5 Apps Like Dave [2026]: Get a Jump on Payday

Dave is a popular mobile financial services app that offers a range of features, but the app is probably best known for its ExtraCash™ Advances of up to $500¹ <p>Dave is not a bank. Banking services provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. The Dave Debit Card is issued under a license from Mastercard®. ExtraCash amounts range from $25-$500, typically approved within 5 minutes, with an overdraft fee equal to the greater of $5 or 5%. Multiple overdrafts may be required. Not all members qualify for ExtraCash and few qualify for $500. ExtraCash is repayable on demand. Must open an ExtraCash overdraft deposit account and Dave Checking account. Up to $5 monthly membership fee for ExtraCash, Income Opportunity Services, and Financial Management Services. Optional 1.5% fee for external debit card transfers. See <a href="https://dave.com/">dave.com</a>.</p> . However, you might want an alternative if you'd rather avoid Dave's required monthly fee, get a longer repayment term, or potentially borrow more money between paychecks.

We researched several other money apps that offer cash advances or short-term loans to help you make ends meet. We found that Chime®, Current² <p><b>Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC</b>. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.</p> , and MoneyLion are the best choices for most users, as they offer large maximum cash advances and additional features to support your financial journey.

Compare cash advance and other money apps like Dave

App	Great for…	Maximum cash advance
Chime®3 <p class="">Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.&nbsp;<br></p>	Early paychecks4 <p> Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.</p>	Up to $500 (based on eligibility) with MyPay®5 <p>MyPay® line of credit provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. MyPay services provided by Chime Capital, LLC (NMLS 2316451).</p> <p>To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. Other restrictions may apply. See <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/bancorp/mypay/">Bancorp MyPay Agreement</a> or <a href="https://www.chime.com/early-pay/mypay/">Stride MyPay Agreement</a> for details.</p>
EarnIn	Instant cash	Access up to $150 per day with a max of $1,000 between paydays (based on eligibility)
MoneyLion	Money management features	Up to $500 (up to $1,000 for qualifying users; based on eligibility)
Current	Large lump-sum advances	Up to $750 (based on eligibility)
Cleo	Gig workers and freelancers	Up to $250 (maximum of $100 for first-time users)6 <p>Subject to eligibility. Amounts are based on accrued, unpaid income and range from $150- $500 for existing users, and $150- $180 for first-time users. To qualify for up to $500 you must direct deposit at least $750/month. Amounts subject to change. Same day transfers subject to express fees. See <a href="https://web.meetcleo.com/faqs">here</a> for more info.</p>

1. Chime®

Chime®³ <p class="">Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.&nbsp;<br></p> is a general financial services app that offers quick, interest-free cash advances of up to $500 through its Chime MyPay® service. You have to open and set up direct deposit to a Chime® Checking account and be in an eligible state to qualify. ⁵ <p>MyPay® line of credit provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. MyPay services provided by Chime Capital, LLC (NMLS 2316451).</p> <p>To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. Other restrictions may apply. See <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/bancorp/mypay/">Bancorp MyPay Agreement</a> or <a href="https://www.chime.com/early-pay/mypay/">Stride MyPay Agreement</a> for details.</p> So, if you're happy with your existing checking account or live in an ineligible state, I recommend exploring other Dave alternatives.

Once you've got a Chime® Checking account and direct deposit set up, though, you could also get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit ⁴ <p> Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.</p> .If you find yourself short of cash right before payday, I think early direct deposit might reduce your need for cash advances.

Visit Chime | Read our Chime review

2. EarnIn

I think EarnIn is great if you need a significant cash cushion between paydays. Of the options on this list, it offers the largest maximum cash advance ($1,000) between paychecks and you can get paid up to $150 per day multiple times. ¹¹ <p>EarnIn is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit <a href="https://www.earnin.com/">EarnIn.com</a> for full details</p> Dave, for reference, offers only lump-sum loans. If you're really in a pinch, you can even get your funds instantly with EarnIn for a fee of $3.99-$5.99.

However, the maximum potential payment of $1,000 between paydays is only available after you've been on the app for some time. Also, if you need more than $150 at a time, you'll have to request multiple advances. So, EarnIn isn't ideal if you're a new user or need larger lump-sum advances.

Another interesting feature is EarnIn's Balance Shield, which automatically transfers up to $100 to your linked bank account when it falls below a set threshold. I find this feature great if you'd like a small buffer to help you avoid overdrafting and incurring bank fees.

Visit EarnIn | Read our EarnIn review

3. MoneyLion

If you're looking for a Dave alternative with a wide range of money management tools and features, I consider MoneyLion a great option. Beyond letting you borrow money between paychecks, the app offers mobile banking services, credit-builder loans, budgeting tools, managed investing, and the option to earn rewards for gaming.

In fact, if you engage with certain features, like using MoneyLion's virtual RoarMoney^SM cashback card for the first time, you can get a temporary increase to your limit in MoneyLion's Instacash® cash advance tool.¹³ <p>Instacash® is an optional service offered by MoneyLion. Your available Instacash® Advance limit will be displayed to you in the MoneyLion mobile app and may change from time to time. Your limit will be based on your direct deposits, account transaction history, and other factors as determined by MoneyLion. Expedited delivery requires Turbo Fee. See Instacash® <a href="https://www.moneylion.com/terms-and-conditions/#ml-instacash">Terms and Conditions</a> for more information and eligibility requirements.</p> I also like that MoneyLion offers early direct deposits, which might reduce your reliance on cash advances.

However, it can take up to five business days for cash advance funds to be sent to an external bank account using the standard method. Plus, some services, such as investment accounts and credit-building, may incur fees. So, you might want to consider other options for faster free transfers and minimal overall fees.

Visit MoneyLion

4. Current

Similar to MoneyLion, Current offers features beyond cash advances, including bank accounts, credit cards, and investments. ¹⁵ <p><b>Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC.</b>.</p>

However, it stands out for its cash advance maximum of $750, which doesn't require using certain features to qualify like MoneyLion does ¹⁶ <p>Paycheck Advance is for eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. For more information, please refer to <a href="https://cdn.current.com/agreements/paycheck_advance_terms_11_25_2024.pdf">Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions</a>.</p> . I like that this is more generous than Dave and some other alternatives offer.

To qualify for cash advances, you need to have at least $200 in eligible payroll deposits put into your Current account each month. So, I think it may not be ideal if you're already cash-strapped or prefer to keep your paycheck deposits with your current bank. Plus, it's not available in certain states, which will affect whether Current is even an option for you.

Visit Current | Read our Current review

5. Cleo

If you do freelance work like me, you probably know it can be harder to get access to credit. While many cash advance apps require you to have a traditional job with demonstrated, regular pay, Cleo has more flexible income requirements. This makes it ideal for those of us who don't get paid on a regular schedule. For example, you can show cash or check deposits to confirm freelance income.

However, this flexibility comes with a lower maximum cash advance limit than several other Dave alternatives, and if you're a brand-new user, it's only $100. I recommend looking into other options if you need larger advances and can meet the app's requirements.

You don't need to pay for a subscription to use Cleo, but it does make it easier to get an advance. Users who aren't subscribed to Cleo Plus or Cleo Builder must contact customer service directly via email to apply for an advance. You might find this a hassle.

Visit Cleo | Read our Cleo review

What to know before using cash advance apps

Dave and other cash advance apps can seem like an easy way to get money when you're in a tight spot, and they cost much less than a traditional payday loan. However, they still come with some risks you should be aware of:

• Overreliance: If you already struggle to pay the bills, cash advance apps can become a crutch you end up relying on for the long term. Their availability might keep you from seeking other solutions, like reducing expenses or increasing income, that improve your long-term financial health.
• Financial stress: Even if you can get the money you temporarily need with these apps, having to borrow and repay the loans can be stressful. These apps often require short repayment times, which doesn't leave much room for error. If you don't repay the loan as agreed, you might face fees or lose access to future cash advances.
• Potential scams: While there are many legit cash advance apps, others can seem predatory or steal your information. That's why it's important to find one with a good reputation and BBB rating, which indicates a certain level of legitimacy, and to read the app's terms and conditions.
• Potential hidden costs: Even if a cash advance app charges no interest or mandatory fees, additional charges can add up depending on how you use it. For example, some apps ask for "tips" when you take an advance or charge money every time you want to get your funds faster.

Due to these risks, I recommend researching any cash advance app beforehand, working on budgeting and building an emergency fund, and considering financial counseling if you find yourself relying on cash advances. They're best treated as a short-term fix until you can become more financially stable.

Bottom line

You can only stretch a dollar so far, and you might just need that payday to arrive a little earlier than scheduled.

EarnIn, MoneyLion, Current, Chime, and other Dave alternatives help you do just that. I recommend comparing all your options carefully to find one that offers the loan amount you need, minimizes fees, and has requirements you can meet.

If Dave doesn't seem like a good choice and you're curious about more options than what we've covered here, check out our list of the best cash advance apps.

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4.5

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No fees for standard speed transfers

Can work for any employer as long as you have a consistent schedule

There’s no hard or soft credit check + service won’t impact your credit score

You can access up to $750 between paydays