Albert’s Instant advance feature provides interest-free (but not fee-free) cash advances of $25-$250 when you need some extra cash. To qualify, you'll need an active bank account with some transaction history, an Albert Cash account, and have the Smart Money feature set to automatic. The good news is there's no credit check, and they don't charge late fees or interest on advances.

You can get your cash advance in 2-3 business days for free, or opt for an instant transfer to your external account within minutes by paying a fee between $5.99 and $14.99, depending on the amount. Advances are due back in six days, but you can request an extension if needed through the app.

There's no monthly fee required to access the Instant Advance, but if you want features like financial guidance, investing services, or personalized advice from Albert's financial experts, you might need a subscription, which ranges from $11.99 to $29.99 per month. If you plan to use Albert’s budgeting, saving, and investing tools, the subscription could be worth considering.

Albert might work well for you if:

• Instant cash: You need immediate access to cash advances up to $250 without credit checks or interest
• Cash back rewards: You want to earn cash back on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and retail stores
• Automated savings: You're looking to save money effortlessly with automatic transfers into a high-yield savings account
• Easy investing: You're interested in starting to invest with as little as $1 in stocks or managed portfolios
• Financial guidance: You value access to real human advisors available 24/7 for personalized financial advice

When Albert might not be a good fit:

• Subscription fees: If you're not keen on paying a monthly fee ranging from $11.99 to $29.99 for access to certain app features
• Account requirements: If you don't want to set up an Albert Cash account or enable Smart Money on Automatic schedule
• Eligibility criteria: If you lack an active bank account with sufficient and consistent transaction history

There are a few main criteria that will make you qualified for a cash advance from Albert:

1. Active bank account: You need to have an active bank account in good standing.
2. Transaction history: Your bank account should show consistent financial activity.
3. Albert Cash account: Having an Albert Cash account is necessary to access cash advances.
4. Smart Money feature: Set up the Smart Money feature to the "Automatic" schedule in the app.
5. Direct deposits (optional): Setting up qualifying direct deposits with Albert Cash can increase your cash advance limit.

Albert will then determine if you’re eligible and the maximum cash advance they can offer you.

You’ll usually get your cash advance in your Albert Cash account within 2-3 business days with the free standard transfer.

If you need the money faster, you can pay a fee of $5.99 to $14.99 to transfer it to your external bank account within minutes.

Albert will request the money back six days after you get the advance. Keep in mind that:

1. Extend repayment date: you can request an extension of up to 7 days through the app.
2. No late fees: Albert won't charge you late fees or penalties if you don't repay on time, and won't engage in debt collection or report to credit agencies.
3. Future advances: if you don't repay by the due date, you may be suspended from accessing additional advances until you repay, with suspension periods increasing based on how late your repayment is.

Beyond the cash advances, Albert offers several other features that might help you manage your finances more effectively.

Albert Cash Debit Card and Rewards

With the Albert Cash debit card, you can earn cash back on your everyday purchases. This includes up to 20% back at select grocery stores, up to 10% back on gas at major stations, and up to 15% back on entertainment and retail purchases like Costco, Target, and Walmart. You can add your card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for convenience, and if needed, you can freeze your card instantly through the app. Plus, you have access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, and if you set up direct deposit, you can get your paycheck up to two days early.

Automated Savings and Investing

Albert can help you save money automatically by analyzing your income and spending to find small, safe amounts to set aside. You can set personalized savings goals, and the app will move money into your savings account without you having to think about it. The savings account also offers a high-yield interest rate with no minimum balance required. If you're interested in investing, you can start with as little as $1. You can choose to invest in individual stocks, ETFs, or opt for a managed portfolio tailored to your risk tolerance.

Budgeting Tools and Financial Advice

Albert provides budgeting tools to help you create and manage your monthly budgets. The app tracks your expenses in real-time, automatically categorizing your transactions so you can see exactly where your money is going. It also alerts you to unwanted fees or when bills increase. You can link all your financial accounts to get a full picture of your finances in one place. If you need personalized financial advice, you can connect with Albert's financial experts (called Albert Geniuses) via text messaging anytime. They can help with budgeting, saving, investing, and answer any other financial questions you might have.