KOHO is a digital banking platform built for Canadians. It offers prepaid cards, cashback rewards, credit-building tools, and easy ways to manage your money - all through their app.
Smarter Loans Expert Review for KOHO Cash Advance (KOHO Cover)
Reviewed by: Vlad Sherbatov, Personal Finance Analyst at Smarter Loans
Our Take
KOHO Cover is not a loan in the traditional sense. It is a small, interest-free cash advance feature built into the broader KOHO financial app, designed to help Canadians manage short-term cash flow gaps without turning to payday lenders or high-interest credit.
With advances of up to $250, 0% interest, no credit checks, and instant access through the KOHO app, KOHO Cover positions itself as a low-stress alternative for everyday money hiccups. The trade-off is scale. This is a micro-solution, not a borrowing tool for larger or ongoing financial needs.
For users already active in the KOHO ecosystem, KOHO Cover can be a genuinely useful safety net when used occasionally and intentionally.
Who KOHO Cover Works Best For
KOHO Cover works best for Canadians who need a very small amount of money to bridge the gap between paydays. If you are short on cash for groceries, transit, or a bill that hits before your next deposit, a $50 to $250 advance can make a difference without creating long-term debt.
It is particularly well suited for people who want to avoid credit checks, interest charges, and traditional lending altogether. There is no requirement to prove income, and approval is guaranteed once you are subscribed to the KOHO Cover bundle and have an active KOHO account.
KOHO Cover is not suitable for larger expenses, recurring shortfalls, or anyone who needs structured repayment terms. It is also not designed to help build credit.
What We Like
The biggest advantage is cost. There is no interest charged on KOHO Cover advances, which immediately sets it apart from payday loans and most short-term credit products. For a small advance repaid quickly, that is a meaningful benefit.
Speed and simplicity are also strong points. Funds are available instantly inside the KOHO app, with no applications, no paperwork, and no waiting period once you are subscribed. The repayment process is automatic and flexible, typically occurring when your next direct deposit arrives.
We also like the transparency. KOHO is upfront that this is a subscription-based feature with fees, not a free product disguised as one. There are no surprise interest charges or penalty calculations.
Where KOHO Cover Could Improve
The most obvious limitation is the amount. A maximum of $250 means KOHO Cover is only helpful for very small expenses. Anyone facing a larger financial need will have to look elsewhere.
Another consideration is the subscription requirement. While the monthly fee is relatively low, it does mean you are paying for access even if you do not use the feature often. For some users, that may reduce the value.
Finally, KOHO Cover does not contribute to credit building. Responsible use will not improve your credit score or unlock larger borrowing options over time.
Is KOHO Cover Right For You?
KOHO Cover is a solid option if you want a simple, low-cost way to handle minor cash flow gaps and already use or are comfortable using the KOHO app. It works best as a backup, not as a primary financial tool.
If you need more than a few hundred dollars, want to improve your credit, or require structured repayment terms, other products will be more appropriate. But for small, short-term needs, KOHO Cover delivers a cleaner and safer alternative to payday lending.
Used sparingly, it can reduce financial stress. Used repeatedly, it may signal that a broader budgeting or income adjustment is needed.
Products Offered
Up to $250
0% APR (Has Fees)
Varies
KOHO Cover (Cash Advance up to $250)
Conditions & Rate
Interest Rate
0% (has fees)
Amount
$250
Term
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No fixed repayment schedule
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You repay the advance on your own timeline (typically when your next deposit comes in)
Eligibility & Documents
Who is eligible?
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Must subscribe to the KOHO Cover bundle (starts at ~$2/month)
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Must have an active KOHO account
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No credit check required
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No proof of income required
Repayment & Issuance
How fast can you get the money?
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Guaranteed approval (once you’re subscribed)
- Instant
Funding method
- Funds are available instantly in your KOHO app
KOHO Cash Advance Videos
Contact information
Frequently Asked Questions About KOHO Cash Advance
What is KOHO?
What can I do with KOHO?
You can spend, save, earn cashback, build credit, track your credit score, and access a cash advance or line of credit. All of it is managed through your phone.
How do I qualify for a KOHO cash advance?
To qualify, you need to be a KOHO user and subscribe to the Cover bundle. There’s no formal application or credit check required.
How do I build credit with KOHO?
KOHO offers a credit-building program that reports your payments to the credit bureau. This helps improve your credit score over time when payments are made on time.
How do I get a KOHO card?
You get a virtual card instantly when you open a KOHO account—no credit check needed. You can use it online or in-store with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. You can also request a physical or metal card if you prefer.
Is KOHO a bank?
KOHO isn’t a bank, but it works with banking partners to provide services that feel like banking—without the hidden fees or long wait times.
How does the KOHO cash advance work?
If you subscribe to KOHO’s Cover bundle, you can access a cash advance of up to $250. It’s interest-free and doesn’t require a credit check. The bundle also includes a credit report, faster customer support, and access to financial coaching.
What is KOHO’s line of credit?
KOHO offers a line of credit through its partner Fora. You can apply for $1,000 to $15,000. Interest starts at 19.9%, and you only pay interest on the amount you use. It's a helpful option if you need more than the standard cash advance.
What’s the difference between KOHO’s plans?
KOHO has a free plan and paid plans with added perks like higher cashback, more savings interest, and discounts on credit-building tools. All plans come with a 30-day trial so you can test them out.
Is KOHO safe to use?
Yes. KOHO uses bank-level encryption and is PCI compliant, which means your data and money are well protected.
KOHO Cash Advance Reviews
Avg. Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
“KOHO cash advance is a great solution for quick cash until the next paycheck. Thanks KOHO!”
“I've been using the KOHO bank account for a while but recently tried the cash advance feature. Quick, easy and exactly what I needed. ”
“The app is super easy to use. If you need a quick cash advance, KOHO Cover is the way to go. ”








