By Editorial Team
Last Updated: Jun 13, 2025
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Empower is a cash advance app that allows you to access up to $300 as a first-time user and up to $400 if you're a returning customer. There are no interest charges, late fees, or credit checks, and repayment is automatically scheduled for your next payday. If you can't repay on time, Empower doesn't engage in debt collection or report to credit agencies, but it might affect your ability to get future advances.
To use Empower, you'll need to subscribe to their $8 monthly plan, which comes with a 14-day free trial for first-time customers. This subscription gives you access to cash advances and other financial tools like budgeting, automatic savings, and credit score monitoring. You can choose to receive your cash advance instantly on the Empower debit card (usually within one minute) or via ACH transfer to your bank account, which generally takes one business day.
Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old, not residing in Connecticut, Maryland, or DC, having a valid bank account with transaction history, and showing a consistent source of income. Empower looks at factors like how often and how much you get paid, your spending habits, and any recurring bills to determine your eligibility.
Yes, Empower offers cash advances of up to $300 for first-time customers and up to $400 for returning customers on their $8 monthly subscription plan (which includes a 14-day free trial for new users). There are no interest charges or late fees, and you're expected to repay the advance on your next payday. You can get your funds instantly on your Empower Debit Card for free, or choose instant delivery to your external bank account for a fee ranging from $1 to 3% of the advance amount, depending on how much you borrow. Alternatively, you can receive the funds via ACH to your bank account within one business day at no extra cost.
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
Empower will evaluate these factors to determine if you're eligible and the maximum cash advance you can receive. If you're interested in the Thrive Line of Credit, keep in mind that your payments will be reported to credit bureaus, which can help build your credit history.
Beyond cash advances, Empower offers several other features that could help you manage your finances, provided you're willing to pay the $8 monthly subscription fee.
Empower provides a suite of tools to help you keep track of your money. With customizable budgets, you can set up spending categories and get real-time alerts on your paychecks, bills, and purchases. The AutoSave feature lets you set a weekly savings goal, and the app will automatically save money for you when it detects extra cash in your account. Plus, Empower offers smart recommendations, giving you personalized tips on how to earn more and save more based on your financial habits. It'll alert you about bill changes, bank fees, and other expenses you might want to keep an eye on.
If you're looking for a banking alternative, the Empower Card comes with no minimum balance requirements and even offers a tiny interest rate of 0.01% APY on your balance. You can receive your paycheck up to two days early, and you might earn up to 10% cashback on select purchases. It's a decent option if you want to combine your banking and budgeting in one place.
For those who need to build or improve their credit score, Empower's Thrive line of credit might be useful. You can access a line of credit starting from $200 up to $400, with potential increases up to $1,000 over time. As you make payments, Empower reports them to the credit bureaus, which can help you build your credit history. Just keep in mind that this is a credit product, so paying on time is crucial. The line of credit offers flexible payment options to suit your situation.
Empower also lets you monitor your credit score directly in the app. You'll get monthly updates and can see how your actions affect your score. Plus, they offer tips on steps you can take to improve your credit standing.