What Is Earned Wage Access?

Earned wage access (EWA) allows employees to access a portion of their earned but unpaid wages before their official payday. Instead of waiting for the next paycheck, workers can get the money they’ve already earned when they need it most, without diving into debt or racking up credit card interest. Think of it as a financial lifeline that bridges the gap between paychecks, giving you more control over your money. Curious how it works and whether it’s right for you? 

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See EWA offers (and others) from our network of financial partners.

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What is earned wage access?

Earned wage access (EWA) is a financial service that lets employees withdraw a portion of their wages as they earn them, rather than waiting for the traditional payday. This service can be a game-changer for those who occasionally need quick cash to cover unexpected expenses or to avoid costly late fees. By giving employees access to their money sooner, EWA helps smooth out the bumps between paychecks.

How does earned wage access work? 

Earned wage access typically works through a partnership between an employer and an EWA provider or directly through a third-party app. Here’s how it usually works:

• Earned wages calculation: The EWA provider calculates how much you’ve earned up to that point in the pay period based on hours worked or a set salary.
• Requesting funds: You request an advance on your earned wages through an app or platform provided by the EWA service.
• Instant access: Once you qualify, the requested amount is transferred directly to your bank account or a connected card.
• Repayment: The amount advanced is automatically deducted from your next paycheck.

Earned wage access pros and cons

While EWA can be incredibly helpful, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know.

Pros of earned wage access

• Financial flexibility: EWA helps employees cover unexpected expenses or avoid late fees on bills.
• Improved cash flow: Accessing funds when needed allows for better financial management.
• Reduced stress: Knowing available funds can alleviate financial stress and improve well-being.
• Enhanced employee satisfaction: Offering EWA can boost employee morale and satisfaction.
• Reduced turnover: A more financially secure workforce may be less likely to seek employment elsewhere.

Cons of earned wage access

• Potential for overspending: EWA can lead to overspending and financial difficulties if not used responsibly.
• Reduced payday: Accessing funds early means less money available on payday, making it difficult to cover bills.
• Fees: Some EWA providers may charge fees for accessing funds, which can reduce the overall benefit.
• Privacy concerns: Employees may have concerns about data privacy and security when using EWA services.
• Potential for abuse: Employees may use EWA as a short-term solution to long-term financial problems.

3 cash advance apps

If you’re considering a cash advance, here are three apps to help you access your wages before payday.

1. Instacash

Instacash by MoneyLion allows users to access up to $500 of their earned wages with no interest and no credit check. It’s a straightforward way to bridge the gap between paychecks without raising debt.

• Best for: Access to cash with no fee delivery options.
• Pros: No interest, no credit check, easy to use.
• Cons: There may be limits to how much you can access, and your advance is available in minutes for a Turbo fee.

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Don’t rack up debt when hit with unexpected expenses. Bridge the gap between paychecks with Instacash^®

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2. Earnin

Earnin lets you access up to $100 per day (or $750 per pay period) of your earned wages with no fees, although tips are encouraged. It uses your work hours tracked by GPS or timesheets to determine eligibility.

• Best for: Workers who track hours or use direct deposit.
• Pros: No fees, flexible tip model, integrates with work schedules.
• Cons: Limited to $100 per day, requires consistent income.

3. Empower

Empower offers up to $300 in advances with no fees or interest. They have several other financial tools to help you save more money, budget and track your spend, and monitor your credit score, all for only $8 a month.

• Best for: Budgeting support along with wage access.
• Pros: No interest, helpful financial tools (for a monthly fee), and an easy-to-use app.
• Cons: Small subscription fee for premium features.

How to qualify for Earned Wage Access

To qualify for earned wage access, there are a few common requirements:

Employer participation

Some employers offer EWA as a benefit. You may not need to go through a third-party app if your employer does.

Income verification

The EWA provider will verify your employment and payroll information to ensure eligibility. In some cases, other income sources like SSI may qualify.

Set up direct deposit 

You must link your bank account to the EWA provider’s system to receive funds.

Other eligibility criteria

Each EWA provider may have additional eligibility requirements, such as a minimum employment duration or job type.

Why should you consider using earned wage access?

Earned wage access can be a lifesaver in certain situations, but it’s not always the best option for everyone. Here’s who should consider using EWA:

• Covering unexpected expenses: If you have a sudden bill or emergency expense, EWA can provide quick relief.
• Avoiding overdraft fees: Accessing your wages early can prevent overdraft fees or late payments.
• Managing cash flow: If your pay schedule doesn’t align with your bills, EWA can help smooth out cash flow issues.

Is earned wage access right for you?

Earned wage access can offer much-needed financial flexibility in the face of unexpected expenses, but it’s essential to use it wisely. Understanding how earned wage access works and its pros and cons can help you make an informed decision. Whether using an app like Instacash or another EWA service, make sure it fits your financial situation and helps you manage your money more effectively.

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