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MoneyLion offers a paycheck advance to users who show a history of regular direct deposits from their employer. There’s no mandatory fees for this service, and advances are repaid automatically on your next payday.
In this review, I cover how the MoneyLion app works, what it costs, who qualifies and how it compares to similar cash advance apps.
⚠️ Before you borrow
Cash advance apps can seem like a quick and easy way to get money. But since most apps charge fees, you’ll likely end up owing more than you originally borrowed. This can trap you in a cycle of repeat borrowing that’s hard to break.
At a glance: MoneyLion app cash advance
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Amounts available
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$10 to $500 (up to $1,000 for some MoneyLion users)
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MoneyLion works by giving you an advance on your paycheck up to $500. This feature is known as MoneyLion Instacash.
How much does MoneyLion cost?
MoneyLion Instacash doesn’t have any mandatory fees.
🤔 What does that really cost?
MoneyLion is a legitimate financial services company.
Here’s what we have gathered:
– MoneyLion is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau at the time of writing this review.
– The MoneyLion app has high ratings on Google Play and the App Store.
– In November 2025, MoneyLion settled with the CFPB for $1.75 million due to violations of the Military Lending Act.
– To qualify for MoneyLion Instacash, you need to meet certain requirements including being a US resident, at least 18 years old, and having a valid email address.
– Identity verification may be necessary, so keep a photo ID handy.
– MoneyLion offers large advances without mandatory fees, but has disbursement limits and slow funding times compared to other cash advance apps.
– MoneyLion can be compared to EarnIn and Brigit, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages.
– Consider other ways to get quick cash, such as temporary gigs or using “buy now, pay later” apps like Affirm and Klarna.
Exploring loan options: If you need a small loan, there are several options you can consider. One option is to ask friends or family for a loan, but it’s important to create a contract outlining the terms of repayment. Another option is to get a pawnshop loan, where you use a valuable item as collateral to borrow money.
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About the author
Jackie Veling delves into the realm of personal loans for BW. Her writing has graced esteemed publications such as The Associated Press, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and Yahoo Finance. Additionally, her work has been referenced by the Harvard Kennedy School. With a background in freelance writing and editing, Jackie holds a journalism degree from Indiana University. text in a different way:
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