9 Brigit alternatives compared

All nine alternatives at a glance

Figures from each provider's website or app-store listing, last checked November 6, 2026. Advertised maximums are for established users; new members typically start at $25–$100 on every app.

True monthly cost at $100, $250 and $500

The honest way to compare is to assume one advance a month, delivered instantly, and add up every mandatory charge. Tips are excluded because they're optional on the apps that ask.

Express fees for Brigit and MoneyLion vary by amount and are shown in-app; the figures above are typical mid-range values. If you can wait one to three business days, Brigit Plus drops to $8.99 flat and EarnIn, Chime and MoneyLion drop to $0.

Our picks by situation

• Cheapest overall: Chime MyPay if you bank with Chime; otherwise EarnIn.
• Best flat-fee app: Brigit — predictable, no tips, with budgeting and (on Premium) credit tools.
• Highest limit: EarnIn ($1,000 per pay period) or MoneyLion with direct deposit ($1,000).
• Best for building credit: Brigit Premium's Credit Builder, or a credit-union PAL (reported as an installment loan).
• Need more than $500: a credit-union PAL or a personal loan. Compare offers from $200 to $5,000 using the form on our homepage.

The nine apps, one by one

1. EarnIn 8.4/10

Up to $200/day, $1,000 per pay period · $0 monthly · Lightning Speed ~$2.99–$5.99

The largest limit with no mandatory fee. Requires a job with direct deposit and either a fixed work location or timesheets. Tip prompts are easy to decline. Head-to-head with Brigit →

2. Dave ExtraCash 7.6/10

Up to $500 · $1–$5/mo monthly · 5% fee ($5–$15) + express up to 1.5%

Dave replaced tips with a percentage fee in 2025, which makes small advances cheaper and large ones pricier than Brigit. Includes a Dave Spending account and side-gig board. Head-to-head with Brigit →

3. Chime MyPay 8.6/10

Up to $500 · $0 monthly · $2 instant

Near-free if your paycheck already goes to Chime. Not available to non-Chime users, so it's an easy call either way. Head-to-head with Brigit →

4. MoneyLion Instacash 8.0/10

Up to $500; up to $1,000 with MoneyLion direct deposit · $0 monthly · Turbo $0.49–$8.99

Free standard delivery and a path to $1,000 if you move your direct deposit. Turbo fees on large amounts can exceed Brigit's membership. Head-to-head with Brigit →

5. Cleo 6.9/10

Up to $250 · $5.99 (Plus) / $14.99 (Builder) monthly · $3.99+

Lower limit than Brigit and slower free delivery, but the budgeting chat is genuinely useful for people who want nudges rather than numbers.

6. Tilt (formerly Empower) 7.4/10

Up to $300 · $8/mo monthly · Included

Closest to Brigit's model: a flat fee with instant delivery built in. Lower ceiling, but no express fees to think about.

7. Klover 6.6/10

Up to $300 (advertises up to $750) · $0 required monthly · Fee for express

You can earn "points" by watching ads or completing surveys to raise your limit. Free if you can wait; express fees otherwise.

8. Varo Advance 7.0/10

Up to $500 · $0 monthly · Flat fee up to $40 by amount

Only for Varo accounts with qualifying direct deposit. The flat fee is clear but $40 on $500 is more than two months of Brigit Plus.

9. Credit-union PAL 8.2/10

$200–$2,000 (PAL I/II) · $0 monthly · Up to $20 application fee

Payday Alternative Loans from federal credit unions are capped at 28% APR with terms of 1–12 months. More paperwork, far cheaper for amounts over $500.

What to avoid

Two categories look like alternatives but cost far more. Payday loans charge about $15 per $100 per two weeks — a 391% APR — and roll over; a $300 payday loan renewed three times costs $180 in fees. Overdraft at most large banks is $35 per item (several have cut or eliminated it, but check yours). Any of the apps above is cheaper than either. Our cash advance vs payday loan guide runs the numbers.