Branch Expands Earned Wage Access With New Embedded Payment Tools
By CU Today Staff —
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.--Branch is expanding its earned wage access platform, allowing companies to embed the service directly into workforce applications such as scheduling and shift management tools, a move aimed at making on-demand pay more accessible to employees, according to PYMNTS.
PYMNTS reported the new capability is powered by Branch's Flex model, which eliminates much of the integration work traditionally required to add earned wage access to workplace platforms. Branch also said workers enrolled in its Core or Flex offerings can now receive instant transfers to an existing debit card for a small fee or opt for a free transfer within two business days. Core users can also receive instant transfers to the Branch app at no cost.
The expansion comes as demand for faster access to wages continues to grow. PYMNTS Intelligence found that 54% of labor economy workers needed access to money before payday to cover an essential expense during the previous 90 days, with 16% reporting they faced that situation at least four times during that period. The report said on-demand pay addresses workers' need for immediate access to funds without relying on high-cost borrowing.
PYMNTS noted Branch has positioned earned wage access as an alternative to credit card debt and other costly forms of short-term financing. The company has steadily expanded its embedded payments strategy, including a 2025 launch that enabled businesses to integrate earned wage access, 1099 payouts and paycard capabilities directly into their own applications.
Originally reported by CU Today.