Cash Advance Apps
Dave

Is Dave app legit?

By Editorial Team
Last Updated: Nov 13, 2025

Dave is a real company (Dave Operating LLC, Los Angeles) that partners with Evolve Bank & Trust and says it has helped 4 million+ members tap up to $500 in ExtraCash. While that makes it a legitimate, regulated business, the FTC sued Dave in Nov 2024 for allegedly overstating the “up to $500” offer, hiding a $3–$25 instant-transfer fee, and presenting a 15 % charge as an “optional” tip linked to feeding a child. A Dec 2024 amended complaint sought civil penalties and personally named founder Jason Wilk. So the service exists and delivers advances, but be aware it’s facing ongoing federal scrutiny over its marketing and fee practices.

How reliable is Dave?

Most reviewers say Dave shows up when paychecks come up short, though some see hiccups that keep it from being rock-solid every time:

  • Consistent help: Dozens call it a “lifesaver” that’s “always there” for rent, gas or last-minute bills
  • Speedy deposits: Many note cash lands in their account within minutes, especially with the express option
  • Higher limits: Long-time users report starting around $75 and working up to $600 after months of on-time repayments
  • Unstable limits: A handful complain their approved amount jumps up and down without clear reason
  • Pay-date glitches: Some say the app tries to collect early or misreads their payday, and customer support fixes aren’t quick enough

Overall, most folks treat Dave as a dependable safety net, but build a back-up plan in case limits or dates suddenly change.

Table of contents

How reliable is Dave?How much can I get from Dave?What users say?Scam reports

How much can I get from Dave?

Dave advertises up to a $500 ExtraCash advance, but what you actually qualify for hinges on your banking history and can change frequently.

  • Advertised limit: The cap is $500 (a few long-time users even report $600).
  • Grows over time: Reviews show limits climbing from $25–$75 to $400-$600 after months of prompt repayments.
  • Low starts: First-time offers are often just $25, $50, or $75.
  • Surprise drops: Some users watch their limit shrink from $600 to $100—or even $0—overnight despite on-time payments.
  • Rare full amount: Several reviewers say they’ve never seen more than $75-$100, so hitting the full $500 isn’t common.
  • Split payouts: Larger advances may be divided into two smaller withdrawals, each with its own fee.
App reviews talking about Loan Amounts:
"...borrow amounts will start off low, mine started with $75, now 7 years later I can borrow up to $600..."
"...the limit shouldn’t decrease for no reason..."
"...I have paid back the cash advance on-time 99% of the time and not only was I never approved for more than a $100 cash advance, it has decreased..."

What users say?

Positive
1%
Negative
99%
Many users complain about difficulties in canceling their subscriptions with Dave, often facing unauthorized charges even after attempting to close their accounts. A recurring issue is the app continuing to charge fees despite users' efforts to cancel, with some reporting being charged for months without using the service. The cancellation process is described as cumbersome, with users expressing frustration over unresponsive customer support and the inability to remove their bank details. The sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with users feeling trapped by a service they no longer wish to use.
App reviews talking about Subscription Cancellation:
"...still getting charged monthly. Unable to unlink bank/cards..."
"...I deleted this app like two months ago and Ive gotten charged nearly five dollars after deletion..."
"...customer support refuses to delete my account. So i guess I'll be paying them 1 dollar a month for the rest of my life unless i take legal action..."

Scam reports

We scanned roughly 70 recent reviews tagged “Scam” for Dave. Well over half outright call the app fraud, pointing to surprise withdrawals and a $3 membership fee they say they never okayed.

Biggest complaints: the fee kicks in even when sign-up stalls, advances get split so users pay multiple express charges, and the app still pulls money after accounts are closed or pay dates suddenly shift, triggering overdrafts. Some also say Dave ignores ACH revocation requests and debits any positive balance the moment it hits.

A smaller but loud group flags possible data leaks, with Malwarebytes or credit bureaus warning their info landed on the dark web. Overall, users warn of aggressive collections, hidden costs and privacy worries—so if you try Dave, keep a close eye on your bank activity and data settings.

App reviews talking about Scam:
"...charged me 3 times for a membership in 2 days and won’t add my debit card..."
"...they took it all AFTER I asked them to stop the payments..."
"...they will charge you $25 to borrow money and then with no warning make the next time you borrow be due in 4 or 5 days..."
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