Priority Pay

Your money, sooner. At no extra cost.

With Priority Pay, eligible direct deposits may be available in your account up to two business days before your scheduled payday*. That means faster access to your pay, government benefits, or other qualifying ACH deposits. 

Best of all, it’s completely free for Empower FCU members. 
  • Access your money sooner – Up to two days early 
  • No cost – It’s a free member benefit 
  • Automatic – No sign-up or opt-in required 
  • More flexibility – Helps with budgeting and bill payments 
*Receiving your deposit early does not change the timing of your scheduled payments or automatic transfers. Please ensure sufficient funds remain in your account on your payment due date.
Getting Started

If you already have Direct Deposit set up with us, you’re all set. Priority Pay happens automatically when your deposit qualifies. 

Not enrolled in direct deposit yet? 
Set it up with your employer or benefit provider today and start enjoying faster access to your money. 

FAQs

When the credit sender (like an employer or agency) sends us the deposit file early, we post the funds two business days prior to the effective date - rather than holding them until the settlement date.

Priority Pay may apply to eligible ACH credit deposits, including: payroll (direct deposit), government benefits, and tax refunds. 

The following accounts and deposit types are not eligible: loans and lines of credit, business accounts, custodial accounts, IRAs, International ACH transactions (IATs), and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Eligibility is determined by Empower FCU at its discretion. 

Not necessarily. Early posting depends entirely on when the sender submits the ACH file. If they submit it later than usual or on the scheduled date, the deposit will post on your regular payday. 

Deposits post two business days prior to the effective date. Posting times may vary and are not guaranteed at a specific hour.

There are several common reasons, including: the employer or agency sent the file later than usual; the deposit was not an ACH credit; the ACH file did not include early release instructions; and processing delays from the sender. 

No. Early access depends on when we receive advance notice of the deposit from the payor. Empower FCU cannot control or guarantee the timing of when deposit files are sent. 

No. Priority Pay is a free benefit for members. 

No. Priority Pay is automatically applied to eligible deposits and cannot be opted out of. 

No, Automatic payments process on their scheduled dates. Please be sure enough funds remain in your account on your payment due date.

If your balance is low, you can add funds before the scheduled payment date or update your payment method to help avoid any interruptions.

You can review or update your scheduled payments in your account settings or contact us for help:

315-477-2200.

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NOTICE OF CHANGE TO FUNDS AVAILABILITY POLICY

We have updated our funds availability policy statement to clarify funds availability provisions that apply to eligible deposit accounts who may receive Priority Pay up to two business days. The policy statement below will be effective April 28, 2026.

 

Priority Pay Deposit for Eligible Direct Deposits

For accountholders who have established a direct deposit with a payor through the Automated Clearing House (ACH), you may qualify to have funds made available for your use up to two business days prior to the scheduled payment date. Loans, lines of credit, business accounts, custodial accounts, IRAs, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and International ACH Transactions (IATs) are not eligible for this service. The availability of funds through the Priority Pay Deposit service will be made available after Empower FCU receives advanced notice from the payor that the deposit is on the way. Timing may vary between pay periods, early availability is not guaranteed, and we may stop providing this service at any time without advance notice to you. You cannot opt out of Priority Pay Deposit. Empower FCU may determine, at its sole discretion, whether a direct deposit is eligible for early availability. Any direct deposits not made available early will be accessible as otherwise described in the Membership & Account Agreement.

If we’ve made funds available early and the payor reverses or requests a return of the deposit, or the funds are otherwise uncollected by us, you understand and agree that we may debit your account up to the amount of the deposit that was previously made available, regardless of whether you have already withdrawn the funds. In this instance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for any fees assessed, including those charged by merchants or third parties as a result of any overdraft.