Cash Advance Apps

Is Dave app legit?

Last Updated: Aug 03, 2025

Yes, Dave is a legit cash advance app. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles and claims to have helped over 4 million members get ExtraCash™ as of July 2025. Dave isn't a bank itself; banking services and the Dave Debit Mastercard® are provided by Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC, under a license from Mastercard. They offer features like quick cash advances up to $500 with no credit check or interest, fee-free checking accounts, and opportunities to earn extra money through side hustles and surveys. If you need assistance, their customer service is available via email at support@dave.com or by phone at (844) 857-3283, Monday to Sunday from 4 AM to 6 PM PT.

How reliable is Dave?

Hundreds of Dave reviews from May and June 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” that helps them when they are in a pinch and need extra cash before payday.
  • Always there: Several reviewers appreciate that Dave is “always there when I need it”, highlighting the app's reliability during financial emergencies.
  • Unpredictable advance amounts: Some users express frustration over unpredictable changes in their available advance, stating that the amounts can fluctuate without clear reason and making the app “no longer reliable” when they need it. Still, the dominant theme is clear: most users see Dave as a dependable backup plan that’s there when they need it most, whether to cover unexpected expenses or bridge the gap until their next paycheck.

How much can I get from Dave?

Wondering how much you can actually get from Dave? Here's what users are saying:

  • Hard to Reach $500: Despite Dave advertising a $500 maximum, many users mention they've never been offered more than $75 or $100, even after months or years of timely repayments.
  • Fluctuating Amounts: A common concern is that advance amounts can change unpredictably, sometimes dropping significantly without any clear reason, even when users have steady income and a solid repayment history.
  • Quick Cash When Needed: On the upside, some folks appreciate that Dave provides immediate cash advances, starting them off with amounts like $200, which can be a lifesaver in tight situations.

So, while Dave might offer up to $500, most people seem to get lower amounts, and the inconsistency can be frustrating. If you're okay with smaller advances and potential fluctuations, Dave could still be a handy option when you need some extra cash.

App reviews talking about Loan Amounts:
"...the Extra Cash feature tends to fluctuate from $100 up to $500 and when I have a history of paying back all my borrowed money, the amount changes and it’s lower..."
"I use to be able to get 400 now it’s 175 or 200. I have never missed a payment or been late with a payment..."
"...they just dropped my $500 advance to $300 right when I need it the most. I pay early every single week and this is the thanks I get!..."

What users say?

Positive
2%
Negative
98%
Many users complain about unauthorized subscription charges from the Dave app, even after attempting to cancel their accounts. A recurring issue is the app charging small fees, such as $1 or $3, without users' consent or after they have deleted the app. Frustration is compounded by the lack of responsive customer service, making it difficult for users to resolve these issues. The sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with users feeling trapped by a service they no longer wish to use.
App reviews talking about Subscription Cancellation:
"...charged my bank account $1 for subscription fee without me knowing..."
"Still charging me after canceled membership..."
"...I canceled my dave but am still being charged 5.00 for the service"

Scam reports

Despite being a legit company, we found over 50 recent reviews for Dave describing the service as scammy (out of hundreds we analyzed). Around 30 of these explicitly call the service a “scam”, “fraud”, or “thieves”, while many others mention unauthorized charges or hidden fees that made them feel deceived.

Several users worry about identity theft or data misuse, and many say they never received the promised advances but still got charged.

The main theme is that people feel tricked or financially harmed, often due to unwanted subscriptions, surprise fees, and difficulty cancelling or reaching customer service.

App reviews talking about Scam:
"...randomly take chunks of money from you with no warnings or heads up..."
"...they prey on financially at risk/vulnerable people and eventually dig them into a hole..."
"...they took the amount I owed two times from my bank account!!!..."