Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

Dave ExtraCash Review

Item: Dave ExtraCash
Rating: 6.8
Author: REPLACE WITH REAL NAME

Up to $500 before payday with a flat percentage fee.

By REPLACE WITH REAL NAME, REPLACE — e.g. 8 years covering consumer credit · Reviewed by REPLACE WITH REAL NAME · Updated September 2026

Score 6.8

You are on step 3: Paycheck advance apps

Advertiser disclosure: we're paid when you apply through some links on this site, and some lenders here are operated by our parent company. Compensation does not change our scores or the order of the cost ladder. How we make money →

What you'll learn

Cost to know: Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.
Still an option for: Bank account active 60+ days with recurring deposits.
Cheaper first: free help on step 1.

Still an option for: Bank account active 60+ days with recurring deposits.

Our verdict

“Dave ExtraCash offers up to $500 with a simpler fee model than most apps: a membership fee of up to $5 a month plus a flat 5% per advance ($5 minimum, $15 maximum), and 1.5% more for an express transfer to an outside bank. Predictable, but not free — a $300 advance with express delivery costs about $20.”

Who it's for

People who want a known, one-time fee, need up to $500, and have a bank account that's been active 60 days with recurring deposits.

Who should skip it

Anyone who would use it every month — the 5% fee compounds — and anyone who qualifies for EarnIn or MoneyLion at no mandatory cost.

What it costs, in dollars

Read the fees and the total repaid, not only the advertised rate.

ExtraCash

$5–$500

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.

Requirements

What the lender says you need before it will consider you.

Linked account active 60+ days, recurring deposits, 18+, US address, SSN.

How fast: Free in 2–3 business days; instant with a fee.

Where it's available

We're still verifying where this is offered.

How we scored it

Cost transparency (25%)6 / 10
Layered fees: membership + 5% + express
Total cost vs. peers (20%)7 / 10
Accessibility (20%)7 / 10
Speed (10%)8 / 10
Repayment flexibility (10%)6 / 10
Customer experience (15%)7 / 10
Desk research 24 Sep 2026 — BBB A+ accredited; FTC lawsuit Nov 2024 over undisclosed fees; CFPB complaints led by inability to stop withdrawals; app 4.7–4.8★.
Sources: ftc.gov; bbb.org

Cheaper options to check first

Nothing cheaper is verified for this situation yet.

Similar lenders

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

EarnIn

Access pay you've already earned, with no mandatory fees.

Score 8.0

Still an option for

Steady paycheck with a consistent schedule and a linked checking account. Not available in Connecticut.

Amount

$0–$150

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 1–2 business days; about 30 minutes with Lightning Speed ($3.99–$5.99).

One honest con

Tips and speed fees add up if you use it every pay period; limits vary by user.

See rates at EarnIn →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

Best for

W-2 and hourly workers who need up to $150/day, $1,000+/pay period, and can wait a day or two.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Cash Out

$0–$150

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

What you need: Linked checking account, verifiable work/pay schedule, direct-deposit history.

Not for: Gig workers with irregular pay; anyone who needs more than their earned wages so far.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

MoneyLion Instacash

Advances up to $500 — or $1,000 with a RoarMoney direct deposit — with no mandatory fees.

Score 6.9

Still an option for

Checking account 60+ days old with three recurring direct deposits from the same employer.

Amount

$25–$1,000

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 1–5 business days; instant (Turbo) for $0.49–$8.99.

One honest con

Turbo fees and tip prompts; standard delivery can take up to 5 business days to an outside bank.

See rates at MoneyLion Instacash →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

No mandatory fees. Turbo delivery $0.49–$8.99. Up to $500 standard, up to $1,000 with RoarMoney direct deposit.

Best for

Salaried workers who can move direct deposit to RoarMoney for a higher limit.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Instacash

$25–$1,000

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday (defer up to 2 weeks once per cycle)

No mandatory fees. Turbo delivery $0.49–$8.99. Up to $500 standard, up to $1,000 with RoarMoney direct deposit.

What you need: 18+, US resident, photo ID, checking account 60+ days old, 3+ recurring direct deposits from one employer.

Not for: People with irregular deposits; anyone who needs money today without paying a Turbo fee.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

Brigit

Cash advances up to $500 bundled with budgeting and credit-builder tools.

Score 6.7

Still an option for

Bank account active 60+ days, positive balance, three recurring deposits from one source.

Amount

$50–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 2–3 business days; within 20 minutes for $0.99–$5.99.

One honest con

Requires a paid plan ($8.99 Plus or $15.99 Premium per month); Maine residents capped at $250.

See rates at Brigit →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Requires Plus ($8.99/mo) or Premium ($15.99/mo). Express delivery $0.99–$5.99. Maine max $250.

Best for

People who will actually use the budgeting tools and want advances without tips.

See the full cost and what you need ↓

Instant Cash

$50–$500

Term: Repaid on your next payday
Payments: Auto-debit on payday

Requires Plus ($8.99/mo) or Premium ($15.99/mo). Express delivery $0.99–$5.99. Maine max $250.

What you need: Account active 60+ days, balance above $0, 3+ recurring deposits from the same source, Brigit score 40+.

Not for: Anyone who just needs a one-off advance — the subscription makes a single $75 advance expensive.

Alternatives to Dave ExtraCash →

Keep comparing

Three useful next stops before you choose a lender.

GuideTribal loans explained Free help211 and emergency assistance CalculatorLoan-cost calculator

Availability varies by state.

See rates at Dave ExtraCash →Check your state

Last verified September 24, 2026

Fee model verified 24 Sep 2026 (support.dave.com, updated Jun 2026; NerdWallet Apr 2026): membership up to $5/month; 5% per advance, $5 min / $15 max; 1.5% express to external card. No state exclusions published.

See rates at Dave ExtraCash →