Earned Wage Access: Self Cash

When unexpected expenses arise, finding quick access to cash can become a pressing concern, particularly for borrowers with poor credit. Earned wage access (or cash advance) products can provide a potential solution for those who need quick cash but have limited borrowing options due to credit challenges.

In this article, we’ll discuss cash advances, including how you can access one with Self Cash*, how it works, and how it differs from loans.

Key points

• Self Cash* enables you to access a cash advance without a credit check, and without impacting your credit score.
• For those with poor credit, a Self Cash disbursement can provide help if unexpected expenses arise and you need money quickly.
• Earned wage access products provide cash quickly, typically with a short repayment period.

What is Self Cash?

Self Cash provides short-term cash disbursements to give you access to cash without requiring a credit check. It is different from traditional lending options.

Borrowers with lower credit scores may face challenges when applying for traditional personal loans from financial institutions. Most lenders require a minimum credit score to qualify for a personal loan, with requirements varying across different institutions.

Banks and traditional lenders typically rely heavily on credit scoring models to determine loan eligibility, which can make it difficult for borrowers with low credit scores to be approved for a loan, even when they have steady income. ^[1]

How Self Cash works

Here is a breakdown of how Self Cash works:

1. Download the Self app if you don’t already have it. You can get it on the App Store or Google Play.
2. Visit the Borrow tab in the app to apply.
3. Link the bank account your paychecks are deposited into via Plaid.
4. Enter in the debit card info associated with that bank account, too.
5. If you qualify, review and accept your offer.
6. Choose how you want to get your money – ACH in 1-3 business days (for free) or debit card instantly (for a fee).

Repaying Self Cash

When it comes to repayment, Self will take the repayment amount from your bank account via your linked debit card on the scheduled date. There is no credit check, and your credit score will not be impacted when you use Self Cash.

How much can I get with Self Cash?

Self Cash allows consumers to receive manageable cash amounts between $25 and $300* to cover unplanned or emergency expenses.

The benefits of Self Cash

• Self Cash provides an option for those with poor credit who need access to cash with no credit check and no additional fees.
• Self Cash can be quick and easy to access, with no impact on your credit.
• While other services may require you to pay a monthly subscription, Self Cash gives you access to cash when you need it with no subscription fee; however there is a fee for expedited disbursement.

Why you might use Self Cash

There are a number of reasons why you might be looking for a cash advance product like Self Cash. Some of these include:

Emergency expenses and financial gaps

Cash advances can sometimes serve as a financial bridge during unexpected situations when immediate funds are needed. Many Americans face significant challenges covering unexpected expenses, according to Bankrate's 2025 Emergency Savings Report, with 25% saying they would finance these expenses with a credit card, and 5% saying they would take out a personal loan. People commonly use emergency funds for unplanned expenses such as medical bills or car repairs. ^[2]
Financial emergencies can arise without warning and require immediate attention. Common situations include medical expenses, small home repairs, or essential vehicle repairs needed to maintain employment. These types of expenses often cannot be delayed while waiting for your next paycheck or for funds to become available through other means.

Limited emergency savings

Many Americans lack sufficient emergency savings to handle unexpected financial demands. A survey shows that 42% of Americans don't have an emergency savings fund or couldn't cover a substantial emergency expense with cash or savings. ^[3]

The Federal Reserve reports that 13% of adults would not be able to pay a $400 unexpected expense straight away by any means. ^[4] This gap between financial needs and available resources might make cash advance products a consideration for people facing urgent expenses.

Income timing and cash flow issues

Products like Self Cash may also be used to address temporary cash flow problems that occur between paychecks or during periods when income is delayed. Workers who are paid biweekly or monthly might face situations where bills are due before their next paycheck arrives, particularly if unexpected expenses have depleted their available funds.

Self Cash FAQs

When do you get your money from Self Cash?

You can get your Self Cash disbursement through your debit card or Automated Clearing House (ACH). With ACH, it may take between one and three business days to receive your cash, but you won’t have to pay a fee to receive the money.

If you choose to receive your cash via debit card, there is a fee to get the money on the same day; this fee will vary depending on the offer amount you choose.

When do you have to repay Self Cash?

Self will automatically take the entire amount borrowed, plus your expedited fee, if applicable, from your bank account via your linked debit card on the due date. You can also log into your account and pay manually prior to the due date.

Bottom line

Earned wage access products like Self Cash can provide a solution if you’re short of money and need to cover unexpected expenses. Self Cash is a short-term, small cash disbursal that gives you access to cash without a credit check, so you can qualify even with a low credit score.

*Self Cash is offered in app only, bank account connection with debit card via Plaid required, not offered in all states. Fees apply for expedited disbursement. Cash amounts displayed in app, vary based on eligibility, and may change periodically, no guarantee of offer. Average Self Cash offer: $80 (as of Q3 2025). Initial amounts are typically lower; $300 offers may be limited to returning customers.

Sources

1. Experian, “What Credit Score is Needed for a Personal Loan?” https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-credit-score-is-needed-for-a-personal-loan/ Accessed July 24, 2025
2. Bankrate, “2025 Emergency Savings Report” https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/emergency-savings-report/ Accessed July 24, 2025
3. U.S. News, “Survey: 42% of Americans Don’t Have an Emergency Fund” https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/2025-financial-wellness-survey Accessed July 24, 2025
4. Federal Reserve, “Report on the Economic Wellbeing of U.S. Households” https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/2023-report-economic-well-being-us-households-202405.pdf Accessed July 24, 2025