Cash Advance Apps

Is EarnIn app legit?

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2025

EarnIn is a legit cash advance app. Founded in 2013 by Ram Palaniappan, the company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. They claim that millions of customers are using their services. While EarnIn is a legitimate company, it's important to be aware that in November 2024, the Attorney General of the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against them, alleging deceptive marketing practices related to high-interest loans and hidden fees. They were accused of operating without the required lending license and misleading consumers about the true costs of their loans. Additionally, in August 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed over their tipping and fee model potentially violating lending laws, and they faced a cybersecurity incident in 2024 that may have affected customer information.

How reliable is EarnIn?

Hundreds of EarnIn reviews from April and May 2025 that we analyzed suggest users can rely on the app. Here’s what they have to say about it:

  • Lifesaver: Many users describe EarnIn as a "lifesaver", helping them through tough times and emergencies.
  • Always There: Numerous users appreciate that the app is "always there when I need it", highlighting its reliability in times of need.
  • Easy and Quick: Users praise the app for being "easy to use", "fast", and "convenient", making it simple to access funds when necessary.
  • Unpredictable Amounts: A few reviewers express frustration with sudden changes in their available advance, making it less predictable when they need it most. Still, the main takeaway is clear: most users consider EarnIn a dependable tool to access earned wages ahead of payday, providing peace of mind when finances get tight.

How much can I get from EarnIn?

Reaching EarnIn's advertised $750 maximum advance might not be as straightforward as it seems. Here's what users are saying:

  • Limits can increase: Some users report that their borrowing limits rise over time with consistent use and timely repayments. One user mentioned starting at $50 and climbing up to $300.
  • Limits may decrease unexpectedly: Several users complain that their limits have decreased without explanation, even after making on-time payments. One user saw their limit drop from $150 to $50, despite paying back on time.
  • Daily withdrawal caps: Many users find daily withdrawal caps frustrating. Even with higher total limits, they might only be able to withdraw $50 or $66 a day, making it tough to access larger amounts when needed.

While some folks appreciate EarnIn for being helpful in a pinch and seeing their limits grow, others are frustrated by decreasing limits and withdrawal restrictions. If you're aiming for that $750 maximum, be prepared for a journey—it might take time and consistent use to get there, and even then, daily caps could limit how much you can access at once.

App reviews talking about Loan Amounts:
"...my amount of money I'm able to get has been going up and helping me when I need the help..."
"Love this app yes they start off small but they just want to see if they can trust you then they start going up..."
"...I signed up for this app and received $150 paycheck limit. I paid it back on time, but my next pay limit was $100..."

What users say?

Positive
29%
Negative
71%
Many users complain about EarnIn's limited bank compatibility, particularly its inability to connect with popular banks like Chime and Varo. This is a significant issue for users who rely on these banks, as they find the app unusable without support for their accounts. Additionally, some users express frustration with the app's reliance on the Plaid platform, which they claim does not support all banks and causes frequent disconnections. The sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with users feeling let down by the app's bank integration capabilities.
App reviews talking about Bank Compatibility:
"...NO CHIME - Don’t bother if you have Chime. They won’t work with them."
"Doesn’t accept Chime STILL - Come on it’s 2025 chime is a majorly used bank..."
"...unless you have one of those big time name banks, it won't work."

Scam reports

Even though EarnIn is a legit company, we found 9 reviews published recently describing the service as scammy (for context, this is out of hundreds we analyzed). About 6 explicitly call the service a “scam”, “frauds”, or “crooks” while others report unauthorized withdrawals or technical issues that make them feel similarly deceived.

Some users express concerns about overdraft charges, unexpected account issues, or difficulties with customer service. A few mention problems with bank connectivity or being targeted for experiments without consent.

The overarching theme is that people feel tricked or financially harmed, often pointing to unauthorized charges, account problems, and an inability to get help from customer service.

App reviews talking about Scam:
"...this app is a SCAM and not worth the hassel..."
"...They 100% will overdraft you..."
"...Beware of this app. They will withdraw money from your account without your consent..."