Borrow $50 Instantly With Loan Apps
If you need a small amount—say you want to borrow $50 before your next paycheck, various options may be available. One way you won’t need to pay large fees is by using loan apps. In many cases, you won’t even pay interest.
To help you understand what loan apps are and what some of the best options may be, we’ve compiled a list of the ones we think are best. Learn why we picked each on our list and other features like fees and loan amounts.
| App | Loan type | Instant access fee |
| EarnIn | Cash advance | $1.99 – $4.99 |
| Empower | Cash advance | $1 – $16* |
| Brigit | Cash advance | $10.98* |
| MoneyLion | Cash advance | $1.99 – $8.99 |
| Current | Cash advance | Not disclosed |
5 instant $50 loan apps
Cash advance apps are a lifesaver when you’re in a bind and need to borrow $50 instantly. These apps provide small short-term loans with minimal fees, making bridging the gap between paychecks easy. Here’s a closer look at five top-rated instant loan apps and how they work.
EarnIn
Why we picked it
EarnIn offers cash advances up to $750 per pay period without charging mandatory fees or interest. Users can borrow up to $100 a day, making it ideal for those who need quick access to small amounts of money. EarnIn also doesn’t require a credit check and offers flexible repayment options, which makes it accessible to a wide range of users. The app also features Balance Shield Alerts to help prevent overdrafts.
- No mandatory fees
- Fast access to funds
- No credit check
- Balance Shield Alerts
- Daily cap of $100
- Encourages optional tips
| Instant access fee | $1.99 – $4.99 |
| No-fee funding time | 1 – 2 business days |
| Loan amounts | $50 – $750 |
How it works
EarnIn calls its loans “cash out,” where you can borrow $50 or more by getting an advance on your paycheck. To sign up, you must link your bank account and employer email address to prove you earn a steady income. You can borrow up to $750 per pay period, but the amount you qualify for depends on your earnings.
EarnIn doesn’t charge a set fee if you choose to make a standard transfer. Just tip what you think is fair for the service, and the funds should land in your account within one to two business days. Otherwise, the fees range from $1.99 to $4.99 for an instant transfer, which happens within minutes.
Empower
Why we picked it
Empower provides instant cash advances and financial management tools. It charges a monthly subscription fee, which includes access to cash advances and budgeting features. Empower also offers an AutoSave feature that helps users save money by analyzing their spending patterns and transferring small amounts to savings. The app’s fast funding and financial planning tools make it a comprehensive solution for managing short-term cash flow needs.
- Financial management tools included
- Instant access to funds
- No credit check
- AutoSave feature
- Monthly subscription fee
- Instant access fees can be high
| Instant access fee | $1 – $16* |
| No-fee funding time | 1 business day |
| Loan amounts | $10 – $300 |
How it works
Connect your bank account and see how much you qualify to borrow. Once you approve the amount, choose between instant or standard transfer. You’ll repay it automatically out of your next paycheck.
Empower charges an $8 monthly membership fee, which includes a whole host of money management tools and reimbursement for any overdraft fees if your repayment causes your bank account to overdraft. The amount you qualify for is based on your banking activity. You can choose from the standard transfer (within one business day) or pay an extra fee to get funds as fast as one hour. You can sign up for a 14-day trial to see whether it’s for you.
Brigit
Why we picked it
Brigit helps users avoid overdraft fees by offering cash advances up to $250. The app also includes budgeting tools and credit monitoring services. Brigit’s automatic cash advance feature can detect when you’re at risk of overdrawing your account and send an advance to cover the shortfall, providing peace of mind. The app’s additional financial management tools make it a valuable resource for those looking to improve their financial health.
- Overdraft protection
- Budgeting tools included
- No credit check
- Credit monitoring
- Monthly subscription fee
- Maximum advance of $250
| Instant access fee | $10.98* |
| No-fee funding time | 2 – 3 business days |
| Loan amounts | $50 – $250 |
How it works
Download the app, sign up for a monthly plan, and connect your bank account. As soon as you’re approved, you can request an advance and select your repayment date.
Brigit lets you borrow up to $250 once your account is approved and you’ve signed up for a monthly plan. The app has a free tier, but it won’t allow you to access instant transfers. You can choose between a Plus membership ($8.99 monthly) and a Premium membership ($14.99 monthly). Once approved, you can request a cash advance.
MoneyLion
Why we picked it
MoneyLion provides cash advances up to $500 without interest or mandatory fees. It offers a comprehensive suite of financial services, including credit builder loans and investment accounts. MoneyLion’s RoarMoney account users can access higher advance limits and lower fees, making it a versatile option for those who need more substantial financial support. The app’s extensive range of services helps users manage their finances holistically.
- Higher cash advance limits
- Additional financial services available
- No credit check
- Lower fees with a RoarMoney account
- Fees for instant access
- Requires bank account linkage
| Instant access fee | $1.99 – $8.99 |
| No-fee funding time | 1 – 5 business days |
| Loan amounts | $25 – $500 |
How it works
After verifying your identity and linking your bank account, you can request Instacash by selecting the amount you want and agreeing to any applicable fees. You’ll need to pay it back by your next paycheck.
MoneyLion is free if you want to make a standard transfer. The fee for instant transfers depends on the amount you borrow and whether you want the money transferred to a MoneyLion or an external account. To borrow $50, it costs $3.99 to transfer it to a MoneyLion account and $5.99 to an external account.
Current
Why we picked it
Current allows users to get multiple advances in a single pay period, with a maximum funding amount of $500. It charges a monthly fee for premium account features. Current also provides tools for budgeting and tracking spending, helping users stay on top of their finances. The app’s ability to offer multiple advances per pay period makes it a flexible option for those with varying cash flow needs.
- Multiple advances in a pay period
- No credit check
- Includes premium account features
- Budgeting and tracking tools
- Monthly fee
- Instant access fee not disclosed
| Instant access fee | Not disclosed |
| No-fee funding time | 1 – 3 days |
| Loan amounts | $50 – $500 |
How it works
Once you qualify, you can request a cash advance and agree to pay the instant fee. You’ll pay back what you owe by your next paycheck.
After signing up for Current, a checking account, you can see whether you qualify for a cash advance. If so, you can request one and choose to make a standard or instant transfer. You’ll be notified of the fee beforehand.
How much does it cost to borrow $50 instantly?
Most instant loan apps don’t charge interest rates. Rather, you’ll pay a flat or monthly fee to borrow. Some may charge the same fee no matter how much you borrow, and others may fluctuate depending on the amount.
You must first sign up for these apps by providing your name, address, and banking information. Some apps may ask you to provide your work hours or a pay stub.
The amount you can borrow depends on several factors:
- Spending habits
- History of your direct deposit or paychecks
- Hours you have worked
- Any upcoming bills or financial obligations
Some apps may advance less for new users, and many observe a daily and monthly limit. Turnaround times—from approval to when the funds land in your account—can differ. Some apps may also charge a higher fee for instant transfers if you need to access the money faster. You will pay back the loan, plus applicable fees, out of your next paycheck.
For example, you sign up for an app and are approved to borrow $50. You “tip” the app $1 for advancing the money and want an instant transfer to your bank. This app charges you $3.99 for the privilege. You’ll pay $4.99 to borrow $50 with no interest charge.
Loan app fees might be minimal compared to alternatives such as payday loans, but consider whether it’s worth using them. They may be ideal if you need to borrow a small amount on occasion and can repay the fees.
Otherwise, you may want to consider other alternatives if you need to borrow a higher sum or request regular cash advances. That way, you can access the amount you need and potentially pay fewer fees than you borrow.
Our expert’s advice when using loan apps
Make every effort to repay the loan in full and on time. If you can’t do it in one fell swoop, I advise not taking on another loan until you repay the first loan in full.
Can I get a $50 loan on an instant app without a bank account?
Yes, getting a $50 loan without a bank account is possible. Some apps let you borrow money and send it to an account within the app, from which you can transfer it.
But most require you to connect your bank account to the app because you’ll agree to repay what you owe from your next paycheck. Your employer may have a loan app that lets you borrow money because it can track your earnings.
Even if you don’t need to link a bank account to access money through a loan app, many view your banking activity as one of several factors when assessing how much to lend.
Other eligibility requirements may include:
- Qualifying employment. Many loan apps require you to be employed with a full-time employer or provide proof of employment. Documentation may include a pay stub or other ways to show you earn income.
- Steady income. Loan apps want to know you earn regular income to show you can repay your loan. In most cases, you can link to your bank account or show proof of regular direct deposit from an employer.
- Age. Most apps require that you be at least 18 years old and are a citizen or resident of the U.S. You may need to provide your birthday or government-issued ID as proof.
What our expert recommends
First, ascertain whether the app is legitimate—the ones mentioned above are—and understand how repayment works. Also, discern whether the loan is for a need vs a want. Steer clear of taking out a loan for a want; only use them for urgent needs.
Are there alternatives to a $50 loan instant app?
| Method | Best for |
| Instant loan app | Quick cash with minimal hassle |
| Buy now, pay later | Purchasing goods or services now |
| Credit card | Revolving credit for purchases |
| Friend or family loan | Interest-free short-term loan |
| Payday loan | High-interest short-term borrowing |
Buy now, pay later
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services allow you to make purchases and pay over time in interest-free installments. Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm are examples. They can be useful if you need to make a purchase but prefer to spread the cost over several weeks or months. These services often don’t require a credit check and can be used for online and in-store purchases.
Credit card
Using a credit card for small purchases can provide instant access to funds. If you already have a credit card, you can use it to cover a $50 expense and repay the balance over time. Credit cards often come with interest rates, so paying off the balance as soon as possible is important to avoid high interest charges. Some credit cards also offer a grace period where no interest is charged if you pay the balance in full by the due date.
Friend or family loan
Borrowing $50 from a friend or family member can be a quick, interest-free way to get the money you need. This option relies on personal relationships and trust. Ensure you agree on repayment terms to avoid any potential misunderstandings or conflicts. If you have someone to help you, this can be the fastest and most cost-effective method.
FAQ
What is my best option to get $50 ASAP?
The best option to get $50 ASAP depends on your financial situation and urgency. If you need immediate money and have access to a cash advance app, these can be terrific options due to their fast funding times and minimal fees. Borrowing from a friend or family member is also quick and cost-effective if you have someone willing to help. For purchases, a credit card or a buy now, pay later service can provide immediate access to funds without needing a loan.
Can you borrow money from Venmo?
Venmo does not offer traditional loans or cash advances. However, you can request money from friends or family through the Venmo app. If they agree to send you money, it will be available in your Venmo balance immediately. Venmo also has a Venmo Credit Card for purchases, but this requires an application and approval process similar to other credit cards.
Can you borrow money from PayPal?
PayPal offers several options for borrowing money. For personal users, PayPal Credit allows you to make purchases and pay for them over time with no interest if paid in full within six months on purchases of $99 or more. For business users, PayPal Working Capital provides business loans based on your PayPal sales history. However, PayPal does not offer direct personal loans or cash advances like the apps mentioned.
Recap of loan apps to borrow $50 instantly
| App | Loan type | Instant access fee |
| EarnIn | Cash advance | $1.99 – $4.99 |
| Empower | Cash advance | $1 – $16* |
| Brigit | Cash advance | $10.98* |
| MoneyLion | Cash advance | $1.99 – $8.99 |
| Current | Cash advance | Not disclosed |
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