Is EarnIn app legit?
EarnIn is a legit cash advance app. Founded in 2013 by CEO Ram Palaniappan, the company is headquartered in Mountain View, California. EarnIn has rebranded twice: first from Activehours to Earnin in November 2017, and then to EarnIn in January 2023. The company claims that millions are managing their earnings through the app. As of October 2023, there are no known official regulatory complaints or lawsuits against EarnIn involving general malpractice. While EarnIn is a legitimate company, it's always a good idea to check official regulatory websites or recent news sources for any updates. Keep in mind that EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank, and banking services are provided by Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC.
How reliable is EarnIn?
Hundreds of EarnIn reviews from June and July 2025 that we analyzed suggest users can rely on the app. Here's what they have to say about it:
- Lifesaver: Many people describe EarnIn as a "lifesaver", saying it helped them out when they were short on cash or faced unexpected expenses.
- Always there when needed: Users appreciate that EarnIn is "always there when I need it", providing a helpful boost between paychecks.
- Fast and convenient: Several reviewers mention that the app is "fast", "easy to use", and "reliable", making access to cash quick and hassle-free.
- Not dependable for some: A few users express frustration with occasional issues like inconsistent access to funds or verification problems, making the service less reliable for them.
Still, the predominant theme is clear: most users find EarnIn to be a trustworthy ally when finances get tight, helping them cover bills, emergencies, or simply get by until payday.
On this page
Table of contents
How much can I get from EarnIn?
EarnIn advertises a maximum cash advance of $750, but user experiences suggest that reaching this amount isn't straightforward. Here's what we found:
- High potential advances: Some users report being able to borrow up to $800 or even $850 after using the app for a while.
- Inconsistent limits: Many users are frustrated by their advance limits fluctuating unpredictably, sometimes decreasing without clear reasons.
- Low starting amounts: Several users mention being stuck at low advance amounts like $50 or $100, even after timely repayments and long-term use.
- Daily withdrawal caps: There's a daily withdrawal limit, typically between $50 and $150, which can make it hard to access larger amounts when needed.
While EarnIn has the potential to offer substantial cash advances, it's important to know that building up to higher limits may take time, and the process isn't always smooth. If you're considering using EarnIn for significant advances, be prepared for possible fluctuations and limitations along the way.
What users say?
Scam reports
Even though EarnIn is a legit company, we found 20+ recent reviews describing the service as scammy (out of hundreds we analyzed). About 14 explicitly call the service a “scam,” “fraud,” or “thieves,” while others mention unauthorized charges or issues with closing their accounts.
Several users express concerns about their personal information, with some fearing identity theft or data misuse. Others report unexpected charges, money being taken without borrowing, or difficulties deleting their banking information.
The common theme is that people feel misled or financially harmed, often citing surprise fees, difficulties in contacting customer service, and a lack of transparency in how the app operates.