By Monique Crapper
For many employees in the service industry, managing finances between paychecks can be stressful. Unexpected expenses, bills that can’t wait until payday, and the responsibility of supporting a family make financial flexibility essential. That’s where Instant’s employee pay card and earned wage access tools come in—helping workers access their earnings when they need them most.
Here are the customer testimonials of three hardworking individuals who have seen firsthand how Instant has changed their financial stability and daily lives.
Felisha Kelley: A Mother’s Lifeline
Felisha Kelley, a hardworking mother in Texas, knows all too well how difficult it can be to juggle financial responsibilities while raising children. Having worked in fast food for years and home care, she has experienced the strain of waiting for a biweekly paycheck while unexpected expenses pile up.
“Trying to do everything on your own as a mother is really hard,” she said. Like many parents, Felisha often finds herself needing extra money for her kids between pay periods. Having access to her earned wages when she worked at Burger King and Church’s Chicken helped her bridge the gap between payday and relieved much of her financial stress.
“It really helps when you need something one day and you do not have it, but when you have Instant Pay’s employee pay card, you know you can buy it,” Felisha shares. “Knowing I have cash to access is important and also means I don’t have to ask family members for help.”
Even when she doesn’t immediately need the money, knowing she has the option is a comfort. Now, as a home help worker who gets paid weekly, she wishes all employers offered Instant.
Chris Brown: A Single Father’s Stability
As a single father of three children aged 10, 11, and 13, Chris Brown understands the pressures of balancing work and family life. Working as a customer service representative for Randstad in Austin, Texas, he was used to receiving a weekly paycheck—but managing expenses for a growing family made cash flow a challenge.
“I am a single father of three, which is a lot to manage, but Instant has provided the opportunity to access funds daily,” Chris explains. “I didn’t even know Instant existed, and when I found out, it was a pleasant surprise to learn about daily pay.”
With Instant, Chris no longer finds himself scrambling to make ends meet between paychecks. Whether it’s groceries, school supplies, or unexpected costs, having access to his earnings via his paycheck debit cards whenever he needs them has made a huge difference.
“Instant has changed the way I manage my finances. It has significantly improved my situation and how I pay bills. I’m no longer late on payments, and that peace of mind is invaluable.”
Cody Parris: A Game Changer in the Salon Industry
Cody Parris, a store manager at SmartStyle Hair Salon in South Carolina, has seen firsthand how Instant has revolutionized the way service industry workers receive their tips.
“Being in the service industry, we get tipped in cash or on credit cards,” Cody says. “Before Instant, if we received a credit card tip, we would take cash out of the register. But if we didn’t get enough cash payments that day, we’d be short, and it created a cycle of rebalancing.”
For years, stylists like Cody had to manage cash tips stuffed into aprons and pockets. Losing money, forgetting to deposit tips, and dealing with cash shortages became common frustrations. But with Instant’s electronic tips and earned wage access, those issues are a thing of the past.
“Instant has really been a game changer. We no longer have to take cash out of the drawer,” Cody shares. “Now, tips are deposited daily, which means I use the card daily. I use my tips to live off of and save my check payments.”
The digital audit trail has also made tip management more transparent and efficient. No more lost cash or crumpled bills hidden in pockets—Cody and his team can now track every dollar earned.
What Is Earned Wage Access and Why Does It Matter?
Earned Wage Access (EWA) allows employees to access a portion of their earned wages before their scheduled payday when they want and how they want! It’s not a loan—just a way to receive money already earned, reducing reliance on payday loans, overdrafts, or high-interest credit cards. With paycheck debit cards like those offered by Instant, workers can conveniently access their earnings, manage expenses, and gain financial stability.
For HR executives looking to improve employee satisfaction and well-being, offering earned wage access can be a powerful tool. It reduces financial stress, increases retention, and enhances overall job satisfaction.
A Better Financial Future with Instant
For Felisha, Chris, Cody, and thousands of other workers, Instant isn’t just another payroll tool—it’s a financial lifeline. Whether it’s helping a mother provide for her children, allowing a father to manage bills more efficiently, or streamlining tip payments for stylists, Instant is changing lives every day.
If you’re an employer looking to support your workforce’s financial well-being, offering earned wage access through Instant could be the solution that makes a real difference. Because when employees have financial peace of mind, they can focus on what truly matters—their work, their families, and their futures.
