What is Earned Wage Access?

Earned wage access (EWA) is a service that lets workers get part of their paycheque early, before the usual payday.

Instead of waiting two weeks or a month, you can tap into wages you’ve already earned, often for a small or no fee. It’s sometimes called on-demand pay or instant pay.

How Earned Wage Access Works

While the exact setup depends on the provider, EWA generally works like this:

• Your employer partners with an EWA provider.

• The service connects to payroll and tracks how much you’ve earned in the current pay period.

• You can withdraw a portion of those earned wages before payday, usually via app.

• On payday, the amount you took early is deducted automatically from your paycheque.

People use it to cover unexpected expenses or cash gaps without resorting to high-interest payday loans.

KOHO Cash Advance

Traditional earned wage access is usually set up through your employer.

With KOHO Cash Advance, you can:

• Get an interest-free cash advance up to $250

• Pay no interest—just a small monthly subscription fee

• Access money instantly in app when an unexpected bill hits

• Have repayment handled automatically when you add money or get paid

• Get extras like a free credit report, financial coaching, and priority support as part of the bundle

It’s designed as a safer, more transparent alternative to payday loans and credit card cash advances, while still giving you that “early money” feel when you need it.

Using Earned Wage Access Responsibly

Whether it’s classic earned wage access through an employer or KOHO’s cash advance:

• Treat it as a tool for the occasional gap, not a permanent solution

• Keep an eye on how often you’re tapping into future pay

• Pair it with a budget and small emergency fund so you rely on advances less over time