By Editorial Team
Last Updated: Apr 03, 2025
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Empower is an app that offers cash advances to help you cover expenses before your next paycheck. Instead of charging interest or late fees, Empower requires an $8 monthly subscription fee to access this feature. New users get a 14-day free trial before the subscription fee kicks in.
With Empower, you can borrow from $10 up to $300 initially, and up to $350 over time with positive repayment history. The repayment is automatically scheduled for your next payday, but you can reschedule it in advance directly within the app. You have the choice of instant delivery to your Empower Debit Card at no extra cost, or to your external bank account for a small fee based on the amount advanced.
To be eligible, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. bank account open for more than 30 days, and show a consistent income in your primary checking account. Empower doesn't require a credit check, so applying won't affect your credit score.
Yes, Empower gives cash advances up to $350 (new users can borrow up to $300, with the amount increasing for returning users based on positive repayment history). There's an $8 monthly subscription fee to access this feature, but first-time customers get a 14-day free trial. They don't charge interest or late fees, but you'll need to repay the advance on your next payday. You can get the money in one business day for free with standard delivery, or opt for instant delivery. Instant delivery to your Empower Debit Card is free and typically happens within minutes. If you choose instant delivery to your external bank account, there's a fee ranging from $1 up to 3% of the advance amount, depending on how much you borrow.
There are a few main criteria that will make you eligible for a cash advance from Empower:
Empower will then review your information to decide if you’re eligible and determine the maximum cash advance they can offer you. If you're interested in the Empower Thrive line of credit, you'll need to meet Empower's qualifications, which are subject to credit approval.
On top of the cash advances that Empower offers, and if you're willing to pay the $8 monthly fee, there are a few other features that you might find useful.
Empower provides handy tools to help you take control of your finances. You can set up custom budgets and track your spending in real-time across different categories. With the AutoSave feature, you can set personal savings goals, and Empower will automatically save small amounts based on your income and spending habits. It's a simple way to build up your savings without even thinking about it.
Keeping an eye on your credit score is important, and Empower makes it easy by providing monthly updates right in the app. You'll get tips on how to improve your score and can monitor changes over time. It's a useful feature to help you stay informed about your credit health.
If you're looking for more than just a cash advance, Empower offers the Thrive line of credit. This gives you access to a flexible credit line starting at $200, which can increase up to $1,000 over time with responsible use. All your payments are reported to credit bureaus, which can help build your credit history if you make timely payments. The interest rates range from 0% to 35.99% APR, depending on how quickly you repay, and there's no strict repayment schedule, giving you more control. Just keep in mind that late payments can negatively impact your credit score, and you'll need to be subscribed to Empower to access Thrive. Also, while the initial APR can be 0% if repaid by your next paycheck, interest can add up if you take longer to pay it off.