How to Borrow $100 Fast With an Instant Loan App

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Key takeaways

Instant loan apps can provide $100 or more within minutes, often without a credit check or interest.
Many apps base eligibility on income and banking activity rather than credit scores.
While convenient, instant advances come with fees and short repayment terms.

Ever need $100 to make rent, cover groceries, or pay for unexpected expenses? Instant loan apps could be the answer.

These apps let you borrow money within minutes anytime you’re short. They are easy to use, do not require a credit check, and do not charge interest. The fees are minimal, but can add up if you’re not careful.

Let’s review how you can borrow $100 instantly, so you can access the cash you need when you need it most.

How does an instant loan app work?

Instant loan apps let you access small amounts of cash, often within minutes. You link the app to your bank account with regular direct deposits. The app reviews your income, employment, and banking activity to determine if you qualify and for what amount.

Advances range from as little as $20 up to $500. Most instant loan apps do not charge interest or require a credit check, but come with fees. They may ask for optional tips, charge a flat fee, a subscription fee, or have additional fees for faster service.

Many of these services fall under the category of paycheck advance apps. Paycheck advance apps or earned wage access apps sync with your work schedule to provide advances based on hours you’ve logged. These specific apps only advance you money you’ve already earned but haven’t been paid yet.

The appeal of small payday loans online with no credit check lies in their accessibility and speed. You can easily secure funds to cover emergency expenses.

Steps to borrow $100 instantly through a money borrowing app

Many new cash advance apps offer small loans with minimal requirements and quick funding, even for people with poor credit.

Here’s how to go about it in five simple steps:

1. Choose a trusted payday loan app

Begin by researching reputable apps to borrow money instantly. Look for strong user reviews, transparent terms, and low or no mandatory fees.

The ideal app will provide overdraft protection, allow you to reschedule due dates for free, and advance you the exact amount you need fast.

Be cautious of apps that charge hidden fees or don’t clearly state their repayment policies.

2. Download the app and sign up

Once you’ve chosen an app, download it from the App Store or Google Play and create an account. The exact information you need to provide depends on the app you choose. Most instant loan apps will ask for:

Personal information (full name, date of birth, and address)
Contact information (phone number and email)
Social Security number
Checking account details
Proof of income (pay stubs or W2s)

Paycheck advance apps may request additional information about your employment. You will likely also need to link your timesheet or enable a GPS locator on your phone to verify work hours.

3. Connect your bank account

Instant cash advance apps require you to securely link your active checking account to enable direct deposits and automatic withdrawals. They also review the account to analyze your recent deposits, spending habits, pay schedule, and overall financial health.

To link your account, you will likely need to select your bank, then enter the routing and account numbers associated with it.

4. Request $100 cash advance

The app will verify your account and determine how much you qualify for. You select the loan amount you want and confirm your request. Some apps start you off with a small amount, while others may let you advance $100 right away.

When you request your advance, the app may ask you to leave a tip. Tipping is optional and does not impact your future loans.

5. Receive the funds and repay the loan

The app will deposit money directly into your linked bank account. You can receive the funds within minutes by paying a small fee for instant delivery. Otherwise, it will take one to three business days for free.

Repayment is usually automatic and scheduled for your next payday. Be sure to have enough funds in your account to avoid overdraft fees. Many apps allow you to extend the repayment date or set up partial payments if needed.

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Things to consider before borrowing $100

Before you use an app to get 100 dollars now, think about the consequences of borrowing. Cash advance apps are small-dollar loans that can impact your finances if not managed carefully. Here are a few key factors to consider before taking out a loan.

Repayment terms

Most instant loan apps will automatically withdraw the advanced amount plus fees from your bank account on your next payday. If you don’t have enough money in your checking account, it can result in overdraft fees. The average overdraft fee is currently $35.

Consider whether you can afford to repay the advance in full within the repayment period. If you are concerned that you cannot, look for apps that let you change the due date for free. Other apps promise not to overdraw your bank account or to reimburse any overdraft fees you incur.

When you request an advance, you need to budget for a smaller paycheck. Many consumers are unable to adjust their spending to fit a shorter payday. As a result, they end up borrowing again to cover the shortfall.

The Center for Responsible Lending found that most people who used paycheck advance apps need to borrow one to two times per week. This cycle of borrowing can be difficult to break free from.

Need cash for surprise bills?

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Potential fees

Although most instant loan apps claim to be low-cost, they do come with fees. The exact fee structure varies. Some apps charge a flat fee of 5% or $2. Others require a monthly subscription that can range from $1 to $14.99.

Many instant loan apps request a tip for their service. While tipping is optional, most users feel obliged to do so. Even a $1 tip on a $100 advance can drive up the cost.

Instant transfer fees are another way apps generate revenue. Instant loan apps charge anywhere from $1 to $13.99 or more to send money within minutes. The exact express fee depends on the app and the amount you borrow. Try to plan ahead so that you can wait a few days to receive your funds for free and save money.

Always check the specific fees within the app before confirming the transaction, as they can make borrowing expensive. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that an illustrative annual percentage rate (APR) for a typical paycheck advance equates to a 109.5% APR.

If you are unable to repay the advance on time, you may face late fees. Most apps do not charge a penalty, but they will not let you take out another advance until you repay the first.

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Alternative options if you’re denied

If your request is denied, don’t panic – there are still ways to borrow $100 with bad credit. The first step in learning how to get a personal loan with bad credit is to find lenders that prioritize income over credit score.

Payday alternative loans (PALs): Some federal credit unions offer PALs to members with bad credit. These are small loans of up to $2,000 with a maximum APR of 28%, which you repay over a period of one to twelve months.

Small-dollar bank loan: Community banks and five national banks offer small-dollar loans up to $1,000 to members without strict credit requirements. You will need a positive banking history with that bank.

Second-chance loans: Some online lenders offer loans specifically to borrowers with limited credit histories or bad credit. These loans often have higher APRs but are easier to qualify for.

Credit union loan: Credit unions may approve members with low credit scores or little credit history. They often have lower interest rates with federal credit unions capping rates at 18%.

Credit card cash advance: Some credit cards allow you to withdraw cash from an ATM instantly, but charge fees. Pay back the loan fast, as interest accrues immediately at a higher rate.

Borrow from friends or family: Borrowing money from friends and family is usually inexpensive and fast.Clearly outline the interest, fees, and repayment terms to avoid misunderstandings.

Explore local assistance programs: These programs can provide funding for essential needs, including food, housing, utilities, and more. Call 211 to find programs in your area.

Frequently asked questions

1. What app allows me to borrow money instantly?

Cash advance apps, including EarnIn, Brigit, and Current, allow you to borrow money instantly. Most charge a fast funding fee to receive the cash in minutes.

2. Can I get a $100 loan with bad credit?

Cash advance apps offer $100 loans based on income, not credit. If you have a steady direct deposit and a positive banking history, you should be eligible to borrow.

3. What app lets you get a payday advance without a direct deposit?

A few paycheck advance apps lend money without requiring direct deposits. These apps include Dave, Cleo, Possible, and MoneyLion. While you can receive advances, setting up direct deposits can make it easier to access higher limits.

4. Can I get a cash advance with no income?

Obtaining a cash advance without a steady income is challenging. Most apps check your banking history and require a steady paycheck. If you’re unemployed, you may need alternative support, such as community aid or government benefits.

Bottom line

Instant loan apps can send you $100 fast without a credit check and few requirements. While these apps may offer low fees and provide a convenient way to borrow, be cautious. Your next paycheck will be lighter, making it tempting to borrow again. Also, the costs can add up quickly, making these advances expensive.

Whenever you request an instant $100 loan, make sure that you budget for a smaller payday. Otherwise, you will end up in a vicious cycle of borrowing to make ends meet.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

2. Paycheck Advance is an earned wage access service and is not a loan or credit product.

3. Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and/or Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card, which may be issued by Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, and the Current Visa® secured charge card, which is issued by Cross River Bank, are all issued pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. A Current debit account is required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Debit card: Fees may apply, including out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party fees, cash load fees, inactivity fees, account closure fees, international transaction fees, replacement card fees, express mail fees and escheatment fees. Build Card: Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

6. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

7. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

8. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

9. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC.

10. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 35-day period and fulfill other requirements subject to Current’s discretion. Negative balances must be repaid within 60 days of the first Eligible Transaction that caused the negative balance. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions. Individual Current Accounts only.

11. For eligible customers only. You may earn Points in connection with your Build Card purchases at retailers whose merchant code is classified as: Dining (e.g., restaurants) and Groceries (e.g., supermarkets) and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. Points will expire 365 days after they settle. For more information (including specific eligibility criteria), please refer to the Current Points Terms and Condition.

12. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

13. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. No minimum balance required. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. To earn a Boost rate of 4.00%, the sum of your Eligible Payroll Deposits over a rolling 35-day period must be $500 or more, with at least one Eligible Payroll Deposit equalling a minimum of $200. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

14. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

15. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

16. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

17. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

18. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

19. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

20. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

21. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

22. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

23. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

24. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

25. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

26. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

27. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

28. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

29. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

30. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

31. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

32. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

33. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

34. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

35. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

36. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

37. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

38. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

39. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

40. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

41. MyPay is only offered in select states

42. To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply.

43. Not affiliated with Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America (www.empower.com). Not everyone will qualify. Offers range from $10-$300 for first-time customers; $10-$400 for all others. Offers are based on our eligibility requirements and can go up with on-time payments. In Feb 2025, the average offer was $95 for first-time customers; $187 for all others. Instant delivery is optional—see fees in Empower’s Terms. Empower offers a 14-day trial for first-time customers followed by an auto-recurring $8/month subscription fee. Cancel anytime.

* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor's credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA.

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How to Borrow $100 Fast With an Instant Loan App

Key takeaways

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How does an instant loan app work?