Hitting a $0 balance on your checking account can be very stressful. With this Dave App review, we do not only provide you essential facts about this membership app/service but hopefully, this gives you an option to ensure that you always have money in the bank especially when you need it most.
While nobody wants to lose money before the next paycheck, the reality is, a lot of people actually experience that. Many people try hard enough to make ends meet every time, but there are just some instances when their money runs out even before it gets replenished.
Worse is, you do not have money in the bank and then there’s an emergency. That is a kind of situation we all do not want to be in, right?
When things get worse, a lot of us rely on loans. Many of us apply for payday loans or personal loans or borrow money from someone we know just to get through until the next payday.
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Last year, when the pandemic hit the United States, a lot of people were unprepared. Many struggled financially especially since many Americans live paycheck to paycheck.
In fact, according to an article published by CNBC, based on a recent report from CareerBuilder, 78% of full-time workers in the country fall into that category.
While the option of taking a loan is a good idea, we cannot deny the fact that it can be stressful, too, given the fact that there is interest to take into consideration. That’s a lot of money, to be honest, especially for the minimum wage earners.
But, what if there is a financial institution that provides an interest-free cash advance feature?
Sounds too good to be true?
Well, it is true! That is exactly what makes the Dave app stand out from the rest. Dave app is not your typical financial service provider. It is actually something that could potentially help every individual who runs out of cash to avoid interest-bearing loan programs and save a lot eventually.
In the next few sections, we are going to share with you key information about the Dave app and hopefully, at the end of this Dave app review, we get to convince you that this one’s worth it.
In particular, we are going to provide answers to the following questions:
- What is Dave App?
- Who is Dave App best for?
- How does the Dave app work?
- How to sign up for Dave App?
- Is Dave App safe?
- What to like about the Dave App?
- What not to like about the Dave App?
WHAT IS DAVE APP?
By now you are probably curious to know what the Dave app is all about, what makes it special, etcetera.
Well, we won’t keep you waiting because, first of all, in this section, we are going to give you a little background on what the Dave app is all about.
As we always say, it is important to get to know the bank or the financial service provider first before signing up so you get to gauge if it’s really the one you need or the one you are looking for.
So, here are some key points you need to know about the Dave app —
Dave app is a low-cost membership application. It was specifically designed to offer customers fee-free checking as well as provide up to $75 in interest-free advances. Needless to say, outsmart overdraft fees, which could potentially help Americans avoid paying billions of dollars per year just on overdrafts alone.
The app comes with a monthly membership fee, but for a very minimal cost of $1. Considering the app’s features, you definitely get the best of what you are paying for.
Furthermore, the Dave app helps its users to budget. It looks at the user’s traditional cash flow throughout the month and lets the user know if a pinch is upcoming so he or she can plan ahead.
Before moving on, if you want to know more about the Dave app and how it benefits customers, watch this very informative and insightful video review below by Mr. Modern Financials:
WHO IS DAVE APP BEST FOR?
Now that you already know something about the Dave app, it’s time to assess if this fits you.
While there are no restrictions as to who can only use the app, Dave would be most useful to those people who live on a paycheck-to-paycheck basis.
This will surely help them a lot in making ends meet without having to fall into payday loans or other types of loans that charge a certain amount of interest.
Through the app’s cash advance feature, you get to have access to a certain amount of money without having to worry about paying for interests.
So, if you want that kind of service, the Dave app should appeal to you the most.
Of course, as we’ve already mentioned, this app should be ideal for people who live paycheck to paycheck. They are the ones who will benefit from the Dave app the most.
Additionally, this would be great for those who want to get away from overdraft fees, and also those who want to keep a track of their monthly budget.
Also, this should be a good app for those who are willing to pay $1 a month for a monthly maintenance fee. Unless you have a Dave debit card and you use it in shopping at your preferred merchants, this fee can be eliminated.
HOW DOES THE DAVE APP WORK?
In this part of our Dave app review, we are going to tell you more about this app. In particular, how it actually works.
Generally, the Dave app works in two ways —
First, it helps users to budget and looks at their traditional cash flow for the entire month provided your debit card is connected to the Dave app. The app automatically lets the user know if it looks like funds are almost running out or if the user over budgets.
Second, this provides an overdraft fee-avoiding solution through the cash advance feature.
Now, let’s take a deeper look into each of these functions.
Budgeting Feature
Basically, the app helps you track your budget, and let you know how low your money gets before your next paycheck comes in.
The app uses your monthly expenses such as your utility bill, phone bill, and etcetera to calculate just how much you have left until the next payday. If you overspend in a month, or your bills are higher than how much they’re usually are, the app automatically sends you an alert. This is very helpful so you get to avoid fees.
Cash Advance Feature
Dave app’s cash advance feature is actually what makes it special. Customers are into it for that very reason.
The app’s cash advance feature is available for customers whose bank accounts are linked to the Dave app.
As mentioned, cash advances provided by Dave app have no fees involved, and definitely, no interest rates as well.
It basically is like taking a mini loan against your own paycheck to help you make ends meet before your next payday comes.
As soon as you are able to connect your checking account to the app, you immediately get to avail of the cash advance feature. The app lets you advance money of up to $100.
This may not be as big as what you can borrow at lending companies, but, this surely could help tide you over for a couple of days without having to deal with fees and interests.
When using this feature, it is important to note that standard transfers take up to three days for free. However, if you wish to receive the money sooner (in 8 hours or less even), this incurs a small fee of $4.99.
Now, you are probably wondering how to repay your advance, right?
Well, it is so easy. You simply repay your debt automatically as soon as you receive your next paycheck. Once paid, you can utilize the cash advance feature again as needed.
Fees
As already mentioned earlier, while the cash advance feature saves you from interests and fees, using the app comes with a monthly fee.
The Dave app comes with a $1 monthly membership fee. This overs access to cash advances, account monitoring, as well as other helpful resources.
If you come to think of it, $1 is not a big amount. However, when added up, it means spending $12 a year to monitor your cash flow and for the cash advance feature, which may not be worthwhile for a mid-earner.
But, for those who live paycheck-to-paycheck or those who constantly need a buffer, the Dave app is definitely a huge help.
Here’s some good news, though. There is a chance that the $1 monthly fee can be waived if you shop at certain stores. But of course, you don’t want to keep shopping just to forgo the $1 fee, right? At the end of the day, every penny counts.
Mobile Support and Accessibility
Obviously, the Dave app is an entirely mobile platform, which means it is not accessible via computer.
The Dave app is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices.
Dave app is very easy to use. Even new users won’t have a hard time using it. All they have to do is follow the prompts to be able to set up as well as manage the account.
The app also comes with different alerts such as text messages or push notifications, which makes it easier to know when your account threshold has already been reached or almost there.
Customer Support
Dave app has a Support section on its website wherein a ton of frequently asked questions are answered. Also, it provides screenshots that walk you through the steps of managing your Dave account.
However, if you couldn’t find the answers in there, you can contact Dave customer support through the app or the contact form, which can be found on the website.
Unfortunately, it does not say how long it takes to get a response. Also, Dave does not have a direct hotline where you can speak with a real person. This can be quite a challenge if you have an immediate concern.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR DAVE APP?
Now that you already what the Dave app is all about, its features as well as other key information about it, it’s time to look into the process of signing up.
Opening an account with Dave is quick and easy. It all starts with downloading the highly-rated app on your mobile device (could be your smartphone or a tablet). As mentioned, the app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
The sign-up process requires you to share a few personal information such as your name, email address, date of birth, and even your Social Security Number — similar to any other financial platform.
Apart from personal information, you will also be asked to make a few account choices, select your preferred form of communication for when or if your estimated account balance drops.
Additionally, you will also be asked to choose your account balance threshold for notifications. It could be anywhere between $0 and $1,000.
To finish the whole process, you will have to accept the terms and conditions.
Once done, you can already link your debit card to your Dave app account, which allows you to access the fee-free cash advance option.
IS DAVE APP SAFE?
The safety and security of your account are very important. That is why in this section of our Dave app review, we are going to see how secure this financial platform is.
When opening a Dave account, you will be asked to provide personal information. Additionally, to be able to benefit from its features, you will have to link your bank account to the app.
With all this information, it is imperative that the Dave app be as secure as possible.
According to Dave’s website, the app uses “industry-standard” 2048-bit encryption when managing users’ sensitive information. The app utilizes a two-factor authentication process to further protect its users and their accounts.
In addition, the employees of Dave also receive rigorous security training every year to ensure that the company provides a secure and safe online financial platform.
To help ease your worries, your banking information is not stored. It is only used once for authentication purposes as well as in linking your account.
Furthermore, it is important to note that on the website, Dave has this disclaimer with regards to sharing less-sensitive information with a third party:
“We may share personal information about you as follows: With third parties to provide, maintain, and improve our Services; In connection with, or during the negotiation of, any merger, sale of company stock or assets, financing, acquisition, divestiture, or dissolution of all or a portion of our business; To respond to subpoenas, court orders, or legal process; In order to investigate, prevent, defend against, or take other action regarding violations of our Terms of Service, illegal activities, suspected fraud, or situations involving potential threats to the legal rights or physical safety of any person or the security of our network, Sites or Services; To respond to claims that any posting or other content violates the rights of third parties; In an emergency, to protect the health and safety of our Site’s users or the general public, or As otherwise required by law. How we secure your information. We use the highest security industry standards to ensure your information is kept safe and only available to you and the required Services provided by Dave.”
While it is unclear what particular information is shared, it is just right to be aware that there is a possibility of information-sharing.
WHAT TO LIKE ABOUT THE DAVE APP?
This review on the Dave app will not be complete without a summary of the things to like about this online financial platform.
Some of the things we particularly like about Dave are as follows:
- Fee-Free Cash Advances – Of course, this has to be on top of the list. With Dave, borrowing money is easy and free. Once your account is linked to the Dave app, you automatically become eligible to advance money of up to $100 free of interest and fees.
- Low Monthly Membership Fee – To use the features of the Dave app and benefit from it, you will need to pay $1 per month. Compared to how much you pay for interest and fees when borrowing money elsewhere, this monthly fee is still cheap.
- Easy to Use App – The Dave app is very easy and simple to use. As long as you have a mobile device like a smartphone or a tablet, you can download it, and use the app anytime, anywhere.
- Alerts and Notifications – Dave app sends alerts or notifications once you reach your account limit based on your expenses. This saves you from overdraft fees, as you can easily borrow money once you need a little more to cover any excess cost.
- Pause Account As Needed – If you feel like you need to take a break from using the app, you can pause your membership through the app. This also means you won’t be charged anything until you activate your account again.
WHAT NOT TO LIKE ABOUT THE DAVE APP?
Just like any other financial platform, the Dave app has its share of downsides as well.
So, below, we are sharing a few of the things to not like about the app:
- Takes Up To 3 Days for Advances to be Credited – Unfortunately, it takes up to three days before your cash advance is credited to your account. However, if you wish to expedite the process and receive the money in 8 hours or less, you’ll need to pay $4.99.
- No Web Platform – All Dave accounts are only accessible through the app. Sure, it has a website, but it does not provide access to your account.
- No Phone Support – The Dave app does not have phone support. For concerns, Dave customer support may be reached through the app or the contact form.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE DAVE APP REVIEW
Dave app is a mobile app that is known for providing a fee-free cash advance feature.
While it does have a monthly membership fee of $1, as compared to the interest you will have to pay when borrowing money from lending companies and banks, it definitely is still cheaper. Needless to say, the fee can be waived if you shop using your debit card at selected stores.
Now, given all the information we provided, do you think the Dave app is the right one for you?