Brigit Instant Cash offers advances on your paycheck to customers who show sufficient banking history. The advance is then automatically repaid on your next payday.
In this review, I cover how the Brigit app works, what it costs, who qualifies and how it compares to similar cash advance apps.
⚠️ Before you borrow
Cash advance apps can seem like a quick and easy way to get money. But since most apps charge fees, you’ll likely end up owing more than you originally borrowed. This can trap you in a cycle of repeat borrowing that’s hard to break.
At a glance: Brigit app cash advance
Amounts available
$25 to $500
Free delivery
Within 2 to 3 business days to an external bank account
Express delivery timing and fees
Within 20 minutes to an external bank account: $0.99 to $5.99
Mandatory fees
No mandatory fees (Brigit charges an $8.99 or $15.99 subscription fee, but you can opt out)
Eligibility requirements
Must show 60 days of history and at least three recurring direct deposits from the same employer in your checking account
Repayment
Automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the date of your next paycheck
State availability
Available nationwide
Brigit works by giving you an advance on your paycheck up to $500. This feature is known as Brigit Instant Cash.
To get started, you’ll need to download the Brigit app, create an account and connect the checking account where you receive direct deposits from your employer.
If approved for an advance, you’ll receive the funds in your bank account in two to three business days for free.
You can choose to get the money faster — within 20 minutes — but you’ll pay an express fee. You’ll also need to link a debit card to your Brigit account to use this feature.
You’ll then repay the advance amount, plus any fees, on the date of your next payday. Brigit will autowithdraw the amount you owe from your linked account.
If you need more time, Brigit lets you extend your due date. You’ll need to repay your current advance in full before you can request a new one.
How much does Brigit cost?
The only other fee Brigit charges is for express delivery.
For users who want cash advance funds sent to their external bank account within 20 minutes, you’ll pay an express fee ranging from $0.99 to $5.99. Larger advances come with higher fees.
🤔 What does that really cost?
Brigit is a legitimate financial services company. Here’s what we know:
At the time of writing this review, Brigit is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
The Brigit app is rated 4.8 stars on Google Play (349,000 reviews) and 4.8 stars on the App Store (487,000 reviews).
[1]
. The FTC also says Brigit locked customers into monthly memberships that were difficult to cancel.
While the FTC case has been resolved, and Brigit has mostly positive app store ratings, users should keep an eye on any additional regulatory issues or fines.
Who qualifies for Brigit?
To qualify for Brigit, you’ll need to be a United States citizen or legal US resident and be 18 years of age or older.
You’ll also need to link a primary checking account that meets the following requirements:
Active for at least 60 days.
Has a positive balance (meaning greater than $0).
Shows three recurring deposits from the same source.
Brigit Instant Cash is available nationwide, but Maine residents can only qualify for advances up to $250.
Brigit says its average advance amount is $73.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Brigit assigns users a “Brigit score” from 0 to 100, which is updated any time there’s new activity in your bank account (usually twice daily). This score is based on your income, spending patterns and overall bank account health, and it determines whether you can qualify for Instant Cash. Brigit shows recommendations for how to improve your score in the Brigit mobile app. You’ll likely need a score of 40 or higher to qualify for an Instant Cash advance.
Pros and cons of using Brigit
No tipping: Unlike many cash advance apps, Brigit doesn’t request tips as part of its service. Though these tips are optional, many borrowers feel obligated to tip, which increases the cost of the advance. By getting rid of this feature entirely, Brigit removes any temptation to pay more for early access to your paycheck.
Repayment flexibility: For every two consecutive advances that are repaid on time, Brigit gives customers a payment extension credit. Customers can also hold up to three extension credits at a time. Extending your payment due date can help you avoid overdraft fees if there’s a chance you won’t have enough money in your account. You’ll need to reschedule your payment at least two business days before the original due date.
Limited overdraft protection: Though Brigit provides payment extension, if you don’t have an extension available when the payment is due, Brigit may overdraft your bank account, according to its legal terms. This will likely trigger a fee from your bank. Other apps only draft what you have available in the account, so you’re never charged an overdraft or non-sufficient funds fee.
Brigit vs. EarnIn vs. Dave
Compare Brigit to other cash advance apps like EarnIn and Dave.
Brigit
EarnIn
Dave
Max advance
Mandatory fees
Free delivery
Express delivery
Alternatives to using Brigit
There are other ways to get quick cash besides taking out a cash advance.
Explore other ways to make money: Instead of borrowing money, consider a temporary gig to cover small gaps in your budget. You can make money at home or online by selling things you don’t need, taking surveys and testing websites, among other options.
Download a BNPL app: If you need cash to purchase an essential item, like a laptop or mattress, “buy now, pay later” apps like Affirm and Klarna may be a good option. These apps split your purchase into smaller installments, usually with no interest and no fees if you pay on time, and you don’t need good credit to qualify.
Take out a friend or family loan: Friends and family are often an untapped resource for small loans. Though it may be difficult to ask for help, you can make it easier by drawing up a contract that clearly lists when you’ll repay the loan and if you’ll pay interest.
Consider a pawnshop loan: A pawnshop loan lets you borrow money by using a valuable item, like jewelry or electronics, as collateral. You leave the item with the pawnshop and receive a loan based on the item’s value. If you repay the loan, including fees, by the due date, you get your item back. If you don’t repay, the shop keeps the item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brigit doesn’t conduct a credit check when you apply for Instant Cash, and it doesn’t report repayment to the credit bureaus, so there’s no effect on your credit score.
To increase your Instant Cash limit, minimizing unnecessary spending may be helpful, since it’ll show greater access to cash, which implies you won’t have trouble repaying the advance. You also want to avoid bank fees, like overdraft or nonsufficient fund fees. Most Brigit users qualify for advance amounts of $50 to $100.
If Brigit can’t collect repayment, it won’t charge a late fee, but it may overdraw your checking account, which could trigger a fee from your bank. If you disconnect your checking account from the Brigit app, you’ll likely avoid repaying, but you’ll no longer be able to use Brigit Instant Cash until you’re caught up.
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