⚠️ Disclosure
We are NOT affiliated with Brigit or Dave. Some links are affiliate links—we may earn a commission at no cost to you. This does not affect our comparison. Full disclosure →
Quick Comparison: Brigit vs Dave
| Feature | Brigit | Dave | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Advance | $500 | $500 | Tie |
| Base Monthly Cost | $0-$14.99 | $1/month | Dave |
| Express Delivery Cost | Included (paid plans) | $3-$14 per advance | Brigit |
| Express Speed | ~20 min - 4 hours | ~5 min - 1 hour | Tie |
| Credit Builder | Yes (Premium) | No | Brigit |
| Banking Features | No | Yes (Dave Banking) | Dave |
| App Store Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | Brigit |
| No Credit Check | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Late Fees | $0 | $0 | Tie |
Pricing Comparison: Which Is Cheaper?
This is where the apps differ most. Let's break down the true costs:
Brigit Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Max Advance | Express Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $50 | Not available |
| Plus | $8.99 | $250 | Included free |
| Premium | $14.99 | $500 | Included free |
Dave Pricing
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dave membership | $1/month | Required for advances |
| Express Delivery | $3-$14 | Per advance (varies by amount) |
| Optional Tip | $0-$15 | Suggested but not required |
True Cost Analysis: Real-World Scenarios
| Usage Pattern | Brigit (Plus) | Dave | Cheaper Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 advance/month (standard delivery) | $8.99 | $1.00 | Dave |
| 1 advance/month (express delivery) | $8.99 | $6-$15 | Depends |
| 2 advances/month (express) | $8.99 | $13-$29 | Brigit |
| 3+ advances/month (express) | $8.99 | $19-$43+ | Brigit (clear winner) |
💰 Cost Verdict
For occasional users who don't need express delivery: Dave ($1/month) is cheaper.
For frequent users or those who need express delivery regularly: Brigit's flat fee is more economical.
Cash Advance Limits
Both apps offer up to $500, but how you qualify differs:
Brigit
- Free: Up to $50
- Plus ($8.99): Up to $250
- Premium ($14.99): Up to $500
- Limit based on "Brigit Score"
- Score uses income patterns & balance
Dave
- Base: Up to $250
- With Dave Banking: Up to $500
- Limit based on spending patterns
- Building history increases limit
- New users start low (~$20-$75)
📊 Important Note
Neither app guarantees maximum limits immediately. New users typically start with $50-$100 regardless of plan. Limits increase over time based on account activity, income consistency, and repayment history.
Speed: How Fast Can You Get Money?
| Delivery Type | Brigit | Dave |
|---|---|---|
| Express Delivery | ~20 min - 4 hours | ~5 min - 1 hour |
| Standard Delivery | 2-3 business days | 1-3 business days |
| Express Cost | Included (paid plans) | $3-$14 per advance |
Speed Winner: Dave is slightly faster for express delivery, but Brigit includes express delivery free with paid subscriptions. For users who frequently need fast cash, Brigit's bundled express delivery provides better value.
Features Comparison
| Feature | Brigit | Dave |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Advances | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Credit Builder | ✅ Yes (Premium) | ❌ No |
| Banking Account | ❌ No | ✅ Dave Banking |
| Budgeting Tools | ✅ Basic | ✅ Basic |
| Balance Alerts | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Identity Protection | ✅ Yes (paid plans) | ❌ No |
| Side Hustle Jobs | ❌ No | ✅ Side Hustle feature |
| Credit Monitoring | ✅ Yes (Premium) | ❌ No |
Key Differences Explained
Brigit's Advantage: Credit Builder feature (Premium plan) can help improve your credit score over 12 months. This is a significant differentiator—Dave has no equivalent feature.
Dave's Advantage: Dave Banking offers a full checking account with no minimum balance, no overdraft fees, and up to 15% cash back at select stores. This makes Dave more of an "all-in-one" financial app.
Credit Building: Brigit Wins
This is Brigit's biggest advantage. Credit Builder (included with Premium at $14.99/month):
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
- Can improve scores by 30-100 points over 12 months
- 0% APR, no hard credit check
- You receive $600 after completing the program
Dave does NOT offer any credit building feature. If improving your credit score is a priority, Brigit is the clear choice.
For a detailed breakdown, see our Brigit Credit Builder Review.
User Reviews Analysis
We analyzed reviews from the App Store, Google Play, and Trustpilot:
| Platform | Brigit | Dave |
|---|---|---|
| Apple App Store | 4.7/5 ⭐ | 4.6/5 ⭐ |
| Google Play Store | 4.2/5 ⭐ | 4.3/5 ⭐ |
| Trustpilot | 4.3/5 ⭐ | 3.8/5 ⭐ |
| Total Reviews | ~125,000 | ~150,000 |
Common Praise (Both Apps)
- Fast advance delivery
- Easy to use interface
- Helpful for avoiding overdrafts
- No credit check required
Common Complaints (Both Apps)
- Low initial advance limits
- Limits can decrease unexpectedly
- Customer service response times
- Bank connection issues with some banks
Pros & Cons Summary
Brigit
Pros:
- Credit Builder feature (unique)
- Express delivery included free
- Predictable monthly cost
- Identity protection included
- Slightly higher app ratings
Cons:
- Higher base cost ($8.99-$14.99)
- No banking features
- Free tier very limited
Dave
Pros:
- Cheaper base cost ($1/month)
- Dave Banking account
- Side Hustle job finder
- Larger user base
- Faster express delivery
Cons:
- No credit building
- Express fees add up ($3-$14)
- Tips can feel pressured
Who Should Choose Which App?
Choose Brigit If You...
- Want to build credit
- Need frequent advances
- Prefer predictable costs
- Value identity protection
Choose Dave If You...
- Want the cheapest option
- Need banking features
- Use advances rarely
- Want Side Hustle jobs
Consider Both If You...
- Want to compare limits
- Use apps as backup
- Have different needs
- Want redundancy
Many users have both apps
Final Verdict: Brigit vs Dave
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Best for Budget | Dave ($1/month base) |
| 📈 Best for Credit Building | Brigit (only option with Credit Builder) |
| ⚡ Best for Frequent Users | Brigit (flat fee, free express) |
| 🏦 Best for Banking | Dave (Dave Banking account) |
| ⭐ Best Overall Ratings | Brigit (4.7 vs 4.6 on App Store) |
🎯 Our Recommendation
There's no universal "winner"—it depends on your priorities.
Choose Brigit if credit building matters to you OR if you use advances frequently and want predictable costs.
Choose Dave if you want the cheapest possible option OR if you want a full banking account with your cash advances.
📚 Sources & References
- Brigit Official Website: hellobrigit.com
- Dave Official Website: dave.com
- Apple App Store: Brigit & Dave listings
- Google Play Store: Brigit & Dave listings
- Trustpilot reviews for both apps
Last updated: January 20, 2025. Pricing and features may change—verify with official sources.