Cash Advance Apps

Is Dave app legit?

Last Updated: Apr 03, 2025

Dave is a legit cash advance app. The company, headquartered in Los Angeles, was founded in 2017. Dave claims to have helped over 4 million members get ExtraCash™ and saved users $2.5 billion in overdraft fees. While Dave is legit, it's important to note that in late 2024, the FTC filed complaints against Dave Inc. and its founder, alleging deceptive practices such as misleading advertising of cash advances, charging hidden fees, misrepresenting the use of customer tips, and enrolling customers in recurring monthly membership fees without transparent disclosures or a simple cancellation mechanism.

How reliable is Dave?

Hundreds of Dave reviews from February and March 2025 that we analyzed suggest users can rely on the app. Here’s what they have to say about it:

  • Lifesaver: Many users describe Dave as a "lifesaver" during tight financial situations, helping them when they need it most.
  • Always there when needed: Several people mention that Dave is "always there when I need it" or "always on time", highlighting its reliability.
  • Quick and easy: Users appreciate how quick and easy it is to get an advance, with some noting the app is "fast", "simple", and "easy to use".
  • Unpredictable changes: A few reviewers are frustrated by unpredictable changes in their advance amounts, making it hard to plan.
  • Increased fees: Some users complain about higher fees and service charges, feeling that costs have increased without notice.

Still, the dominant theme is clear: most users find Dave to be a helpful tool that provides quick financial support when they need it, making tight times a little easier to handle.

How much can I get from Dave?

The overwhelming consensus among users is that it’s tough to get Dave’s advertised $500 maximum. Here’s what people are saying:

  • Forget about $500: Most folks don't see anything close to a $500 advance from Dave. Many report only getting $25 or $50, even after months of timely repayments.
  • Amounts decrease: Several users mention that after initially receiving higher advances (like $200 or more), their available amount unexpectedly dropped to lower figures without any change in their income or repayment habits.

While a few users appreciate Dave for helping out in a pinch, the common frustration is not accessing the higher loan amounts advertised. If you're hoping for a $500 boost, be prepared—you might end up with much less.

App reviews talking about Loan Amounts:
"...instead of the “normal $400-$500” they said I’m Eligible for now all of a sudden it goes to $200..."
"I have been a loyal customer of Dave for years...yet they constantly are inconsistent on the amount they offer in advances..."
"...I’ve been with the same company for almost 8 years...Without warning they will step your advance down hundreds of dollars..."

What users say?

Positive
1%
Negative
99%
Many users complain about Dave's subscription model, which includes a $1 monthly membership fee. This fee is seen as unjustified, especially since some users report being charged despite not using the app or having deleted it. Additionally, recent updates have introduced new fees for cash advances, which were previously optional donations. Users are frustrated by the lack of transparency and feel the app has become predatory, with multiple fees for services that were once free. The sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with many considering switching to other apps that offer similar services without the extra charges.
App reviews talking about Subscription Model:
"...they scam you for membership..."
"So now they want to charge you a dollar monthly fee to monitor your bank..."
"...charged $1 per month they auto sign up when you go to website..."

Scam reports

Even though Dave is a legitimate company, we found 14 reviews published recently describing the service as scammy (for context, this is out of hundreds we analyzed). About 13 explicitly call the service a “scam” or “fraud,” while others mention unexpected charges or fees that made them feel misled.

Several users report unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts, with amounts as high as $300, and difficulties obtaining the advertised loan amounts. A few expressed concerns about potential identity theft due to suspicious login attempts after signing up.

The common theme is that people feel tricked or financially harmed, often citing surprise fees, lower-than-promised cash advances, and challenges with customer service or closing their accounts.

App reviews talking about Scam:
"...Took $39 out of my account without me know never even qualified for a Cash Advance SCAM ALERT‼️"
"Scam - Charging random fees for advances..."
"...I requested a $500 advance from them. Instead of giving me the $500 they withdrew that amount from my bank account..."