Albert Cash Advance Potential Deceptive Fees Lawsuit Investigation

Shamis & Gentile P.A., one of the nation's premier class action law firms specializing in arbitration cases, is investigating potential claims against Albert.

If you have a received a cash advance from Albert, you may be eligible for compensation through arbitration.

What is Albert?

Albert is a financial technology company that offers a mobile app and related services through its website, albert.com. The company markets itself as a modern money management platform, combining budgeting tools, savings features and access to small-dollar “cash advances” that it calls “Albert Instant.”

To use Albert Instant, consumers typically download the app, create an account, link an existing bank account and agree to Albert’s terms of service. Albert then analyzes the consumer’s bank activity and, if they qualify, offers short-term advances that are repaid automatically from the linked account.

Albert’s cash advance product has been promoted as a convenient way to get up to $250 “in minutes” before payday, often with messaging that emphasizes “no interest” and fast access to funds.

According to court filings, Albert has offered these cash advance products since at least 2021 and has entered into millions of credit transactions with consumers across the United States.

Why is Albert being investigated?

The investigation focuses on allegations that Albert’s “Albert Instant” cash advance product functions as a high-cost payday loan, while being marketed as a low- or no-interest alternative.

According to a May 2025 federal class action complaint, Albert:

• Provides short-term cash advances typically due in about six days  
• Requires consumers to authorize automatic repayment from their bank accounts or debit cards  
• Charges “Instant Transfer Fees” (for example, $5.99 to $14.99) to deliver funds “within minutes”  
• Requires many app users to enroll in a paid monthly subscription plan in order to access the service

When these fees are treated as finance charges, the effective annual percentage rate (APR) on some advances allegedly reaches triple-digit levels. For example, one active-duty servicemember is alleged to have paid an effective APR of more than 700% on a $50 advance repaid in six days, based on the fee charged.

These practices are alleged to harm consumers by:

• Trapping them in cycles of repeat borrowing and fees  
• Reducing their take-home pay on payday due to automatic debits  
• Increasing the risk of overdraft fees and financial instability  

The investigation is ongoing as of Jan. 12, 2026, and no final findings have been made. However, the allegations raise serious concerns about how Albert structures, markets and collects on its cash advance products.

Your Rights and Next Steps

If you used Albert’s “Instant” or cash advance features, you may have important legal rights, including the right to pursue individual claims through arbitration.

Potential consumer claims

Depending on their situation and where they live, consumers may have claims that include:

• Unlawful or usurious interest charges: Allegations that effective APRs far exceeded legal caps, especially for active-duty servicemembers (MLA 36% cap) and Georgia residents under state payday lending laws.
• Failure to provide required disclosures: Claims that Albert did not clearly disclose the true cost of credit, including APR and finance charges, as required by TILA.
• Void or unenforceable loans (certain states): In Georgia and possibly other jurisdictions, some loans may be alleged to be void, with consumers potentially entitled to recover fees paid.

Even if a consumer only borrowed small amounts at a time, repeated advances and fees over months or years can add up to significant damages.

What consumers can do now

Consumers who may have claims related to Albert’s cash advance products should consider taking these steps:

• Gather basic information  
  
  • Dates they used Albert Instant or other cash advance features  
  • Bank statements showing Albert debits and fees  
  • Screenshots or emails showing terms, fees or subscription charges, if available  
  • Any communications with Albert about repayment problems, overdrafts or disputes
• Avoid deleting the app or closing accounts without records: Preserving access to transaction history and terms can help document claims.
• Speak with a legal team experienced in arbitration: A review can help determine whether they may qualify for individual arbitration claims and what types of compensation might be available.

If you used Albert’s “Instant” or cash advance features or paid Instant Transfer Fees or subscription charges, you may be eligible to pursue compensation through arbitration.

To find out if you qualify and to have your situation evaluated by a team of lawyers ready to help, please complete the form on this page.

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