Dave vs Brigit (2026): Per-Advance Fee vs Subscription
Brigit charges a monthly subscription instead of a per-advance fee: $8.99 (Plus) or $15.99 (Premium), with advances of $25–$500 (most users get $50–$100, per NerdWallet). Dave charges up to $5 a month plus the greater of $5 or 5% each time you borrow. Brigit tends to win for frequent, larger advances; Dave tends to win for occasional use.
Dave vs Brigit at a glance
| Item | Dave ExtraCash | Brigit |
|---|---|---|
| Advance amount | $25–$500 (Dave testing up to $1,000) | $25–$500 ($25–$250 in Maine) |
| Mandatory fee | Greater of $5 or 5%, every advance | None per advance |
| Monthly fee | Up to $5 membership | $8.99 (Plus) or $15.99 (Premium) |
| Instant delivery | Free to Dave Checking; 1.5% to an external card | About 20 minutes for $0.99–$5.99; free with Premium |
| Standard delivery | Instant to Dave Checking | Free, 2–3 business days |
| Tips | No | No |
| Income needed | At least 3 recurring deposits | 3 recurring deposits from the same source; account 60+ days old |
| Credit check | No | No |
Which is cheaper: Dave or Brigit?
It depends on how often you borrow. Monthly cost examples, with instant delivery:
| Scenario | Dave | Brigit |
|---|---|---|
| One $100 advance | $5 fee + up to $5 membership = up to $10 | Plus $8.99 + express fee ($0.99–$5.99), or Premium $15.99 |
| Two $300 advances | $30 in fees + up to $5 = up to $35 | Plus $8.99 + two express fees, or Premium $15.99 |
| No advances | Up to $5 membership | $8.99 or $15.99 unless you cancel |
Brigit's flat Premium price beats Dave once your monthly Dave fees climb past about $11, which happens at roughly $220 or more in advances per month. Run your own numbers in the Dave fee calculator.
Which gives more money?
Both top out at $500. NerdWallet says most Brigit users qualify for $50–$100, with an average around $72–$73. Dave's average was $225 in September 2026 according to its Q3 earnings, and Dave is testing limits up to $1,000. Details: Dave ExtraCash limits.
Who qualifies for each
Dave
- At least three recurring deposits
- ExtraCash account and Dave Checking
- Eligibility refreshes daily
Brigit
- 18+, U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Checking account active 60+ days with a positive balance
- Three recurring deposits from the same source
- A "Brigit score" of about 40+ out of 100
Repayment and extensions
- Brigit withdraws the advance on your next payday. Every two on-time advances earn an extension credit (up to three), which you request at least two business days before the due date.
- Dave settles around your next payday or the nearest Friday and runs partial settlements if you're short. Dave says it doesn't currently support payment plans. See how Dave repayment works.
A year of borrowing: Dave vs Brigit
Say you take two $200 advances a month and want them instantly. With Dave, each costs $10, so $20 in fees plus up to $5 membership is up to $25 a month, or about $300 a year. Brigit Premium, which includes free express delivery, is $15.99 a month, or about $192 a year. If you borrow only once every few months, Dave usually costs less, because you can cancel its membership between uses.
Pros and cons
Dave ExtraCash
- + Instant and free to Dave Checking
- + Higher average advance ($225 in Sept 2026)
- + Lower membership (up to $5)
- − Mandatory fee on every advance
- − No payment plans or extension credits
Brigit
- + No per-advance fee
- + Extension credits for on-time repayers
- + Premium waives express fees
- − $8.99–$15.99 subscription
- − Most users start at $50–$100
Which should you choose?
- Brigit if you borrow every month and want predictable pricing, or want extension credits.
- Dave if you borrow occasionally and don't want a higher subscription, or need instant money without a Premium plan.
- NerdWallet notes you can email Brigit to get advances without a subscription; ask before you sign up.
Need more than either app offers? Check short-term loan offers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brigit or Dave cheaper?
Brigit's flat subscription ($8.99 or $15.99) favors frequent, larger advances. Dave's per-advance fee (greater of $5 or 5%) plus up to $5 membership favors occasional use.
How much does Brigit cost per month?
$8.99 for Plus or $15.99 for Premium, according to NerdWallet's May 2026 review. Premium waives express fees.
Does Brigit charge tips?
No. Brigit doesn't ask for tips.
Can I get an extension with Brigit or Dave?
Brigit offers extension credits earned by repaying on time. Dave runs partial settlements but says it doesn't currently support payment plans.
Need more than a cash advance?
Compare short-term loan offers from lenders in our partner network. Checking offers is free; we are not a lender and Dave is not part of this network.
Keep reading
Apps like Dave (2026)
EarnIn, Brigit, MoneyLion, Chime MyPay and Klover compared on cost.
Dave vs EarnIn
Per-advance fee vs optional tips and Lightning Speed fees.
Dave vs MoneyLion
ExtraCash vs Instacash and Turbo fees.
Dave fee calculator
Type an amount and see the fee, total cost and APR-equivalent.
Sources
Checked November 12, 2026. Figures change; confirm in the provider's app.