Top 10 Money Loan Apps Like Dave

1. Varo

For our number 1 pick, we chose Varo for several reasons. Not only is Varo a very reliable app, but it also offers all of its amazing features for COMPLETELY FREE. The only thing you have to pay is the reasonable transfer fees. Having vast ATM coverage, the Varo card lets you withdraw money from anywhere. Unlike other loan apps like Dave, Varo’s credit card even helps users build up credit. It’s also a great investment to get out of your borrowing cycle, coming with an incredible 5% APY yield savings account.

Key Features:

• Cash advances ranging from $20 to $500.
• No monthly fees or overdraft charges.
• Free ATM network with over 55,000 locations.
• Early direct deposit feature to access paychecks up to two days early.
• Ability to build credit score on the Varo Believe Card.

Pricing:

• No subscription fees.
• Cash advance fees depend on the loan amount (starting at $2.50).

Special Feature: Varo’s high-yield savings account offers up to 5% APY, making it an excellent option for saving while managing your finances.

2. Payactiv

The number 2 pick, Payactiv, offers another service besides just loans. Aside from offering direct cash loans, Payactiv also allows users to get their salary from their boss in advance. This requires their boss or company to be connected with the app). This advance cash app also offers some easy budgeting and savings features, helping you track your spending and remaining money. If your employer is registered with Payactiv, it can be a great option for managing tough situations in a safe way.

Key Features:

• Loan amounts up to $1,000.
• Early access to earned wages before payday.
• Financial counseling and budgeting tools.
• Bill payment services integrated within the app.

Pricing:

• $1 to $5 per transaction for earned wage access.
• Subscription plans available for additional features.

Special Feature: Payactiv partners directly with employers, allowing seamless access to earned wages with no need for credit checks or loans.

3. MoneyLion

Most loan apps perform background checks to see if you have a good credit score and bank history. With MoneyLion, that’s not an issue, since it requires no credit score checks to apply for their up to $1000 loan. While offering credit-builder loans, MoneyLion also offers investment accounts with personalized advice. It even includes a marketplace where consumers can buy available third-party products. For the right users, MoneyLion is a one-stop shop for all their money needs.

Key Features:

• Loans from $10 to $1,000.
• RoarMoney banking accounts with early paycheck access.
• Credit builder loans to help improve credit scores.
• Cashback rewards on purchases.

Pricing:

• Free for basic cash advances.
• $1 to $8 for expedited funding.
• $19.99/month for premium features.

Special Feature: The Credit Builder Plus program provides loans while reporting payments to major credit bureaus, helping users boost their credit scores over time.

4. EarnIn

EarnIn is also a reliable money loan app like Dave. Unlike the usual instant loan apps, EarnIn does not force its users to give tips. Rather, users can choose to tip as much as they want for the service. EarnIn isn’t just there to be transparent, though. With an impressive loan limit of $750, it offers a solid relief to heavy borrowers. EarnIn also requires no credit checks, so users are saved from the hassle of waiting for the service to approve their loan.

Key Features:

• Access up to $750 per pay period.
• No fees or interest—tipping-based model.
• Balance Shield feature to prevent overdrafts.

Pricing:

• No mandatory fees; optional tipping model.

Special Feature:

• EarnIn’s Lightning Speed feature allows instant cash transfers for a small fee, making it one of the fastest cash advance options.
• It also offers a health aid that negotiates with healthcare providers to reduce medical bills for users.

5. Empower

Empower is a solid option for those in need of quick cash, offering advances of up to $300 with no interest or late fees. Among other money apps like Dave, Empower stands out because of its practical tools like AutoSave which helps users save small amounts from their checking to savings automatically. This simple feature really sets the app apart from others.

Empower is not just a loan app for instant cash—it also includes budgeting features and allows early paycheck access, making it more of a financial companion. You get all these tools in one app, which is a pretty fair deal for people who want to manage their money better while avoiding surprise fees. Empower’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach makes it a reliable choice for anyone looking to stay on top of their finances.

Key Features:

• Cash advances up to $300 with no late fees or interest.
• Automatic savings tools to help build financial discipline.
• Early paycheck access and budgeting tools.

Pricing:

• $8/month subscription fee.

Special Feature: Empower’s AutoSave feature helps users save money by automatically transferring small amounts from checking to savings accounts based on spending patterns.

6. Brigit   

At number six on our list, Brigit shines as a hassle-free advance cash app. It offers advances of up to $250 without hitting you with fees, interest, or late penalties. That’s peace of mind when you need it most. Brigit connects to your bank account and keeps tabs on your spending. Based on what it sees, it can predict when you might need a boost and step in to help.

With Bridget, you also get credit monitoring and handy budgeting tips. It’s simple, clear, and perfect for filling the gap between paychecks.

Key Features:

• Cash advances up to $250.
• Credit monitoring and score-building tools.
• Financial insights and budgeting assistance.

Pricing:

• $9.99/month subscription fee for premium features.
• Free option available with limited features.

Special Feature: Brigit’s automatic repayment scheduling ensures users avoid late fees by syncing repayment dates with their paychecks.

7. DailyPay

DailyPay is perfect if you need some advance cash before payday. One of its standout features is the instant transfer option. For a small fee—usually $1.99 per transfer—you can get your money right away. There’s also a no-fee option if you can wait until the next day. Employers benefit too, as it integrates seamlessly with payroll systems without costing employees anything extra unless they choose instant transfers. 

If you’re looking to manage your cash flow better, DailyPay keeps things simple, affordable, and fast.

Key Features:

• Access up to $1,000 per day from earned wages.
• Real-time access to earnings without waiting for payday.
• Direct integration with employers for seamless wage access.

Pricing:

• Fees range from $1.99 to $2.99 per transaction.

Special Feature: DailyPay’s “Friday by DailyPay” feature allows users to transfer earned wages to any bank account or card for free once per week.

8. LightStream

LightStream stands out if you’re after larger personal loans with flexible terms. They offer amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, and their interest rates start at a low 7.99% APR for those with solid credit. No hidden fees, no origination costs, and zero penalties for paying early—it’s all upfront and simple.

Their Rate Beat program guarantees to lower a competitor’s offer by 0.1%. That’s extra peace of mind. Need fast cash? Approval is quick, and you might get funded the same day. It’s all about making borrowing stress-free and straightforward.

Key Features:

• Loans ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.
• Competitive APRs starting at 7.99%.
• No fees—no prepayment penalties, late fees, or origination fees.

Pricing:

• Interest rates depend on creditworthiness.
• No hidden fees.

Special Feature: LightStream offers a Rate Beat Program, promising to beat any qualifying APR from a competing lender by 0.10%.

9. Klover

Klover is all about helping you access cash when you need it most. You can get up to $200 without dealing with credit checks or paying interest. It’s quick, simple, and straightforward—perfect for covering small expenses between paychecks.

What’s even better? Klover doesn’t charge hidden fees or surprise you with extra costs. All you need is a steady paycheck and a linked bank account. Plus, their budgeting tools help you track your spending and stay on top of your finances. It’s like having a financial assistant right in your pocket.

Key Features:

• Cash advances up to $200.
• No credit checks required.
• Rewards program for earning points to reduce fees.

Pricing:

• No subscription fees; optional tips.

Special Feature: Klover’s ad-based model lets users earn points by engaging with sponsored content, which can be redeemed for free cash advances.

10. Albert

Albert makes managing money feel less overwhelming. It’s another money loan app like Dave but with a handy feature. Albert also has a smart assistant that helps you save, invest, and handle unexpected expenses. Need some extra cash? You can access up to $250 in advances without worrying about interest or credit checks. Albert has its own charm in the form of “Albert Genius’ – an intelligent savings feature that helps you save money through sneaky transactions that avoid burdening your monthly budget.

Key Features:

• Instant cash advances up to $250.
• Automatic savings and financial guidance from “Albert Genius” advisors.
• Early paycheck access and bill negotiation services.

Pricing:

• Optional monthly fee for “Albert Genius,” starting at $6/month.

Special Feature: Albert’s Genius service provides personalized financial advice tailored to the user’s spending habits and goals, making it more than just a cash advance app.