Brigit is a popular cash advance and budgeting app offering up to $250 with no credit check. However, recent FTC actions regarding deceptive claims and confusing cancellation processes mean users should proceed with caution.
Trust Score Breakdown
UpstartWiseIQ evaluates Brigit's trustworthiness across five key categories:
WiseIQ Trust Score: 4.2/5
Regulatory Compliance
Security
Transparency
Customer Service
Value
Company Overview
Brigit (Bridge It, Inc.) was founded in 2017 with the mission of helping Americans build a brighter financial future. The app provides cash advances up to $250, credit builder services, and budgeting tools without requiring a credit check. While it boasts millions of users and offers a compelling alternative to payday loans by not charging interest or late fees, the company has faced significant regulatory scrutiny. In November 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action against Brigit, resulting in an $18 million settlement for allegedly deceiving consumers with false promises of "instant" cash advances and employing a confusing cancellation process [1].
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No credit check required for cash advances
- No interest charges or late fees
- Includes budgeting and credit-building tools
- Strong security measures (256-bit encryption) [2]
Cons
- Monthly subscription fee ($8.99 to $14.99) required for cash advances
- Maximum advance is relatively low ($250)
- Recent FTC action for deceptive practices and cancellation difficulties [1]
- No phone-based customer support
Who Is It Best For
Brigit is best suited for individuals who frequently face minor cash shortfalls before payday and want to avoid costly bank overdraft fees. It is also a viable option for those with poor or no credit history, as the app does not perform a hard credit pull. However, users must be comfortable paying a monthly subscription fee and should carefully monitor their usage to ensure the benefits outweigh the costs. It is particularly useful for those who can consistently repay advances on time to leverage the budgeting and credit-building features effectively.
Red Flags to Watch
The most significant red flag for Brigit is its recent history with the FTC. The agency alleged that Brigit used "dark patterns" to make it difficult for users to cancel their subscriptions and failed to deliver on promises of instant cash advances without hidden fees. While the company has settled these claims and presumably updated its practices, users should remain vigilant when signing up and ensure they understand the cancellation process. Always read the terms of service carefully and be aware of how to manage or cancel your subscription [1].
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