Check if an app is legit or not before trusting it with your money. We investigate Dave, Brigit, and other cash advance services by looking at their company history, what users say, complaint records, and regulatory status. Read more below to make sure you're on the safe side.
Chime SpotMe is a legit cash advance feature offered by Chime, a company headquartered in San Francisco and led by CEO and co-founder Chris Britt. Launched in 2019, SpotMe has covered its members with more than $30 billion in transactions and claims to have changed the lives of millions of Americans. As of May 2025, there are no official complaints against Chime SpotMe.
Read moreDave is a legit cash advance app. The company, Dave Operating LLC, is based in Los Angeles and claims to have helped over 4 million members get ExtraCash™ and saved users over $2.0 billion in overdraft fees since 2017. While Dave is legit, it's important to note that in 2024, the FTC filed a complaint against the company for misleading marketing practices, alleging deceptive practices like charging undisclosed fees and collecting tips and monthly fees without consumers' knowledge or consent.
Read moreBrigit is a legit cash advance app. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in New York City, it operates under the name Bridge It, Inc. The company claims to have over 9 million members and works with more than 6,000 banks and credit unions. They also state that they've saved users over $1 billion in fees. While Brigit is legitimate, it's important to note that in November 2024, the FTC ordered them to pay $17 million in refunds to over 1.8 million customers after regulatory complaints alleging unfair practices. Additionally, in March 2025, an official complaint was filed with the Better Business Bureau regarding their Instant Cash Advance processing times, which Brigit addressed by explaining their procedures.
Read moreEarnIn is a legit cash advance app. Founded in 2013 by Ram Palaniappan, the company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. They claim that millions of customers are using their services. While EarnIn is a legitimate company, it's important to be aware that in November 2024, the Attorney General of the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against them, alleging deceptive marketing practices related to high-interest loans and hidden fees. They were accused of operating without the required lending license and misleading consumers about the true costs of their loans. Additionally, in August 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed over their tipping and fee model potentially violating lending laws, and they faced a cybersecurity incident in 2024 that may have affected customer information.
Read moreEmpower is a legit cash advance app operated by Empower Finance, Inc., headquartered in Garden City, Idaho. They offer cash advances up to $400, with average offers of $96 for first-time customers and $167 for others (as of February 2025). The app provides cash advances with zero interest, no late fees, and no credit checks, with repayment automatically set for your next payday.
Read moreKlover is a legit cash advance app founded in 2019 and headquartered in Chicago. The company claims to have over 2 million users and offers interest-free cash advances up to $200 with no credit checks or late fees. While Klover provides various ways to earn points for additional benefits, it's important to note that in April 2025, a class action complaint was filed against them. The lawsuit alleges that Klover engaged in predatory lending practices against active-duty military members and their dependents, violating the Military Lending Act and the Truth in Lending Act by charging APRs exceeding 300% on its cash advances.
Read moreAlbert is a legit cash advance app. The company is headquartered in Covina and has developed an all-in-one money app offering various financial services. Albert claims that over 10 million people have joined the app, with over $1.5 billion saved and invested through their platform. Additionally, more than $5 billion has been budgeted, tracked, and managed using the app. Banking services are provided by Albert's bank partners, including Sutton Bank and Stride Bank, Members FDIC. As of May 2025, there are no official complaints reported about Albert.
Read moreMoneyLion is a legit cash advance app. Founded in 2013, the company has been operating for over 10 years and claims to have served over 18 million users since its launch. While MoneyLion is legit, it's important to be aware that they have faced legal actions in recent years. In November 2023, they settled with the Colorado Attorney General after an investigation found they collected illegal membership fees tied to loans, agreeing to return $271,000 to consumers and pay $75,000 to the Attorney General’s office. Additionally, in September 2022, the CFPB sued MoneyLion for alleged violations of the Military Lending Act, and as of May 2025, the BBB has given them a C- rating due to government actions and unresolved complaints.
Read moreCleo is a legit cash advance app that claims to have over 5 million users. While it offers interest-free cash advances up to $250 and various financial management tools, it's worth noting that in March 2025, the FTC filed a lawsuit against Cleo. The FTC alleged that the company misled consumers about the amount of cash advances they could receive, the speed of delivery, and made it tough to cancel subscriptions. As part of a settlement, Cleo agreed to pay $17 million, improve its disclosures, and simplify the cancellation process.
Read moreFloatMe is a legit cash advance app founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Antonio. While FloatMe offers cash advances of up to $50 without credit checks, interest, or late fees, it's important to note that in 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action against the company for deceptive and discriminatory lending practices. The FTC alleged that FloatMe made false promises of quick and free cash advances, charged fees for expedited advances, made it difficult to cancel subscriptions, and discriminated against consumers receiving public assistance. As a result, in September 2024, the FTC issued refunds totaling over $2.6 million to consumers harmed by FloatMe's practices.
Read moreVola Finance is a legit cash advance app. Founded in 2017 by Tushar Bagamane and headquartered in Newark, the company claims to have over a million members and to have saved users $100 million in bank fees. Vola Finance is a privately held, venture capital-backed company with investors like NextView Ventures, Node Ventures, and Credika. As of May 2025, there are no official regulatory complaints against Vola Finance.
Read moreBeem is a legit cash advance app that lets you access up to $1,000 instantly without interest or credit checks. Developed by Line Financial, a Public Benefit Corporation based in the U.S., Beem is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. The company claims to be trusted by over 1 million Americans. As of May 2025, there are no official complaints or regulatory actions against Beem.
Read moreGrid Money is a legit cash advance app developed by Hatfield, Inc., headquartered in San Francisco. The app provides cash advances up to $200 between paychecks, starting with limits up to $50 that can increase over time based on your account activity and repayment history. They offer these advances with no interest, credit checks, or late fees, charging a simple $10/month fee. Grid Money also helps you build your credit score over time and boost your paycheck with PayBoost. As of May 2025, there are no official complaints or regulatory actions against the company.
Read moreGerald is a legit cash advance app. The company, Gerald Technologies, Inc., is headquartered in New York and claims to be backed by Y Combinator. While Gerald is not a bank, it offers services like instant cash advances up to $80 without interest, fees, or credit checks. As of May 2025, there are no official complaints reported about Gerald.
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