Cash Advance Apps

Is EarnIn app legit?

Last Updated: Apr 03, 2025

EarnIn is a legit cash advance app. Founded in 2013 by CEO Ram Palaniappan and headquartered in Mountain View, California, the company has raised significant funding over the years, including $125 million in 2018. While EarnIn offers convenient features like accessing your earned wages before payday, it's important to note that in November 2024, the Attorney General of the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit alleges that EarnIn deceived over 20,000 DC borrowers by providing loans with illegally high interest rates exceeding the District's 24% cap and operating without the required lending license.

How reliable is EarnIn?

Thousands of EarnIn reviews from March 2025 that we analyzed suggest users find the app reliable and helpful. Here's what they have to say:

  • Lifesaver: Many users describe EarnIn as a "lifesaver," praising how it helps them during financial crunches and emergencies.
  • There When Needed: Numerous people appreciate that EarnIn is "always there" when they need it, providing quick access to their earned wages.
  • Fast and Reliable: Users frequently mention the app's speed and reliability, highlighting how funds are deposited swiftly when they're in a pinch.
  • Advance Limits: A few users wish they could access higher advance amounts to better meet their financial needs.

Overall, the dominant theme is clear: most users view EarnIn as a dependable tool that offers a helpful safety net between paychecks, making unexpected expenses easier to manage.

How much can I get from EarnIn?

While EarnIn advertises a maximum cash advance of $750, users report that reaching this amount may take time. Here's what we found:

  • Limits increase with use: Many users mention that their borrowing limit increased as they continued to use the app and repay on time. One user shared, "You guys started out small and I could never get an increase. But now you guys are much better."
  • Higher advances possible: Some users have accessed higher amounts over time. One user said, "I get up to 500 a week."
  • Daily limit frustrations: A few users wish the daily withdrawal limit was higher. As one user noted, "I love being able to use EarnIn when I need you only thing I wish is I could pull a higher max per day." Overall, it appears that while you might not have immediate access to the full $750, consistent use and timely repayments can lead to higher cash advance limits with EarnIn.
App reviews talking about Loan Amounts:
"...I could never get an increase. But now you guys are much better."
"I’ve been able to borrow up to $900 from my paycheck every two weeks..."
"...you can increase your pay period max to $1000 you never know when you may need it."

What users say?

Positive
15%
Negative
85%
Many users express frustration with EarnIn's bank compatibility, particularly with the app's reliance on Plaid for bank verification. Several reviews mention that the app does not work with popular non-traditional banks like Chime or PayPal, leaving users unable to access the service. Some users report issues with the app crashing or failing to connect to their bank accounts, while others have experienced problems with the app's repayment process being flagged as fraudulent by their banks. On the positive side, a few users have successfully connected their accounts without issues, praising the app's transparency and functionality.
App reviews talking about Bank Compatibility:
"...Just like all the others that use Plaid to verify banking info, it will NOT work with PayPal..."
"...Accounts like Chime will NOT work with this service..."
"...Best money app! I had no issues connecting my EarnIn account to my SoFi checking account..."

Scam reports

Even though EarnIn is a legit company, we found 3 recent reviews out of hundreds analyzed that describe the app as a scam. Users express frustration about not receiving promised funds after providing their bank details and work information.

One user was approved for $50 but then faced account issues and unresponsive customer support, leading them to question the app's legitimacy. Another mentioned the app takes more than it gives, calling it "not worth it" and urging others not to use it.

While these complaints are a small fraction of total users, they highlight concerns about fund accessibility and customer service responsiveness. It's important to consider these experiences when deciding if EarnIn is right for you.

App reviews talking about Scam:
"...the will take more than they give it’s a scam..."
"lol a load of garbage.. i got approved for 50 dollar and THEN they told me theres issues with my acc.. scam.."
"...showed a over 70hr timecard and was told I'd have to wait till I got paid"