Need cash in a pinch? There are now various apps to borrow money that make getting financial help easier than ever before. Whether you’re facing an unexpected bill, waiting for payday, or need funds for a planned expense, these digital lending platforms offer solutions that traditional banks often can’t match in terms of speed and convenience. I’ve researched dozens of borrowing apps to bring you this comprehensive list of the most reliable, affordable, and user-friendly options available in 2025.
1. Understanding Money-Borrowing Apps
Money-borrowing apps are mobile applications designed to provide quick access to funds directly through your smartphone. They’ve revolutionized how people handle short-term cash needs and emergencies by removing the lengthy paperwork and approval processes associated with traditional loans.
1.1 How These Lending Apps Work
Most apps to borrow money operate through a straightforward process: you download the app, create an account, provide some personal information, connect your bank account, and request funds. The application review process varies by platform but is typically much faster than traditional lending institutions—often providing approvals in minutes rather than days or weeks.
1.2 Types of Money-Borrowing Applications
The digital borrowing landscape includes several distinct categories:
- Personal loan apps: Offering larger sums with structured repayment plans
- Paycheck advance apps: Providing access to wages you’ve already earned
- Peer-to-peer lending platforms: Connecting borrowers with individual lenders
- Emergency loan services: Specializing in immediate, short-term funding
- Credit-builder loans: Helping improve your credit while borrowing
2. Personal Loan Apps (Apps 1-3)
When you need larger amounts with structured repayment terms, these personal loan apps to borrow money offer the most traditional borrowing experience.
2.1 Traditional Personal Loan Apps
App #1: SoFi SoFi stands out in the personal loan space with competitive rates and loan amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. What makes this app unique is its additional member benefits, including career coaching and financial advising. The application process is entirely digital, and funds can be deposited within 3 business days. Interest rates typically range from 7.99% to 23.43% APR based on your credit score.
App #2: LightStream For borrowers with good to excellent credit, LightStream offers some of the lowest rates in the digital lending space. Their app to borrow money provides loans from $5,000 to $100,000 with terms from 2 to 12 years. The stand-out feature? Their Rate Beat program promises to beat any qualifying competitor’s rate by 0.1 percentage points. Plus, they offer same-day funding if you complete the application process before 2:30 PM Eastern time.
2.2 Credit Builder Loan Apps
2.2.1 Building Credit While Borrowing
App #3: Self Self (formerly Self Lender) takes a unique approach to borrowing. Their app creates a CD-secured loan where your payments go into a certificate of deposit. When the loan term ends, you receive the CD funds minus interest and fees. While you don’t get access to cash immediately, this app to borrow money helps build credit history while essentially forcing you to save. Monthly payments range from $25 to $150 over 12 to 24 months, with APRs between 15.92% and 15.97%.
2.2.2 Loan Terms and Conditions
The terms for credit builder loans typically involve smaller amounts ($500-$1,500) with payment periods ranging from 6 to 24 months. While the interest rates may seem high compared to traditional personal loans, they’re often more reasonable than credit cards and payday loans, plus they help improve your credit score when managed responsibly.
3. Paycheck Advance Apps (Apps 4-6)
Need to access your earned wages before payday? These apps to borrow money let you tap into earnings you’ve already worked for.
3.1 Earned Wage Access Platforms
App #4: Earnin Earnin pioneered the concept of accessing your earned wages before payday without traditional loans. The app tracks your hours worked and lets you withdraw up to $500 per pay period. What’s remarkable is their no-fee model—they operate on a “pay what you think is fair” tip system. While the app is essentially free to use, they do appreciate tips to keep their service running.
App #5: Dave Dave offers advances up to $500 with no interest charges. This app to borrow money charges a small monthly membership fee of $1 and optional tips. What sets Dave apart is its budgeting tools that help predict upcoming expenses that might overdraft your account, along with a “Side Hustle” feature that helps users find gig economy jobs to increase their income.
3.2 Subscription vs. Fee-Based Models
3.2.1 Free Advance Options
App #6: Brigit Brigit offers advances up to $250 with two distinct service tiers. Their free plan provides financial insights and alerts, while their Plus plan ($9.99/month) enables instant cash advances with no tips required or interest charged. A standout feature of this money-borrowing app is its automatic advance option—if your balance is predicted to go negative, Brigit can automatically send you an advance to prevent overdraft fees.
3.2.2 Premium Cash Advance Features
Premium advance apps typically offer additional features that free versions don’t, such as:
- Instant transfers (vs. 1-3 day standard delivery)
- Higher advance limits
- Credit building tools
- Budgeting assistance
- Identity theft protection
- Automated overdraft protection
4. Peer-to-Peer Lending Apps (Apps 7-9)
These apps to borrow money connect individual borrowers directly with individual lenders, often resulting in more personalized loan terms.
4.1 Social Lending Platforms
App #7: Prosper As one of the original P2P lending platforms, Prosper offers loans from $2,000 to $40,000 with fixed rates and terms of 3 or 5 years. The application process is straightforward, though funding takes longer than some alternatives (typically 1-5 business days after approval). Interest rates range from 7.95% to 35.99% APR, depending on your credit profile and loan term.
App #8: Upstart Founded by ex-Google employees, Upstart uses AI and machine learning to evaluate borrowers, considering factors beyond just credit scores. This app to borrow money is excellent for those with limited credit history but strong earning potential. Loans range from $1,000 to $50,000 with terms of 3 to 5 years and APRs between 5.60% and 35.99%. Approximately 53% of loans are fully automated with instant approval decisions.
4.2 Borrowing From Your Network
4.2.1 Friend-to-Friend Loans
App #9: Zirtue Zirtue takes a different approach by formalizing loans between friends and family. This relationship-based lending platform automates loan agreements and payments between people who know each other, reducing the awkwardness and uncertainty of personal loans. The app to borrow money lets borrowers request specific amounts, and lenders can set interest rates (up to 5%) and terms. Automatic payments help ensure timely repayment and preserve relationships.
4.2.2 Anonymous P2P Borrowing
Unlike friend-to-friend platforms, traditional P2P lending apps maintain anonymity between borrowers and lenders. Investors fund portions of loans based on risk assessment and potential returns rather than personal connections. This model provides borrowers with access to competitive rates while protecting privacy.
5. Emergency Loan Apps (Apps 10-12)
When you need money immediately, these apps to borrow money specialize in rapid funding for urgent situations.
5.1 Same-Day Funding Options
App #10: MoneyLion MoneyLion offers Instacash advances up to $1,000 with no interest charges and no credit check. Their Cash Advance feature provides up to $500 instantly with their RoarMoney account. The standard delivery is free, while express delivery carries a small fee. Their broader financial ecosystem includes investment accounts, credit builder loans, and cashback rewards, making this app to borrow money part of a comprehensive financial platform.
App #11: Possible Finance For those with less-than-perfect credit, Possible Finance offers small loans up to $500 with repayment spread over multiple installments rather than a single payday due date. Interest rates are clearly stated rather than hidden as “fees,” and successful repayments are reported to credit bureaus to help build credit. While rates are higher than traditional personal loans (APRs range from 150% to 200%), they’re significantly lower than typical payday loans.
5.2 Low Credit Score Borrowing Solutions
5.2.1 No Credit Check Alternatives
App #12: Chime SpotMe While not technically a lending app, Chime’s SpotMe feature allows qualified users to overdraft their debit card purchases by up to $200 with no fees. Once you’ve set up direct deposit of at least $200, you’re eligible to start with a $20 limit, which can increase over time based on account history and activity. This app to borrow money essentially provides interest-free, fee-free short-term borrowing for everyday purchases.
5.2.2 Building Credit While Borrowing
Several emergency loan apps now incorporate credit-building features by reporting successful repayments to credit bureaus. This dual benefit helps solve immediate cash needs while working toward improved financial health for the future, creating a path toward qualifying for better loan terms down the road.
6. How to Choose the Right Money-Borrowing App
With so many options available, selecting the best app to borrow money depends on your specific situation and needs.
6.1 Comparing Interest Rates and Fees
When evaluating borrowing apps, look beyond the advertised rates to understand the total cost:
- APR vs. flat fees – Some apps charge interest while others use subscription models or one-time fees
- Hidden charges – Watch for origination fees, late payment penalties, and expedited funding costs
- Tip-based models – Consider whether “optional” tips make financial sense compared to stated fees
- Membership requirements – Calculate whether monthly subscriptions are worth the benefits if you only borrow occasionally
6.2 Avoiding Predatory Lending Traps
Not all apps to borrow money have your best interests at heart. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Extremely high APRs – Anything above 36% is generally considered high-cost lending
- Automatic renewals – Some loans automatically roll over, trapping you in debt cycles
- Pressure tactics – Legitimate lenders give you time to review terms before accepting
- Guarantee approvals – No legitimate lender can promise approval without reviewing your information
- Unclear terms – Reputable lending apps clearly disclose all fees and repayment requirements
7. Conclusion: Responsible Borrowing in the Digital Age
Apps to borrow money have democratized lending, providing access to funds for many people who were previously excluded from traditional financial systems. However, with this access comes responsibility. The best approach is to:
- Understand exactly what borrowing will cost you in total
- Have a clear plan for repayment before accepting funds
- Choose the lowest-cost option that meets your legitimate needs
- Use borrowing apps as occasional tools rather than regular income supplements
- Work toward building an emergency fund to reduce future borrowing needs
The right app to borrow money can be a valuable financial tool when used wisely. Whether you’re bridging a temporary gap between paychecks or financing a necessary purchase, these digital platforms offer convenience and accessibility that wasn’t possible just a few years ago. By understanding the different types of lending apps and carefully comparing options, you can make informed decisions that help rather than hurt your long-term financial health.
Remember that the best loan is one you can comfortably repay on schedule. With responsible use, these apps can help you navigate financial challenges while working toward greater stability and independence.