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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
User consensusAlternativesIs it worth it?
Better options than

Self alternatives

Self helps users build credit through a credit builder loan and secured credit card, but some users report issues with inflated credit scores, slow payment processing, and high fees. Alternatives like Intuit Credit Karma and Experian offer free credit monitoring, while Dave, Brigit, and Tilt provide cash advances for short-term financial needs.

Why users look for alternatives to Self

The alternatives

Intuit Credit Karma
4.8★ · 7,668,896 ratings · Free

Intuit Credit Karma offers free credit score tracking and monitoring, as well as tools for saving money and managing debt R52R58. It helps users keep track of credit card payments and identify small remaining balances R55.

Better for: Intuit Credit Karma is better for users who want free, regular access to their credit scores and reports to monitor their financial health R52R58R61. It suits those who appreciate alerts for credit card payments and debt management ideas R55R52.

Head-to-head: Self vs Intuit Credit Karma
Experian®
4.8★ · 2,670,460 ratings · Free

Experian provides detailed credit monitoring and helps users build their credit R69R76. It offers insights into credit scores and can assist with loan approvals R74R78.

Better for: Experian is better for users who want detailed credit information and active credit building tools directly from one of the major credit bureaus R69R76R78. It suits those who want to track their scores and receive updates on their credit progress R76R78.

Head-to-head: Self vs Experian®
Dave
4.8★ · 857,458 ratings · Free

Dave offers cash advances for short-term financial needs, making it convenient for unexpected expenses R80R83R91. Users appreciate its ease of use and quick access to funds R80R83R91.

Better for: Dave is better for individuals who need quick cash advances to cover necessities or unexpected emergencies before payday R80R83R91. It suits those on a fixed income who need flexibility with funds R91.

Head-to-head: Self vs Dave
Brigit
4.8★ · 520,371 ratings · Free

Brigit provides cash advances, often with no interest, and can be a fast way to get funds when needed R100R103. It has been helpful for users over several years R103.

Better for: Brigit is better for users seeking fast, interest-free cash advances for unexpected financial needs R100R103. It suits those who need a reliable source for small advances, even if limits can be slow to increase R94R101.

Head-to-head: Self vs Brigit
Tilt
4.8★ · 447,559 ratings · Free

Tilt offers fast cash advances, which users find helpful for managing bills and financial hardships R108R112R114. It allows users to adjust payment dates if more time is needed .

Better for: Tilt is better for single parents or anyone needing quick cash advances to cover bills and financial hardships before payday R108R113R114. It suits users who value the ability to adjust payment dates for flexibility .

Head-to-head: Self vs Tilt
Stick with Self if

You should stick with Self if you are new to credit or have a limited credit history and need a structured program to build credit through a credit builder loan and secured credit card . It is also suitable if you appreciate consistent customer support when you have questions or problems R2.

Evidence note: No alternatives had too-thin evidence.

Frequently asked

Does Self accurately report credit scores?
Self's reported credit scores can be inflated, with some users noting a 30-40 point difference on average compared to what credit bureaus show R7. Another user observed their score was 9 points higher on a different app R9.
What are the common complaints about Self's fees?
Users commonly complain about Self's high late fees, which can be expensive for those with inconsistent income R17R18. One user reported being charged $20 or more, feeling it keeps them in debt R41.
How quickly does Self process payments?
Self's payment processing can be slow, with payments taking 5 days to a week to be deducted from an account R6. Debit card payments for the secured credit card can take over 3 business days to process R35.
Is customer service good for Self?
Customer service for Self is often described as non-existent or unhelpful by users, especially for issues like replacing a lost card or connecting bank accounts R4R27R49. However, some users have reported receiving good help when they have questions or problems R2.
Do cash advance apps like Dave, Brigit, and Tilt charge interest?
Brigit explicitly states it offers advances with no interest R100. Dave mentions no hidden fees R83, but some users note a $5 charge for each draw R82. Tilt charges a fee if payments are not made on time R107.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R7] Self 1/5 · US The worst app: The company isn’t horrible. Inflated credit scores are super unhelpful…like a 30-40 point difference on avg from what they say it is and what the credit bureau says it is. That just leads to frustration when applying for things that you “qualify” for, only to find out you’re way off. Support is almost nonexistent but that’s every company that uses these wildly annoying AI chat bots.
  2. [R9] Self 3/5 · US Lower credit: Another app has me 9 points higher and more opportunities for big jumps im scores.
  3. [R6] Self 3/5 · US Failure to take money when you pay: The only bad thing about this app is THEY TAKE THEY PAYMENTS out of your account literally a whole 5 days to a week after you submit the payment. Sometimes I think the money is processed and it’s not and I get a failed payment fee EVERY MONTH 🤦🏿‍♂️
  4. [R35] Self 1/5 · US Credit card payment: I paid off my Self secured credit with a debit card and it takes over 3+ business days to process. Every other credit card company is instantaneous.
  5. [R4] Self 1/5 · US If I could give 0 stars, i WOULD!!!: Rashan from customer service sucks. He didn’t help at all and doesn’t understand his own company. A complete scam, never get involved with these losers.
  6. [R27] Self 2/5 · US Lost card: Been trying for months to get a new card, customer service is non existent! If you lose a card your self account is done, just give up and close it asap!
  7. [R49] Self 1/5 · US Horrible!: No customer support will help me appropriately. I am not able to connect my bank account and kee it connected and it is not my bank’s issue. This has been going on for over 6 days.
  8. [R17] Self 1/5 · US Fees: They overcharge on late fees.
  9. [R18] Self 4/5 · US Pretty cool app, credit card/ late fees should be decreased though: Can help build credit but can become expensive for someone that doesn’t have consistent income to make payments on time. If it’s tailored to people rebuilding, there’s a good chance finances aren’t consistent yet so you shouldn’t be punished so severely. and if it’s tailored for new to credit people, there are cheaper and better a
  10. [R41] Self 1/5 · US Not helpful: It charges a fee of 20$ or greater, I thought is to help you not to keep you more in debt.
  11. [R1] Self 1/5 · US Not happy: Can’t see my credit score which makes me want to end my contract
  12. [R10] Self 2/5 · US Credit Score?: There seems to be a glitch in the platform and I cannot access my credit score as mentioned.
  13. [R12] Self 3/5 · US My Self Review: I was under the impression that self worked in a way to improve my credit at a faster rate/pace than it’s been. Regardless, I have seen an improvement and at the moment I’m simply respecting the process.
  14. [R45] Self 1/5 · US TOTAL SCAM!: I have been working with this app for three years now doing their loan thing to make my credit better and nothing has happened to my credit. Get there more than happy to take my money. I also decided to try their credit card and their customer service is so bad with the credit card. They have no idea what they’re doing. They don’t do anything with fraudulent charges. They just leave t
  15. [R19] Self 1/5 · US Scam: They will eventually (probably never) get sued. The credit builder charges you interest for a loan that you pay… I still have not gotten back my secured card deposit… someone reading this should class action Im super in
  16. [R39] Self 1/5 · US Not as expected: I paid off my loan. I made every payment on time. Now, that it’s time for me to collect my money, THEY are not on time! My account closed on the 28th. It states on the site that money is sent to the bank account on file in 5-7 days. However, It’s not there because it’s “under review” Then they offer to give you the money faster if you pay a fee! I’ve already paid a substantial amo
  17. [R52] Intuit Credit Karma 5/5 · US Credit Karma is the best: I love this app it helps me so much and it’s free !! I can see my scores save money ,have money in this bank , make taxes !!they help you with ideas on paying your debts everything and free ♥️🥺
  18. [R55] Intuit Credit Karma 5/5 · US Extra pair of eyes: I really appreciate this app it has held me. Keep track of my credit card payments fees, remaining fees of some cards that even though I paid off, there was a small amount of percentage. I forgot why I didn’t know any better and that then because of that, maybe time I jump in the app, help me doublecheck and make sure I’m going the right direction. That’s why I call it extra pa
  19. [R58] Intuit Credit Karma 5/5 · US Great: I live the fact that I can track my scores with just a click and it keeps me up to date on how I’m doing.
  20. [R61] Intuit Credit Karma 5/5 · US Puedo saber MI puntaje: Tremendo estoy al tanto de MI puntaje crediticio
  21. [R69] Experian® 5/5 · US Love the app: Very detailed
  22. [R76] Experian® 5/5 · US Like experian great app: I like how it helps u build your credit
  23. [R78] Experian® 5/5 · US Love this app: The best score app !
  24. [R74] Experian® 5/5 · US Ricky Green: Loan approval
  25. [R80] Dave 5/5 · US Extremely convenient!: I love using Dave when I’m short on cash for necessities. This app has been such a life saver! Dave makes it easy to access your cash advance and the repayment process is quick and simple.
  26. [R83] Dave 5/5 · US Easy and Helpful. Highly recommend!: Dave has always help me when I needed the most. Paydays don’t always line up when emergencies happen. It helps avoid touching savings. And makes it so easy so you know there’s no hidden fees. Love it !
  27. [R91] Dave 5/5 · US great option for me be: being on a fixed income with no room for things that come up unexpectedly Dave has been an invaluable tool I used to not have enough money for groceries at the end of the month but the flexibility of getting funds from Dave has ended that worry it’s easy to use and fast and since i know exactly when it will be repaid i can plan I recommend for anyone that’s finding things a
  28. [R94] Brigit 5/5 · US Love Brigit!: This app has been very helpful! Although I haven’t been able to get passed the $50 mark even though my income fluctuates due to me being a caregiver and I work different hours. I still can always count on having an extra $50 every 2 weeks lol
  29. [R100] Brigit 5/5 · US Help: The fastest way to get an advance with no interest.
  30. [R101] Brigit 3/5 · US Limited: I’ve been with Brigit for a few years now with no issues and they still haven’t increased my cash advance limit above $70
  31. [R103] Brigit 5/5 · US The best thing since sliced bread: Brigit has been supporting me for years and years. Super clutch in the moments that I did not know I needed it the most.
  32. [R108] Tilt 5/5 · US Great Service: I enjoy the fast opportunity to get help with Financial Hardships.
  33. [R112] Tilt 5/5 · US It works: Quick asf
  34. [R113] Tilt 5/5 · US Personal experience with Tilt: Love using tilt, great for single parents who work and need cash advances before pay day.
  35. [R114] Tilt 5/5 · US It’s Working: Love this app helps me with bills no stressing
  36. [R2] Self 5/5 · US Top notch crew: Iv always received the best help when I have questions or there is a problem.
  37. [R82] Dave 1/5 · US Over charge: Dave is great for getting money on the fly, but there are tons of other apps that do it better. Dave may increase your borrow limit but charges 5 bucks for each a draw and Dave won’t let you draw all at once. Other apps do just that and charge way less.
  38. [R107] Tilt 1/5 · US Customer service: The customer service is horrible it is not immediate. They charge you a fee if you don’t pay on time which I understand but it isn’t even my actual payday like sometimes I get paid a day before and it goes off that but this time I got paid on my normal actual payday and they gave me a fee while still tryna charge the full repayment back. Try to contact customer service remove it

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store