Cash Advance Apps

Empower

Is Empower app legit?

By Editorial Team
Last Updated: Apr 03, 2025

Empower is a legit cash advance app. It's a fintech company based in San Francisco, California. Keep in mind that Empower isn't a bank; banking services are provided by nbkc bank, Member FDIC, and their Empower Thrive line of credit comes from FinWise Bank. While they offer genuine services, it's worth noting that on October 31, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor reported errors in Empower's procedures, leading to financial losses of about $40,000 for an individual. This indicates there was an official regulatory complaint against Empower.

How reliable is Empower?

Dozens of Empower reviews from February and March 2025 that we analyzed suggest users find the app reliable. Here’s what they have to say about it:

  • Always There: Many users mention Empower is "always there" when they need it most, providing help in emergencies and tight situations.
  • Fast and Easy: Several users praise the app for being "fast and easy" to use, allowing them to get cash quickly when needed.
  • Lifesaver: Some describe Empower as a "lifesaver" that helped them during critical times, like unexpected car repairs or medical needs. Overall, users appreciate Empower as a dependable option for financial assistance when they're short on cash.

Table of contents

How reliable is Empower?How much can I get from Empower?What users say?Scam reports

How much can I get from Empower?

While Empower advertises a maximum cash advance of $350, user experiences suggest that reaching this amount might not be typical. Here's what people are saying:

  • Advances can increase: Some users have seen their advance amounts grow from $50 up to $200 by paying back on time.
  • Inconsistent amounts: Several folks report that their available advances dropped unexpectedly—even after timely repayments—from $150 down to $25.
  • Low starting amounts: Many users mention starting with advances as low as $25 or $50, which might not cover all immediate expenses.

It seems that while paying back on time can lead to higher advances for some, others experience fluctuations regardless of their repayment history. If you're aiming for that $350 boost, be prepared for it to potentially take some time and consistent usage.

App reviews talking about Loan Amounts:
"...love it need more advance tho..."
"reliable and easy to use. I got 25 with bad credit..."
"...advance when I need and opportunity to increases as you repay..."

What users say?

Positive
1%
Negative
99%
Many users express serious concerns about the security and privacy of the Empower app. A recurring issue is the app's demand for sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, birthdates, and zip codes, which some users find excessive and suspicious. There are also reports of the app being inaccessible, with login issues and verification problems causing frustration. Users are particularly worried about the app's access to their financial data, with some describing it as a phishing attempt. Overall, the sentiment is negative, with users feeling uneasy about the app's handling of their personal and financial information.
App reviews talking about Security & Privacy:
"...Blocks VPN use, which is obviously a necessity for many people..."
"I’m not sure about this app. It immediately asks for SSN, Birthday, and zipcode..."
"...I received two calls from Empower planners. They had full access to my investments..."

Scam reports

Even though Empower is a legitimate company, we found a few recent reviews describing the service as scammy (for context, this is out of hundreds we analyzed). Three users explicitly called the service a “scam” or “fraud,” citing unexpected fees, unauthorized withdrawals, and concerns about identity theft.

One user reported being enrolled without their knowledge and faced difficulties getting their money back. Another mentioned high fees that drastically reduced their investment returns, and one even suspected the app of phishing for personal information.

While these are a small number of reviews, they highlight the importance of carefully reviewing terms and monitoring your account when using Empower.

App reviews talking about Scam:
"...immediately asks for SSN, Birthday, and zipcode..."
"This is a phishing app..."
"...they took money from my bank account."