Dave reviews: complaints & concerns
Dave has a solid lifetime average rating of 4.8 across the App Store and Google Play, with over 1.4 million reviews combined. However, its recent average rating has dipped to 4.1 as of August 2026, indicating some users have raised concerns. Let’s take a closer look at the common complaints and issues reported by Dave users.
What do Dave users complain about?
Out of hundreds of user complaints from mid-2026, here are the main issues people report with Dave:
- Unpredictable advances: Many users say their cash advance amounts fluctuate wildly without explanation, sometimes dropping drastically despite on-time payments.
- High and multiple fees: Complaints about monthly membership fees plus multiple service fees per advance, especially since advances are split into parts, doubling fees.
- Early and inconsistent withdrawals: Dave often tries to withdraw repayment before users’ actual payday, causing overdrafts and fees.
- Poor customer service: Numerous reports of unhelpful or unresponsive support, with many users stuck dealing with bots and no live help.
- Account and app issues: Problems logging in, linking bank accounts, and accounts being locked or closed without clear reasons.
- Unauthorized charges: Several users say they were charged fees or had money taken after canceling or without borrowing.
- Privacy concerns: Some users worry about the app’s access to their bank transactions and personal data.
Overall, users frequently express frustration with fees, unpredictable service, and lack of real support.
On this page
Table of contents
Scam reports
Dave has a significant number of recent complaints describing it as a scam, with many users reporting unauthorized charges even after canceling their accounts. Several reviews mention being charged monthly fees without clear consent, and some say the app took money despite them never receiving any cash advances.
Users also report poor customer service, locked accounts, and difficulty getting refunds or support. There are multiple claims of fraudulent transactions and concerns about the app holding personal information without proper use or consent. Overall, many feel misled by hidden fees, denied advances, and a lack of transparency.
Overdraft reports
Users report that Dave often withdraws payments before their direct deposits arrive, causing overdrafts and NSF fees. Several mention that the app’s repayment timing doesn’t align with actual paydays, sometimes pulling money at midnight or days early, which leads to negative balances and extra bank fees.
Customer service is frequently described as unhelpful or rude when users try to adjust settlement dates or dispute charges. Some users also say Dave takes money from accounts they didn’t authorize or after they’ve stopped using the app, worsening their financial situation.
What users say on other topics
Complaints about Dave
In November 2024, the Federal Trade Commission accused Dave of deceptive practices related to its cash advance product. The complaints included misleading users about the true cost of advances, not clearly disclosing fees upfront, promoting advances as free while encouraging tips and express fees that could lead to very high APRs, and making it hard to cancel monthly memberships. In December 2024, the Department of Justice filed an amended complaint on behalf of the FTC, highlighting issues with Dave’s ExtraCash fee practices and seeking penalties. Dave stated the amendment didn’t change the core allegations and objected to the addition of its CEO as a defendant.