B9 is a membership-based pay advance app that lets you get an advance on your full paycheck up to 15 days early. Like other pay advance apps, it charges a monthly fee. B9’s fee is on the lower end, and it offers fewer services than similar apps.
To use this service, you must first open an FDIC-insured checking account with B9 and set up payroll direct deposit with your employer. Apply for a B9 advance after your employer has deposited at least one paycheck into your B9 account.
Fees and details
- Maximum withdrawal: Up to 100% of your paycheck
- Cost: $9.99 monthly membership fee
- Turnaround: Instant, once the account is set up
Your maximum withdrawal depends on factors including your B9 account history, pay frequency, and payment amount. You also can only receive an advance on funds that you receive as a direct deposit into your B9 account.
Features
B9 offers the following features in addition to pay advances:
- FDIC-insured checking account
- Visa debit card to access checking account funds
- No overdraft fees on checking account
- Unlimited money transfers with no fee
- Customer service available in English and Spanish
Requirements
To qualify for a B9 pay advance, you must meet the following requirements:
- Active B9 checking account with direct deposit from your employer
- Monthly salary of at least $500
- Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number
- Residential mailing address in the US
- Government-issued photo ID
B9 will contact you via the app, SMS, or email as soon as you’re eligible to receive an advance. This advance may not be available in all states.
How B9 app compares with other pay advance apps
B9 offers faster, larger advances and charges lower fees than similar apps like Brigit and Dave.
| B9 App | Brigit | Dave | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum withdrawal | Up to 100% of your paycheck | $250 | $100 |
| Fees | $9.99 monthly membership fee | $9.99 monthly membership fee | $1 monthly membership fee$4.99 express delivery fee, optional |
| Turnaround time | Instant | One to two business days | Standard delivery: up to three business days express delivery: within eight hours |
When it comes to paying advances alone, B9 can be a better choice. But Brigit and Dave offer more features to help you manage your personal finances. If you’re looking for a financial wellness app, B9 might not be the app for you.
B9 receives mostly positive reviews
| BBB accredited | No |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | NR |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.6 out of 5 stars, based on 47 customer reviews |
| App Store Score | 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on 101 customer reviews |
| Google Play Score | 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 60 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 02 September 2021 |
B9 only has a few online reviews, but most are positive. Most reviews highlight the quality of customer service. One self-employed user mentions that it is one of the only pay advance options available to them. But they also state they wish it was more user-friendly — or had an option for people to pay in cash.
Is B9 legit?
B9 is a legitimate financial technology company. It partners with Evolve Bank & Trust, a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC), to provide banking services and debit cards. This means that the money in your B9 account is insured up to the $250,000 standard for any checking account.
It also uses Plaid to protect sensitive information while making transfers between the app and your bank account. Plaid is industry-standard for any app that involves money transfers — such as Venmo.
B9 is upfront about the costs and requirements for using the app. And it doesn’t share any information with its affiliates. You’ll easily find B9’s privacy policies and contact information on its home page.
B9 app vs. payday loans
| B9 pay advance | Typical payday loan | |
|---|---|---|
| Borrowing amount | Up to 100% of your paycheck | Up to $1,000 — and most states only allow one at a time |
| Turnaround time | Instant, after the account, is set up | Next business day or same-day if you apply in person |
| Application process | Set up a B9 account connect to direct depositWait for B9 to notify you when you’re eligible for an advance | Fill out a simple application online or in-person submit the required documents receive funds as cash, check, money order, or deposited into the account |
| Costs | $9.99 monthly membership fee | A fee of $15 to $25 per $100 borrowed |
| State availability | Not available in all states |
Is B9 worth it?
B9 might be worth it if you regularly need an advance on your paycheck or regularly make money transfers. But the monthly fee can add up if you only use these features occasionally. In that case, another pay advance app that doesn’t charge a monthly fee — or offers more features — could be a better choice.
Compare B9 to online short-term loan providers
If you don’t have time to set up an account and wait for your first paycheck to go through, these providers may offer a faster solution.