Key takeaway
Payactiv is an earned wage access company. Through participating employers, it lets workers access part of the wages they’ve already earned before payday, usually up to about 50%, with no interest or credit check. The amount is deducted from the next paycheck. Its app also includes a Visa prepaid card, bill pay, and savings tools.
On this page
What is Payactiv?
Payactiv is a financial technology company best known for earned wage access (EWA): a workplace benefit that lets employees get part of their pay as they earn it, instead of waiting for payday. The company says it created earned wage access in 2012. It describes itself as a public benefit corporation and a Certified B Corp.
You won’t always see the Payactiv name. It also powers employer-branded programs such as UKG Wallet and OnShift Wallet, which use the same pricing.
How Payactiv works
- Your employer signs up and connects Payactiv to its time and payroll systems.
- You create an account in the Payactiv app or through your employer’s portal.
- Your shifts turn into an available balance as your hours sync from your employer.
- You transfer what you need to a bank account, the Payactiv Visa Card, another card, Venmo, PayPal, Amazon, or Walmart cash pickup.
- Payday settles it: the amount appears as a deduction on your next pay stub.
Payactiv says its limits are set so you use the service responsibly and still get a paycheck every payday.
What the app includes
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Earned wage access | Access part of the wages you’ve earned this pay period |
| Payactiv Visa Card | Prepaid card for spending; free instant transfers with qualifying direct deposit |
| Bill pay | Pay bills from the app |
| Savings goals | Set money aside automatically (no interest) |
| Tips and mileage | Same-day access to eligible tips and mileage reimbursements |
| Financial counseling | One-on-one guidance from independent financial professionals |
| Discount marketplace | Deals on everyday purchases |
What it costs
Payactiv doesn’t charge interest, enrollment fees, or a monthly fee. Standard bank transfers (one to three business days), Amazon loads, and instant transfers to the Payactiv Visa Card with a qualifying direct deposit are free. Most other instant options cost $2.49 to $3.49. See the full table in our Payactiv fees guide.
Who can use it
You need an employer that offers Payactiv and includes you in its program. There’s no credit check. How much you can access depends on what you’ve earned so far in the pay period and on your employer’s limits. Our Payactiv eligibility guide covers the details. If your employer doesn’t offer it, see your options without an employer.
Login and customer service
Payactiv Apps isn’t Payactiv, and we can’t access or change Payactiv accounts. To log in or get help, use Payactiv’s official channels:
- App or website: log in through the official Payactiv app or payactiv.com. If your employer uses single sign-on, log in through your company’s benefits portal.
- 24-hour support: 1 (877) 937-6966 or [email protected].
- Payactiv card support: 1-877-747-5862.
All Payactiv guides
- Is Payactiv a Loan?Why Payactiv isn’t a loan, and other ways to get cash.
- Payactiv FeesEvery transfer option and card fee, and how to pay $0.
- Payactiv Eligibility & Max AdvanceWho qualifies and how your limit is calculated.
- Payactiv ReviewPros, cons, and what users say.
- Payactiv vs. DailyPayTwo earned wage access providers compared.
- Payactiv AlternativesApps and options like Payactiv.
- Payactiv Without an EmployerWhat to do if your employer doesn’t offer it.
Need more than earned wage access can provide? You can apply for $200–$5,000 through our participating lenders. Interest and fees apply, and each lender decides approval and terms.
Frequently asked questions
What is Payactiv used for?
Payactiv is mainly used to get part of your earned pay before payday, through your employer. Its app also includes a Visa prepaid card, bill pay, savings goals, and financial counseling.
Is Payactiv a bank?
No. Payactiv is a financial technology company. Its Visa prepaid and payroll cards are issued by Central Bank of Kansas City, Member FDIC, which states that it doesn’t administer earned wage access.
Is Payactiv free?
It can be. Payactiv says there are no enrollment or activation fees, and standard bank transfers, Amazon loads, and instant transfers to its card with a qualifying direct deposit are free. Other instant options cost $2.49 to $3.49.
Does Payactiv affect my credit?
No. Payactiv doesn’t check your credit for earned wage access and doesn’t report your use to the credit bureaus.
How do I contact Payactiv?
Payactiv lists 24-hour support at 1 (877) 937-6966 and [email protected], and a separate card line at 1-877-747-5862. You can also get help in the Payactiv app. We are not Payactiv and can’t help with your account.
Sources
Facts checked on November 12, 2026. Provider terms change often; confirm details on each provider’s website.
