLion. |
Current
Best Credit Building Add-Ons
How it works
Current is a cash advance app that may allow a paycheck advance of up to $750. If you wait one to three business days, you can get your money without fees.
Need your money faster? Get funds within minutes of approval for a fee.
- Chime and Current work well together.
Details
| Fees | No monthly or overdraft fees |
| Limits | Up to $750 |
| Compatibility with Chime | Chime and Current can be synced up and work well together. Just link your Chime account with Current, or visa versa. They are compatible because both companies use Plaid, which specializes in allowing banking customers to connect their financial accounts to apps and services securely. |
How Chime MyPay compares
Best for: Chime users who prefer in-app simplicity
Chime now offers MyPay, a built-in feature that lets eligible users access up to $500 from their next paycheck. Unlike most third-party apps, MyPay doesn’t require separate subscriptions or tipping systems.
How MyPay works
When you set up direct deposit with Chime, MyPay automatically tracks your eligible earnings. You can access part of your paycheck early for free (standard delivery) or pay $2 for near-instant transfers.
MyPay vs. other apps
- Fees: $0 standard / $2 expedited
- Advance limit: Up to $500 (based on direct deposit history)
- Speed: Within minutes with $2 fee
- Compatibility: Exclusive to Chime users
If you already bank with Chime, MyPay may cover short-term needs. But if you’ve hit your limit or prefer higher advance amounts, apps like EarnIn or MoneyLion may offer more flexibility.
Free and low-fee options for Chime users
If you can wait one to three business days to get your advance, you can often use apps for free with Chime. If you use MyPay, you won’t pay a fee for standard transfer. You’ll pay $2 for expedited transfer.
I encourage and help my clients accumulate an emergency savings bucket of funds equal to at least six months of expenditures, and possibly up to 18 months depending on your industry and how well the economy is performing.
Accessing cash early is a slippery slope, and I don’t encourage it. However, some of the above options appear relatively low-cost if you need them in a one-off bind.
Loan apps that work with Chime
Chime is a neobank, meaning it provides banking services through FDIC-insured partners like The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank rather than operating as a traditional bank. Because it’s a fintech platform, some lenders that use older verification systems may have trouble linking to Chime accounts.
To avoid connection issues, choose lenders that list Chime as a supported option or use Plaid, the secure linking technology that Chime is compatible with.
We’ve vetted personal loan lenders that are compatible with Chime accounts through Plaid.
Pros and cons of borrowing through money apps
As is the case whenever you borrow money, consider the benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
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You can get money fast
For a fee, many apps can deliver money in minutes.
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No credit check
Regular deposits matter, not credit scores.
Cons
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Fees or tips
Many apps charge fees for express transfer, require a monthly membership, or ask for optional tips.
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You could create a cycle of debt
You’ll need to repay the advance out of your next paycheck. If you continue to struggle, you might need to take out another cash advance as soon as you get paid.
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You might be able to borrow less than expected
Just because you can borrow “up to” a certain amount doesn’t mean you’ll get approved for that much.
FAQ
Can I use Chime with cash advance apps?
Yes. Many cash advance apps connect with Chime through Plaid, including Tilt, Current, MoneyLion, and Brigit. EarnIn is still testing limited compatibility. Before applying, check that the app lists Chime as a supported bank to avoid account linking or verification issues.
Is Chime MyPay better than EarnIn?
It depends on your needs. Chime MyPay is built directly into the Chime app and offers free early access to up to $500 of your paycheck, making it simple and low-cost. EarnIn, on the other hand, works with multiple banks and lets qualified users advance up to $1,000 per pay period.
If you’re already a Chime user and just need small, predictable cash access, MyPay is likely easier. But if you want more flexibility or higher limits, EarnIn may be a better fit.
Which apps link to Chime the fastest?
Based on user testing and feedback, Tilt, Current, and MoneyLion tend to connect and fund transfers the fastest for Chime users.
- Tilt and Current can send funds within minutes (for a small fee).
- MoneyLion’s Turbo feature offers similar speeds, but standard transfers take one to three business days. If you prefer free delivery, EarnIn’s standard 1–2 day window is a solid option. Just note that some users are still in the limited rollout for Chime connections.
Is Chime a cash app?
Chime doesn’t consider itself a cash app, but it has a MyPay option available for eligible users. Chime is an online bank offering various financial services, including spending accounts, savings accounts, and credit-building tools.
Can I use multiple cash advance apps with my Chime account?
Yes, you can link multiple cash advance apps to your Chime account at once. However, managing multiple advances and repayments can be challenging, so keeping track of your obligations is crucial to avoid financial difficulties.
Recap of the best cash advance apps that work with Chime
About our contributors
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Written by Geoff WilliamsGeoff Williams is a personal finance journalist specializing in all things personal finance, from cash flow to credit cards. An author of several books and a father of two daughters, Geoff especially enjoys exploring how good or bad money choices can affect your life.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their three senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.
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Reviewed by Catherine Valega, CFP®, CAIA®Catherine Valega, CFP®, CAIA®, founded Green Bee Advisory LLC to help women, philanthropists, investors, and small businesses build, manage, and preserve their financial resources. She's been practicing financial planning for more than 20 years.