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How does Dave cash advance work?
Last Updated: Apr 03, 2025
Dave is a cash advance app that lets you borrow up to $500 to cover expenses until your next paycheck. You download the app, sign up, and link your bank account. Then, you open an ExtraCash™ account to see how much you qualify for. There's no interest or late fees, but Dave does charge a monthly membership fee of up to $5 and a fee per cash advance. If you need the money instantly, you can opt to pay a small fee for faster transfers.
Download Dave on your phone and follow these steps:
- Sign up: Create an account in the app.
- Link bank account: Connect your existing bank account.
- Open ExtraCash: Open an ExtraCash account.
- Check eligibility: See how much ExtraCash you qualify for—no credit check needed.
- Request advance: Choose the amount you'd like (up to $500) and set a repayment date.
- Get your cash: Transfer the funds instantly to your Dave Spending account or to another debit card within an hour for a small fee.
You'll usually get your cash advance in about 3 days with the free standard transfer.
If you need the money sooner, you have a few options:
- Instant Transfer to Dave Checking: If you have a Dave Checking account, transfers are instant and free.
- Transfer to External Debit Card: Get your funds within an hour by transferring to an external debit card. This costs 1.5% of the amount you're transferring.
- Express Transfer to Bank Account: You can choose an express transfer to your bank account, which delivers the money within an hour for a fee ranging from $3 up to $25, depending on the amount you're borrowing.
Remember, each cash advance also comes with a fee that's the greater of $5 or 5% of the amount you borrow.
Out of hundreds of reviews published in February and March 2025 that we analyzed, we found over 30 recent comments mentioning funding speed. Here’s what users say about it:
- Fast and easy: Over 25 users mention that obtaining cash advances was quick and easy, often stating they received money "instantly", "in minutes", or "same day".
- Life saver: Many appreciate that Dave provides fast cash when they need it most, helping cover unexpected expenses between paychecks.
- Seamless process: Users praise the straightforward and user-friendly process, noting that getting advances is simple with minimal hassle.
- Instant transfers: Some highlight the quick transfer to the Dave debit card, receiving funds instantly without waiting for bank transfers.
- Delays for some: A few experienced delays, with one mentioning not receiving their cash advance after a day despite it saying it was sent instantly.
- Wait for new advances: Some report it takes a long time to become eligible for another advance after repayment, with one mentioning waiting over 15 days.
- Lower advance amounts: One user complained about receiving lower advance amounts over time and that "it takes time to give you something".
Overall, most users are pleased with Dave's quick funding, but a few have faced delays or issues with advance availability.