Head-to-head

Albert vs Dave

Albert 4.6★ · Free to download 40

Winner Dave

Dave 4.8★ · Free to download 65

While both Albert and Dave offer cash advances, Albert is plagued by severe issues with subscription cancellation and unauthorized charges, making Dave the safer and more reliable choice despite its own set of user frustrations.

Full reviews: Albert · Dave

Albert and Dave both provide cash advance services, but Albert faces widespread criticism for its deceptive subscription practices and extremely difficult cancellation process. Dave, while not without flaws like inconsistent advance amounts and repayment scheduling, is generally perceived as more reliable and transparent by its users.

Head to head

Cash Advance & Budgeting Features tie^R5^R7^R9^R11

Albert Albert is praised for being a great help with budgeting and providing quick, easy cash advances when needed ^R5^R7^R9^R13. Users appreciate the ability to push back due dates and the consistent dollar amounts offered ^R11^R15. However, some find the 'smart save' feature confusing and difficult to manage, as it automatically withdraws money .

Dave Dave is highly valued for its fast and easy cash advances, with many users calling it a 'lifesaver' . It also offers checking and savings accounts . However, a significant number of users complain about inconsistent advance amounts, with limits frequently decreasing even after timely repayments . Some find the two-part advance system with multiple fees misleading .

Ease of Use & Reliability tie^R7^R9^R13^R20

Albert Many users find Albert easy to use and helpful ^R7^R9^R13. However, there are significant complaints about the app's functionality, including issues with verifying information for weeks ^R20, statements not uploading ^R21, and the app not allowing cash advances . Some users report being locked out of their accounts ^R52.

Dave Dave is generally considered very easy to use with fast deposits ^R70. However, users frequently report being locked out of the app for days , and issues with the app crashing . There are also problems with the app incorrectly detecting pay cycles and settlement dates ^R64^R70. Some users experience difficulty reconnecting their bank accounts .

Subscription, Fees & Cancellation edge: Albert^R1^R4^R6^R8

Albert Albert faces overwhelming criticism for its deceptive subscription practices, with many users claiming they were charged for subscriptions they never agreed to or were unaware of ^R1^R4^R6^R8. Users report it is 'impossible' or 'incredibly difficult' to cancel subscriptions, often requiring multiple attempts, contacting support via text/call, or navigating confusing in-app menus ^R1^R4^R6^R8. Many also state that Albert continues to charge them even after cancellation attempts or disconnecting bank accounts, and refunds are often denied ^R1^R6^R8.

Dave Dave has a cheap monthly fee ^R70. However, some users report being charged a $1 membership fee for years without noticing and undisclosed fees for cash advances . There are also complaints about high fees compared to other platforms . Similar to Albert, some users find it difficult to cancel subscriptions , and continue to receive $3 charges even after unsubscribing .

Customer Support tie^R21^R34^R52^R60

Albert Albert's customer service is widely criticized as unhelpful, with users reporting that support is primarily AI bots that do not resolve issues ^R34^R52^R60. Users express frustration at the inability to speak to a real person ^R21^R52^R60.

Dave Dave's customer service also receives negative feedback, with users finding it hard to talk to someone and experiencing long processes with support asking for information they already have . Some users report being locked out of their accounts for extended periods with no help from support .

Repayment & Overdrafts edge: Dave^R3^R15^R33^R64

Albert Users of Albert dislike having their money gone when it's time to pay back ^R3. Some wish they could choose their repayment date ^R15^R33.

Dave Dave users frequently complain about the automatic repayment system, which often debits funds at 12:01 AM on payday, potentially leading to overdrafts if the paycheck hasn't fully cleared ^R64^R70. Many express a desire to change their repayment date ^R64. There are also concerns about getting stuck in a repayment cycle and the settlement date changing inconsistently .

Pick Albert if

You are looking for a budgeting app that also offers quick cash advances and are willing to navigate potentially difficult subscription management and cancellation processes ^R5^R7^R13.

Pick Dave if

You need reliable, fast cash advances and are comfortable with a monthly membership fee, understanding that advance amounts can be inconsistent and repayment dates are automatically set .

Evidence note: Albert's lifetime rating is 4.6, but a significant portion of recent reviews are 1-star, heavily skewing negative due to widespread complaints about subscription scams and cancellation difficulties. Dave's lifetime rating is 4.8, with a more balanced mix of positive and negative recent reviews, though it still faces consistent issues.

Frequently asked

Is it easy to cancel a subscription with Albert or Dave?

Canceling a subscription is a major point of frustration for users of both apps, but particularly for Albert, where many describe it as 'impossible' or 'incredibly difficult,' often requiring multiple attempts, contacting support, or navigating complex in-app menus ^R1^R4^R6^R8. Dave users also report difficulties canceling and continued charges .

Do Albert and Dave have hidden fees or unauthorized charges?

Albert users frequently report being charged for subscriptions they never agreed to or were unaware of, with charges continuing even after attempts to cancel ^R1^R4^R6^R8. Dave users have also reported being charged a $1 membership fee for years without noticing and undisclosed fees for cash advances .

Can I change my repayment date with Albert or Dave?

Albert users express a desire to change their repayment dates ^R15^R33, while Dave users explicitly state that they cannot change their repayment date, as the app automatically attempts to take repayment at 12:01 AM on their settlement date, which can cause issues with paychecks ^R64^R70.

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.

[R5] Albert 5/5 · US Great APP!!!: PHENOMENAL!!! Definitely helps with budgeting!!!
[R7] Albert 5/5 · US Great app: Easy to use and helpful when in need
[R9] Albert 5/5 · US Easy: There when you need. It’s quick and easy.
[R11] Albert 5/5 · US Albert: Real deal and great to have, even let you push your due date back plus more.
[R13] Albert 5/5 · US Great app: They are super easy to use and dont BS around like any other loan company. Weather you need a quick buck because you’re in a bind or need a large loan, it is instant and easy to use.
[R20] Albert 1/5 · US Just why: I’ve entered and reentered my information twice now. and for nearly three weeks it says verifying information may take 2-3 days what gives not this app. Do not recommend this app
[R1] Albert 1/5 · US Impossible to cancel subscription: Just as the title reads they keeps charging you and make it impossible to cancel your subscription.
[R4] Albert 1/5 · US Scam: This app is a scam. There is absolutely no way to cancel a membership (which I never agreed to btw) in the app; instead, they want you to text or call them. If you’re looking for money, this is NOT the app to use. They will steal from you and refuse to help in any way.
[R6] Albert 1/5 · US Nope.: Incredibly difficult to cancel subscription. They’ve been charging me for 2 years after I thought I cancelled it
[R8] Albert 1/5 · US Unreasonable Refund Policy: They’ll gladly take your money, make it inconvenient to cancel on the app itself, raise prices, and then tell you they don’t offer refunds. It goes against their policy.
[R21] Albert 4/5 · US I love this app: I really do love this app, but just recently it will not upload my saving statement I’ve gotten in contact with someone and still nothing And I don’t know what else to do because you can’t actually talk to someone.
[R34] Albert 1/5 · US WARNING: Do not ever use this app. They will deceptively enroll you in a paid subscription, and HOLD YOUR MONEY without being able to transfer it back out without going through multiple loopholes made to be as difficult as possible. “Support” is an AI bot which will refuse to make it better. Whatever you’re planning on doing with your money, do it literally anywhere else besides this app.
[R52] Albert 1/5 · US Customer service sucks: I tried logging in today, by mistake I entered my info wrong and it locked my account. I have tried to reach out to customer service and no one is helping, it’s all bots. I tried resetting my passwords multiple times and it’s still not letting me. Idk what to do anymore because I have money in that account and I cannot get any help. Do not use this app!
[R60] Albert 1/5 · US Horrible customer service Do Not: I recently set up an account with Albert and I have found that their customer service and communication is horribly lacking. I was trying to pay my instant cash account and I didn’t realize that you can’t do it through your debit card and it takes 2 to 3 days to do it through your bank account and in the meantime you’re getting charged for the late fees and the on
[R3] Albert 3/5 · US Average App.: I think it is an okay app, but I don't like having all my money gone when it is time to pay it back.
[R15] Albert 5/5 · US Amount is perfect for needs: Albert is good for my needs. I wish the payment date could be changed when requesting money. It is a good service.
[R33] Albert 4/5 · US Lifesaver: Would be nice to choose my repayment date
[R64] Dave 1/5 · US Please use any other Cash Advance app: Who is being paid to rate this app over 1-2 stars? This has to be the worst cash advance app ever. You can’t change your repayment date. I get paid on Thursday afternoons, I didn’t want to app to recognize I got paid on Thursdays and try to take the repayment at 12:01AM. AI bot says “Dave automatically attempts to take a smaller partial amount if the full amo
[R70] Dave 2/5 · US Recommend, slightly: The app is easy to use, fast deposits, and has a cheap monthly fee. However, whats frustrating me at the moment is I can’t update my pay schedule because you all use software that “detect” pay cycles. I get my paycheck deposited at 9pm PST Thursdays so the app has my settlement date set to Thursday. This causes an issue because it will debit whatever money I have in my account

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