Cash Advance Apps

EarnIn reviews: complaints & concerns

Last Updated: Apr 03, 2025

Earnin has consistently received high ratings from users, holding an average lifetime rating of 4.7 on the App Store and Google Play Store. Recent reviews from February and March 2025 reflect this satisfaction, also averaging 4.7. Despite the positive feedback, some users have expressed concerns about specific aspects of the app. Continue reading to learn more about these complaints and what you should know.

What do EarnIn users complain about?

Out of dozens of user reviews published in early 2025, here's what users are most frustrated about:

  • App crashes: Several users report the app frequently crashes or won't let them log in.
  • Bank issues: Many struggle to connect their bank accounts, especially with certain banks or through Plaid.
  • Early withdrawals: Some complain EarnIn withdraws funds before their paycheck is deposited, causing overdrafts.
  • Poor support: Users find customer service unresponsive or unhelpful.
  • Decreasing limits: Users are frustrated with shrinking cash-out limits and constant requests for more information without improvements.
  • Privacy concerns: A few are uncomfortable with location tracking and personal info requests.

Overall, many users express frustration with technical issues and a lack of support when things go wrong.

App reviews talking about Complaint:
"...nothing with this app is consistent. Pay period max constantly decreasing..."
"They like to take money out of your account, but when you need help and need support, they will not answer you..."
"...app keeps crashing and doesn't allow to connect to plaid."

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"

Overdraft reports

We found three overdraft-related complaints about EarnIn, mainly involving funds being withdrawn before users received their paychecks, leading to negative balances and fees.

One user mentioned that the app's predictions were off, causing early withdrawals before payday. Another reported multiple withdrawal attempts prior to their pay becoming available, resulting in their bank flagging EarnIn as fraudulent.

Overall, users expressed frustration with the timing of repayments, which sometimes led to overdrafts and additional late fees.

App reviews talking about Reported Overdraft:
"...got them pulling money out before I got paid..."
"They take your money out before your check gets deposited and cause a bunch of late fees..."
"...you get flagged by my bank, and they mark you as fraud..."

What users say on other topics

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..."

Complaints about EarnIn

In November 2024, the Attorney General of the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against EarnIn, accusing them of deceiving over 20,000 borrowers. The lawsuit alleges that EarnIn falsely promised users could access wages without fees or interest, but actually charged hidden "Lightning Speed" fees leading to interest rates over 300%, exceeding the legal cap.