Cash Advance Apps

Dave reviews: complaints & concerns

Last Updated: Aug 06, 2026

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.

App reviews talking about Complaint:
"...they took money out of my account even though I wasn't even qualified for a loan..."
"Dave tries to access my account at midnight...charges me an overdraft fee..."
"...they make you split the amount you're qualified for into two separate transactions so they can charge you..."

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.

App reviews talking about Scam:
"...this app is a scam. I removed my card from here because I didn’t even have money to pay for the 3.00$ subscription..."
"...this app is a fraud and will subscribe you against your permission..."
"...I downloaded Dave just to check it out because of possibly getting an advanced loan from them. I didn't even fully go through with it and only had an account open for all of 20 minutes without doing any transactions at all. Dave then still charged me $3 for a monthly fee..."

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.

App reviews talking about Reported Overdraft:
"...it emptied my bank account multiple times because it inaccurately predicts my next paycheck..."
"...Dave will try to take money before you get paid, one minute after midnight on the settlement date..."
"...Dave tries to access my account at midnight...charges me an overdraft fee..."

What users say on other topics

Positive
3%
Negative
97%
Many users complain about difficulties in canceling their subscriptions with Dave, often citing unauthorized charges even after they believe their accounts have been closed. A recurring issue is the persistence of small monthly fees, such as $1 or $3, despite attempts to cancel. Users express frustration with the customer service, describing it as unresponsive or unhelpful, and some feel trapped by a service they no longer wish to use. The sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with many feeling that the app is more focused on collecting fees than providing a quality service.
App reviews talking about Subscription Cancellation:
"...cancelled my account and still get charged..."
"...cancelled my membership and it still charged my card..."
"...still getting charged after cancelling the subscription..."

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.

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