Head to head

B9 vs Dave

⚡ The short answer

Dave is cheaper for occasional use (flat 5% fee, no deposit switch); B9 suits regular users who'll bank there.
B9's ceiling is higher ($1,000 vs Dave's $500).
Dave links your existing bank; B9 requires moving your direct deposit.

Last updated July 16, 2026 · Fact-checked against B9's live app listings ✓ Verified Jul 2026

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B9 and Dave both offer interest-free advances with no credit check, but they charge in opposite ways: B9 uses a monthly membership, Dave uses a flat per-advance fee. Which is cheaper depends on how often you borrow.

	B9	Dave
Max advance	Up to $1,000	Up to $500
Main cost	Monthly membership $5.99–$19.99	Flat 5% service fee ($5 min, $15 max)
Membership	Required	Low monthly fee (about $1)
Direct deposit	Required to B9	Not required to advance
Interest / late fees	$0	$0
Instant transfer	Optional fee	Free to Dave account; fee to external

Which is cheaper?

Occasional borrowers often do better with Dave: you pay a predictable 5% only when you advance, with no paycheck to move. Regular users who'll also bank with B9 — using the debit cashback and everyday account — can get more value from the B9 membership, especially at higher limits.

The direct-deposit difference

This is the deciding factor for many people. B9 needs your paycheck routed to it. Dave lets you keep your existing bank and still advance. If you don't want to switch deposits, Dave (or an app like EarnIn) is the easier setup.

Bottom line

Choose B9if you want a full account you'll use daily, can route direct deposit, and want a higher ceiling over time.

Choose Daveif you want to keep your current bank, borrow occasionally, and prefer one transparent per-advance fee.

Still deciding? See the whole field in apps like B9, or read our full B9 breakdown.

Frequently asked questions

Is B9 or Dave better?

B9 suits people who'll route direct deposit and bank daily, and want higher limits. Dave suits occasional borrowers who want to keep their existing bank and pay one flat 5% fee per advance.

Which gives a bigger advance, B9 or Dave?

B9's ceiling is higher (up to $1,000 for established Premium users) versus Dave's ExtraCash up to $500 — though both start most users well below the maximum.

Does Dave require direct deposit like B9?

No. Dave lets you link an existing bank account to advance, while B9 requires a qualifying direct deposit into a B9 account.

B9 vs Dave

Which is cheaper?

The direct-deposit difference

Bottom line

Frequently asked questions

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