Apps Like Dave

Tired of the Dave app’s limits … or just not sure you trust it anymore? You’re not alone.

Dave is one of the best-known cash advance apps, but it’s not perfect. Between its limited loan size, required spending account, and recent FTC scrutiny, you might be looking for something better.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top apps like Dave—and show you how EarnIn and other competitors can offer lower fees, higher loan amounts, and more flexible features to help you get ahead.

Company	Best for…	Rating (0-5)
5.0 Get Cash	Best Overall Dave Alternative	5.0 Get Cash
4.6 Get Cash	Best Repayment Flexibility	4.6 Get Cash
4.6 Get Cash	Best Overdraft Reimbursement	4.6 Get Cash
4.5 Get Cash	Best for Building Eligibility	4.5 Get Cash
4.3 Get Cash	Best Credit Building Add-Ons	4.3 Get Cash

Want a refresher on how Dave works? Check out our full Dave app review here.

EarnIn

Best Overall

5.0 _/5

Get Cash

Why it beats Dave

EarnIn beats Dave when it comes to cost and flexibility. Unlike Dave, EarnIn doesn’t charge a monthly subscription fee, and you don’t need to open a new checking account.

You can access up to $750 per pay period with no interest and no mandatory fees. It even lets you avoid overdrafts with its Balance Shield Alerts. While Dave caps your loan at $500 and charges a $1 monthly fee, EarnIn’s tip-based model means you could pay nothing at all.

No mandatory fees for standard transfers
No checking account requirement
Higher maximum advance per pay period
Overdraft protection with Balance Shield

Instant access fee	$2.99 – $4.99
No-fee funding time	1 – 3 business days
Loan amounts	$150 per day / $750 per pay period

What’s its overall cost?

The overall cost is $0 to $4.99, plus optional tips. EarnIn doesn’t charge interest or fees for cash advances. For instant access to funds, expect to pay a fee of $2.99 to $4.99. EarnIn encourages tips, but they aren’t required. The tipping model allows the company to offer more flexible and user-friendly financial solutions, avoiding traditional banking fees and interest rates, but you’re free to leave no tip.

Brigit

Best for Flexible Repayment

4.6 _/5

Get Cash

Why it beats Dave

If you need more time to repay your advance, Brigit may be a better pick than Dave. While Dave expects full repayment by your next payday, Brigit lets you choose your repayment date. That flexibility can make a big difference when you’re juggling bills.

Plus, Brigit’s predictive overdraft protection and budgeting tools give it an edge for long-term money management. Just note that Brigit charges a monthly fee, while Dave only costs $1 per month—unless you tip or opt for express funding.

Pick your own repayment date
Overdraft prediction and protection
Built-in budgeting and credit monitoring tools
Cash advances up to $250

Instant access fee	$0.99 – $3.99
No-fee funding time	1 – 3 days
Loan amounts	$50 – $250

What’s its overall cost?

The cost is $8.99 to $12.98, including the membership fee. Brigit operates on a subscription model, charging $8.99 per month for its Plus plan, which provides access to cash advances. You won’t pay interest on the loans, but you will pay $0.99 to $3.99 for instant access to cash advances. The $14.99 monthly Premium membership includes express delivery of funds.

Empower

Best Overdraft Reimbursement

4.6 _/5

Get Cash

Why it beats Dave

Empower stands out by offering a full suite of money management tools alongside its cash advances. It’s a more all-in-one financial app than Dave, with features like automatic savings, budgeting, and overdraft reimbursement.

Dave may be cheaper if you’re only after the advance, but Empower could help you build longer-term financial habits—and it’s free to try for 14 days..

Offers more tools than Dave (budgeting, saving, etc.)
Reimburses overdraft fees
Fast access to funds
Free trial available

Instant access fee	$1 – $8
No-fee funding time	1 – 3 business days
Loan amounts	$10 – $300

What’s its overall cost?

The cost is $8 to $16, including the monthly membership fee of $8. You can use the app for free on a 14-day trial. It provides cash advances without interest or additional fees. Instant disbursement of the funds will cost between $1 and $8.

MoneyLion

Best for Building Eligibility

4.5 _/5

Get Cash

Why it beats Dave

MoneyLion isn’t just an alternative to Dave; it’s a whole financial ecosystem. You get access to Instacash advances (up to $1,000 with a RoarMoney account), plus credit builder loans and investment accounts.

Dave’s cash advance cap is lower, and it doesn’t offer any credit-building features. If you’re looking to fix your credit or start investing while also covering short-term gaps, MoneyLion is the more robust choice.

Higher advance limit than Dave
Credit-building tools included
Offers investment and banking features
Optional RoarMoney account unlocks extra benefits

Turbo delivery fee	$1.99 – $8.99
No-fee funding time	1 – 5 business days
Loan amounts	Up to $100 ($1,000 with RoarMoney)

What’s its overall cost?

The cost for Turbo delivery ranges from $0.49 to $8.99, depending on the disbursement amount and account type. MoneyLion provides no-interest cash advances through its Instacash feature. It doesn’t charge additional fees for standard disbursement, but you’ll pay up to $8.99 extra for Turbo delivery. The MoneyLion app encourages tipping, but it isn’t required.

Current

Best Credit Building Add-Ons

4.3 _/5

Get Cash

Why it beats Dave

Current offers a unique edge over Dave by letting you take out multiple advances within the same pay period. Dave only allows one advance at a time, which can be limiting if your needs change mid-paycheck cycle.

Current also includes tools for budgeting and tracking spending, and there’s no need to open a new account if you don’t want to. It’s a more flexible option, especially if you’re navigating variable income or unpredictable expenses.

Multiple advances per pay period
Higher maximum loan amount than Dave

Instant access fee	Not disclosed
No-fee funding time	1 – 3 business days
Loan amounts	$50 – $750

What’s its overall cost?

The cost could be as little as $0. Current provides cash advances within one to three business days at no charge and without interest. You’ll pay an additional charge for instant funds. Current doesn’t disclose the amount of this fee. No membership fee is required, but you’ll pay extra for premium features.

I think these apps can be helpful for anyone starting out on their own to help them manage and understand their finances, with the app available almost anytime.

It is important to choose an app that will work best for you by considering the pros, cons, and features listed above. Make sure you have a strong password, use multi-factor authentication features, and change the passcode on your smartphone every three to six months.

Erin Kinkade , CFP®, ChFC®

Why consider other apps like Dave?

Dave can work in a pinch, but it’s not perfect for everyone. One downside is how soon you need to repay your advance. If you need a little more breathing room, Brigit lets you choose your own repayment date, which can make a big difference if your pay schedule or bills vary.

Another drawback? You’ll need to open a separate Dave Spending account just to get a cash advance. If that feels like too much hassle, EarnIn lets you borrow from your existing bank account—no new debit card or checking account required.

Dave also limits how much you can borrow and how often. You’ll cap out at $500 and only get one advance at a time. By comparison, EarnIn offers up to $750 per pay period, and MoneyLion’s RoarMoney users can qualify for up to $1,000. If you need to borrow more than once between paychecks, Current allows multiple advances per pay cycle.

See our full guide to the best cash advance apps.

Why Dave is under scrutiny

In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a complaint against Dave over alleged deceptive marketing. The complaint claims that Dave promised instant cash access but then charged fees or delayed funding. Critics have also raised concerns about the app’s transparency around tips and repayment terms.

While Dave remains a popular option, this complaint is a good reminder to read the fine print and compare your options before signing up for any cash advance app.

Customer ratings of apps similar to Dave

Want a second opinion? App store ratings offer a quick snapshot of how real users feel about each app’s performance and reliability. Here’s how the top alternatives stack up:

App	Ratings*
Dave	4.8/5 (720K)
EarnIn	4.7/5 (303K)
Empower	4.8/5 (285K)
Brigit	4.8/5 (361K)
MoneyLion	4.7/5 (212K)
Current	4.8/5 (172K)

*Ratings from the App Store in April 2025.

How to choose the best apps like Dave

To find the best Dave alternative, start with the basics:

How much do you need to borrow? If your expenses are higher than $250, skip apps with low limits. For example, MoneyLion’s RoarMoney account can get you up to $1,000.
What’s the cost? Some apps (like EarnIn) let you tip instead of charging fees. Others, like Brigit and Empower, charge monthly fees that may be worth it if you use all their features.
How soon do you need the money? Instant funding usually comes with a fee. If you’re OK waiting one to three business days, you might avoid paying extra.
What kind of flexibility do you want? Features like custom repayment dates (Brigit) or multiple advances per period (Current) can be game-changers.

The right app depends on your cash flow, borrowing habits, and whether you want extra tools like budgeting or credit building. Take a few minutes to compare before committing—your wallet will thank you.

How to switch from Dave to another app

Ready to leave Dave behind? Here’s how to make the switch as smooth as possible:

Pick your new app. Compare advance limits, fees, repayment flexibility, and extra features like credit building.
Download and set up your new app. Link your bank account, verify your identity, and explore available features. Some apps also let you set up direct deposit to unlock higher advance limits.
Pay off your Dave advance. Before switching completely, make sure your Dave balance is paid in full to avoid late fees or overdrafts.
Cancel your Dave membership. You can cancel in the app’s settings or by contacting support. This will stop future $1 monthly charges.
Keep an eye on your accounts. Monitor both your bank account and new app to make sure everything’s working as expected.

FAQ

Are other apps like Dave free to use?

Many apps like Dave offer free versions with basic features but may charge fees for premium features or instant funding. Review each app’s fee structure to understand any potential costs.

Can sites like Dave ensure the security of my financial information?

Reputable cash advance apps, like Dave, use encryption and other security measures to protect your personal and financial information. These apps often comply with industry standards and regulations to ensure data security. Always check the app’s privacy policy and user reviews to ensure your data is secure before providing personal information.

Recap of the best companies like Dave

Company	Best for…	Rating (0-5)
5.0 Get Cash	Best Overall	5.0 Get Cash
4.6 Get Cash	Best Repayment Flexibility	4.6 Get Cash
4.6 Get Cash	Best Overdraft Reimbursement	4.6 Get Cash
4.5 Get Cash	Best for Building Eligibility	4.5 Get Cash
4.3 Get Cash	Best Credit Building Add-Ons	4.3 Get Cash