Gerald is a legit cash advance app. The company, Gerald Technologies, Inc., is headquartered in New York and claims to be backed by Y Combinator. While Gerald is not a bank, it offers services like instant cash advances up to $80 without interest, fees, or credit checks. As of May 2025, there are no official complaints reported about Gerald.
Dozens of Gerald reviews from April and May 2025 suggest that users find the app reliable. Here's what they have to say:
Overall, most users find Gerald to be a dependable option for cash advances, valuing both the convenience and support provided.
Users report that getting Gerald's advertised maximum cash advance of $100 is rare. Here's what we found:
While a few users appreciate the option to order essentials with their advance, the consensus is that these spending requirements make it tough to access the full cash amount. If you're hoping for a straightforward $100 cash advance, be prepared for some strings attached.
Even though Gerald is a legit company, we found 60+ reviews published recently describing the service as scammy (for context, this is out of hundreds we analyzed). About 45 users explicitly call the service a “scam”, “fraud”, or “rip-off”, while many others describe being forced to make unwanted purchases before accessing their cash advance.
Several users expressed concerns about unauthorized charges and difficulties canceling orders or getting refunds. Some also mentioned not receiving the promised cash advances even after making required purchases, and a few worried about potential data misuse.
The overarching theme is that people feel tricked or financially harmed, often pointing to hidden fees, unwanted purchases, and an inability to reach customer service.