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

EarnIn vs Dave

EarnIn 4.8★ · Free to download 75
Winner EarnIn
Dave 4.8★ · Free to download 70

While both EarnIn and Dave offer quick cash advances, EarnIn has a slight edge due to its more transparent fee structure and better handling of payment adjustments, despite some customer service complaints.

Full reviews: EarnIn · Dave

EarnIn and Dave both provide cash advances to help users bridge gaps between paychecks. EarnIn is praised for its reliability and upfront fees, though some users report issues with customer service and unexpected changes to borrowing limits. Dave is also seen as helpful in a pinch but faces criticism for inconsistent borrowing limits, automatic early withdrawals, and a recurring membership fee.

Head to head

Features & Flexibility edge: EarnInR15R16R22R24
EarnIn EarnIn users appreciate the ability to access money in real-time and find it helpful for emergencies R16R22R24. Some users, however, report issues with the app not supporting certain bank accounts and a new GPS feature making it difficult for some contractors to verify work . There are also complaints about reduced borrowing limits over time without clear reasons R15.
Dave Dave is valued for its fast deposits and the convenience of having an extra card R70. However, many users express frustration over inconsistent borrowing limits, with amounts decreasing even after timely repayments . The app's automatic detection of pay cycles can lead to early withdrawals, causing overdrafts R70.
Ease of Use & Reliability edge: EarnInR7R11R14R15
EarnIn Many EarnIn users find the app easy to use and reliable for getting funds on time R11. The process is described as simple and seamless R14. However, some report issues with the app not allowing transfers when an account is in the negative R7 and occasional unreliability in fund availability R15.
Dave Dave is generally considered easy to use with fast deposits R70. Despite this, users frequently report being locked out of the app R63 or experiencing app crashes R97. There are also difficulties in reconnecting banks and issues with the app incorrectly detecting pay schedules .
Price & Value edge: EarnInR6R14R38R50
EarnIn EarnIn users generally find the fees minimal and upfront R14. Instant transfers incur a fee (e.g., $3.99), and while tipping is requested, users can choose the amount R6R38R50. Some users are confused about paying back more than borrowed, especially with tips R6.
Dave Dave charges a monthly membership fee, which some users were unaware of or found difficult to cancel R67R89. Users also complain about high fees for advances, especially for instant transfers, stating they are higher than other platforms .
Customer Service & Support tieR1R10R23R35
EarnIn EarnIn receives significant criticism for its customer service, with users describing it as poor, unresponsive, and unhelpful R1R10. Many report dealing with bots or agents who repeat the same information . Issues like unauthorized charges and incorrect withdrawals are reportedly not resolved effectively R1R23R35.
Dave Dave's customer service is also a major pain point, with users reporting long processes, requests for already provided information, and difficulty contacting human support R67. Users are often locked out of accounts with no clear resolution from support .
Pick EarnIn if

You prioritize transparent fees and a generally reliable experience for cash advances, and are comfortable with a tipping model for instant transfers R14R38.

Pick Dave if

You need fast deposits and appreciate the option of having a dedicated card, and are willing to manage potential inconsistencies in borrowing limits and repayment schedules R70.

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews, often highlighting similar issues like customer service and repayment challenges. The free-to-download model for both means many negative reviews stem from users experiencing friction with limits, fees, or account access, which is common for such services.

Frequently asked

Do EarnIn and Dave allow you to change repayment dates?
EarnIn users report that the app can accommodate changes to due dates to align with paychecks R3, though one user mentioned a 60-day waiting period to reschedule payments R27. Dave users, however, frequently complain that they cannot change their repayment dates, which are automatically set based on detected pay cycles, often leading to early withdrawals and potential overdrafts R64R70.
Are there hidden fees with EarnIn or Dave?
EarnIn users generally find its fees minimal and upfront, primarily involving a fee for immediate transfers and an optional tip R14R38. Dave, on the other hand, has been criticized for a recurring monthly membership fee that some users were unaware of or found difficult to cancel, and for high advance fees R67R89.
Can I get locked out of my account with these apps?
Users of both EarnIn and Dave have reported issues with account access. EarnIn users mention difficulties with account deletion and changing bank information R9R31. Dave users frequently report being locked out of the app for days, experiencing app crashes, or having trouble reconnecting their bank accounts R63R97.

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. [R15] EarnIn 1/5 · US Zero benefits for long term customers: I know now what to expect from earnings app & the un reliability when it comes to having the funds available when I need them to pay bills is something I unfortunately can’t risk. I’ve never payed late but the needle is constantly pushed back, I use to be able to withdraw 1250$ per pay period then they reduced it to 1100$ with zero valid reasons as to why. I
  2. [R16] EarnIn 5/5 · US It is LEGIT!!: I was very skeptical about opening a account and give my bank information. But this is Legit, I honestly couldn’t find any other way to access money and I was thinking on a loan, but I am not needing a loan anymore since I can access my money in real time earlier. Thank you!!
  3. [R22] EarnIn 5/5 · US Great for emergencies: This app has helped me so much! Anytime I’m low on funds I can just borrow and pay back later. Awesome for emergencies.
  4. [R24] EarnIn 5/5 · US Blessing: It’s important to know that this service can get you stuck in a loop of borrow and repay. So use sparingly. But whenever I get in the loop I can easily get out. This service has been a life saver for emergency vet bills, last minute groceries, unexpected medical expenses and gas tank refills on many occasions. People like me who don’t have much saved up it has helped me so much when I ne
  5. [R7] EarnIn 1/5 · US Pointless App: This is pointless. If you can’t transfer money when your account is in the negative - what’s the point??
  6. [R11] EarnIn 5/5 · US Always on Time: Always there when needed
  7. [R14] EarnIn 5/5 · US Nice app and service: I enjoy the Earnin app and the service is really simple and seamless. All the fees (which are extremely minimal) are up front and easy to understand. I was skeptical of something like this before, but it’s been a really nice thing to know I have when and if I need it.
  8. [R6] EarnIn 3/5 · US 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
  9. [R38] EarnIn 5/5 · US 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 $3.99 fee for transferring instantly and yes they do ask for a tip, but you can choose the amount and I personally believe it’s worth it.
  10. [R50] EarnIn 4/5 · US Slightly convenient: I actually don’t care for the tipping aspect when there is already a fee
  11. [R1] EarnIn 1/5 · US Stolen: They have taken over 700$ in pay back before time it was 499$ and now and extra 300 was taken out of my account and no you can not contact customer service or support to fix this issue so im out an extra 300$ out of my paycheck never again it is being deleted after tears with them
  12. [R10] EarnIn 1/5 · US Poor Customer Service: They will take your money and they dont care about helping give anything unless you pay extra
  13. [R23] EarnIn 1/5 · US Refuse to refund unauthorized charges: I am shocked by the experience I went through with this card and unauthorized charges. They claimed because a digital token was used, they could not prove any fraud took place and refused to refund the charges. Mind you this after I presented evidence that I’ve never used the card before at the specific store sites and showed someone trying to use my card AGA
  14. [R35] EarnIn 1/5 · US They will not refund your money when they improperly charge you: I have used them for years. I have had a couple of hiccups with them, which is normal, but they have always corrected the issues this time around. They charged me at the wrong time. I had to place a stop payment with my bank then they promised me that if I had screenshots, they would reimburse the fee after they improperly charged me
  15. [R3] EarnIn 3/5 · US Exceptional app: So far, so excellent! They changed my due date to accommodate my paycheck, this app is exceptionally aware!
  16. [R27] EarnIn 1/5 · US SCAM BEWARE DONT DOWNLOAD: I had no choice but to close my account. First they won’t allow you to reschedule payments until 60 days… why do I have to wait 2 months? Cus they want money. Next they will take money out of your account even if you don’t have money.. why? Cus they want money. Lastly even if you explain why you can’t pay it back at that date they will keep giving you a hard time in doin
  17. [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
  18. [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
  19. [R67] 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
  20. [R89] Dave 1/5 · US Hidden membership fee.: They charged me 1 dollar membership a month for 2 years without me noticing. 😂
  21. [R9] EarnIn 3/5 · US Changing Banks: I really like EarnIn but I needed to change banks. I changed it they still used my old account. Now I have overdraft fees!!!
  22. [R31] EarnIn 1/5 · US Luv: I do not want to set up a direct deposit account I do no see where I can delete my information it will not let go back an I don’t see it on here never seen a app like this! I want my account deleted ! Just started today don’t owe nothing I changed my mind. I don’t like the way the service operates so I would like to have my account deleted.!
  23. [R63] Dave 3/5 · US 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.
  24. [R97] Dave 1/5 · US Horrible system: First off the app crashes at least twice a week to where you can’t access it for a whole day. And then they just said that they sent 50 bucks to my bank and that I owe them for it, though it never got it and now the app is crashed so I can’t do anything about it other than cancel my card.

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