Dave Pay Advance App: 2025 Review

Dave is best for consumers looking for a less expensive payday loan alternative

Dave offers cash advances of up to $500 — an amount similar to a payday loan. There are also no overdraft or late fees, and repayment extensions are available. This makes Dave a good alternative for those in a pinch, as its fees and repayment terms are much more generous than those of payday lenders.

Fees and penalties

Although Dave doesn’t charge any overdraft or late payment fees, a service fee between $5 and $15 does apply. It depends on the amount borrowed, but is based on a simplified 5 percent fee structure. 

There’s also an express delivery fee if you opt to receive the funds within an hour using an external debit card. That’s 1.5 percent of the transfer amount. Additionally, Dave charges a monthly membership fee of up to $5 to use its services.

Where Dave stands out

• Generous cash advances. Dave offers cash advances of up to $500, while most cash advance apps limit their loan amounts to $250 and under.
• Minimal fees. Dave’s cash advances were designed in part out of frustration with overdraft fees, which is why it doesn't assess this type of fee. But your account may be closed if you fail to repay within 60 days of your withdrawal.
• Accessibility. You can request an advance without a credit check. And you can receive the funds within an hour if transferred to a Dave checking account or to a debit card (after paying an express fee). 

Where Dave falls short

• Monthly subscription fee. Dave requires users to pay a monthly fee of up to $5, while other cash advance services offer a free version.
• Express funding fees. If you want to access the funds within minutes, you’ll need to pay an express funding fee of up to 1.5 percent, depending on the loan amount and type of account you have.
• Short term. Dave automatically collects what’s owed on your next payday or the nearest Friday, which means you have a limited window to repay the advance. 

Dave customer resources

Customer support

Dave’s customer support can be reached through its mobile app chat feature from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Saturday.

Live agents are available over the phone at 844-857-3283 from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, and from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Saturday through Sunday. Customers can also contact the company via email at support@dave.com.

Dave has no physical location, but you can send written correspondence regarding unauthorized activity or account errors to Evolve ℅ Dave 1265 S Cochran Ave Los Angeles, CA 90019.

Digital experience

The mobile app is available for download on iOS and Android devices. It’s ranked in the top 50 among finance apps and boasts a 4.8 star rating in the App Store. The Android app also holds an impressive 4.4 start rating with over 10 million downloads to date. 

On the website, there’s a help center that answers frequently asked questions and addresses other concerns you may have. You can also use the “Side Hustle” tool to identify opportunities to earn extra cash. 

How this app compares

Dave vs. Brigit

Brigit charges a subscription fee of $8.99 to be able to use its Instant Cash feature — much higher than Dave’s subscription fee — and it has a much lower $250 limit. 

If you sign up for Brigit’s premium subscription service, which goes for $14.99 a month, you don’t have to pay express funding fees. Additionally, Brigit’s subscriptions give you access to additional credit building and monitoring tools, which can be a lifeline for those looking to boost their scores.

Dave vs. Empower

Just like Dave, Empower charges a monthly subscription fee to use its cash advance feature. The fee, however, sits higher at $8 a month, and it caps advances at $250. Empower’s express funding fees are comparable, ranging from $1 to $8, depending on the amount requested.

Do you qualify for a Dave advance?

To qualify for Dave’s ExtraCash advance, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
• Have a Social Security number or tax identification number.
• Have a valid email address and agree to electronic communications.
• If linking your bank account, it needs to have been active for at least 60 days with a positive balance.
• Have at least three recurring deposits.

Your actual cash advance limit will be determined by factors, like your income and spending patterns, according to the company. However, your credit score will not be considered when you apply as there is no credit check.

Dave is available to customers in all 50 states. 

How Bankrate rates Dave