Cash Advance Apps

How does MoneyLion cash advance work?

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2025

MoneyLion is a cash advance app that lets you access up to $1,000 through their Instacash feature. They provide 0% APR cash advances with no interest or mandatory fees, and you repay the amount when you receive your next paycheck. Getting started is simple: download the MoneyLion app, sign up or log in, and link your bank account where you receive your paycheck. Once your account is set up and verified, you can request an Instacash advance. You have the option of standard delivery, which is free and takes 1–5 business days, or instant delivery for a small fee. There are no monthly fees, and while you can choose to leave an optional tip, it's not required and doesn't affect your eligibility for future advances.

How to get a MoneyLion cash advance: step-by-step

Download MoneyLion on your phone and follow these steps:

  1. Sign up: Create an account using your personal information or log in if you already have one.
  2. Verify identity: Provide a valid government-issued ID for verification.
  3. Link bank account: Connect your active bank account where you receive your paycheck.
  4. Access Instacash: Navigate to the "Finances" tab and tap "Instacash."
  5. Select amount: Choose the amount you wish to advance, up to $500 based on your qualification. The maximum amount advertised by MoneyLion is $1,000.
  6. Choose delivery: Select your delivery speed—standard (1-5 business days) at no cost or instant delivery for a fee.
  7. Confirm request: Review and confirm your Instacash advance.
  8. Receive funds: Get your cash deposited into your account; repayment will be automatic on your scheduled date.

Advance amounts, fees and repayment terms

Advance amounts
$10 - $1,000
Monthly fee
Free
Time to get cash
1-2 business days to RoarMoney account, 2-5 business days to external checking account
Expedite fee
$0.49–$8.99, depends on amount and account type
Time to get cash with express fee
Minutes

How long does MoneyLion cash advance take?

You will typically get the money in your RoarMoney account within 1–2 business days, or in 2–5 business days to an external checking account, using the free standard delivery.

If you need the money faster, you can opt for Turbo delivery to get the funds within minutes. This will cost you $0.49–$8.99, depending on the amount of the advance and where you're sending the money. You will pay:

  • For transfers to a RoarMoney account:
    • $0.49 for a $5 advance
    • $1.99 for advances up to $25
    • $3.99 for advances up to $65
    • $6.99 for advances up to $100
  • For transfers to an external account:
    • $1.99 for a $5 advance
    • $3.99 for advances up to $25
    • $5.99 for advances up to $65
    • $8.99 for advances up to $100

What do MoneyLion users say about funding speed?

Out of hundreds of reviews published in April and May 2025 that we analyzed, we found 50+ recent comments mentioning funding speed. Here’s what users say about it:

  • Instant for most: Over 40 users praise how quickly they received cash—often calling it “instant”, “fast”, “quick”, or “within minutes”.
  • Delays for some: About 5 users report issues with funding or repayment processing delays, expressing frustration when they needed the cash most.

Overall, most users are pleased with MoneyLion's speedy funding, but a few have experienced delays or issues.