How does Empower cash advance work?

Download the Empower app on your phone and follow these steps:

1. Subscribe: Sign up for the Empower platform within the app.
2. Link bank account: Connect your primary bank account via Plaid.
3. Request access: Apply for Empower Cash Advance in the app.
4. Grant permissions: Allow Empower to review your checking account transactions to verify you meet the qualifications.
5. Eligibility check: Empower evaluates your eligibility and provides a Cash Advance offer.
6. Review offer: Look over the offer details, including eligible amount, repayment date, and total amount owed.
7. Choose amount: Select the cash advance amount you want, up to your eligible limit (maximum $400).
8. Select delivery: Choose your preferred delivery method and funding speed.
9. Accept offer: Confirm and accept the Cash Advance offer.
10. Receive funds: Get your cash advance as per your selected delivery method; repayment will be automatically withdrawn from your primary checking account on your next payday.

You will typically receive the money in your bank account within 1 business day with the free standard transfer.

If you need the money faster, you can choose to pay an instant delivery fee to get the funds within 15 minutes to 2 hours. The fee depends on the amount of your cash advance:

• $1 for advances up to $10
• $2 for advances up to $49.99
• $3 for advances up to $74.99
• $4 for advances up to $99.99
• $5 for advances up to $149.99
• $6 for advances up to $199.99
• $7 for advances up to $249.99
• $8 for advances up to $299.99
• 3% of the amount for advances of $300 or more

Out of hundreds of reviews published in June and July 2025 that we analyzed, we found 60+ recent comments mentioning funding speed. Here's what users say about it:

• Instant for most: Over 50 users praise the quick access to cash—often calling it “instant”, “fast”, or “within minutes”. Many appreciated how easy it was to get funds when they were in a bind.
• Some faced delays: A small number experienced issues like repayments taking longer to process or advances being stuck in "processing" for several days.

Overall, most users are happy with Empower's fast funding, though a few mention occasional delays.