Cheaper options first

Loans Like Big Picture Loans

10 alternatives, cheapest first

By REPLACE WITH REAL NAME, REPLACE — e.g. 8 years covering consumer credit · Reviewed by REPLACE WITH REAL NAME

Advertiser disclosure: we're paid when you apply through some links on this site, and some lenders here are operated by our parent company. Compensation does not change our scores or the order of the cost ladder. How we make money →

Cheaper than Big Picture Loans

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

EarnIn

Access pay you've already earned, with no mandatory fees.

Score 8.0

Still an option for

Steady paycheck with a consistent schedule and a linked checking account. Not available in Connecticut.

Amount

$0–$150

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 1–2 business days; about 30 minutes with Lightning Speed ($3.99–$5.99).

One honest con

Tips and speed fees add up if you use it every pay period; limits vary by user.

See rates at EarnIn →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

Best for

W-2 and hourly workers who need up to $150/day, $1,000+/pay period, and can wait a day or two.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Cash Out

$0–$150

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

What you need: Linked checking account, verifiable work/pay schedule, direct-deposit history.

Not for: Gig workers with irregular pay; anyone who needs more than their earned wages so far.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

MoneyLion Instacash

Advances up to $500 — or $1,000 with a RoarMoney direct deposit — with no mandatory fees.

Score 6.9

Still an option for

Checking account 60+ days old with three recurring direct deposits from the same employer.

Amount

$25–$1,000

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 1–5 business days; instant (Turbo) for $0.49–$8.99.

One honest con

Turbo fees and tip prompts; standard delivery can take up to 5 business days to an outside bank.

See rates at MoneyLion Instacash →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

No mandatory fees. Turbo delivery $0.49–$8.99. Up to $500 standard, up to $1,000 with RoarMoney direct deposit.

Best for

Salaried workers who can move direct deposit to RoarMoney for a higher limit.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Instacash

$25–$1,000

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday (defer up to 2 weeks once per cycle)

No mandatory fees. Turbo delivery $0.49–$8.99. Up to $500 standard, up to $1,000 with RoarMoney direct deposit.

What you need: 18+, US resident, photo ID, checking account 60+ days old, 3+ recurring direct deposits from one employer.

Not for: People with irregular deposits; anyone who needs money today without paying a Turbo fee.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

Dave ExtraCash

Up to $500 before payday with a flat percentage fee.

Score 6.8

Still an option for

Bank account active 60+ days with recurring deposits.

Amount

$5–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 2–3 business days; instant with a fee.

One honest con

Membership of up to $5/month plus a 5% fee per advance ($5 min, $15 max), plus 1.5% for express to an outside bank.

See rates at Dave ExtraCash →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.

Best for

People who need a predictable, one-time fee and up to $500.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

ExtraCash

$5–$500

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.

What you need: Linked account active 60+ days, recurring deposits, 18+, US address, SSN.

Not for: Anyone who will use it every month — the 5% fee compounds quickly.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

Brigit

Cash advances up to $500 bundled with budgeting and credit-builder tools.

Score 6.7

Still an option for

Bank account active 60+ days, positive balance, three recurring deposits from one source.

Amount

$50–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 2–3 business days; within 20 minutes for $0.99–$5.99.

One honest con

Requires a paid plan ($8.99 Plus or $15.99 Premium per month); Maine residents capped at $250.

See rates at Brigit →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Requires Plus ($8.99/mo) or Premium ($15.99/mo). Express delivery $0.99–$5.99. Maine max $250.

Best for

People who will actually use the budgeting tools and want advances without tips.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Instant Cash

$50–$500

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

Requires Plus ($8.99/mo) or Premium ($15.99/mo). Express delivery $0.99–$5.99. Maine max $250.

What you need: Account active 60+ days, balance above $0, 3+ recurring deposits from the same source, Brigit score 40+.

Not for: Anyone who just needs a one-off advance — the subscription makes a single $75 advance expensive.

Similar to Big Picture Loans

Step 5 · Subprime installment loans

Possible Finance

Small loans repaid in four installments over eight weeks, reported to two credit bureaus.

Score 7.6

Still an option for

No minimum credit score. Needs a bank account and about $20,000/yr income.

Amount

$50–$500

Term

8 weeks (4 installments)

Cost

$29 a time

Speed

Same day to a debit card; ACH takes 1–2 more days.

One honest con

A flat $15–$25 per $100 fee works out to 98%–163% APR because the term is only eight weeks.

See rates at Possible Finance →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 98%–163%

Representative example: borrow $100 → 4 payments of about $29 → $115 total repaid (98% APR)

Expensive credit — 163% APR. Try every cheaper step above before you use this.

Best for

People who need $50–$500 fast, want installments instead of a lump sum, and want the payments to build credit.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

New customers

$50–$500

Term: 8 weeks (4 installments)
APR: 98%–163% APR
Payments: 4 installments, biweekly

What it costs: borrow $100 → 4 payments of about $29 → $115 total repaid (98% APR)Lender's published example: $100 with a $15 fee = four payments of $28.75. With a $25 fee: four payments of $31.25 (163% APR).

Flat fee of $15–$25 per $100 borrowed

Repeat customers

$50–$1,000

Term: 8 weeks (4 installments)
APR: 98%–163% APR
Payments: 4 installments, biweekly

Flat fee of $15–$25 per $100 borrowed

What you need: $20,000/yr income, SSN, proof of residency and income, US bank account, email.

Not for: Residents of the 16 states + DC where Possible doesn't lend; anyone who can get an app advance for free.

Not available to active-duty service members or their dependents (Military Lending Act 36% cap).

Step 5 · Subprime installment loans

OppLoans

Larger installment loans with monthly payments and credit-bureau reporting.

Score 6.9

Still an option for

No minimum credit score, but you need $1,500/month income with direct deposit and 30+ days on a W-2 job.

Amount

$500–$5,000

Term

9–18 months

Cost

$3,551

Speed

Same or next business day if approved by 12 p.m. CT.

One honest con

Still very expensive — 129%–195% APR — and not available in 11 states/DC.

See rates at OppLoans →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 129%–195%

Representative example: borrow $2,000 → $3,551 total repaid (160% APR)

Expensive credit — 195% APR. Try every cheaper step above before you use this.

Best for

People who need $1,000–$5,000 over 9–18 months and want on-time payments reported to the bureaus.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Installment loan

$500–$5,000

Term: 9–18 months
APR: 129%–195% APR
Payments: Monthly (due date adjustable)

What it costs: borrow $2,000 → $3,551 total repaid (160% APR)Lender's published example: $2,000 at 160% APR over 18 months costs $1,551 in interest.

No origination fee. In some states the loan is made by a partner bank (FinWise Bank, First Electronic Bank or Quill Bank, formerly Capital Community Bank). Comparison math uses a representative 12-month term; actual terms are 9–18 months.

What you need: 18+, US citizen with SSN, $18,000/yr gross income (can include SS, disability, child support), bank account with direct deposit, W-2 employment 30+ days.

Not for: Gig workers without W-2 income; anyone needing under $500.

Not available to active-duty service members or their dependents (Military Lending Act 36% cap).

Step 5 · Subprime installment loans

NetCredit

Larger, longer installment loans with the lowest APR floor in this group.

Score 6.9

Still an option for

No minimum credit score. Needs a personal checking account and verifiable income.

Amount

$1,000–$10,000

Term

6–60 months

Cost

≈ $1,639 over 6–60 months

Speed

1–3 business days after signing; same-day possible before 7 a.m. CT weekdays.

One honest con

Origination fees in some states; the $1,000 minimum is high for an emergency shortfall.

See rates at NetCredit →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 34%–155%

Representative estimate: ≈ $1,639 over 6–60 months

Expensive credit — 155% APR. Try every cheaper step above before you use this.

Best for

People who need $1,000+ and can qualify for the lower end of 34%–155% APR over 6–60 months.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Installment loan

$1,000–$10,000

Term: 6–60 months
APR: 34%–155% APR
Payments: Monthly

Origination fee in some states, deducted from proceeds; no prepayment fee Comparison math uses a representative 24-month term; actual terms are 6–60 months.

What you need: 18+ (19 in AL/DE, 21 in MS), personal checking account, email, verifiable income.

Not for: Anyone needing less than $1,000; residents of the 13 states NetCredit doesn't serve.

Not available to active-duty service members or their dependents (Military Lending Act 36% cap).

Step 5 · Subprime installment loans

Rise Credit

Installment loans that can get cheaper as you repay on time.

Score 6.8

Still an option for

No minimum credit score. Needs $1,000/month after-tax income and a checking account.

Amount

$500–$5,000

Term

7 months – 3 years

Cost

$10,506

Speed

Next business day if accepted by 6 p.m. ET.

One honest con

APR runs 59.80%–299%; origination fee up to 5% in DE, ID, MO, UT, WI.

See rates at Rise Credit →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 59.8%–299%

Representative example: borrow $3,000 → $10,506 total repaid (199% APR)

Expensive credit — 299% APR. Try every cheaper step above before you use this.

Best for

Borrowers in one of Rise's 30 states who plan to repay on time and refinance at a lower rate.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Installment loan

$500–$5,000

Term: 7 months – 3 years
APR: 59.8%–299% APR
Payments: Biweekly installments

What it costs: borrow $3,000 → $10,506 total repaid (199% APR)Lender's published example: $3,000 at 199% APR over 2 years costs about $7,506 in interest.

Origination fee up to 5% in DE, ID, MO, UT, WI Comparison math uses a representative 18-month term; actual terms are 7 months – 3 years.

What you need: 18+, checking account, email, SSN, job or regular income of $1,000/month ($12,000/yr) after tax.

Not for: Residents of the 20 states + DC where Rise doesn't lend; anyone who can get a sub-36% option.

Not available to active-duty service members or their dependents (Military Lending Act 36% cap).

Step 5 · Subprime installment loansFeatured

CashOtter

Shows the full payment schedule and total cost before you apply.

Referral service — connects you to an affiliated tribal lender; the lender is named in your loan agreement.

Score 6.7

Still an option for

No minimum credit score. Needs regular income and a checking account.

Amount

$200–$500

Term

224 days (about 7 months)

Cost

$152 a time

Speed

Decision in minutes; funds typically next business day.

One honest con

Expensive credit: a first loan costs roughly $2,430 to repay on $500 over 224 days.

See rates at CashOtter →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 259.94%–779.97%

Representative example: borrow $500 → 16 payments of about $152 → $2,437 total repaid (779.97% APR)

Expensive credit — 779.97% APR. Try every cheaper step above before you use this.

Best for

First-time borrowers who want to see exactly what a $200–$500 loan will cost before they commit.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

First loan

$200–$500

Term: 224 days (about 7 months)
APR: 779.97% APR
Payments: Biweekly installments

What it costs: borrow $500 → 16 payments of about $152 → $2,437 total repaid (779.97% APR)Illustrative: 16 equal biweekly payments at the published APR. The lender's Rates & Terms page governs.

Returning customers

$501–$5,000

Term: 224 days (about 7 months)
APR: 259.94%–779.97% APR
Payments: Biweekly installments

What it costs: borrow $1,000 → 16 payments of about $128 → $2,045 total repaid (259.94% APR)Illustrative, at the lowest published returning-customer APR.

Loyalty program lowers rates with payment history

What you need: Age 18+, US resident in an eligible state, regular income, active checking account, valid ID and SSN.

Not for: Anyone who qualifies for a cheaper step on the cost ladder, or who cannot afford ~$150 every two weeks.

Referral service — connects you to an affiliated tribal lender; the lender is named in your loan agreement.

CashOtter is operated by the same company that operates this site. See how we make money.

Not available to active-duty service members or their dependents (Military Lending Act 36% cap).

Step 5 · Subprime installment loansFeatured

MeteorLoans

Installment loans with scheduled biweekly payments instead of one lump sum.

Referral service — connects you to an affiliated tribal lender; the lender is named in your loan agreement.

Score 6.7

Still an option for

No minimum credit score. Needs regular income and a checking account.

Amount

$200–$500

Term

224 days (about 7 months)

Cost

$152 a time

Speed

Decision in minutes; funds typically next business day.

One honest con

Expensive credit: 779.97% APR on a first loan.

See rates at MeteorLoans →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

APR: 259.94%–779.97%

Representative example: borrow $500 → 16 payments of about $152 → $2,437 total repaid (779.97% APR)

Expensive credit — 779.97% APR. Try every cheaper step above before you use this.

Best for

Borrowers who need more than a cash-advance app will give and want installments rather than a single payday-style payment.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

First loan

$200–$500

Term: 224 days (about 7 months)
APR: 779.97% APR
Payments: Biweekly installments

What it costs: borrow $500 → 16 payments of about $152 → $2,437 total repaid (779.97% APR)Illustrative: 16 equal biweekly payments at the published APR. The lender's Rates & Terms page governs.

Returning customers

$501–$5,000

Term: 224 days (about 7 months)
APR: 259.94%–779.97% APR
Payments: Biweekly installments

What it costs: borrow $1,000 → 16 payments of about $128 → $2,045 total repaid (259.94% APR)Illustrative, at the lowest published returning-customer APR.

Loyalty program lowers rates with payment history

What you need: Age 18+, US resident in an eligible state, regular income, active checking account, valid ID and SSN.

Not for: Anyone who qualifies for a cheaper step on the cost ladder.

Referral service — connects you to an affiliated tribal lender; the lender is named in your loan agreement.

MeteorLoans is operated by the same company that operates this site. See how we make money.

Not available to active-duty service members or their dependents (Military Lending Act 36% cap).

All of them side by side

Lender	Step	Amount	APR / fees	Availability
Big Picture Loans	5	$200–$3,000	160%–699% APR	Varies by state
EarnIn	3	$0–$150	No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.	Varies by state
MoneyLion Instacash	3	$25–$1,000	No mandatory fees. Turbo delivery $0.49–$8.99. Up to $500 standard, up to $1,000 with RoarMoney direct deposit.	Varies by state
Dave ExtraCash	3	$5–$500	Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.	Varies by state
Brigit	3	$50–$500	Requires Plus ($8.99/mo) or Premium ($15.99/mo). Express delivery $0.99–$5.99. Maine max $250.	Varies by state
Possible Finance	5	$50–$1,000	98%–163% APR	Varies by state
OppLoans	5	$500–$5,000	129%–195% APR	Varies by state
NetCredit	5	$1,000–$10,000	34%–155% APR	Varies by state
Rise Credit	5	$500–$5,000	59.8%–299% APR	Varies by state
CashOtter	5	$200–$5,000	259.94%–779.97% APR	Varies by state
MeteorLoans	5	$200–$5,000	259.94%–779.97% APR	Varies by state

Questions people ask

Plain answers to the questions readers ask most often.

Is there anything cheaper than Big Picture Loans?

Yes. We list 4 options from a cheaper step on this page. Work down the ladder, not up.

What can I use instead of Big Picture Loans in my state?

Pick your state at the top of the page and every card on this list will show whether it lends there.

What does Big Picture Loans ask for?

Regular income meeting the lender's minimum, bank account, valid ID and SSN.

Read our Big Picture Loans review →