Jan 18, 2026

Money Apps Like Dave: 8 Helpful Alternatives 

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Dave isn’t the only player in the game anymore. Whether you’re fed up with complicated fees, looking for cash advance apps like Dave with no subscription, or just want more flexibility, 2026 is packed with money apps like Dave that don’t make you jump through confusing hoops. 

We scoped out the top contender for apps like Dave that offer quick access to cash, flexible repayment, and features that make your financial life a little easier (without a side of fine print). 


MoneyLion offers a service to help you find personal loan offers. Based on the information you provide, you can get matched with offers for up to $100,000 from our top providers. You can compare rates, terms, and fees from different lenders and choose the best offer for you.


Ready to upgrade your financial toolkit? Many of these apps like Dave outshine the original – some with no subscriptions, others with fast funding or smart features.

MoneyLion delivers complete financial control in one platform. With MoneyLion’s Instacash, you can qualify for up to $500 (or even up to $1,0001) with no interest, no credit checks, and no mandatory fees2. Instacash is not a loan, but rather a way to get a cash advance that is as simple as linking your bank account where you receive regular income.

Instacash is part of MoneyLion’s comprehensive financial ecosystem, featuring tools like credit monitoring, budgeting, and investment accounts if you’re into long-term goals. It helps meet your needs like the other apps like Dave, but with advanced features to elevate your financial journey.

  • Advance amounts: Up to $500 (can increase up to $1,0001 with RoarMoneySM)

  • Fees: No mandatory fees or interest, but there is a Turbo fee for delivery within minutes.

  • Funding time: Standard delivery in 2 to 5 business days, or within minutes for a fee.

  • Repayment: Automatically deducted on your next direct deposit date or agreed-upon date. 

Pros

Cons

✅ No interest, no credit check

❎ You’ll need to link a bank account

✅ No mandatory fees for standard transfers

❎ Optional “turbo” fees for fast transfers can add up over time

✅ Simple setup process – just link your bank account with regular deposits

​​❎ Maximum advance amounts may be limited for new users

👉 7 Best Cash Advance Apps: Fast, Fair, & Transparent

If you’re just looking for fast cash without all the complexity, FloatMe nails the basics. It’s a cash advance app like Dave for people who want a clean, no-fuss experience. FloatMe gives you up to $50 to start, with potential to raise that limit as you build history. There’s no tipping required, and while there’s a small monthly fee, it’s one of the most affordable on the market. It’s perfect for small, urgent expenses like gas, groceries, or avoiding an overdraft. You can learn more at floatme.com.

  • Advance amounts: $10 to $50 initially

  • Fees: $4.99 and instant transfer fees ranging from $1 to $7

  • Funding time: Same day

  • Repayment: On next payday

Pros

Cons

✅ Straightforward interface

❎ Small advance amounts

✅ Low subscription fee

❎ Fewer features than others

✅ No tipping required

​​❎ Not ideal for large emergencies

Brigit is a powerhouse if you’re looking for a cash advance without worrying about your credit score. The app offers up to $250 in advances, paired with automatic budgeting, credit tracking, and identity theft protection. Yes, there’s a subscription fee, but what you get in return is a full financial toolkit, not just a cash lifeline. If you’re rebuilding credit or want an app that helps you stay ahead of your money rather than chase it, Brigit’s a top pick among loan apps like Dave. Check out hellobrigit.com for more details. 

  • Advance amounts: Up to $250

  • Fees: $8.99-$14.99 per month (membership)

  • Funding time: Same day

  • Repayment: On next payday or scheduled deposit

Pros

Cons

✅ Real-time alerts and fraud protection

❎ Paid membership required

✅ No credit check

❎ Max advance lower than some apps

✅ Simple repayment process

​​❎ May require stable deposit history

👉 Apps Like Brigit: Best Alternatives

Chime isn’t just a bank alternative; it’s a cash advance app for folks who already use it for checking. Its SpotMe feature lets you overdraw your account by up to $200, with no overdraft fees (as long as you have qualifying direct deposits). The advance is automatic and kicks in when you swipe your Chime card. It’s not quite a traditional loan app, but if you want an embedded experience that works in the background, Chime does it right. See more on their website: chime.com

  • Advance amounts: Up to $500

  • Fees: $2 fee for instant advances, and a $2.50 fee for out-of-network ATM withdrawals or over-the-counter withdrawals

  • Funding time: Instantly available for a fee or within 24 hours

  • Repayment: When the next deposit hits your account

Pros

Cons

✅ Seamless if you bank with Chime

❎ Requires qualifying direct deposit

✅ No overdraft or interest fees

❎ Max limit ($500) is lower than some competitors

✅ No subscription fee

​​❎ Not ideal if you don’t use Chime as your main account

👉 8 Apps Like Chime: Best Alternatives 👉 Apps Like Earnin: Best Alternatives

Looking for a cash advance like Dave without the fees or subscriptions? Klover lets you access up to $200 with no credit check, no interest, and no monthly charge. Instead of tips, you can “earn” faster access by watching ads, answering surveys, or connecting your bank account. It’s not the flashiest app, but it’s one of the few apps like Dave with no subscription that gives you multiple ways to unlock funds fast. Ideal if you’re cool with trading a little attention for a little more money. Learn more at joinklover.com.

  • Advance amounts: Up to $200

  • Fees: No monthly fee; optional expedited fees

  • Funding time: Minutes to a few hours

  • Repayment: Automatically deducted on next payday

Pros

Cons

✅ No subscription required

❎ You’ll watch ads or complete tasks for faster cash

✅ No credit check

❎ Lower max amount

✅ Quick to use

​​❎ Fewer financial tools than competitors

Albert is more than just a money app; it’s like having a robo-advisor in your pocket. It offers cash advances up to $250, but the real value is in its Genius subscription, which includes personalized financial advice and savings tools. While it’s not the cheapest option, the app makes up for it with features that can help you build smarter habits, not just survive until payday. If you want money apps like Dave that also help you get ahead, not just get by, Albert is a strong contender. Visit albert.com for more details! 

  • Advance amounts: Up to $250

  • Fees: $8+/month for Genius (optional)

  • Funding time: Within minutes with express delivery

  • Repayment: On next paycheck or agreed-upon date

Pros

Cons

✅ Doesn’t always require direct deposit

❎ Monthly fee applies for some users

✅ Financial advice tools included

❎ Requires Genius membership for full features

✅ Easy mobile app

​​❎ Limited free features

Empower gives you access to up to $250 before your payday, along with features like automatic savings and spending tracking. It’s a good option if you’re looking for lending apps like Dave that also help you build a financial buffer. The app isn’t entirely free as it charges a monthly fee but many users appreciate its holistic approach to financial health. Plus, it doesn’t require direct deposit to qualify, making it more flexible than many of its competitors. Read more at empower.com if you’d like more details on Empower. 

  • Loan amounts: Up to $250

  • Fees: $8/month after 14-day free trial

  • Funding time: Same day with instant delivery (fee may apply), otherwise 1–3 business days

  • Repayment: Automatically deducted on your next payday

Pros

Cons

✅ Doesn’t require direct deposit to qualify

❎ Monthly subscription applies after trial

✅ Includes auto-save and budgeting features

❎ Approval isn’t always instant for new users

✅ Great for building better money habits

​​❎ Advance limits may be lower at first

Payactiv is a strong Dave alternative for anyone whose employer is on board with earned wage access (EWA). Instead of waiting for payday, Payactiv lets you access up to 50% of the wages you’ve already earned without interest, credit checks, or sketchy loan terms. While it’s only available through participating employers, it shines by offering instant transfers to a Payactiv card, budgeting tools, bill pay, and even discounts on everyday purchases. If you’re looking for apps similar to Dave that give you faster access to your paycheck without the debt cycle, Payactiv is a reliable and employer-backed option worth checking out, which you can do at payactiv.com.

  • Loan amounts: Access up to 50% of earned wages (limits vary by employer)

  • Fees: Free through some employers; otherwise ~$1 to $2.99 per transaction

  • Funding time: Instantly to Payactiv card; 1–3 business days to external accounts

  • Repayment: Automatically deducted from your next paycheck

Pros

Cons

✅ Real-time access to earned wages

❎ Only available through participating employers

✅ No credit check or interest charges

❎ Limited to your earned wage balance

✅ Includes bill pay, savings tools, and discounts

​​❎ May charge fees if employer doesn’t subsidize


Explore cash advance apps, earned wage access (EWA) options, and other flexible financial tools from our network of trusted partners designed to help you get your money when you need it most.


Choosing between money borrowing apps comes down to what matters most: speed, cost, features, or flexibility. If you want a powerful, all-in-one platform, MoneyLion checks every box like near real time access to funds, no credit check, and zero required fees3. If you just need a quick $50 and no fluff, FloatMe is your no-nonsense friend. Want something with more financial planning built-in? Albert and Brigit are ready to coach you up.

Feature

MoneyLion

Dave

Advance Limit

Up to $1,0001 with RoarMoney

Up to $500

Subscription Required

No

Yes ($1/month)

Credit Check

No

No

Funding Speed

Minutes with express

Same day with express

Extra Features

Credit monitoring, investing, budgeting

Budgeting, gig work finder

Repayment

Auto-deduct on deposit

Auto-deduct on payday

Overall Value

✅ Full-suite financial platform

⚠️ Good, but limited without tipping

Dave helped kick off the wave of cash advance apps, but 2025 has brought a new era of smarter, more flexible alternatives. When you’re looking for apps like Dave it’s good to consider all of your options. Don’t forget to try out MoneyLion, one all-around helpful alternative with many other tools to help you on your financial journey!

Start your journey with MoneyLion and take control of your financial future today!

Get MoneyLion

Yes, Dave is a solid option for small, cash advances but many features are locked behind a subscription.

With express delivery, funds can arrive the same day. Standard transfers may take 1 to 3 business days.

Apps like MoneyLion, Klover, and FloatMe offer similar services.


Jacinta Majauskas
Written by
Jacinta Majauskas
Jacinta Majauskas is a Content Marketing Manager and Copywriter. With a B.A. in Economics from New York University, she has been writing about personal finance since 2019. Her work has been featured on financial news sites like Yahoo! Finance and Benzinga. She's currently pursuing a part-time J.D. at Rutgers Law. In her free time, she can be found immersing herself in all the best New York City has to offer or planning her next travel adventure.
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