Dave cash advance app review

Is Dave legit?

Yes, Dave is a legitimate banking app that offers cash advances with no credit checks or interest. Dave protects users through industry-standard encryption, FDIC insurance and 24/7 fraud monitoring. However, a couple of legal issues with the app raise questions about its reliability.

In July 2020, Dave had data stolen on 7.5 million users, including full names, birth dates, phone numbers, emails, home addresses, passwords and Social Security numbers. In November 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a complaint against Dave, accusing it of misleading advertising, hidden fees and unclear practices around optional tips and cash advances.

While Dave is legitimate, these issues suggest users should weigh the app’s pros and cons and review terms carefully before signing up or taking out a cash advance.

What makes Dave shine?

Dave stands out for its cash advances up to $500 with no interest or additional fees required. You need to sign up for a membership, but Dave charges far less per month than other cash advance apps that work on a similar model. There’s no interest charged on cash advances, and you can give a tip that’s deducted when your advance is repaid, but it’s optional. However, complaints suggest the company may make it difficult to turn off the tip function.

Dave offers extra features in addition to cash advances, including budgeting tools, automatic savings, spending alerts and side hustle opportunities. The app also offers an option to build credit by reporting rent payments through its partnership with LevelCredit.

Where Dave falls short

The biggest place Dave falls short is living up to its advertising. The company claims that users can borrow $500 instantly, but advance amounts are based on banking activity and few users qualify for the full amount. Plus, you’ll need to pay an additional fee if you want access to cash quickly — up to $13.99, depending on the size of your advance. Without the fee, you’ll have to wait up to three business days for funding to arrive.

There are also allegations that the app adds tips even when users haven’t authorized them. In fact, the FTC lodged a complaint against Dave over many of these issues. Additional drawbacks include a short repayment window, low advance amounts and difficulty canceling membership.

Dave app details

Dave contact information

How to qualify for Dave cash advance

While Dave doesn’t check your credit score, there are a few basic requirements that you need to meet, including:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a US resident
• Have a Social Security number
• Have an active US bank account
• Have at least 60 days of banking history
• Show proof of consistent income
• Have a bank balance above zero

How to apply

If you’d like to apply for a cash advance through Dave, simply follow the steps below:

1. Download the Dave app and sign up. Install the app from the App Store or Google Play, create an account and provide the required personal information.
2. Link your bank account. Enter your banking information, then connect your bank account to the Dave app.
3. Open an ExtraCash account and check eligibility. Within the app, open an ExtraCash account. Dave will determine your eligibility and available advance amount.
4. Request and receive funds. Choose the size of your cash advance and a transfer method to receive the funds. You can get them instantly for a fee or within one to three business days at no extra cost.

How Dave compares to other lenders

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Name	Product USFSL	Filter Values	Loan amount	Turnaround time	Requirements
Cleo Finder Score: 4.1 / 5: ★★★★★ Cleo Finder Score: 4.1 / 5: ★★★★★			Up to $250	3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.	Not stated	Automatically monitor your spending plus access cash advances up to $100 at a time.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
EarnIn Finder Score: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★ EarnIn Finder Score: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★			Up to $750 per pay period, but only $150 per day	1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee	Direct deposit sent to a checking account, a regular pay schedule, a fixed work location or an online timekeeping system at work	No mandatory fees, no interest and no credit checks. Subject to EarnIn terms & conditions.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
OppLoans Installment Loans Finder Score: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★ OppLoans Installment Loans Finder Score: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★			$500 to $4,000	As soon as the same business day	+18 years old, Receive paychecks through direct deposit, $1,500 minimum monthly income, Live in eligible state	Not available in: CO, CT, GA, IA, MD, MA, NY, SD, VT, WA, WV. Comes with the option to change your due date so you won’t fall behind on repayments.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Dave ExtraCash Finder Score: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★ Dave ExtraCash Finder Score: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★			Up to $500	Up to 3 business days or instant for a fee	At least two direct deposit paychecks to your bank account from your employer, extra money in your bank account	Borrow up to $100 to avoid hefty overdraft fees.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Dave reviews and complaints

The vast majority of ratings on Google Play and the App Store are either four or five stars. Customers praise the app, saying it has helped them manage their finances and improve their credit scores. There are some complaints mixed in, primarily focused on low cash advance amounts, extra fees charged on cash advances and difficulty canceling their membership.

Reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) paint an entirely different picture. While there are some complimentary comments, most BBB reviews are negative. Customers routinely complain about Dave debiting more than what was owed and continuing to charge membership fees after cancellation. Additional complaints include issues connecting Dave to their bank, not receiving money and poor customer service.

At the top of Dave’s BBB page, there’s also a warning alerting customers that the FTC has taken action against Dave for “allegedly using misleading marketing to deceive consumers about the amount of its cash advances, charging consumers undisclosed fees and charging so-called ‘tips’ to consumers without their consent.” This alert highlights how some of Dave’s marketing claims might not match what users actually experience.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Dave charge for an instant cash advance?

Dave charges users an express funding fee between $1.99 and $13.99. This amount is based on how much you borrow and is debited from your bank account when you repay the advance. If you can wait a few days for your funds, cash advances through Dave are free.

Can I really borrow $500 from Dave with no credit check?

It’s true that Dave offers cash advances with no credit check required, but the amount you can borrow is based on your banking activity. If you have a low balance and limited income, it’s unlikely you’ll qualify for the full $500 amount, especially if this is your first time borrowing from Dave.

How do I stop Dave from taking money from my bank account?

To stop Dave from charging your bank account, cancel your membership through the app or by contacting their customer service department. Simply deleting the app from your phone won’t work. If Dave continues to charge for your membership after you’ve canceled it, ask your bank to revoke authorization for Dave and stop payment on any future transactions.