Head-to-head
Dave vs EarnIn
Dave
75
Winner
Dave
EarnIn
70
Dave has a slight edge over EarnIn due to more consistent positive feedback on ease of use and reliability, despite both facing similar criticisms regarding fluctuating advance amounts and repayment timing.
Dave and EarnIn both offer cash advances, with users appreciating their ability to provide quick funds in a pinch. While both apps face criticism for inconsistent advance limits and repayment schedules, Dave appears to have a slightly more reliable user experience and clearer fee structure.
Head to head
Dave Dave users appreciate the quick access to funds and the ability to get an advance when needed R2R5. However, a significant number of users express frustration with inconsistent advance amounts, often seeing their limits decrease even after timely repayments R1R15R25. Some also mention issues with getting only half of the approved amount upfront, leading to multiple fees .
EarnIn EarnIn is praised for providing quick money and being helpful in emergencies . Similar to Dave, many users report issues with their advance limits being reduced without clear reasons, even after consistent use and timely payments . Some users also note that the app won't allow transfers if their account is in the negative .
Dave Many Dave users find the app easy to use and reliable for quick deposits R5R10R11. However, some report significant issues with the app locking them out R3, crashing frequently , or having difficulty reconnecting their bank accounts . Inconsistent settlement dates and the app debiting funds before paychecks clear are also common complaints R4R9R10R18.
EarnIn EarnIn users generally find the app easy to use . However, there are reports of the app not refreshing account information promptly and issues with the new GPS feature for work verification, which prevents some users from accessing funds . Like Dave, EarnIn also faces criticism for repayment timing, with some users experiencing overdrafts or funds being taken before their paycheck clears .
Dave Dave is noted for having cheap or very cheap fees R10R11R15. However, some users report undisclosed membership fees R29R47 and high fees for advances, especially for instant transfers . There's also a recurring $3 charge mentioned by a user who unsubscribed but couldn't stop the charges R7.
EarnIn EarnIn users acknowledge a fee for immediate transfers and the option to tip R66R98. While some find the fees minimal and upfront , others feel they pay more back than they borrowed R66 or that the app is a 'money grab' . There are also serious complaints about unauthorized charges and refusal to refund .
Dave Many Dave users report poor customer service, describing long waits, requests for already-provided information, and difficulty speaking to a human R7R18R35R59. Some users were locked out of their accounts for extended periods with no resolution from support R59.
EarnIn EarnIn also receives strong criticism for its customer support, with users describing it as poor, unhelpful, and often relying on bots that repeat information R70. Some users report being unable to contact support to fix issues like unauthorized charges or account problems .
Pick Dave if
You need a quick cash advance and value an app that is generally easy to use with relatively clear fees, and you're comfortable with the possibility of fluctuating advance limits R5R11.
Pick EarnIn if
You need a cash advance for emergencies and appreciate a service that can be a 'lifesaver' in tight situations, and you are comfortable with the tipping model and potential for fluctuating limits R98.
Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews, often highlighting similar issues. The lifetime ratings are very close, indicating a generally positive experience for many users, but recent negative feedback points to recurring problems with advance limits, repayment timing, and customer support for both platforms. The 'free to download' model for both apps means that some negative feedback might stem from users expecting more without paying for premium features or encountering friction with the free tier, but the reviews don't clearly distinguish this.
Frequently asked
Do Dave and EarnIn offer consistent cash advance amounts?
Are there hidden fees with Dave or EarnIn?
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.
- [R1] Dave Horrible app: You get approved for one amount and then by the next time your getting approved for a way lower amount even if you paid early. Have never experienced something like this. Horrible app. Because I didn’t work a week I got low balled. You are allowed to take vacations in life! Also the app doesn’t correctly get your information.
- [R2] Dave Dave: Love using Dave whenever I’m tight on money and can always pay it back early
- [R5] Dave Reliable: Very easy to use, very easy to pay back. Very reliable and trustworthy service. Always saving my behind when I need it. Thankful for their help.
- [R15] Dave Good app but…..: This app is good for getting money fast and it isn’t terribly expensive when paying back. BUT the major gripes about this app are the u can go from qualifying for 400 to 500 once and after paying the advance you drop down to 200 for the next advance. And the second gripe is you pay back the advance early and if you take another advance right then you pay back in the very same
- [R3] Dave Problem with app: There is some kind of problem with this app. Every time I use it it locks me out for days and it hasn’t just happened once it’s happened every single time I’ve used the app I get locked out for a couple of days.
- [R4] Dave 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
- [R9] Dave It’s ok but..: Just beware whether you have money in your account or not they will not wait for your check at the bank. They usually take it out at 12:01 AM on the day your check is supposed to be in the bank, my account is now in the negative until my check goes in..
- [R7] Dave terrible app: I tried contacting support but the process is taking forever and they keep asking for info they already have. However i unsubscribed from Dave and I’m still getting $3 charges and can’t get in contact to get into my account as I no longer have access to that email or number I used for the account. I’m tired of getting $3 taken from my bank account when I don’t even benefit from the a
- [R10] Dave 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
- [R11] Dave The best friend you need !: I love this app!! No bombarding me with notifications. Money is fast! Very cheap fees. Always dependable.
- [R18] Dave Inconsistent: My settlement date keeps changing and is not following my pay check schedule. It is so hard to talk to someone about any issue.
- [R35] Dave Trash: The only good thing is you have a chance to get a decent amount of money from this app. Everything else is trash, they’re inconsistent with settlement dates, how much they’ll let you borrow, and customer service is no help at all. Causes more problems than they claim to fix.
- [R59] Dave Not a fan of DAVES customer service…: I have been going back and forth with multiple reps in a single day to regain access to my DAVE account. I have been completely locked out of the app for going on 11 days. This was not my error this time I’d be the first to admit if it were me however someone in the backend office of GOOD OL DAVE SUSPENDED MY CARD AFTER 1 single payment not even a purchase. A
- [R25] Dave Less money: I pay you like clockwork every two weeks yet the amount I qualify for never goes up or is reduced. Stop this...
- [R27] Dave Thanks but no thanks: I been using for months and I got up to 500 to borrow and paid back every month no problem and now it went back down to 100.00. Great service I am uninstalling after this last payment.
- [R29] Dave Hidden membership fee.: They charged me 1 dollar membership a month for 2 years without me noticing. 😂
- [R47] Dave horrible app: I had this app quite a few years ago and I can definitely say this is the worst financial app ever. They make you pay undisclosed fees in order to get your cash advance and the FTC back in 2024 sued them for it. Not to mention if you are subscribe to this app, it's very difficult to cancel it I myself had to send a cease and desist letter in order for them to remove my information f
- [R66] EarnIn Earnin: I enjoy this app but when I request amount of funds it automatically send me whole 100.00 which I don’t need therefore this is a great apps. I notice the charge a fee if you need immediately or you have to wait one or two business day to receive your funds in your account.i notice I tips some time unfortunately when it time to repay the money back it seem I pay more back. I’m trying to und
- [R98] EarnIn Lifesaver: I have never been very smart with my money. I’ve left myself in situations where I need money before payday, I try not to let that happen very much. This app is great for when you’re in a pickle. Yes there’s a $3.99 fee for transferring instantly and yes they do ask for a tip, but you can choose the amount and I personally believe it’s worth it.
- [R70] EarnIn Poor Customer Service: They will take your money and they dont care about helping give anything unless you pay extra
Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store