PayActiv logo

PayActiv

Global employer-sponsored EWA provider, free for employers, with a variable employee fee.

Best for

Best for large employers wanting a zero-cost EWA benefit

Model
Employer-sponsored
Max advance
Up to 50% of earned wages
Interest
None
App (iOS)
4.6 / 5

Pricing breakdown

Every fee we track, grouped by where it applies.

Contract terms

Contract length
Contact provider

How PayActiv compares

All prices in AUDPrices checked

Side-by-side with the closest alternatives by estimated cost.

Based on a $15,000 advance repaid in 7 days.

PayActiv logo

PayActiv

Model
Employer-sponsored
Employee fee
Variable fee (quote)
Interest
None
Max advance
Up to 50% of earned wages
Repayment term
Next pay run
Cost of advance
—
Humanforce logo

Humanforce

Model
Employer-sponsored
Employee fee
Flat fee per withdrawal (employer can subsidise)
Interest
None
Max advance
Up to 50% of earned wages
Repayment term
Next pay run
Cost of advance
—
Paytime logo

Paytime

Model
Employer-sponsored
Employee fee
Flat ATM-style fee (employer can subsidise)
Interest
No interest
Max advance
Up to 50% of earned wages
Repayment term
Next pay run
Cost of advance
—
Employment Hero EWA logo

Employment Hero EWA

Model
Employer-sponsored
Employee fee
1.3% (Swag Wallet) or 1.5% (bank account)
Interest
None
Max advance
Up to 50% of earned wages
Repayment term
Next pay run
Cost of advance
—

Common questions about PayActiv for On-Demand pay

The same questions Australian merchants ask before signing up.

  • PayActiv is an employer-sponsored earned wage access platform. The employer connects PayActiv to their time and attendance and payroll systems. Employees can then access a portion of the wages they have already earned through the PayActiv app at any time before the scheduled pay run. PayActiv advances the funds and is reimbursed when payroll is processed normally.

  • PayActiv is free for employers to offer as an employee benefit. There is no change required to the employer's existing cash flow or payroll process.

  • PayActiv's employee fee is variable and depends on the transfer method and the employer's configuration. Exact fees are quoted during the employer onboarding process. Employers can choose to subsidise or fully cover the employee fee. There is no interest charged on wage access.

  • PayActiv allows employees to access up to 50% of their earned wages for the current pay period.

  • No. PayActiv provides access to wages employees have already earned. Because the funds represent accrued earnings rather than new credit, no interest is charged. PayActiv holds an ASIC credit licence for its Australian operations.

  • PayActiv suits mid-to-large employers who want to offer earned wage access as a zero-cost financial wellbeing benefit, particularly organisations with high-volume shift-based workforces. Individual employees cannot access PayActiv without their employer being enrolled.

  • Yes. PayActiv connects to the employer's payroll and scheduling systems. Employees cannot self-enrol. Setup requires the employer to contact PayActiv directly for a quote and integration plan.

Strengths and trade-offs

Pros

  • Free for employers to offer
  • Established global EWA provider
  • Integrates with major payroll platforms
  • Up to 50% of earned wages

Cons

  • Requires employer sign-up
  • Variable employee fee, pricing on request
  • US-based, less Australian-specific

About PayActiv

PayActiv is a global earned wage access provider (founded in the United States in 2012) that operates in Australia on an employer-sponsored model. Employees can access up to 50% of earned wages early, paying a variable transaction fee, and the service is free for employers to offer. PayActiv integrates with major payroll platforms and positions itself as a financial wellbeing benefit. Australian pricing is provided on request.

PayActiv was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in San Jose, USA.

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