Cash Advance Apps

MoneyLion

Is MoneyLion app legit?

By Editorial Team
Last Updated: Apr 03, 2025

MoneyLion is a legit cash advance app. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York, MoneyLion offers services like instant cash advances, mobile banking, credit-building loans, and more. While MoneyLion is a legitimate company, it's important to note that they faced regulatory actions in recent years. In November 2023, they settled with the Colorado Attorney General, agreeing to provide $271,000 in restitution after an investigation found they collected illegal membership fees tied to loans. Additionally, in 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed a civil lawsuit against MoneyLion alleging violations of the Military Lending Act and the Consumer Financial Protection Act, which MoneyLion is contesting.

How reliable is MoneyLion?

Dozens of MoneyLion reviews from March 2025 that we analyzed suggest users can rely on the app. Here's what they have to say about it:

  • Lifesaver: Many people describe MoneyLion as a “lifesaver” or even a "GOD send", helping them through financial deficits and emergencies.
  • Helps in a Bind: Several users highlight how MoneyLion is always there when they're "in a bind", "in a tight spot", or need to get "out of a jam".
  • Easy and Fast: Users find the app "easy to use", "fast and reliable", providing quick access to funds when needed most.
  • Builds Credit: Some appreciate that MoneyLion helps them "build credit" and offers tools to improve their financial health.
  • Great Support: A few reviewers mention the "great customer service" and support team, making the experience even better. Overall, the dominant theme is clear: most users see MoneyLion as a dependable ally that's there when they need it most, whether to pay bills, handle emergencies, or cover unexpected expenses.

Table of contents

How reliable is MoneyLion?How much can I get from MoneyLion?What users say?Scam reports

How much can I get from MoneyLion?

MoneyLion advertises a maximum cash advance of $1,000, but what do users actually get? Here's the scoop:

  • Higher limits than competitors: Some users mention that MoneyLion offered them higher instant cash limits compared to other apps like Dave, with advances over $130 or even $150.
  • Flexible withdrawals: Users appreciate being able to withdraw increments as needed.
  • Low initial amounts: Several users report being offered much lower amounts than expected, sometimes as low as $75.
  • Loan amounts vary: Some have experienced fluctuations in their available loan amounts, which can be frustrating.
  • Slow to increase: The loan amounts don't seem to increase significantly over time, even after multiple repayments.

While some folks are happy with the cash advances from MoneyLion, others feel the amounts are lower than anticipated and can vary unexpectedly. So, if you're considering MoneyLion, keep in mind that you might not immediately get that $1,000 advance.

App reviews talking about Loan Amounts:
"...they have assumed that certain deposits made to my account are payroll deposits and adjusted the amount that I could withdraw..."
"Amount low, but offered higher offer than DAVE..."
"...it's a good app when u need some quick cash but the loans never really go up u have to get like 5 loans and it'll go up like 20 bucks..."

What users say?

Positive
27%
Negative
73%
Many users express frustration with MoneyLion's bank compatibility, noting that their banks are not supported or recognized by the app. This has led to difficulties in linking accounts, making payments, and accessing funds. Some users report that even after attempting to manually enter their bank information, they were unable to connect their accounts. Additionally, there are complaints about MoneyLion not accepting online banks like Chime and Varo, which has caused inconvenience for those who rely on these services. The sentiment is largely negative, with users feeling that their time and effort were wasted.
App reviews talking about Bank Compatibility:
"...my bank isn’t even on their list of banks. Even entering it manually I couldn’t link it..."
"I kept getting a “security error”. After almost two days of calling and chatting with online help..."
"...my bank not on the list waisted my time and effort"

Scam reports

Even though MoneyLion is a legitimate company, we found over 20 recent reviews describing the service as scammy (for context, this is out of hundreds we analyzed). About 15 explicitly call the service a “scam”, “fraud”, or “thieves”, while others mention unauthorized charges or hidden fees that made them feel deceived.

Several users report their accounts being locked or closed without notice, with funds still in them and no resolution from customer service. Others express concerns about identity verification failures, data security, and potential data misuse or fraud.

The overarching theme is that people feel tricked or financially harmed, often pointing to unwanted subscriptions, surprise fees, and an inability to access their money or get help from customer service.

App reviews talking about Scam:
"...money line decides they’re gonna lock my account and completely close it without even letting me get my money out..."
"DO NOT USE! MAJOR SCAM FOR PLAY AND EARN..."
"...MoneyLion took out more money than the transaction total..."