Many readers let me know that they need options for FAST cash.
However, sometimes it can take a bit to reach cash out on sites like that and you maybe need a little bit extra today.
If that's you, MoneyLion might be of interest. I recently downloaded the app and requested some fast cash. It worked! Below, I have some information on how you can use it yourself.
It's one of many options for getting paid right away if you are in a crunch for cash.
MoneyLion App Review
What is MoneyLion?
MoneyLion, first off, is more than just an app to borrow small amounts of cash. You can use the app for automated investing, credit building tools, financial advice, and a lot more.
That said, the ability to get interest-free cash when you need it makes it desirable for those of us who live paycheck to paycheck and sometimes run short before the end of the week.
It is worth knowing that MoneyLion's Instacash feature is technically what's called earned wage access, meaning it is giving you early access to money you have already earned, rather than a traditional loan. This distinction matters because there is no interest charged and the repayment is tied to your paycheck rather than a fixed loan schedule.
This review is going to focus on how you use the app to get cash quickly.
First – Create Your MoneyLion Account
You will have to download the MoneyLion app and create an account. This is not hard to do.
Linking your bank account to MoneyLion IS necessary. This is completely secure, and it's needed so they can determine if you qualify for their InstaCash.
Note MoneyLion does not check your credit score. They have an automated system that looks at your bank account history to determine eligibility.
To qualify, your account needs to be at least two months old and show at least three recurring direct deposits from the same employer on a consistent schedule. This is an important requirement to be aware of before signing up.
Second – Select the Amount You Want to Borrow
Once your bank account has been connected and verified, MoneyLion will show you an available amount of Instacash you can withdraw. For most users with an external checking account, this amount may range anywhere from $10 to $500.
It is worth knowing that your limit can go higher depending on which MoneyLion products you use. If you add a Credit Builder loan you may be eligible for up to $700, and if you switch your direct deposits to a RoarMoney account (MoneyLion's own checking account) you could qualify for up to $1,000.
As a new user, your available amount may be on the lower end to start with. After you've done this a few times and successfully repaid what you borrowed, you can see that amount increase.
You don't have to borrow the max limit. You can choose a lesser amount.
Before you confirm the amount, MoneyLion will ask if you want to tip them a few dollars. This is completely optional and you are under no obligation to do so. Skipping the tip is a good way to keep costs down.
Third – Get Your Money
You can get your money sent to your bank account, but the timing depends on which option you choose.
Standard delivery to an external bank account can take up to five business days. If you need it faster, you can pay an optional turbo delivery fee that ranges from $0.49 to $8.99 depending on the size of your advance and where you want the funds deposited.
Paying the turbo fee gets the money to you within minutes.
RoarMoney account holders get faster standard delivery and lower turbo fees than those using an external bank account.
Fourth – Pay the Loan Back
Your repayment will be due on your next payday, since Instacash is tied to your paycheck schedule rather than a fixed calendar date. You can request a deferral of up to two weeks if needed.
MoneyLion's automated system will attempt to withdraw the repayment from your linked account on your due date. If the full amount is not available, they will attempt to collect whatever is there and continue trying each day until the balance is fully paid back.
This means they may collect partial amounts rather than waiting for the full amount to be available, so it is good to be aware of that.
Going too long without getting your borrowed amount paid back means that you may lose your Instacash privileges for good.
A Note on the CFPB Settlement
In the interest of full transparency, it is worth mentioning that in November 2025, MoneyLion reached a $1.75 million settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) related to allegations that the company violated the Military Lending Act, which is a law that protects active-duty servicemembers from certain high-interest financial products.
If you are an active-duty servicemember or military family member, this is worth looking into before signing up.
For civilians, the app continues to operate normally and reviews on the app stores remain strong.
Wondering if you are eligible for any settlement money from ongoing class action lawsuits? I have a list of those here.
My Experience
I tried this following the steps I outlined for you above, and it worked for me. I've had no negative consequences as a result of borrowing some money from MoneyLion.
See below for proof of my payment:
Get Started
If you would like to go ahead and see if you qualify for some Instacash, you can use this link to register (my referral link).
Again, there is no credit check to do this. New users who sign up with my referral link may be eligible for up to $55 in bonuses.
Good luck!
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.