Cash Advance Apps

Is Empower app legit?

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2025

Empower is a legit cash advance app operated by Empower Finance, Inc., headquartered in Garden City, Idaho. They offer cash advances up to $400, with average offers of $96 for first-time customers and $167 for others (as of February 2025). The app provides cash advances with zero interest, no late fees, and no credit checks, with repayment automatically set for your next payday.

How reliable is Empower?

Hundreds of Empower reviews from May 2025 that we analyzed suggest users can rely on the app. Here’s what they have to say about it:

  • Lifesaver: Many users describe Empower as a "lifesaver," helping them out when they needed extra cash the most.
  • Always there: Numerous reviewers highlight that Empower is "always there when I need it," emphasizing its reliability in times of need.
  • Fast and easy: Users appreciate the quick and easy cash advances, noting that the app is straightforward and efficient. Still, the dominant theme is clear: most users see Empower as a dependable backup that assists them smoothly when unexpected expenses arise or money gets tight between paychecks.

How much can I get from Empower?

Empower says you can get cash advances up to $400, but what are users really getting? Here's the scoop:

  • Advances can grow over time: users report that Empower increases your cash advance limit when you repay on time. Some folks started at $75 and went up to $200, and a few even got $300 right off the bat.
  • Small initial amounts: many users mention starting with advances as low as $10, $25, or $50, which might not be enough for bigger needs.
  • Inconsistent limits: some users found their advance amounts decreased even after paying back on time, which can be a letdown when you're counting on that cash.

If you're thinking about using Empower, you might begin with a smaller advance, but there's a chance to boost your limit by making timely repayments.

App reviews talking about Loan Amounts:
"...was in a tight spot before payday and they came in clutch..."
"great cash advance app, they better you are with your repayments the higher the cash advance..."
"...I was approved for $50, and I repaid it, and now it's telling me I can borrow $10..."

What users say?

Positive
3%
Negative
97%
Many users complain about the Empower app's stability issues, particularly after updates. Frequent crashes, login failures, and endless loading screens are common frustrations. Users often find themselves unable to access their accounts, with some having to uninstall and reinstall the app repeatedly just to log in once. The app's performance is described as slow and clunky, with many experiencing forced updates that don't work, leaving them locked out. Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with users expressing dissatisfaction and frustration over the app's unreliability.
App reviews talking about App Stability:
"...I can’t download this new update and haven’t Been able to get into my account since..."
"The app is the worst to login. It takes for ever the facial recognition never works..."
"...app tells me to update but it won’t download the update..."

Scam reports

Even though Empower is a legitimate company, we found 14 reviews published recently describing the service as scammy (for context, this is out of hundreds we analyzed). About 9 explicitly call the service a “scam”, “fraud”, or “thieves”, while others mention unauthorized charges or issues accessing their accounts.

Several users worry about identity theft or phishing, noting that the app asks for sensitive personal information like SSN upfront without sufficient explanation. Others report unexpected fees, duplicate subscription charges, or being unable to cancel the service, leaving them feeling deceived.

The main theme is that people feel financially harmed and misled, often pointing to unwanted charges, surprise fees, and difficulties with customer support.

App reviews talking about Scam:
"...the fees they charge is over 100% of any interest you might make investing with them..."
"I was charged $53 and then $8 the very next day, with no explanation or justification..."
"...first couple of cash advances worked fine, the last $25 one never went into my bank account..."