Although Dave boasts an impressive lifetime rating of 4.6 on the App Store and Google Play Store with over a million reviews, recent user reviews in April and May 2025 averaged a lower rating of 3.5. Some users have voiced complaints about various aspects of the product. Read on to discover these complaints, common concerns, and more.
Out of hundreds of user reviews published in mid-2025, here are some of the biggest frustrations shared:
Overall, unwanted charges and high fees seem to be the most common complaints among users.
Even though Dave is a legit company, we found numerous recent reviews describing the service as scammy (for context, this is out of dozens we analyzed). Over 40 users explicitly called the app a "scam," "fraud," or "thieves." Many users reported unauthorized charges, difficulties canceling their memberships, and unexpected fees that made them feel deceived.
Several reviewers mentioned concerns about unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts, even after they thought they had canceled or unlinked their accounts. Others expressed frustration with customer service, saying they were unable to resolve issues or get clear answers about charges.
The overarching theme is that users feel tricked by hidden fees, unwanted subscriptions, and challenges in disconnecting from the service. Many cautioned others to avoid the app to prevent similar negative experiences.
We found fifteen overdraft-related complaints, with most users reporting that Dave debited their accounts before payday—leading to overdraft fees from their banks. Several explicitly blame incorrect or unexpected repayment dates set by the app, causing early withdrawals and financial hardship.
Others mention unauthorized charges or hidden fees that overdrew their accounts, including unexpected membership fees and charges after account cancellation. Some users also report that when they couldn't repay on time, Dave repeatedly attempted to withdraw funds, draining their accounts until the full balance was recovered.
In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a complaint against Dave, accusing them of misleading customers about cash advance amounts and charging undisclosed fees like Express Fees and monthly membership fees. Later that year, the Department of Justice added CEO Jason Wilk to the complaint and sought civil money penalties.