Bottom line: Empower offers cash advances up to $250 — with an option to get your money on the same day at no extra cost. But negative customer reviews and strict eligibility requirements may not appeal to all borrowers.
| Product Name | Empower Cash Advance |
|---|---|
| Min. Amount | $10 |
| Max. Amount | $250 |
| Loan Term | Repay automatically with your next paycheck |
| Turnaround Time | Same day, instant delivery available |
| Requirements | Be 18 years old or older, Hold a bank account with a U.S. financial institution, Have a mobile phone number that can operate in the U.S. and can receive SMS messages. For cash advance: Eligibility considerations include income and checking account balance. |
Empower is best for people needing an occasional small cash boost. Its cash advance option starts at $10, and if you meet checking account balance and income requirements, you could borrow up to $250 per pay period.
Empower is a relatively simple cash advance app, and requirements to qualify for the full $250 advance have loosened over time. However, there are multiple complaints about Empower’s customer service and mobile app — with many customers reporting billing errors, low cash advance amounts and inexplicable bugs that make the app unusable for withdrawing cash.
To be sure you're getting the best deal check out other cash advance options before downloading the Empower app.
Empower doesn't provide much information about how its service works online. It states you can borrow between $25 and $250, but doesn't explain how a user can qualify for these amounts.
In addition to a fee-based instant transfer service, it has two free options for receiving funds: transferring your advance to your Empower debit card in minutes or via ACH into your paycheck account typically within one business day.
Empower doesn't clearly state what its eligibility requirements are online and customer service refused to provide any detailed information to me without an account. The company does state it will increase your limit over time as long as you pay back your cash advances on time, but not much else.
Expect to meet these general requirements to get an Empower cash advance:
While an account with Empower isn't required, you'll only be able to get same-day advances to an Empower checking account.
In addition to a cash advance, Empower also has a checking account, automatic savings program, budget tracking and personalized financial recommendations. These features are all included with its $8 monthly membership fee.
The company also offers an Empower Thrive revolving line of credit. It allows eligible members to start with a $200 revolving line of credit that can increase to $1,000 with a history of on-time payments. The APR is 0% if you pay your balance off before your paycheck, but charges a whopping 35.99% APR if you don't.
| BBB accredited | No |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | D |
| BBB customer reviews | 2.33 out of 5 stars, based on 6 customer reviews |
| BBB customer complaints | 34 customer complaints |
| Trustpilot Score | 2.8 out of 5 stars, based on 3 customer reviews |
| App Store Score | 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on 51,816 customer reviews |
| Google Play Score | 4.7 out of 5 stars, based on 46,771 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 07 September 2022 |
The Empower app generally receives high marks on Google Play and the App Store. But a disproportionate number of customers have left negative reviews mentioning bugs with the app, inexplicably low cash advance amounts and multiple billing errors. Others report canceling the service and getting billed the monthly fee anyways.
More satisfied customers also mention running into bugs, but say they like the ability to track their spending and budgeting in one place. But the overall trend of recent reviews on Google Play and the App Stores tends towards the negative, with some positive reviews mixed in.
Empower is a short-term solution like a payday loan, but the cost to use it is limited — and the app comes with other useful services that payday loans lack.
Amount | Up to $250 per pay period | Typically up to $1,000, and most states allow only one at a time |
Turnaround time | Same day | Typically next business day |
Application process | Sign up through mobile app by connecting to bank account | Simple online application, typically requires Social Security number and bank account numbers |
Costs | $8 monthly membership fee | High interest rate that can equal fees of $15 to $25 per $100 borrowed |
Availability | Anywhere in the US |
In general, yes — but no app can guarantee your information stays 100% secure. However, Empower's checking and savings accounts are backed up to $250,000 by nbkc bank, Member FDIC. It also uses Plaid, a third-party service and industry-standard security measure, when you connect your current bank account through the app.
But pay attention to user complaints against Empower and its lack of response. While these aren't necessarily red flags, they could mean it doesn't take customer concerns as seriously as similar apps and services.
If you're already interested in Empower's banking options and financial advisor tools, using its cash advance option is simply another benefit. But with many negative reviews about problems with the app and low cash advance amounts — Empower may not be the right choice for people who need higher amounts advanced before pay day and a clearer path to qualifying.
Before you sign up and switch your money over, consider more cash advance apps and learn more about the borrowing process.
Compare how Empower stacks up against even more cash advance apps.
Empower Cash Advance is not currently available on Finder
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Have up to $250 automatically deposited into your account — for a $9.99 membership fee.
