5 Apps Like Dave for Small Cash Advances

Dave is a cash advance and money management app that allows you to borrow up to $500 until your next paycheck without any credit checks. With a low membership fee of $1/month, you’ll be able to borrow money quickly for unexpected expenses.

“Cash advance and financial apps like these are not truly banks. Instead, they’re fintech firms that provide the technology required to offer these kinds of lending services via mobile apps on your smartphone,” explains Brad Reichert, founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC. “In nearly all cases, the actual deposit, lending, and payment processing is done by an FDIC-insured partner bank,” he adds.

Dave members also get many other perks, such as a debit card that’s fee-free at most ATMs and early access to their paychecks. However, there are many other apps that you can use to borrow interest-free money without a membership fee. Read on for our top five recommendations for cash advance apps like Dave.

5 Cash Advance Apps Like Dave

With so many apps like Dave available, it can be overwhelming to choose one that’s right for you. That’s why we compared the top 5 available today based on borrowing limits, membership costs, other fees, quick availability of funds, and repayment options to select our five best cash advance app recommendations.

1. Chime

• Advance Limit: $200
• Monthly Fee: No fee
• Processing Time: Immediately
• Repayment: Next Payday, 14-day extension available

Chime cash advance app offers up to $200 on cash withdrawals and debit card purchases. The SpotMe program involves no overdraft fees on Chime debit cards. Most borrowers will start with a lower borrowing limit of just $20 at a time, but with a positive repayment history, they can borrow up to $200.

Pros

• No overdraft fees
• No monthly membership fees
• Early access to paycheck

Cons

• Initial advance limits are low
• Advances are only available for Chime checking and savings accounts and the Chime fee-free Visa debit card that is linked to them
• You may have to pay third-party fees like ATM charges when accessing cash

2. EarnIn

• Advance Limit: $750
• Monthly Fee: Optional tip
• Processing Time: 1-2 business days. Instant processing with the Lightning feature
• Repayment: Next Payday

The EarnIn cash advance app is highly rated because of its high borrowing limits. You can borrow up to $100/day and $750/pay period with the Cash Out feature.

There are no interest charges, but advances are only available to those with employment income, so this app is not an option for gig workers.

Pros

• Higher borrowing limits
• No credit checks
• No mandatory monthly fees or financing charges

Cons

• Only available to those with employment income
• You’ll need to verify your income to qualify for advances
• You must have direct debit set up

3. MoneyLion

• Advance Limit: $500 (w/o a paid membership), $1,000 (with a paid membership)
• Monthly Fee: N/A
• Processing Time: 1-2 business days. Instant processing for an extra fee of $0.49-$8.99
• Repayment: Next Payday

The MoneyLion cash advance app allows you to borrow up to $500 without any mandatory fees. However, all other features and tools are only available to paid members. Membership costs range from $1/ month to $19.99/month, which is higher than many other apps. An added benefit of paying for the monthly membership is that you can borrow up to $1,000 each time you take a cash advance.

Pros

• No mandatory fees or interest charges
• Larger cash advance amounts are available
• Several added perks available through membership

Cons

• Some membership packages have high monthly fees, such as for credit building and budgeting tools   
• Larger advance amounts are based on eligibility and may take longer to qualify

4. Albert

• Advance Limit: $250
• Monthly Fee: N/A
• Processing Time: 2-3 business days. Instant processing with an extra fee
• Repayment: Next Payday

Like Dave, the Albert cash advance app doesn’t charge fees or interest for its advances. You can borrow up to $250 spread out over three advances per pay period.

You’ll start with a lower advance amount but can borrow more with a good repayment history. Any amount you borrow must be repaid when you receive your next paycheck.

Pros

• Advances of up to $250
• Their Mastercard World debit card pays cash back on gas, groceries, food delivery, and ride-sharing purchases
• No monthly fees
• Early access to direct deposit funds

Cons

• The membership cost to get their premium tools and features is quite steep ($12.49 to $14.99 a month)
• You’ll need to verify your income to qualify
• Most added features require a monthly subscription or paid membership fee

5. Cleo

• Advance Limit: $250
• Monthly Fee: $2.99 to $14.99/month
• Processing Time: 4 business days. Instant processing for an express fee of $3.99 to $9.99
• Repayment: Next payday, 14-day extension available

Cleo is a personal finance app that allows you to borrow up to $250 without any interest or credit check. While it takes four days to get the advance in your bank account, you can pay an express processing fee if you need funds immediately.

One drawback is that cash advances are only available to paid Cleo Builder or Cleo Plus members. Memberships range from $2.99 to $14.99 per month.

Pros  

• Flexible repayment options
• No interest charges or fees
• Helpful tools available with subscriptions, such as those that help build credit

Cons  

• Advances for new users are limited to only $100
• Longer processing and cash transfer time
• You’ll need to be a member for cash advances

Things To Consider When Comparing Cash Advance Apps Like Dave

If you want to borrow small advances, there are many apps like Dave. However, it's important to compare their features, fees, and advance limits carefully to make sure you’re choosing the right app for you.

Fees and Interest Rates

While cash advance apps like Dave are more cost-effective than payday loans, they’re not completely free. From monthly membership fees and late fees to express fees, there may be many hidden additional costs you may not know about.

Read the terms and conditions carefully, and be sure to compare the costs of multiple apps before you start using one.

Repayment Options

When you borrow a cash advance, you’ll need to repay it when you receive your next paycheck. Typically, you will need to have a checking or savings account with these providers and have your paycheck directly deposited into that account so they can directly access the funds you’ll use for repayment.  In most cases, cash advance apps like Dave will automatically withdraw the amount from your account on the repayment date.

Budget your expenses carefully and only borrow if you’re sure you’ll be able to repay when you get your pay. You may have to pay an overdraft fee if your bank account doesn’t have sufficient funds. Ask lenders if they offer the option to extend the repayment term.

User Reviews and Ratings

A good way to learn more about what users are saying about cash advance apps like Dave is to check customer reviews and ratings on iOS and Android app stores and review websites like Trustpilot.

If your friends and family have used a cash advance app in the past, ask them about their experience and recommendations. Check to make sure the app has a good reputation and offers good customer service.

Compare Multiple Apps Like Dave Before You Pick One

When dealing with car repairs or other unexpected expenses, it may be tempting to borrow money from apps like Dave, Brigit, Empower, Varo, Klover, or FloatMe. While the promise of interest-free advances and overdraft protection can be tempting, it's important to know that they’re not completely free. Compare your options carefully before you use any mobile apps like these.

Other ways of borrowing may be more suitable for your financial situation, such as personal loans for larger loan amounts, using an existing credit card, or borrowing short-term loans from friends and family.