6 Best Apps Like the app in 2026 — Complete Comparison
The platform is not the only cash advance app on the market. In fact, it is one of the smaller players when measured by advance limits, feature depth, and user base. If The app's $100 ceiling, $4.99 monthly fee, or state restrictions do not fit your needs, six alternatives offer materially different value propositions.
This guide ranks the six best The app alternatives based on real testing, current feature sets, fee structures, and regulatory records as of July 2026. Each alternative is evaluated on the same six-factor methodology we use for It reviews: fees, limits, speed, eligibility, trust, and value per dollar.
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Max | Monthly Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EarnIn | $1,000 | $0 | Hourly workers |
| Dave | $500 | $1 | Best overall value |
| Brigit | $250 | $9.99 | Credit building |
| MoneyLion | $500 | $0-$19.99 | Multiple products |
| Klover | $200 | $0 (ad-supported) | Free option |
| Empower | $300 | $8 | Auto features |
#1 — EarnIn (Best for Hourly Workers)
EarnIn is the standout This service alternative for anyone with steady hourly employment. The differentiator is the completely free base tier combined with the highest advance ceiling in the category.
EarnIn Key Features
- Advance limits: Up to $150/day and $1,000/pay period
- Monthly fee: $0 (completely free)
- Instant transfer fee: $1.99-$5.99 (optional Lightning Speed)
- Model: Optional tips instead of subscription
- Verification: Timesheet integration or direct deposit patterns
- Availability: All 50 states
Best For
EarnIn is ideal for W-2 employees with fixed hourly wages or salary, especially those needing advances above $100. The zero monthly fee makes it particularly appealing for occasional users who would waste The platform's $4.99/month on unused months.
#2 — Dave (Best Overall Value)
Dave offers the strongest overall value proposition for most cash advance users. The combination of $500 advance ceiling, low $1/month membership, and clean regulatory record makes it our top general recommendation.
Dave Key Features
- Advance limits: Up to $500 per advance
- Monthly fee: $1 (ExtraCash access)
- Instant transfer fee: $1.99-$13.99 depending on advance size
- Optional Dave Banking: Additional $5/mo for full checking account
- Verification: Bank account patterns via Plaid
- Availability: All 50 states, publicly traded
Best For
Dave suits users needing advances between $100-$500 who want a straightforward experience. The $1 base membership is dramatically cheaper than The app for infrequent users.
#3 — Brigit (Best for Credit Building)
Brigit uniquely combines cash advances with credit building. For users looking to improve their credit score while accessing advances, Brigit is the only major app that does both.
Brigit Key Features
- Advance limits: Up to $250 (Plus tier)
- Monthly fee: $9.99 (Plus) — Basic tier is free
- Instant transfer fee: $0.99-$3.99
- Credit Builder: Reports on-time payments to all three credit bureaus
- Auto-advance: Automatically triggers when overdraft is imminent
- Availability: Most states
Best For
Brigit is the best choice for users with thin or no credit files who want to build credit history while accessing advances. The $9.99 Plus tier is expensive but justified by the Credit Builder inclusion.
#4 — MoneyLion (Best for Multiple Financial Products)
MoneyLion is a broader fintech platform that includes cash advances alongside investing, banking, and credit-building products. For users wanting one app for multiple financial needs, MoneyLion offers the most comprehensive alternative.
MoneyLion Key Features
- Advance limits: Up to $500 (Instacash)
- Monthly fee: $0 (Basic) to $19.99 (Credit Builder Plus)
- Instant transfer fee: $0.49-$8.99
- Additional products: Managed investing, RoarMoney checking, Credit Builder loan
- Verification: Bank patterns + optional additional verification
Best For
MoneyLion suits users who want an all-in-one financial app rather than a single-purpose cash advance tool. The Credit Builder Plus tier at $19.99 includes a real credit-building loan alongside advances.
#5 — Klover (Best Free Option)
Klover is the closest to a genuinely free cash advance app. It monetizes through ads and optional data sharing, not fees.
Klover Key Features
- Advance limits: Up to $200
- Monthly fee: $0 (ad-supported)
- Instant transfer fee: $1.79-$5.79
- Model: Users earn "points" through in-app engagement
- Availability: Most states
Best For
Klover works for users comfortable with ad-heavy interfaces and occasional data-sharing prompts in exchange for zero fees. The advance limits are lower than premium apps but sufficient for small buffer needs.
#6 — Empower (Best for Automation Features)
Empower emphasizes automation — auto-savings, auto-advance, spending insights, and subscription management. It appeals to users who want an app that actively manages their financial life.
Empower Key Features
- Advance limits: Up to $300
- Monthly fee: $8 (all-inclusive)
- Instant transfer: Included in membership
- Auto-savings: Analyzes spending and moves money to savings automatically
- Subscription tracker: Identifies and helps cancel unwanted subscriptions
Best For
Empower suits users who want financial automation beyond just advances. The $8 flat fee that includes instant transfers can be cheaper than The platform if you use instant delivery frequently.
How to Choose the Right FloatMe Alternative
Match your primary need to the right app.
- Need higher limits ($200-$1,000): EarnIn, Dave, or MoneyLion
- Want zero fees: EarnIn or Klover
- Building credit is important: Brigit or MoneyLion
- Live in CT, DC, or NV: Any of these six (all operate where The This service app does not)
- Gig worker / irregular income: Dave or MoneyLion
- Want automation: Empower or Brigit
- Value clean regulatory record: Any alternative — none have The app's FTC history
Should You Switch From FloatMe?
Switching is worth considering if:
- You are frustrated with the $10-$30 typical advance limit
- The $4.99 monthly fee feels excessive for your usage
- You want to avoid providers with regulatory concerns
- Your bank or employer arrangement fits a different app better
Stick with It if:
- You have an established limit above $50 that works for you
- You value the simplicity and specific This service features
- Switching hassle outweighs marginal cost savings
Deep Dive: How Each Alternative Compares to FloatMe
Beyond the summary table, understanding the specific advantages and trade-offs of each alternative against The platform helps you make an informed switch decision. Here we compare each alternative on the six factors that matter most.
Advance Speed Comparison
Standard delivery times vary across apps. EarnIn processes standard transfers in 1-3 business days similar to The FloatMe app. Dave and Brigit both offer 2-3 day standard delivery. MoneyLion is fastest for standard at 12-24 hours in many cases. Klover takes 2-3 days. Empower delivers in 1-2 business days. For instant transfers, all six apps deliver within minutes but charge fees ranging from $0.99 (Brigit for small amounts) to $13.99 (Dave for large advances).
Regulatory History Comparison
The app carries the $3 million FTC settlement — a distinctive negative marker. None of the six alternatives has comparable FTC enforcement actions on their records. EarnIn has faced some state-level scrutiny around its tip model but no formal settlements. Dave is publicly traded (NASDAQ: DAVE) and subject to SEC reporting requirements adding oversight. Brigit and MoneyLion have clean regulatory records. Klover and Empower are smaller players with no significant enforcement history.
Customer Support Comparison
Support quality varies widely. EarnIn offers 24/7 in-app chat with response times typically under 1 hour. Dave provides email and chat support with 24-48 hour response times. Brigit Plus members receive priority support. MoneyLion has phone support available for account holders. Klover offers email support with longer response times. Empower emphasizes in-app help with variable human support availability. It support has historically been criticized for slow response times, though improvements are documented post-settlement.
Which Alternative Should You Try First?
Based on our extensive testing, here is our recommended first-alternative for common This service user profiles.
If You Want the Highest Value: Dave
Dave delivers the best combination of low membership cost, high advance ceiling, and clean regulatory record. Start with Dave if you are unsure which alternative to try. The $1 monthly fee minimizes risk.
If You Want Zero Fees: EarnIn
EarnIn is the only major alternative with genuinely no mandatory monthly fees. Best for hourly W-2 employees with steady schedules. The tip model is truly optional if you set it to zero.
If You Need Larger Advances: EarnIn or MoneyLion
For $200-$500 advances, EarnIn and MoneyLion both work well. EarnIn requires steady hourly employment. MoneyLion is more flexible around income sources.
If You Want Credit Building: Brigit
Brigit Plus is the only major app that combines cash advances with formal credit-building through credit bureau reporting. The $9.99 monthly fee is justified only if you actively use the Credit Builder.
If You Want the Simplest Free Option: Klover
Klover is imperfect but genuinely free. The ad-supported model requires patience but eliminates fees entirely. Best for users who need occasional small advances and cannot justify any subscription fee.
Migration Tips: Moving From the app to an Alternative
If you decide to switch, follow these steps to minimize hassle.
- Repay any outstanding The platform advance before starting your migration.
- Cancel the FloatMe app using our step-by-step guide — detailed instructions here.
- Wait 3-7 days to confirm the cancellation processed correctly.
- Sign up for your chosen alternative — most take 5-10 minutes.
- Complete the bank verification — some alternatives may take 24-48 hours for full activation.
- Request a small first advance to test the process before relying on the new app.
Do not sign up for multiple apps simultaneously. Each app checks your bank patterns, and simultaneous applications can trigger denial flags across providers.
Combining Multiple Apps: Is It Worth It?
Some users maintain accounts with multiple cash advance apps to maximize available funds. This strategy has trade-offs.
Potential Benefits
- Higher combined advance ceiling (up to $1,500+ across multiple apps)
- Redundancy if one app denies a specific request
- Ability to time repayments across pay cycles
Potential Downsides
- Multiple monthly subscription fees adding up quickly
- Multiple repayment debits on the same paycheck creating cash-flow strain
- Cross-app data patterns may trigger denials or limit reductions
- Increased risk of overdraft from unexpected simultaneous debits
Combining apps only makes financial sense if you consistently need more than $200 in advances and cannot qualify for a single high-limit app. For most users, one carefully chosen app is more cost-effective.
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