MoneyLion Instacash: 2025 Review

MoneyLion is best for RoarMoney account holders

MoneyLion’s Instacash feature doesn’t require you to have a RoarMoney account to use it. You are able to get an advance on your paycheck within one to five business days, or within minutes for an optional fee of up to $8.99. Tips are also optional, and repayments are taken automatically out of your bank account when you are paid.

If you have a RoarMoney account with recurring deposits, you get access to a higher cash advance limit of up to $1,000 instead of the standard $500 cap. RoarMoney account holders can also get their funds quicker — within one to two business days instead of up to five business days — without paying a fee. Account holders also get a discount on turbo delivery fees, which compensates the $1 fee you pay each month for having the RoarMoney account.

While you will get more benefits as a RoarMoney account holder, you can still use MoneyLion to fund emergency expenses or bills that come up between paychecks. And because there is no credit check and no mandatory fees, MoneyLion is a good alternative to high-interest bad credit loans.

MoneyLion cash advance purposes

MoneyLion does not outline any specific restrictions on how you use your funds. Provided you are not participating in illegal activities or fraud, you are able to cover a variety of everyday expenses with a cash advance.

Fees and penalties

MoneyLion doesn’t charge any fees for its Instacash service. However, if you want your funds deposited within minutes, you can opt to pay a turbo delivery fee. This fee ranges from $0.49 to $6.99 for RoarMoney account holders, and from $1.99 to $8.99 for those with an external bank account. The amount you pay will depend on your withdrawal amount.

Where MoneyLion cash advances stand out

• No monthly fees: There are no monthly subscription or late payment fees for MoneyLion users who use the Instacash feature, making borrowing more affordable.
• Payment deferment available: You can defer your payment by up to two weeks if needed without penalty.
• Peer boost feature: Each calendar month, users can send and receive up to five boosts to friends and family who are also using the app to increase their Instacash limit by $5 per instance.
• Participation bonuses: MoneyLion users can complete activities in the MoneyLion app or participate in promotions to raise their Instacash limit for a short time if needed.
• Automated repayments: MoneyLion automates your repayments based on when you receive your paycheck instead of an inflexible due date.
• Makes borrowing accessible: MoneyLion rewards borrowers who use its services responsibly, making its bonuses available to those building or rebuilding their credit.

Where MoneyLion cash advances fall short

• High express funding fees: Turbo fees — which allow you to get the funds within minutes instead of days — can be as high as $8.99 for each $90 to $100 withdrawal. This can be steep, as you can only withdraw a maximum of $100 per instance, so you may have to pay this amount multiple times if you withdraw the full $500.
• Initial restrictions on borrowing: The app must determine the amount and frequency of your recurring deposits before you can borrow the full $500 available with Instacash.
• Low borrowing amounts: MoneyLion's maximum advance amount is low compared to alternatives like credit cards and personal loans, and it may also be limited by how much you make per paycheck.
• Membership required for higher advance limits: You have to pay a monthly subscription of $1 for a RoarMoney account or $19.99 for a Credit Builder Plus membership to access a higher cash advance limit than the standard $500.

MoneyLion customer resources

Customer support

Customers can get in touch with MoneyLion’s customer support team via chat — through the company’s mobile app or website — or by sending an email. Customer support is also available 24/7 over the phone at 844-224-0087. As of March 2025, MoneyLion has a 4.1 rating with over 28,000 reviews.

Digital experience

Borrowers can manage their MoneyLion Instacash transactions on the lender's website or entirely through the MoneyLion app. They will need to download the app, create their account and link a checking account to start.

The MoneyLion website hosts a “Learn” section with articles on using MoneyLion services, personal finance and general financial news. As of March 2025, the company's app has a 4.7 rating on the Google Play Store with over 160,000 ratings and a 4.7 rating on the Apple App Store with over 202,800 ratings.

How this app compares

MoneyLion vs. EarnIn

EarnIn offers all its users a cash advance limit of up to $750 per pay period, and no fees. That said, the app does have a daily $150 withdrawal limit. MoneyLion, on the other hand, allows you to withdraw up to your $500 limit that same day — through different transactions. MoneyLion also allows you to increase your Instacash to up to $1,000, but only with a RoarMoney account. 

All-in-all, EarIn is a better choice if you need to cover a larger expense and don’t want to set up another account just for the sake of getting a higher dollar amount.

MoneyLion vs. Brigit

While Brigit may offer quicker standard funding than MoneyLion, its cash advances are capped at just $250. Additionally, to access the Brigit’s Instant Cash feature, you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription fee of $8.99 for its Plus plan or $14.99 for its Premium plan. This can be quite steep considering that MoneyLion doesn’t charge a subscription fee and has a cash advance limit double the amount of Brigit’s. 

How to qualify for a MoneyLion advance

To qualify for MoneyLion’s Instacash feature, you’ll need to download the app and link a checking account that meets the following criteria:

• Is registered under your name.
• Has been active for at least 60 days.
• Has a positive balance.
• Receives regular deposits.

Additionally, you may need to present an official ID to verify your identity or submit a selfie holding your ID. Some of the requirements may be waived if you choose to open and use a RoarMoney account instead.

MoneyLion features and perks

Consumers who open and link a RoarMoney account with recurring deposits can increase their Instacash limit to up to $1,000 — one of the highest cash advance caps in the market. Although the company charges a $1 monthly administration fee on this account, the perks may be very well worth it.

With a RoarMoney account you get access to exclusive rewards and get your paycheck up to two days earlier. RoarMoney account holders also get a discount on turbo delivery fees and price protection. The latter allows you to get a reimbursement if something you bought decreases in price within 90 days of purchasing with your RoarMoney card. 

How Bankrate rates MoneyLion

Some negative reviews dislike that they can only withdraw $100 at a time even when they are approved for more.