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A Fast Way to Get a Cash Advance (Hint: It’s Not a Credit Card)

Last updated Sep 3, 2025

Need a cash advance fast? You’re not alone. Whether you're facing unexpected bills or a temporary income gap, quick cash can be helpful, but not all cash advance options are the same. Some can come with fees, higher interest rates, and rigid repayment terms.

Here's how to request a cash advance, some available options, and how to minimize the additional costs with an affordable alternative you might not know about: Upgrade Money™ BoostCash™, when paired with a Premium monthly subscription.#

yellow background with 100 dollar bills in a pile

Common Ways to Get a Cash Advance Fast

1. Credit Card Cash Advance

Most credit cards allow you to withdraw cash from an ATM or bank using your credit limit, which is also known as a cash advance.

Speed: Typically instantly if you have ATM access with your card
Cost: Typically a per transaction fee and/or a higher interest rate than what you would pay on a regular credit card purchase
Cons: Typically no grace period, and interest may start accruing the day you withdraw funds

2. Payday Loans

These short-term loans are generally easy to qualify for and may require no credit check.

Speed: Can be same-day
Cost: Interest can be extremely high and there can be many fees associated with taking out a payday loan
Cons: Typically very expensive and can trap users in a cycle of debt

3. Bank Overdraft Lines or Personal Loans

Some banks and credit unions offer fast credit access or short-term personal loans, or payday alternative loan(s).

Speed: As soon as the same day if you already bank there, but the timeline can vary depending on your lender, credit score, and other factors.
Cost: Varies, but capped at a 28% interest rate, and may be lower than traditional payday loan or credit card cash advances
Cons: May require credit union membership, pay stubs, a good credit score or deposit history

✅ An Alternative: BoostCash™

If you’re looking for a cash advance fast without interest or debt traps, there’s a better way.*

BoostCash™ from Upgrade Money™ with Premium

Unlike some credit cards and payday lenders, BoostCash™ offers cash advances with no interest. It’s an alternative way to help cover short-term income gaps.*

Why It’s Better:

  • $0 interest
  • Fast access to funds with Premium Subscription
  • No tipping

Who It's For:
Anyone eligible who needs quick access to cash between paychecks or while waiting for pending income.

Whether you're handling monthly bills, facing unexpected expenses, or just want extra cash, BoostCash™ offers an alternative to other types of cash advances.

FAQs About Obtaining A Cash Advance Fast

How much cash can I get with a cash advance?
Credit card limits vary based on creditworthiness, but alternative providers usually offer cash advances starting at $25 for your first advance. Payday lenders can offer even more, depending on income, but these tend to have high interest rates.

Do cash advances affect my credit score?
Credit card advances can impact your overall credit utilization ratio and credit score if minimum monthly payments are not made, and payday lenders might report payment defaults. Cash advances through Upgrade Money™ don’t impact your credit.

Is there a way to get an interest-free cash advance?
Yes! BoostCash™ when paired with a monthly Premium subscription offers interest-free advances when you set up eligible direct deposits.

Final Thoughts

Getting a cash advance doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. While traditional options like credit card cash advances and payday loans offer fast access to cash, they also may come with significant downsides. BoostCash™ changes the game by giving you interest-free access to the money you need on your terms.

If you’re looking for a smart way to bridge the gap, check out Upgrade Money™ and explore its BoostCash™ feature.

*BoostCash™ personal loans (“BoostCash™ advances”) range from an initial $25 and up to $500 over time for eligible Upgrade Money™ Spend customers, subject to eligibility requirements at upgrade.com/boostcasheligibility, including eligible direct deposits, and approval. If eligible, your BoostCashTM advance amount can increase over time based on several factors, such as positive repayment history. If any eligibility requirement is waived, subsequent BoostCash™ advances are subject to all eligibility requirements and approval. BoostCash™ advances made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 0.00% and a term of up to 34 days. For example, a $25 BoostCash advance with a 14 day term and a 0% APR has a required single installment payment of $25 on your due date. BoostCash™ advances are generally repaid in full on the date of your next expected payroll or employer direct deposit and are repaid automatically from your Upgrade Money™ Spend account or, if your funds are insufficient for repayment, any deposit account you have opened through Upgrade on your Due Date. Delivery may take 3-5 business days without Premium or within minutes with Premium Subscription express delivery ($9.99/mo). Funds availability depends on the receiving bank. You must repay a BoostCash™ advance before you may get a new one. BoostCash™ advances are not available in all states. See BoostCash™ Account Agreement for details.

#Upgrade Money™ customers with a $9.99/month Premium subscription receive additional benefits including: 10.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on Upgrade Money™ Save balances up to $1,000, generally faster increases in BoostCashTM personal loans (“BoostCash™ advances”) amount(s) than non-subscribers with account activity and history, up to your individual BoostCash limit or $500 maximum over time with eligible recurring direct deposits, subject to eligibility requirements at upgrade.com/boostcasheligibility, unlimited express delivery of BoostCash™ advances, fee-free same day bank transfers, Personal Identity Theft (up to $15K), Purchase Security  (up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder), Return Protection within 90 days of purchase for returns not accepted by the retailer (purchase price up to $250 per item and $1,000 per account), Extended Warranty Protection for eligible U.S. warranties 3 years or less (up to $10K per claim and $50K per cardholder) Trip Cancellation Protection (up to $2K), and a dedicated VIP customer service contact number. With Personal Identity Theft, Purchase Security, Return Protection, Trip Cancellation and Interruption and Extended Warranty Protection certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply. For Retail Protection Benefits and Travel Protection Benefits, you must use your Upgrade Money™ Card to secure transactions. This does not apply to transactions not processed by Visa. Please refer to your Premium benefits guide for further details. Limited free trial offers may be available from time to time for select first-time Premium subscribers who link direct deposit when requesting their first BoostCashTM advance. If applicable, after your free trial period your Upgrade Money™ Spend account will be charged $9.99/month unless you cancel before then in Profile & Settings -> My Subscription. If you are a returning Upgrade Money™ customer, you will be charged the $9.99 fee immediately upon re-subscribing. Cancel anytime. Eligibility for coverage begins on the date you enroll in the Premium subscription plan. In the event you cancel your Premium subscription, Retail and Travel Protection Benefits, and Personal Identity Theft coverage will terminate when your Premium subscription ends. Premium subscription fee amount is subject to change. Premium subscription is not available in all states. See Premium Terms and Conditions for more information.

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