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