Empower App Review

Empower is a cash-advance app that lets eligible users tap $10–$300 at 0 % APR, then automatically takes the money back on your next payday. After a 14-day free trial the service costs $8 a month, which unlocks all features, including the advance, an optional express funding fee of $1–$8 for money in minutes (or wait two-to-five business days for free), and overdraft reimbursement if its withdrawal puts your account in the red.

The same subscription also gives access to a credit-builder line of credit (starts at $200–$400 and can grow to $1,000), AutoSave transfers that move extra cash into an FDIC-insured account, real-time budgeting and spend tracking, plus in-app credit-score monitoring. This review walks through how each piece works and what to watch for before paying the monthly fee or any express delivery charges.

Empower might work well for you if:

• Emergency cash: You need $10-$300 quickly at 0% APR and can pay it back on your next payday
• Avoid overdraft: Empower reimburses any overdraft it causes, which can help you skip bank fees
• Credit boost: You want to build credit through the reported “Thrive” payments
• Budget tools: AutoSave, spending insights, and credit monitoring make the $8 membership worthwhile
• Regular paycheck: You have steady income hitting the same checking account that meets Empower’s eligibility rules

When Empower might not be a good fit:

• Sub fee: The $8 monthly charge outweighs the value if you rarely use the app
• Small limit: You need more than the $300 maximum advance
• Location lock: You live in CT, MD, or DC, where cash advances aren’t offered
• Irregular income: Sporadic gig deposits may disqualify you from getting an advance
• Repeat borrowing: Relying on advances each pay cycle can keep you stuck in a borrow-repay loop

Empower cash-advance requirements:

1. 18+ age: You must be at least 18 years old
2. Right location: Advances aren’t offered in Connecticut, Maryland or Washington, D.C.
3. Primary checking: Link an active checking account in your own name—the app deposits the advance there and auto-withdraws repayment
4. Steady deposits: The linked account needs a regular flow of income and consistent activity; Empower bases eligibility on this, not your credit score
5. Use responsibly: Only one advance can be open at a time, and requesting too many back-to-back can pause your access

Meet these basics and you’re in line for $10–$300 at 0 % APR with no credit check. Choosing the separate Thrive credit-builder line is optional and comes with credit-bureau reporting.

Choose the free standard deposit and the money lands in your bank in about 2–5 business days.

In a hurry? Pay the optional Express fee and Empower releases the cash within minutes. The instant-delivery charge ranges from $1 to $8 (roughly $2 on a $25 advance, $3 on $50, and up to $8 on larger amounts).

Empower pulls the advance back automatically on your next payday. Here’s how it works:

1. Auto-withdrawal: The full advance plus any optional instant-delivery fee is debited from your linked checking account on your scheduled pay date.
2. Early payoff: Want the balance cleared sooner or need another advance? Repay early in the app at no extra cost.
3. One at a time: Only one advance can be outstanding, so a quick payoff unlocks higher future limits faster.
4. No late fees: The advance is interest-free and carries no late fees, but missing repayment freezes new advances.
5. Overdraft safety: If Empower’s withdrawal accidentally triggers an overdraft, they say they’ll reimburse that fee.

Besides the paycheck advance, the $8 monthly membership also unlocks several money-management and credit tools you can run from the same app.

Automatic savings

Turn on AutoSave, pick a goal, and Empower studies your income and spending to move only what you can spare into an FDIC-insured account—no manual transfers needed.

Budgeting & spend tracking

Every swipe is auto-tagged into categories so you can see where your cash goes, set custom limits, and get real-time nudges when a category is heading off-track.

Credit-builder line (Thrive)

Eligible users can open a $200–$400 line of credit that may grow to $1,000 with on-time payments. Monthly payments are reported to all three bureaus, giving you a shot at strengthening thin or damaged credit.

Credit-score monitoring

Check your score right in the app, get instant alerts to big changes, and see plain-language advice on what’s helping or hurting it.

Extra credit offers

As your repayment history builds, Empower can offer additional revolving credit or even credit-card lines, letting you tap more spending power without leaving the platform.