Cash Advance Apps

Dave reviews: complaints & concerns

Last Updated: Apr 03, 2025

Although Dave has an average lifetime rating of 4.6 on the App Store and Google Play store, it received a 3.6 rating from user reviews in February and March 2025. Some users did voice complaints about various aspects of the app though. Read on to discover these complaints, common concerns, and more.

What do Dave users complain about?

Based on numerous user reviews in early 2025, here are some of the most common complaints:

  • New fees: Many users are upset about newly introduced or increased fees, calling them "predatory" and "hidden".
  • Unwanted charges: Several report being charged even after canceling or without ever using the service.
  • Lowered advances: Users complain about reduced cash advance amounts without explanation, sometimes dropping from $500 to $25.
  • Can't qualify: Some find themselves unable to qualify for an advance despite meeting all the requirements.
  • Poor support: Many are frustrated with the lack of human assistance and unhelpful responses.
  • Advance splitting: Users are annoyed by having to split advances into multiple transactions, resulting in double fees.
  • Slow processing: Some experience delays in repayments and advance availability.
  • Account issues: A few report account closures without reason or being unable to access their accounts. Overall, new fees and unexpected charges dominate users' dissatisfaction.
App reviews talking about Complaint:
"...now there's some "convenience fee" which is a min of $5 and a max of $15..."
"...I downloaded this app to try to borrow some money.And they keep trying to go on my account and take a dollar..."
"...I have been having a issue for 13 days with my account. I have done two to three emails a day to get no response..."

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..."

Overdraft reports

We found six overdraft-related complaints, with most users reporting that Dave withdrew funds before their deposits arrived, leading to overdraft fees up to $30.

Some users were charged for services they never used or after deleting the app, resulting in unexpected NSF fees. Others mentioned they couldn't adjust repayment dates to match their payday, causing repeated overdrafts when payments were taken before funds were available.

App reviews talking about Reported Overdraft:
"...They do not look at your AVAILABLE balance, only your CURRENT balance which is not actually available yet. I paid an overdraft fee."
"...they overdrafted my account because I never expected them to take out money that wasn’t even there..."
"...The app automatically sets repayment date to Thursday and costs me insufficient funds fee of $30 because my paycheck is not there yet..."

What users say on other topics

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..."

Complaints about Dave

In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed complaints against Dave Inc. and its CEO, Jason Wilk, alleging deceptive practices. They accused the company of misleading consumers about cash advances, charging hidden fees, misrepresenting charitable donations, and failing to clearly disclose monthly membership fees.