What you’ll learn
Short answer: skip the payday loan if you can. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says a typical two week payday loan with a $15 charge per $100 borrowed works out to an APR of almost 400 percent. For gig workers, there are cheaper ways to get through a short week.
Your pay is uneven and the need is often urgent, which is exactly when a payday loan looks tempting. Below is what a payday loan costs, then the alternatives, with figures taken from each company’s own site.
Skip it if you can.
What a Payday Loan Costs
Many state laws limit the charge to between $10 and $30 for every $100 you borrow. The due date is typically two to four weeks after you take the loan. Some states let lenders roll the loan over, so you pay only the charge, which pushes the due date out but leaves the full amount still owed.
If you’re a gig worker, that matters. When a slow week leaves you short on the due date, the rollover is the easy choice and the expensive one. Rules vary by state, so your state regulator or attorney general is the place to check what’s allowed where you live.
That’s the trap.
Safer Options Compared
| Option | Works with gig income? | Amount | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash out from your gig app (Uber Instant Pay, DoorDash Crimson) | It’s your own earnings | What you’ve earned | Check the app. Uber’s page doesn’t list a charge | Instant, Uber up to 6 times a day |
| Current Paycheck Advance | Counts independent contractor deposits of $200 or more a month | Up to $750 | Free standard, charge for instant | About 3 days, or instant for a charge |
| Grant | Doesn’t say. Reads bank activity | $25 to $500, average under $200 | Express $2 to $21, optional $9.99 plan | 1 to 3 business days, or same day with express |
| Ualett Gig Advance | Yes. Built for independent workers | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| EarnIn | Full time contractors with no W-2 income usually won’t qualify | Up to $200 a day, $1,000 per pay period | Tips optional, Lightning Speed from $3.99 | 1 to 2 business days |
The Cheaper Choices, One by One
Your own gig app comes first. Uber Instant Pay lets you cash out up to 6 times a day, and eligible Dashers can cash out instantly with the DoorDash Crimson Visa debit card. Neither is a loan, and neither needs a lender to approve you. The cost to cash out is listed in the app.
Start there.
Current comes next if your gig pay reaches your bank by direct deposit. Its Paycheck Advance counts independent contractor deposits and goes up to $750, with a free standard transfer and no credit check.
Grant advances $25 to $500, with free standard delivery that takes 1 to 3 business days. Express is $2 to $21. It doesn’t mention gig pay either way.
Ualett built its Gig Advance for independent contractors and gig workers, based on recent earnings. It doesn’t publish amounts, so read the terms before you accept. EarnIn is harder for full time drivers, since contractors with no W-2 income usually won’t qualify there.
What to Watch For, Even With the Safer Options
- Express delivery and subscriptions can add up on a small advance.
- Repayment is pulled from your next deposit, so you can end up borrowing again.
- If you’re falling behind on rent or a car payment, call that company before the due date. That usually goes better than missing it.
- Never pay anyone an upfront charge to “guarantee” a loan.
Help That Isn’t a Loan
If the gap is bigger than a week, look at a grant, not a loan. A list of US hardship grant programs for individuals covers help with rent, utilities, food and medical bills. Grants can take weeks, so pair one with a quick fix for this week.
To earn cash faster, see same day pay jobs and the earn hub. Longer term, a cushion is the best protection. Even $25 a week adds up, and the resources for gig workers list helps with the rest.
Want the full list of apps? See cash advance for gig workers, or pick your platform: DoorDash or Uber.
Payday Loans for Gig Workers FAQ
It depends on the lender and your state’s rules, and it’s rarely a good deal. A typical two week payday loan with a $15 charge per $100 has an APR of almost 400 percent, per the CFPB.
Cash out your earnings from your gig app first, such as Uber Instant Pay or the DoorDash Crimson card. Then look at advance apps like Current, Grant or Ualett, which cost far less than a typical payday loan when you use standard delivery.
Often yes, on cost. Standard delivery is usually free, though express delivery and subscriptions are not. Repaying from your next deposit can still leave you short, so use advances sparingly.
The due date is typically two to four weeks from the date the loan was made. Some states allow rollovers, which extend the due date but leave the full amount owed.
A hardship grant list can help with rent, utilities, food and medical bills. Grants take time, so pair one with a faster option for this week.
Sources (11)
We use primary sources: each company’s own product pages and help centers. Terms change often, so check the app before you accept an advance.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. What is a payday loan?. consumerfinance.gov.
- Uber. Drive with Uber. uber.com.
- DoorDash. Dasher sign-up page. dasher.doordash.com.
- Current. Paycheck Advance support article. support.current.com.
- Current. Paycheck Advance. current.com.
- Grant. Pricing and fees. grantcash.com.
- Grant. Home page. grantcash.com.
- Ualett. Home page. ualett.com.
- EarnIn. Who can use EarnIn?. help.earnin.com.
- EarnIn. Cash advance questions answered for gig workers. earnin.com.
- EarnIn. Home page. earnin.com.
