Cash Advance Apps

Empower

Empower reviews: complaints & concerns

By Editorial Team
Last Updated: Apr 03, 2025

Although Empower has an average lifetime rating of 4.7 on the App Store and Google Play store, its recent user reviews in March 2025 have dropped to 2.8. Some users have voiced complaints about various aspects of the product. Read on to discover these complaints, common concerns, and more.

What do Empower users complain about?

Out of hundreds of user reviews published in early 2025, here are some of the biggest frustrations shared:

  • App crashes: Dozens of users report that the app keeps crashing, often immediately after logging in, making it unusable.
  • Login issues: Many users can't log in at all, getting stuck in loops or facing errors that prevent access.
  • No web access: Users are frustrated they can't access their accounts via the website, as it redirects to the app which doesn't work.
  • Poor customer support: Several users mention they receive no help from customer service in resolving their issues.

Overall, constant crashes and login problems dominate the complaints.

App reviews talking about Complaint:
"...the app will work briefly and then the ability to login fails..."
"I’ve been using this app for a few years and now all of a sudden it’s telling me that my username is not correct..."
"...app crashes on iPhone. Deleted app and reinstalled. Still crashing..."

Table of contents

What do Empower users complain about?Scam reportsOverdraft reportsWhat users say on other topicsComplaints about Empower

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."

Overdraft reports

We found two overdraft-related complaints for Empower.

One user reported that despite closing and paying off their account over two months ago, Empower still withdrew money from their bank. Another user expressed frustration that Empower wouldn't provide a loan when their bank account was negative—defeating the purpose of needing extra cash to cover overdrafts.

What users say on other topics

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..."

Complaints about Empower

In October 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that errors in Empower's procedures led to an individual losing around $40,000, indicating an official complaint against the company.