Cash Advance Apps

MoneyLion reviews: complaints & concerns

Last Updated: Apr 03, 2025

Although MoneyLion holds an average lifetime rating of 4.7 on the App Store and Google Play store, it received a 4.1 rating from user reviews in February and March 2025. Some users did voice complaints about various aspects of the product though. Read on to discover these complaints, common concerns, and more.

What do MoneyLion users complain about?

Based on hundreds of user reviews published in early 2025, here are some of the biggest frustrations shared:

  • Poor Customer Service: Over 20 users express frustration with unhelpful support, saying issues remain unresolved despite numerous contacts.
  • Account Verification Issues: Dozens report being unable to verify their identity or open an account, often without any explanation.
  • Uncredited Rewards: Several users complain about not receiving rewards from the Play and Earn games, even after completing required tasks.
  • Accounts Locked or Closed: Some users mention their accounts were locked or closed without reason, losing access to their money.
  • High Fees: Users criticize high fees for transactions and cash advances, finding them excessive.
  • Difficult to Cancel Account: Others report trouble deleting or closing accounts, with some being charged even after cancellation.
  • Data Privacy Concerns: A few users suspect their personal information is being sold or misused.
  • App Glitches: Multiple users experience technical issues like app crashes and login problems.
  • Feeling Misled: Some feel the app is misleading or a scam, with promises not fulfilled.
  • Negative Impact on Credit: A couple of users report that using the app harmed their credit score.

Overall, users are frustrated with poor customer service, account issues, and unfulfilled promises.

App reviews talking about Complaint:
"...customer support sucks… i’ve opened up a ticket about this 2 months ago and still have not heard back..."
"I have contacted customer service 10 times. Same stupid excuses, no resolution..."
"...customer service is horrible..."

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..."

Overdraft reports

We found three overdraft-related complaints. Users report unexpected charges leading to overdrawn accounts and negative balances.

One user alleges MoneyLion withdrew more money than the transaction amount—$60 instead of $20—and didn't refund promptly despite promises from customer service. Another says the app debited their account with no hesitation, putting them into the negative when they couldn't afford it, unlike other loan apps that wait until you can pay.

A user also mentioned their bank account was overdrawn after never receiving expected earnings from surveys and games within the app. Attempts to resolve issues with customer support were unsuccessful, leaving them feeling taken advantage of.

App reviews talking about Reported Overdraft:
"...my bank account overdrawn, all the surveys and the games I played to earn extra cash, never saw a dime..."
"I’ve noticed two recent transactions where MoneyLion took out more money than the transaction total..."
"...it’s helping someone who barely has enough to scrape by right now... This app will literally put you into the negatives with no hesitation..."

What users say on other topics

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"

Complaints about MoneyLion

In 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit against MoneyLion, alleging violations of the Military Lending Act and unfair practices. MoneyLion contested these claims in 2023. Then, in November 2023, the Colorado Attorney General announced a settlement with MoneyLion after an investigation found they had collected illegal membership fees tied to loans. MoneyLion agreed to refund $271,000 to affected consumers and pay $75,000 for restitution and enforcement efforts.