MoneyLion Cash Advance: 2025 Review
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Our Take
3.5
MoneyLion can deliver a large cash advance with no fees, but funding time may be slow for some users.
Pros
- No mandatory fees.
- Offers larger advances than competitors.
- Multiple customer service channels.
Cons
- Slow funding time.
- Requests tips.
- Fast-funding fee is higher than competitors.
Lender | Est. APR | Loan amount | Min. credit score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8.99-
18.00% | $250-
$50,000 | None | Check Rateson NerdWallet on NerdWallet | |
8.14-
18.00% | $500-
$50,000 | 660 | Check Rateson NerdWallet on NerdWallet | |
7.90-
35.99% | $1,000-
$40,000 | 600 | Check Rateson NerdWallet on NerdWallet | |
7.99-
35.99% | $1,000-
$50,000 | 580 | Check Rateson NerdWallet on NerdWallet | |
6.70-
35.99% | $1,000-
$50,000 | None | Check Rateson NerdWallet on NerdWallet |
Full Review
MoneyLion offers a paycheck advance to customers who link an external checking account that shows a history of direct deposits.
Compare MoneyLion to other cash advance apps, and consider alternative ways to get quick cash.
» COMPARE: The best cash advance apps in 2025
MoneyLion cash advance amounts, fees and terms
Cash advance amounts | Up to $500 (higher amounts may be available for some users). |
Fees | Fast-funding fee: $0.49 to $8.99. |
Repayment | Usually withdrawn on the date MoneyLion determines to be your next payday. |
Time to fund without express fee | Up to five business days. |
Time to fund with express fee | Within a few minutes. |
How does MoneyLion work?
MoneyLion works by giving you an advance on your paycheck, ranging from $10 to $500. This feature is known as MoneyLion Instacash.
Customers may access larger advances if they opt into other MoneyLion products. For example, if you add a MoneyLion credit builder loan with disbursement, you can get up to $700. If you switch your direct deposits to a RoarMoney account (MoneyLion’s version of a checking account), you can get up to $1,000.
Once approved, you’ll receive the funds in one to five business days, depending on where you have the money deposited (one to two business days if you choose a RoarMoney account, or two to five business days if you choose an external account). If you need the money sooner, you can pay a fast-funding fee, and the money will be deposited in the account of your choosing within minutes.
You’ll then repay the advance amount, plus any fees or tips, on the date of your next payday (MoneyLion will autowithdraw the amount you owe from your linked account).
If you need more time, you can defer payment up to two weeks once per repayment cycle. You can request deferment in MoneyLion’s chat support feature.
How to get MoneyLion Instacash
To get MoneyLion Instacash, download the MoneyLion mobile app, link your checking account and select the advance amount you want.
You’ll need to meet the following requirements to be approved:
Must be a United States resident.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must provide your full legal name and have a valid and unique email address.
Must open a RoarMoney Demand Deposit Account or link an external checking account and associated debit card to your Instacash account.
External checking account must be at least 60 days old, receive regular income deposits and be registered in your name.
Must show at least three recurring direct deposits from the same employer on a consistent schedule (weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly or monthly).
Identity verification may be required, so MoneyLion suggests keeping a photo ID nearby. You may also need to snap a picture of yourself.
Nerdy Tip
A cash advance app can help cover you in a true emergency. However, NerdWallet recommends against using them regularly. That’s because research shows frequent use of these apps may lead to a cycle of reborrowing that’s hard to quit. And, since the apps often have fees, you may end up with an even smaller paycheck on payday. If you need to use a cash advance app like MoneyLion, limit it to one-time use and avoid fees if possible.
Should you take out a MoneyLion cash advance?
Here are some of the pros and cons of using MoneyLion to get an advance on your paycheck.
Where MoneyLion stands out
No mandatory fees: Unlike other cash advance apps, MoneyLion has no mandatory fees, so you won’t pay anything extra to receive a portion of your paycheck early. The only fee is an optional fast-funding fee, which you can avoid by choosing the standard delivery option.
Offers large advances: MoneyLion’s cash advance amounts may help you pay for a large unexpected expense. Users with an external checking account can access up to $500, but if you open a RoarMoney account, you could qualify for up to $1,000. This maximum is higher than many of MoneyLion’s competitors.
Multiple customer service channels: MoneyLion has notably strong customer support. In addition to chat and email options, which most apps offer, you can also call (516) 916-5466 and be connected with a MoneyLion representative within minutes. All customer service channels are available 24/7.
Where MoneyLion falls short
Slow funding time: If you link an external checking account to get an Instacash advance, MoneyLion may take up to five business days to deposit the money in your account. This is longer than many cash advance apps, which promise funds in one to three days, even with an external account.
Requests tips: MoneyLion requests an optional tip for its service. Not all cash advance apps request tips, which removes the temptation to pay extra for your advance. NerdWallet doesn’t recommend tipping for an advance in order to reduce costs.
High fast-funding fees: MoneyLion’s fast-funding fee ranges from $.49 to $8.99, which is slightly higher than similar apps. You can minimize this fee by requesting the smallest amount you need and having it deposited in your RoarMoney account, if you have one.
How we rate MoneyLion
Product affordability: 3/5 stars
An affordable cash advance app charges no or minimal fees, doesn’t ask for tips and provides overdraft protection.
Product flexibility: 3.5/5 stars
A flexible cash advance app has a large enough maximum borrowing amount to meet users’ needs, can provide funds quickly without charging a fee and offers repayment flexibility.
Customer experience: 5/5 stars
A customer-first cash advance app will have multiple ways to contact customer service representatives, maintain a thorough FAQ on its website and clearly disclose all fees.
Customer protections: 4/5 stars
A consumer-friendly cash advance app will evaluate a user’s bank account history, require recurring direct deposits and implement safeguards to help prevent overborrowing.
Discretionary additions or deductions: None
A cash advance app may earn a higher star rating by offering unique features that benefit customers. Similarly, an app may lose points by offering features that disadvantage customers.
MoneyLion app reviews
Consumer ratings and complaints
At the time of writing this review, MoneyLion is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). BBB accreditation is an important feature to consider, since it helps establish legitimacy and provides an additional avenue for customers to file a dispute.
On Trustpilot, MoneyLion is rated 3.9 out of five stars. The most recent reviews are negative, with many users complaining that MoneyLion closed or locked their accounts unexpectedly.
In the Apple app store, MoneyLion is rated 4.8 out of five stars, with over 225,000 ratings. In the Google Play store, MoneyLion is rated 4.7 out of five stars, with over 170,000 reviews.
Frequently asked questions about MoneyLion Instacash
How does Instacash work on MoneyLion?
MoneyLion Instacash is a type of paycheck advance. You can request an advance by downloading the MoneyLion mobile app and linking the checking account where you receive direct deposits from your employer. After you receive the money in your linked account, you’ll pay it back with your next paycheck.
Does MoneyLion run your credit?
MoneyLion doesn’t run your credit as part of getting an Instacash advance. Instead, it looks at your checking account history and direct deposits from your employer. MoneyLion won’t report Instacash payments to the credit bureaus.
What happens if you don't pay MoneyLion Instacash back?
If you don't pay MoneyLion Instacash back, MoneyLion won’t take further action against you, including reporting to the credit bureaus or selling the debt to a debt collections agency. But you won’t be able to request another cash advance until caught up.
Compare MoneyLion to other cash advance apps
MoneyLion’s cash advance amounts are larger than other apps and only come with an optional fast-funding fee.
Loan app | Loan amount | Funding time | Fast-funding fee | Other fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$25 to $250. | Up to three days. | $0.99 to $3.99. | $8.99 or $14.99 monthly subscription fee. | |
4.0 NerdWallet rating | $20 to $500. | Up to 24 hours. | $2. | None. |
$50 to $750. | Up to three days. | Starts at $4.99 for $50. | None. | |
Up to $500. | Instant to Dave checking account. | 1.5% of advance amount (applies to external debit card transfers only). |
| |
Up to $750. | Up to two business days. | $2.99 to $5.99. | None. | |
$10-$400. | Up to five days. | $1 to $8 up to $299.99, then 3% of advance amount. | Subscription fee: $8 per month. | |
Up to $200 (higher amounts may be available for some users). | Up to three business days. | $1.49 to $19.99. | None. | |
Up to $500 (higher amounts may be available for some users). | Up to five business days. | $.49 to $8.99. | None. | |
Up to $625. | Up to 20 minutes. | 1.99% of advance amount (applies to external debit card transfers only). |
| |
Up to $500. | Instant. | None. | Advance fee: $1.60 to $40. |
Other ways to get quick cash
Download a BNPL app: If you need cash to purchase an essential item, like a laptop or mattress, “buy now, pay later” apps like Affirm and Klarna may be a good option. These apps split your purchase into smaller installments, usually with no interest and no fees if you pay on time, and you don’t need good credit to qualify.
Explore other ways to make money: Instead of borrowing money, consider a temporary gig to cover small gaps in your budget. You can make money at home or online by selling things you don’t need, taking surveys and testing websites, among other options.
Take out a friend or family loan: Friends and family are often an untapped resource for small loans. Though it may be difficult to ask for help, you can make it easier by drawing up a contract that clearly lists when you’ll repay the loan and if you’ll pay interest.
» MORE: Learn more about family loans
Consider a pawnshop loan: A pawnshop loan lets you borrow money by using a valuable item, like jewelry or electronics, as collateral. You leave the item with the pawnshop and receive a loan based on the item’s value. If you repay the loan, including fees, by the due date, you get your item back. If you don’t repay, the shop keeps the item.
Find the Best Personal Loan
NerdWallet reviews and rates cash advance products from financial companies that provide cash advance apps. We collect over 25 data points from each company, verify the information with company representatives as needed and compare the app with others that seek the same customer or offer a similar cash advance product. NerdWallet writers and editors conduct a full fact check and update annually, but also make updates throughout the year as necessary.
The maximum allowable rating for cash advance apps that we review is five stars. Our star ratings award points to cash advance apps that offer consumer-friendly features, including: no voluntary tips, protections from overdraft fees caused by app withdrawals, low cost of borrowing and an assessment of the user’s finances before providing an advance. The system also rewards points for features that a consumer seeking an advance would find useful, such as: fast funding without a fee, flexible borrowing amounts, overall funding speed and positive customer ratings. Additional points are awarded to apps that have stricter eligibility requirements, which can help prevent a user from overborrowing. We weigh these factors based on our assessment of which are the most important for consumers and how they impact consumers’ experiences.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodologies for cash advance apps and our editorial guidelines.
