When to look beyond Bnine
Bnine works best when B9 becomes your main account. If you don't want to move your paycheck, need money before your first deposit, live in an excluded state, or only borrow a few times a year, another option may cost less.
Bnine vs EarnIn, Dave and Brigit
| App | Maximum advance | Monthly cost | Instant transfer | Move your paycheck? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bnine (B9) | $250 Basic, $1,000 Premium per pay period | $9.99 Basic; Premium from $6.99; $0 with $5,000+ deposits | Optional fee | Yes, to a B9 account |
| EarnIn | $150 per day, up to $1,000 per pay period | $0, optional tips | From $3.99 | No, links your bank |
| Dave | $25 to $500 | Up to $5, plus 5% per advance ($5 minimum) | 1.5% to an outside debit card | No, links your bank |
| Brigit | $25 to $500 | $8.99 to $15.99 | Optional fee, varies by plan | No, links your bank |
Figures from each provider's published terms and fee pages at our last check. Limits vary by user, and most people start well below the maximum.
EarnIn
EarnIn lets you cash out up to $150 a day and up to $1,000 per pay period, with limits that vary by user. There is no subscription: standard transfers are free and usually arrive in one to two business days, while its instant option, Lightning Speed, starts at $3.99. Tips are optional. EarnIn links to your existing bank instead of asking you to move your paycheck, but you need a regular pay schedule and at least $320 in earnings per pay period. Read our Bnine vs EarnIn comparison.
Dave
Dave's ExtraCash advances range from $25 to $500, though Dave notes that few members qualify for the maximum. Costs are a membership of up to $5 a month plus a fee of 5% of each advance with a $5 minimum, and a 1.5% fee to send money to an outside debit card. You link your bank and open Dave accounts rather than moving your whole paycheck.
Brigit
Brigit offers advances from $25 to $500 depending on eligibility, with a monthly subscription between $8.99 and $15.99. Express delivery is optional and may carry a fee. Brigit connects to your existing checking account and looks for regular deposits before approving advances.
Other ways to bridge a gap
- Early direct deposit accounts: several banks and fintechs post paychecks up to two days early. B9 does this too.
- Employer pay advances: some employers offer earned wage access through payroll at low or no cost. Ask HR.
- Credit union small-dollar loans: many credit unions offer small loans with capped rates.
- Personal installment loans: larger amounts and longer terms, but they are loans with APRs and credit checks. Compare offers on our apply page.
How to compare fairly
- Total monthly cost: add subscription, instant-transfer and tip costs for the way you actually use the app.
- Starting limit: what a new user can realistically get, not the headline maximum.
- Paycheck requirements: whether you must move your full direct deposit.
- ID accepted: B9 accepts an ITIN as well as an SSN. Check each alternative's identity requirements.
- State availability: every app has its own list.
Where Bnine still wins
For ITIN holders, for workers with steady pay who want a high ceiling with no daily cash-out cap, and for anyone depositing $5,000 or more a month (which makes the membership free), Bnine remains one of the stronger options. Use the calculator to check whether the fee makes sense for your usage.
Frequently asked questions
What apps are like Bnine?
Apps similar to Bnine include EarnIn, Dave and Brigit. They differ in limits, fees and whether you must move your direct deposit.
Which is cheaper, Bnine or EarnIn?
EarnIn has no subscription and free standard transfers, so occasional users usually pay less. Bnine can cost less for members who deposit $5,000 or more a month, since B9 then waives the membership.
Which Bnine alternative accepts ITIN?
Few paycheck apps clearly advertise ITIN acceptance. B9 does; check each alternative's identity requirements directly.