Self – Credit Builder & Cash icon
Self - Credit Builder & Cash Advance App: Comprehensive Review

by Self Financial, Inc.

4.6
ANDROIDFinance
Self Financial's Android app combines credit building with emergency cash access. Users make monthly deposits into secured accounts while qualifying for small cash advances. Targets those rebuilding credit or needing financial flexibility.

Detailed Review

Self Financial's Credit Builder & Cash app presents a dual approach to financial wellness, merging traditional credit-building mechanisms with modern fintech accessibility. The platform operates through secured credit builder accounts where monthly deposits simultaneously build payment history and create savings, while its cash advance feature provides immediate liquidity without credit checks. The core functionality revolves around two primary services: the Credit Builder Account requires consistent monthly deposits that are reported to all three major credit bureaus, effectively creating positive payment history. Concurrently, the Self Cash Advance feature allows qualified users to access up to $100 within minutes, with no credit impact or hidden fees. The app's algorithm evaluates banking activity rather than credit scores to determine advance eligibility, making financial access more inclusive. User experience varies significantly according to device compatibility and connectivity. The interface presents clear dashboards showing credit progress and available cash options, though some users report technical issues with account access and payment processing. Real-world usage patterns show most users engage monthly for credit building purposes, with cash advances typically utilized for emergency expenses between pay periods. User feedback reveals polarized experiences with technical functionality. Positive reviews from users like m Flanagan (2025-09-03) highlight the 'genuinely shocked at how fast I could get a cash advance' experience, while Lace Bee (2025-08-29) reported successful credit score improvement of '60+ more points' through consistent use. However, technical issues persist, as reema sylva (2025-08-23) encountered persistent debit card integration problems, and Tashe Hicks (2025-08-27) experienced complete app failure with login loop issues. The app demonstrates particular strength in providing accessible financial tools for credit rebuilding, though technical reliability remains inconsistent. Ideal for users seeking structured credit improvement while maintaining emergency fund access, but those requiring flawless app performance may encounter frustration. The no-credit-check cash advance system provides genuine utility, though the $100 maximum limits its practicality for larger emergencies.

Key Features

  • Secured Credit Builder Account that reports to all three major credit bureaus, establishing positive payment history through monthly deposits
  • No-credit-check cash advances up to $100 based on banking activity analysis, providing emergency funds without impacting credit scores
  • Monthly deposit system that returns funds after 12-24 months, effectively creating forced savings while building credit
  • Real-time credit score monitoring and progress tracking with detailed reporting of payment history and account status
  • Instant qualification process for cash advances completed within 5 minutes using proprietary underwriting algorithms
  • No monthly fees or hidden charges for basic services, maintaining transparency in all financial transactions

Why Users Love It

Dual credit building and cash access
No credit check for advances

Perfect for: Individuals rebuilding credit or needing emergency fund access without traditional banking requirements

Screenshots

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User Reviews

Catherine Miller
Aug 9, 2025

I have had two self cards and I absolutely love the insight that self gives me and also the credit raises 😅

m Flanagan
Sep 3, 2025

genuinely shocked at how fast I could get a cash advance! took me less than 10 minutes and now I have emergency funds to get me through until payday...10/10!

Renita n Paul Kleeber
Aug 12, 2025

Self financial has really helped to turn my credit around i went from a credit score of 320 to a credit score of 617 in less than a year. I stated with the credit builder loan and then after 3 months got a credit card with them and I paid off my credit builder loan last month and recurve my check day before yesterday. I am very pleased with self. I am thinking about opening another self loan account just as a kinda savings account while building my credit some more. I'm doing it again

Matty Woodward
Aug 11, 2025

edit.... I re-downloaded the app after uninstalling it and it works now. 5 stars, great to take control of my credit This app doesn't work. I really want it to work but it doesn't. It redirects to the internet, I sign in and it re redirects to the app, where it freezes on a blank white screen.

Brandy Flores
Aug 11, 2025

only been using for 2 months and already raised my credit score 40 points. super easy, and efficient since the money you deposit each month to raise your score goes into a piggy bank you can pull out from later.

App Details

Developer

Self Financial, Inc.

Platform

android

Rating

4.6

Last Updated

9/7/2025