Dave App Cash Advance: 2025 Review

Dave offers cash advances to customers who open a Dave overdraft deposit account and a Dave checking account and can show a history of direct deposits from their employer. Dave charges multiple fees for this service.

Compare Dave to other cash advance apps, and consider alternative ways to get quick cash.

» COMPARE: The best cash advance apps in 2025

Dave app cash advance amounts, fees and terms

How does Dave work?

Dave works by giving cash advances, ranging from $25 to $500, that are repaid from your next paycheck. This feature is known as Dave ExtraCash.

To be eligible for Dave ExtraCash, you’ll need to open an overdraft deposit account and a checking account with Dave, as well as pay a monthly membership fee up to $5.

When you request an advance, Dave overdrafts the deposit account for that amount and charges you a mandatory overdraft service fee, either $5 or 5% of the advance amount, whichever is greater. It then deposits the funds instantly in your Dave checking account. The money can be deposited in an external bank account, but you’ll have to wait up to three business days.

For example, let’s say you’re approved for a $300 advance. Dave technically “overdrafts” your ExtraCash account for $300, then deposits the money in your designated checking account where you can access the funds.

On your next payday, Dave autowithdraws the amount you owe — the advance, plus fees — from your Dave checking account.

If there aren’t enough funds available in your checking account, Dave will try your linked debit card and external bank account, in that order. If you don’t have enough funds across these accounts, Dave will only withdraw what you do have, starting at $5, so there’s no risk of overdrafts.

How to get Dave ExtraCash

To get an advance with Dave, visit the “ExtraCash” tab in the Dave mobile app.

Dave’s eligibility requirements include the following:

• Must be 18 years or older.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

• Must have a U.S. physical address or military address.

• Must have a valid Social Security number or Tax Identification number.

• Must open a Dave ExtraCash overdraft deposit account and a Dave checking account.

• Must maintain a positive balance and show three or more recurring deposits, totaling $1,000 or more, in a linked bank account.

Should you take out a Dave ExtraCash advance?

Here are some of the pros and cons of using Dave to get a cash advance.

Where Dave stands out

Offers larger advances than some apps: Dave has larger cash advances than some of its competitors, which may offer $400 or less. However, few members qualify for the $500 maximum, Dave says. You’ll need to show multiple recurring deposits, and it’s likely the higher your paycheck, the greater chance you’ll be approved for the maximum amount.

Quick access to funds: Dave can instantly deliver a cash advance in your Dave checking account for free. Many apps take up to three days and charge a fast-funding fee if you need the money sooner. Dave only charges a fast-funding fee if you want the money sent to a linked debit card, which requires paying 1.5% of the advance amount.

Multiple customer service options: Unlike other cash advance apps, there are many ways to contact customer service. The chat feature in the mobile app is the best way, Dave says, but customers can also call 1-844-857-3283 and speak to a live agent seven days a week. You can email Dave, too, at [email protected].

Where Dave falls short

Multiple mandatory fees: Dave charges two mandatory fees — an overdraft service fee and a monthly membership fee — which is rare. While some cash advance apps may charge one mandatory fee, like a subscription fee, no other competitors charge two automatic fees.

Requests tips: Dave may request an optional tip for its service. NerdWallet doesn’t recommend tipping for a cash advance, since this increases the cost of the advance, and you’re essentially paying to access your own money.

Must open Dave accounts: Dave requires customers to have a Dave deposit account and a Dave checking account to get an advance. Dave’s process is more complicated than other apps, which simply let you link your existing external bank account to receive and repay the advance amount.

How we rate Dave

Product affordability: 2.5/5 stars

An affordable cash advance app charges no or minimal fees, doesn’t ask for tips and provides overdraft protection.

Product flexibility: 3.5/5 stars

A flexible cash advance app has a large enough maximum borrowing amount to meet users’ needs, can provide funds quickly without charging a fee and offers repayment flexibility.

Customer experience: 4/5 stars

A customer-first cash advance app will have multiple ways to contact customer service representatives, maintain a thorough FAQ on its website and clearly disclose all fees.

Customer protections: 2.5/5 stars

A consumer-friendly cash advance app will evaluate a user’s bank account history, require recurring direct deposits and implement safeguards to help prevent overborrowing.

Discretionary additions or deductions: None

A cash advance app may earn a higher star rating by offering unique features that benefit customers. Similarly, an app may lose points by offering features that disadvantage customers.

Dave app reviews

Consumer ratings and complaints

At the time of writing this review, Dave holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), with about 280 complaints closed in the last year. BBB accreditation is an important feature to consider, since it helps establish legitimacy and provides an additional avenue for customers to file a dispute.

In the Apple app store, Dave is rated 4.8 out of five stars, with over 720,000 ratings. In the Google Play store, Dave is rated 4.4 out of five stars, with 550,000 reviews.

Regulatory action

In November 2024, the Federal Trade Commission sued Dave for misleading consumers about advance amounts, as well as charging undisclosed fees and tips without customers' consent.

Frequently asked questions about Dave ExtraCash

Does the Dave app let you borrow money instantly?

The Dave app lets you borrow money instantly by giving you an advance on your paycheck up to $500 if you meet the eligibility criteria. Once approved, this money is immediately deposited in your Dave checking account.

How many times can you borrow money from Dave?

You can borrow up to two paycheck advances at a time with Dave. You may be able to request these advances at the same time, though a mandatory overdraft service fee may apply to each.

Why am I not eligible for Dave ExtraCash?

You may not be eligible for Dave if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, which include showing at least three recurring deposits, totaling $1,000 or more. Dave says it reassesses your eligibility daily, so it’s possible you’ll be approved later if you’re not approved now.

Compare Dave to other cash advance apps

Dave’s cash advance amounts are similar to other apps, though some offer amounts as high as $750. Dave has more fees compared to other cash advance apps.

Other ways to get quick cash

Download a BNPL app: If you need cash to purchase an essential item, like a laptop or mattress, “buy now, pay later” apps like Affirm and Klarna may be a good option. These apps split your purchase into smaller installments, usually with no interest and no fees if you pay on time, and you don’t need good credit to qualify.

» MORE: What is BNPL and how does it work?

Explore other ways to make money: Instead of borrowing money, consider a temporary gig to cover small gaps in your budget. You can make money at home or online by selling things you don’t need, taking surveys and testing websites, among other options.

» MORE: How to make extra money online, offline and at home

Take out a friend or family loan: Friends and family are often an untapped resource for small loans. Though it may be difficult to ask for help, you can make it easier by drawing up a contract that clearly lists when you’ll repay the loan and if you’ll pay interest.

» MORE: Learn more about family loans

Consider a pawnshop loan: A pawnshop loan lets you borrow money by using a valuable item, like jewelry or electronics, as collateral. You leave the item with the pawnshop and receive a loan based on the item’s value. If you repay the loan, including fees, by the due date, you get your item back. If you don’t repay, the shop keeps the item.