Dave operates as a financial intermediary offering cash advances and banking services through Evolve Bank and Trust. The platform positions itself as an alternative to traditional payday lenders with lower fees and more transparent terms. Its core service, ExtraCash, provides advances ranging from $25 to $500 typically approved within five minutes, with overdraft fees capped at the greater of $5 or 5% of the advanced amount. The app's functionality extends beyond cash advances to include budgeting tools, side hustle job matching, and credit building features. Banking services include a Dave Debit Card issued through Mastercard's licensing program. The platform uses proprietary algorithms to assess user eligibility, with approval amounts increasing for consistent on-time repayments and decreasing for late payments, creating a performance-based lending system. User experience demonstrates streamlined onboarding, with multiple reviews noting setup completion in under five minutes. The interface prioritizes transparency regarding fees and repayment terms. Real-world usage patterns show most users access advances for emergency expenses like fuel costs (as mentioned by Kris Marsh) or to avoid overdraft fees, with transactions automatically deducted on subsequent paydays. User feedback trends highlight appreciation for the fee structure and reliability, though some express desire for more flexible repayment scheduling. Eli Schalk's July 2025 review notes the trustworthiness of the platform compared to alternatives, while Robert S's September 2025 review acknowledges convenience despite fee concerns. Multiple reviews specifically mention the app's effectiveness for avoiding bank overdraft charges. The platform's strengths include rapid funding and predictable fee structures, though limitations include maximum advance amounts that may not suit larger emergencies and relatively inflexible repayment timing. Ideal use cases involve small, short-term cash needs between pay periods rather than sustained financial support, with the most value derived by users who repay promptly to increase future borrowing capacity.