
Advance cash services are a type of short-term loan that provides quick access to funds in emergency situations. They can be a lifesaver when unexpected expenses arise.
These services are often used for car repairs, medical bills, or other urgent needs. You can apply for advance cash services online or in-person at a physical location.
The application process typically takes a few minutes to complete and requires some basic personal and financial information. Some advance cash services may also require a valid government-issued ID and proof of income.
Advance cash services have different repayment terms, but most require payment within a short period, usually 14 to 30 days.
What is an Advance?
An advance is essentially a loan, and in the context of cash advances, it's a loan offered by your credit card issuer.
You borrow money against your card's line of credit, and the amount you transfer cannot exceed the current balance available on your credit card.
This loan is then added to your credit card balance, which means you'll need to repay it along with your regular credit card balance.
What Is an Advance?

An advance is essentially a loan that you borrow from your credit card issuer, using your available credit line as collateral.
You can think of it as tapping into your existing credit limit to get some extra cash.
A cash advance, for example, is a type of advance that can be taken out against your credit card's line of credit.
The amount of the advance is then added to your credit card balance, which you'll need to repay.
You can't exceed the current balance available on your credit card when taking out an advance, so be mindful of your available credit.
What is a Work?
A cash advance is essentially a loan from your credit card issuer that allows you to access cash before your next payment is due.
The amount you transfer or withdraw as a cash advance will appear on your credit card statement, and interest will begin accruing right away.
Cash advances typically come with a higher APR than regular purchases, which can lead to a significant amount of interest over time.
You may also incur a cash advance fee, which can add to the overall cost of borrowing.
How to Get an Advance

If you receive your paycheck via direct deposit, you may be eligible for a Salary Advance Loan. You can access up to $500, which will be directly deposited into your account.
To get an advance, you can use Member Access, the Mobile App, or ASK SECU, the automated voice response system. This allows you to perform transactions using voice commands.
There are no origination or loan advance fees associated with the Salary Advance Loan. You can also establish a Salary Advance Cash Account to help save for the future.
Here are the key details about the Salary Advance Loan:
- Maximum loan amount of $500 per pay period
- No origination or loan advance fees
- Advance funds through Member Access, Mobile App, or ASK SECU
- The loan interest rate decreases once the account balance reaches $500
How to Get
To get an advance, you'll need to receive your paycheck via direct deposit in one of your SECU accounts.
You can access the Salary Advance Loan through Member Access, our Mobile App, or ASK SECU, our automated voice response system.
The maximum loan amount is $500 per pay period, based on the amount of your direct-deposited paycheck.

You won't have to pay any origination or loan advance fees.
A Salary Advance Cash Account will be established to help you save for the future.
The loan interest rate decreases once your account balance reaches $500.
You can continually access money as payments are made on your payday and only pay interest on what you use.
Access Your Funds Quickly
You can access your Salary Advance Loan funds immediately through Member Access, our Mobile App, or ASK SECU, our automated voice response system that allows you to perform transactions using voice commands.
If you already have an existing Salary Advance Loan, you can process a Real-Time Loan Advance for instant access to your funds.
The Salary Advance Loan has a maximum loan amount of $500 per pay period, based on the amount of your direct-deposited paycheck.
You won't pay any origination or loan advance fees with a Salary Advance Loan.
The loan interest rate decreases once the account balance reaches $500, making it a more affordable option in the long run.
Here are the ways to access your Salary Advance Loan funds:
- Member Access
- Mobile App
- ASK SECU, our automated voice response system
Benefits and Costs

Cash advances can be a convenient way to access cash, but it's essential to understand the costs involved. A typical cash advance fee is 5% of each cash advance requested, and you'll also need to pay several dollars in ATM fees if you take out a cash advance via ATM.
The cost of a cash advance can add up quickly, making it an expensive way to access cash. Cash advance APRs are typically higher than what your card charges for purchases, and interest starts to accrue as soon as the advance is granted, unlike purchases which allow a grace period before interest begins to accrue.
You may be surprised at how quickly these fees and interest rates can add up, making it essential to carefully consider the costs before taking out a cash advance. The total cost of a cash advance can be substantial, and it's crucial to understand all the charges involved.
Here are some common costs associated with cash advances:
- Fees: 5% of each cash advance requested
- ATM fees: several dollars per transaction
- Cash advance APR: typically higher than purchase APR
Alternatives and Risks

Alternatives to advance cash services include borrowing from friends or family, selling unwanted items, and using a credit card for emergency expenses.
Some advance cash services charge exorbitant interest rates, such as 200-500% APR, which can lead to a cycle of debt.
Other risks associated with advance cash services include hidden fees, such as origination fees and late payment fees, which can add up quickly.
Alternatives to Cash
If you're considering a cash advance, it's worth exploring alternative options that can save you money and reduce debt.
Taking out a cash advance can quickly lead to debt, but there are better ways to get the cash you need. Borrowing from family or friends can be a cost-effective option, but make sure you create a repayment plan to keep your relationship intact.
Asking family or friends for a loan can be uncomfortable, but it's often the most affordable way to get the cash you need. You can also consider taking out a personal loan, which usually offers better terms than a cash advance.

Personal loans typically have a fixed interest rate that's lower than the APR charged by credit card issuers, making them a more attractive option. With a personal loan, you can access more cash and pay back the loan at a rate that's more manageable.
Here are some alternative options to consider:
- Borrow from family or friends
- Take out a personal loan
These options can help you avoid the high costs and risks associated with cash advances. By exploring alternative options, you can get the cash you need without breaking the bank.
Does It Affect Credit?
Standby Cash is not based on your credit, but opening it will report your account and activity to credit bureaus, potentially affecting your credit score.
A cash advance, on the other hand, can hurt your credit if you don't pay it back on time, as payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score.
Cash advances also count towards your credit utilization, which makes up 30% of the FICO scoring model, so be mindful of how much you're using against your credit limits.
Promptly paying back a cash advance shouldn't hurt your credit, but failing to do so will negatively impact your score.
Chase offers a free tool called Chase Credit Journey to help you track your credit score and the factors that contribute to it.
My Experience

My experience with this app has been positive, but I've encountered a few downsides. If your account is in the negative by over $50, they won't send an advance, even if you're approved.
They charge a dollar to verify the account, which is a small fee. The good news is that once your account is no longer in the negative, you'll be approved and receive a notification immediately.
To verify your income, you'll need to provide some information and connect your bank account, so they can see the deposits from your job. This process is straightforward and doesn't take long.
The app doesn't care about the amount you get paid, even if it's just $100 a week, you'll still be considered. Just be patient and put all your information into the app, and you'll be fine.
Fees and Limits
Cash advances come with hefty fees that can quickly add up. A cash advance fee is typically 3% or 5% of the total amount of each cash advance you request.

You'll also face a separate credit limit for cash advances, often a portion of your overall credit limit. For example, if your credit limit is $15,000 and the card caps your cash advance limit at 30%, your maximum cash advance will be $4,500.
Cash advances carry a separate interest rate, often higher than purchases or balance transfers. For example, the Citi Double Cash Card has a 29.74% variable APR for cash advances.
You won't benefit from a grace period with cash advances, meaning you'll be charged interest starting from the date you withdraw a cash advance. This is different from purchases, where you have a grace period of at least 21 days before interest is charged.
Here's a breakdown of the fees you can expect with cash advances:
- Cash advance APR: 29.74% variable APR (example: Citi Double Cash Card)
- Cash advance fee: 3% or 5% of the total amount (example: $12.50 on a $250 cash advance)
- ATM or bank fee: Additional fee for taking out a cash advance at an ATM or bank
- No grace period: Interest charged starting from the date of withdrawal
- Separate credit limit: Typically a portion of your overall credit limit (example: 30% of $15,000)
Understanding the Process
You can get a cash advance through various methods, including at an ATM, in person at your bank, or by using convenience checks.

The interest rates for cash advances vary depending on the type of advance. For example, a Salary Advance Loan has an APR of 16.25% if your Cash Account balance is less than $500.
You'll need to repay the advanced loan amount, plus interest, in a single payment on your next pay date. This can be done via a Funds Transfer from an SECU account.
If you have a credit card, you can get a cash advance by going to an ATM, visiting your bank, or using convenience checks.
The amount of cash you can withdraw from an ATM may be limited, and it may take a few business days to receive a PIN if you don't already have one.
Here are the details on Cash Account deposits for Salary Advance Loans:
You can also get a cash advance through Standby Cash, which allows you to instantly transfer cash to your checking account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cash advance company sue you?
Yes, a cash advance company can sue you if you don't repay the loan, potentially leading to a court judgment against you. If you're struggling to repay a cash advance, it's essential to understand your options and potential consequences.
Sources
- https://www.ncsecu.org/loans/personal-loans/salary-advance.html
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/empower-cash-advance-credit/id1136397354
- https://www.huntington.com/Personal/checking/standby-cash
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/what-is-a-cash-advance-and-how-do-they-work/
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/how-do-credit-card-cash-advances-work
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