For millions of hourly and shift-based workers, waiting two weeks for a paycheck can create real hardship. Bills, groceries, gas, and unexpected expenses don’t wait for payday. That’s where Earned Wage Access (EWA) comes in.
EWA is a modern benefit that lets employees access their earned wages before payday. It’s not a loan or an advance—it’s money they’ve already worked for. And it’s quickly becoming a must-have for employers who want to improve retention, hiring, and employee satisfaction.
What Is Earned Wage Access?
Earned Wage Access (EWA), also called same-day pay or on-demand pay, is a financial benefit that allows employees to tap into their already-earned income in real time—before the end of the traditional pay cycle.
Instead of waiting for a biweekly or monthly paycheck, workers can access a portion of their earnings as soon as their shift ends or after hours are logged.
How Does EWA Work?
Step 1: Work
Employees clock in and complete their shift as usual.
Step 2: Earnings Are Tracked
Keeper automatically syncs with your payroll or timekeeping system to track how much the employee has earned in real time.
Step 3: Request a Payout
Employees can open the Keeper app and request a portion of their earnings (typically up to 50-70%) instantly.
Step 4: Funds Are Delivered
The money is transferred to their bank account or debit card—usually within seconds.
Step 5: Payroll Reconciliation
On payday, the disbursed funds are reconciled automatically through payroll. Employers don’t have to change pay schedules or manage deductions.
Is EWA a Loan or an Advance?
Nope. EWA is not a loan. There’s no interest, credit check, or repayment risk. It’s the employee’s money—just delivered sooner.
This is what makes EWA safer than payday loans or credit-based products. And it’s why regulators increasingly support well-designed EWA models like Keeper’s.
Why Employers Offer Earned Wage Access
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Reduce turnover: Employees who use EWA are more likely to stay longer.
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Attract talent: Same-day pay is a top differentiator in job listings.
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Support financial wellness: It helps employees cover essentials without stress.
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Cost nothing: With Keeper, there’s no cost or administrative burden for employers.
Why Employees Love Keeper
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Instant access to wages after every shift
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Transparent and affordable fees (or no-fee options)
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No loans, no debt, no surprises
Employees get more control. Employers get better results. Everybody wins.
Ready to Offer EWA at Your Company?
Earned wage access is more than a perk—it’s a powerful tool for improving financial wellness and workforce stability.
Keeper makes implementation fast, easy, and risk-free. Request a Demo to see it in action.
*Sources: Keeper product data, SHRM industry reports, internal customer interviews
