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Empower is a cash advance app that offers advances up to $250 and doesn't require a credit check for approval. Unlike some other cash advance apps, it allows gig economy workers to apply. The app also offers budgeting tools, credit score monitoring and notifies its users of updates, like missed payments and bank fees.
$10-$250
No APR
Your next payday
Empower offers a smaller advance than some similar products, but its features and tools are what give the company its value. Its eligibility requirements are fairly thin when compared to competitors and the instant delivery fees, although high, are optional. Empower is worth considering for those who don't need a large sum of money at once and are able to make the payments on their next payday.
To use the Empower app, you must meet the following criteria:
Empower won't check your credit score when you apply. Instead, the company will look at your primary checking account to review your daily banking activity and to see if you have a steady income source. However, regardless of income or account status you may not get approved if you make too many Empower requests in quick succession.
Brigit offers similar benefits to Empower, like budgeting resources and overdraft protection. It also has the same maximum advance amount of $250 and has a similar repayment timeline. However, Empower's lower monthly fee and unique mobile app features give it an edge over Brigit, which has a required monthly subscription fee of $9.99.
Offering a maximum loan amount of $500 and a monthly subscription fee of just $1, Dave is a strong competitor when compared to Empower. Plus, Dave also offers overdraft protection and financial resources — although it doesn't offer an overdraft refund like Empower does.
Dave also offers an early paycheck deposit feature, making it the better option to users who may need their paycheck up to two days early.
Empower recommends using email support, which is available 24/7. Phone support is also available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT.
Empower's application process is completed within the mobile app. As of right now there isn't a desktop-friendly version available. Here's what the application process looks like and what you should do if you run into any roadblocks when setting up your account.
Empower does state that it may need to review additional information to create your account within the app. It states that the manual review process could take up to three business days, so keep that in mind if you need the money as soon as possible.
You gain access to the following perks when you sign up with Empower:
Empower has two fees related to its cash advance product.
| Overall Score | 4.7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 4.8 | Empower has a lower minimum advance amount than is typical, but you can get funds in as little as one business day without paying a fee. |
| Affordability | 4.5 | The mobile app subscription is costly at $8 per month. |
| Customer Experience | 4.7 | Multiple forms of customer support are available, and Empower has few complaints filed against it in the past three years. |
To select the top cash advance apps, the Bankrate team evaluates companies using a 16-point ranking system, known as the Bankrate Score. The Bankrate Score focuses on three key aspects: availability, affordability and customer experience. These are the factors considered as part of each category:
Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by Bankrate.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the lender’s website for the most current information.
