Sources checked November 6, 2026 · See sources and assumptions
Check these four charges first#
- Advance fee: a charge for borrowing, even when the interest rate is zero.
- Delivery fee: an extra charge for getting funds sooner.
- Membership: a recurring payment that may continue after you repay the advance.
- Tip: include it in your total if you choose to pay one.
Then check interest and any other charges in the agreement, including what happens if a payment fails. A quote is more useful than a homepage claim because it should reflect the amount and option you selected.
How $100 can turn into $117 in payments#
Here is an illustrative quote, not an offer from a provider: a $100 advance, a $5 transfer fee, one $12 membership payment and no interest or tip.
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Advance to repay | $100 |
| Transfer fee | $5 |
| Membership payment | $12 |
| Total money paid out | $117 |
| Cost above the borrowed amount | $17 |
The membership may be billed separately. If you keep it for another billing period, add that payment too. Repaying the advance does not necessarily cancel a subscription.
Already paying for the membership?#
If you would pay the $12 membership regardless, the extra cost of this example advance is $5. That can be a useful comparison. But the membership still costs $12, so keep it in your overall budget.
The cash advance cost calculator shows both figures: the extra cost of taking the advance and the full cost including membership. Save a few quotes to compare them on the same screen.
“Free” and “today” may be different options#
If you need to pay a bill today, a transfer that takes several business days does not meet that deadline. If your bill is next week, an express charge may be avoidable. Ask when funds will be available to use, rather than when the request will be approved.
Also check how you can use the money. For example, KOHO Cover supports eligible spending inside a KOHO account; it cannot be sent by e-Transfer. Our Canadian cash app comparison separates these product differences and links to provider terms.
Put the repayment beside your next set of bills#
Before accepting, subtract the repayment and any separate fees from your next expected paycheque. Then list the bills that follow it. If another advance would be needed immediately, that is useful to know now.
Product names do not tell you which borrowing rules apply. Do not assume every app is a payday loan, or that none are. For payday loans specifically, the FCAC explains costs, repayment risks and alternatives. Read the agreement for the product you are considering.
Common questions
Is an optional tip part of the borrowing cost?
It is money you pay, so include it when comparing your own total. Leave it at zero if you do not plan to tip. That arithmetic does not determine how a charge is treated under lending law.
Can I compare a starting monthly price with a flat fee?
Only after confirming the actual subscription price, billing periods and other required charges for your amount. A price advertised as “from” a certain amount may not be your quote.
Sources and notes
Published by The Paycheque. Updated . Sources checked . Examples are illustrative. Check your provider’s agreement or employer’s pay schedule for your own terms.
