CLEARBORROW · PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 12, 2026
Cash advance app fee calculator
Cash advance apps rarely charge interest, but express fees, optional tips and monthly memberships add up. Enter what you pay to see the cost per advance, per month and per year, plus an APR-style figure for comparing with a loan. Example: a $5 express fee on a $100 advance repaid in 10 days works out to about 183% on an APR basis — far cheaper in dollars than many loans, but not free.
On this page
Calculate what an advance costs
Cost per advance = express fee + tip + membership ÷ advances per month. The APR-style figure applies the CFPB’s payday APR method (cost ÷ amount × 365 ÷ days) so you can compare with a loan; apps generally do not call their fees interest or APR. An estimate, not an app’s disclosure.
Worked examples
| Example | Cost per advance | Cost per year | APR-style |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100, $5 express fee, no membership, repaid in 10 days | $5.00 | $60.00 | 182% |
| $100, free standard transfer, $9.99 membership, 1 advance a month | $9.99 | $119.88 | 365% |
| $100, $3 express fee, $5 membership, 2 advances a month | $5.50 | $132.00 | 201% |
| $250, $12.50 fee (5%), no membership, 14 days | $12.50 | $150.00 | 130% |
Our arithmetic with illustrative fees. Check the fees each app actually charges in our reviews.
Why membership fees matter most
A membership is charged whether or not you take an advance. If you use an app once a month, the whole membership falls on that one advance; if you stop using the app, cancel the membership. Free standard transfers usually take longer — if you can wait, the express fee is avoidable.
Compare with a loan
Use the same method as the payday loan APR calculator, which follows the CFPB’s explanation of APR (CFPB ↗). For several hundred dollars repaid over months, an installment loan or a credit union PAL may cost less overall.
App fees in our reviews
See current fees and memberships in our reviews of Dave, EarnIn, MoneyLion, Brigit and Grant, or browse all cash advance apps.
Questions
Is a tip required?
Apps that ask for tips describe them as optional. Enter 0 if you do not tip.
Why is the APR-style figure so high?
A flat fee on a small amount for a few days becomes a large yearly rate. It is a comparison tool, not the app’s disclosed APR.
What if I take several advances a month?
Set the number of advances; the membership is spread across them and the monthly total includes every express fee.
Sources and limits
Sources checked November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with your state regulator before borrowing. This is general information, not legal advice. Worked examples are our own arithmetic. How we use sources.