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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Afterpay vs Dave

Afterpay 4.9★ · Free to download 65
Winner Tie
Dave 4.8★ · Free to download 60

Afterpay is generally better for planned purchases with its interest-free installment plans, while Dave is better for immediate cash needs and avoiding overdrafts, despite its fees and inconsistent advance limits.

Full reviews: Afterpay · Dave

Afterpay offers interest-free installment payments for purchases, but users report frequent account freezes and poor customer service. Dave provides cash advances and budgeting tools, but struggles with inconsistent advance limits, high fees, and issues with repayment timing.

Head to head

Core Functionality & Ease of Use tieR1R2R5R11
Afterpay Afterpay users appreciate the ability to make purchases with four easy, interest-free payments, both online and in-store R2R5R11R17. However, many recent reviews highlight significant issues with the app, including frequent 'something went wrong' errors at checkout R1, problems with single-use cards , and difficulties with autofill on merchant sites like Walmart . Some users also report being unable to log in or create accounts due to technical glitches R26.
Dave Dave is praised for being easy to use and providing quick cash advances for emergencies . Users find it helpful for budgeting and avoiding overdrafts . However, a recurring problem is the app locking users out for days after use . Some also find the repayment process takes too long or that the app's detection of pay cycles can lead to early debits, causing overdrafts R72R90R94.
Spending Limits & Eligibility tieR2R3R6R9
Afterpay Afterpay users appreciate having spending limits that enable purchases they couldn't afford upfront R2R11. However, many report arbitrary and significant reductions in their spending limits, even after years of good payment history R6R9. Some users with high limits are still denied eligibility for in-store cards R3, and others find their approved limits are not fully usable at certain stores .
Dave Dave is valued for increasing cash advance limits over time with consistent repayment . However, a significant number of users complain about inconsistent and arbitrary reductions in their approved advance amounts, even when paying back early . High-income users also report being given surprisingly low advance offers .
Fees & Value edge: AfterpayR11R17R33R39
Afterpay Afterpay is highly praised for its no-interest payment model, which users compare favorably to traditional layaway or high-interest credit cards R11R17R39. While some users previously noted issues with interest on gift cards, this appears to have been resolved R33. However, some users feel misled by promotional offers that turn out to be standard payment plans rather than true credits .
Dave Dave users generally find the fees fair for the convenience of cash advances . However, many express frustration over high fees, such as $5 per draw, and the inability to draw the full approved amount at once, leading to multiple fees R61R67R100. There are also complaints about a hidden monthly membership fee, sometimes charged for years without notice R92.
Customer Service & Support tieR7R10R20R26
Afterpay Afterpay receives widespread criticism for its customer service, with users describing it as unresponsive, unhelpful, and difficult to access R7R10. Many report issues with account freezes and identity verification that are not resolved even after providing requested documentation R20. Users also struggle with login issues and account access that support cannot fix R26.
Dave Dave's customer service also draws significant complaints, with users finding the AI chatbot more helpful than human support . Many report slow processes and repeated requests for information already provided R92. Some users have experienced severe issues, such as Dave allegedly changing their bank information at their job, leading to misdirected paychecks, with customer service offering no resolution . However, some users report positive experiences with quick responses and helpful staff .
Repayment & Account Management tieR6R7R9R13
Afterpay Afterpay users appreciate the flexibility of split payments and the ability to get purchases upfront R17. However, the app is criticized for strict repayment policies, such as significantly lowering spending limits for payments that are only an hour late R6R9. Some users report being banned or having accounts frozen indefinitely due to payment malfunctions on Afterpay's side or for small overdue amounts, even in difficult personal circumstances R13. There are also reports of double charging or taking money without placing orders R7.
Dave Dave users like the easy repayment process . However, a major point of contention is the app's tendency to attempt to debit repayments at 12:01 AM on payday, often before the user's paycheck has cleared, leading to overdrafts R72R78R90. Some users also report Dave taking more money than owed or making multiple transaction pulls, causing negative balances . There are also complaints about unsolicited text messages and predatory repayment practices .
Pick Afterpay if

You want to split purchases into interest-free installments and value getting items upfront R17. You are confident in making payments on time and can navigate potential customer service challenges R2R11.

Pick Dave if

You need quick cash advances for emergencies or to avoid overdrafts . You are comfortable with potential fees and managing repayment timing carefully to avoid early debits .

Evidence note: Both apps have a high lifetime rating, but recent reviews for both show a significant negative skew, particularly concerning customer service, account access, and inconsistent functionality. Many users report similar frustrations across both platforms regarding support and arbitrary account changes.

Frequently asked

Does Afterpay charge interest?
No, Afterpay is praised by users for its no-interest payment model, allowing purchases to be split into four equal installments without additional interest charges R17R39.
Can I use Afterpay in-store?
Yes, Afterpay can be used for in-store purchases, but some users report issues with eligibility for the Afterpay card needed for in-store use, even with high spending limits R3R5.
What are the fees for Dave cash advances?
Dave charges fees for cash advances, with some users reporting a $5 fee per draw and additional fees if the full amount is not taken at once R61R67R100. There is also a monthly membership fee, which some users were unaware of R92.
How does Dave handle repayment dates?
Dave automatically attempts to debit repayments at 12:01 AM on the detected payday, which often causes issues for users whose paychecks don't hit until later in the day, leading to overdrafts R72R78R90R94.

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. [R1] Afterpay 1/5 · US Cant Use After Years of Building: I recently tried using Afterpay for a purchase that I couldn’t afford to pay all at once. Every time I reached checkout, the app let me select a payment plan like everything was working, but as soon as I confirmed it, I got a generic “Something went wrong” error. This happened every single time. What makes this even more frustrating is that I have a $3,000 spendi
  2. [R2] Afterpay 5/5 · US Love! Love! Love!: Afterpay is the absolute best company on the internet! Without Afterpay I couldn’t afford a lot of the items I’ve purchased. Thank you Afterpay for spoiling me rotten!
  3. [R5] Afterpay 5/5 · US Super helpful: Helps me buy what I need either in-store or online. The gift cards help with grocery shopping when short on cash and the customer service is always helpful if I have any questions are issues. 1000% recommend
  4. [R11] Afterpay 5/5 · US Buying things I want.: I’ve been able to buy my Michael korrs purses. Get massages and never worry about having to come up with everything up front. I have the freedom to enjoy making 4 easy payments no interest.
  5. [R3] Afterpay 3/5 · US It’s good but..: This app is great the only thing is Ive been using it for a while and have a lot of money I can use for my limit but they don’t give eligibility to everyone for them to have a afterpay card where they can use it in store so you would think with what I have they would trust me enough for the card but according to the support team they practically pick and choose who gets the card m
  6. [R6] Afterpay 3/5 · US One hour missed payment?!: You guys really dropped my spending limit $700 for a missed payment that was one hour late wow I don’t know about using you guys anymore because that’s just ridiculous. I had an $1800 spending limit and I miss my payment by one hour and you guys drop my spending limit to only $1100. Shame on you. It wasn’t even a whole day overdue and you guys decrease my spending limit
  7. [R9] Afterpay 3/5 · US Its okay: Afterpay is okay. But they only thing i dont like is when they try to take a payment off your card at 6 in the morning and you paycheck dont hit till 3-4 in the afternoon and once it hit you make a payment and they lower your credit limit down. And they say you are late even though the day is not over with. I like zip way bettet
  8. [R17] Afterpay 5/5 · US No interest!: I really love and appreciate Afterpay! It is convenient, easy to use and no interest! It’s like using the old school “lay away” payment form before high interest credit cards were the payment of choice. Unlike “lay away”, you pay equal installments and get your purchases up front. You don’t have to pay anything off before you get your purchase!😃 It’s a great way to take control of yo
  9. [R33] Afterpay 5/5 · US Listened to My Last Review: Thank you for getting rid of the silly interest on gift card purchases, and also bringing back making payments with credit cards.
  10. [R39] Afterpay 5/5 · US Thanks Afterpay: Thank you for not having the interest rate anymore especially when I’m going through a difficult time with a relationship! Thank you!
  11. [R7] Afterpay 1/5 · US worst shopping experience ever: I will try to be as succinct as possible as I have already probably wasted 10 hours plus dealing with their alleged customer service team, customer service managers, etc. Long story short, they invoiced me twice, exact duplicates, for an order I made around Christmas 2025. Around that same time I also ordered two books for which they charged me over $150 but actua
  12. [R10] Afterpay 1/5 · US Horrible theives: This company should be sued til they don’t have a cent left. Unresponsive customer service. Website doesn’t work. Harass you for payments that are NOT DUE YET!!! Do not use them, you’ve been warned
  13. [R20] Afterpay 2/5 · US Identity Verification: I cannot verify identity and everything is correct , chat is no help
  14. [R26] Afterpay 1/5 · US App doesn’t make sense: I downloaded this app after hearing how great it was. It was all good until it came to paying. It said that I couldn’t pay with the app since “I didn’t exist”. So I decided to delete everything and restart again. I downloaded the app again and it keeps saying that I already have an account. But I deleted that account. So now I can’t use it. Please let me know what I can do,
  15. [R13] Afterpay 1/5 · US Horrible policies: The same thing happened to me that happened to meany others. They discriminate against those who are poor and lower income despite the fact that those are the people they target. If you let even the smallest bill be overdue for too long, even if you were hospitalized several times, jobless, nearly homeless, broke, no way to pay it. And then eventually pay it off in full. It does
  16. [R61] Dave 2/5 · US High fees: I’ve used Dave for years but they are using tricks to have you come out of pocket with unnecessary fees. There are a lot out there that have better terms.
  17. [R67] 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.
  18. [R92] Dave 1/5 · US 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
  19. [R100] Dave 1/5 · US This app is trash: They will tell you what your approved amount is but you can only get half of it upfront and the other half after. This will cause 2 different fees. They are scamming people
  20. [R72] Dave 3/5 · US 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..
  21. [R78] Dave 1/5 · US Not worth it: Honestly, don’t even waste your time getting this app. It goes based off of when you’re gonna get paid next and obviously people don’t get paid at 12 o’clock in the morning and they try to pull out the money more than once throughout the day whether you get it or not, the “customer service” they have is bs you’re better going to the Bridget app never once had a problem with them tryi
  22. [R90] 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
  23. [R94] 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