MoneyLion Instacash Review

What it costs, in dollars

Read the fees and the total repaid, not only the advertised rate.

Requirements

What the lender says you need before it will consider you.

• ✓18+, US resident, photo ID, checking account 60+ days old, 3+ recurring direct deposits from one employer.

How fast: Free in 1–5 business days; instant (Turbo) for $0.49–$8.99.

Where it's available

• AK
• AL
• AR
• AZ
• CA
• CO
• CT
• DC
• DE
• FL
• GA
• HI
• IA
• ID
• IL
• IN
• KS
• KY
• LA
• MA
• MD
• ME
• MI
• MN
• MO
• MS
• MT
• NC
• ND
• NE
• NH
• NJ
• NM
• NV
• NY
• OH
• OK
• OR
• PA
• RI
• SC
• SD
• TN
• TX
• UT
• VA
• VT
• WA
• WI
• WV
• WY

We're still verifying where this is offered.

How we scored it

• Cost transparency (25%)7 / 10
• Total cost vs. peers (20%)8 / 10

  No mandatory fees

• Accessibility (20%)7 / 10

  3 direct deposits from one employer

• Speed (10%)8 / 10
• Repayment flexibility (10%)7 / 10

  One deferral per cycle

• Customer experience (15%)4 / 10

  Desk research 24 Sep 2026 — BBB not rated with a government-action alert; CFPB timely-response 94.7%; CFPB Military Lending Act settlement 2022/23; app 4.5–4.8★.

  Sources: bbb.org; consumerfinance.gov

Cheaper options to check first

Nothing cheaper is verified for this situation yet.

Similar lenders

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

EarnIn

Access pay you've already earned, with no mandatory fees.

Score 8.0 →

Still an option for

Steady paycheck with a consistent schedule and a linked checking account. Not available in Connecticut.

Amount

$0–$150

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 1–2 business days; about 30 minutes with Lightning Speed ($3.99–$5.99).

One honest con

Tips and speed fees add up if you use it every pay period; limits vary by user.

See rates at EarnIn →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

Best for

W-2 and hourly workers who need up to $150/day, $1,000+/pay period, and can wait a day or two.

See the full cost and what you need ↓Show less ↑

Cash Out

$0–$150

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Payments

Auto-debit on payday

No mandatory fees. Optional tips. Lightning Speed $3.99 (under $75) to $5.99 (over $75). Up to $150 per day and $1,000 per pay period.

What you need: Linked checking account, verifiable work/pay schedule, direct-deposit history.

Not for: Gig workers with irregular pay; anyone who needs more than their earned wages so far.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

Dave ExtraCash

Up to $500 before payday with a flat percentage fee.

Score 6.8 →

Still an option for

Bank account active 60+ days with recurring deposits.

Amount

$5–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 2–3 business days; instant with a fee.

One honest con

Membership of up to $5/month plus a 5% fee per advance ($5 min, $15 max), plus 1.5% for express to an outside bank.

See rates at Dave ExtraCash →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.

Best for

People who need a predictable, one-time fee and up to $500.

See the full cost and what you need ↓Show less ↑

ExtraCash

$5–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Payments

Auto-debit on payday

Membership up to $5/month + 5% per advance ($5 min, $15 max) + 1.5% express fee to an outside bank; free to a Dave checking account or by ACH in 2–3 days.

What you need: Linked account active 60+ days, recurring deposits, 18+, US address, SSN.

Not for: Anyone who will use it every month — the 5% fee compounds quickly.

Step 3 · Paycheck advance apps

Brigit

Cash advances up to $500 bundled with budgeting and credit-builder tools.

Score 6.7 →

Still an option for

Bank account active 60+ days, positive balance, three recurring deposits from one source.

Amount

$50–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Speed

Free in 2–3 business days; within 20 minutes for $0.99–$5.99.

One honest con

Requires a paid plan ($8.99 Plus or $15.99 Premium per month); Maine residents capped at $250.

See rates at Brigit →Read our review

Opens the lender's site. We may be paid if you apply.

Availability varies by state.

Last verified September 24, 2026

Requires Plus ($8.99/mo) or Premium ($15.99/mo). Express delivery $0.99–$5.99. Maine max $250.

Best for

People who will actually use the budgeting tools and want advances without tips.

See the full cost and what you need ↓Show less ↑

Instant Cash

$50–$500

Term

Repaid on your next payday

Payments

Auto-debit on payday

Requires Plus ($8.99/mo) or Premium ($15.99/mo). Express delivery $0.99–$5.99. Maine max $250.

What you need: Account active 60+ days, balance above $0, 3+ recurring deposits from the same source, Brigit score 40+.

Not for: Anyone who just needs a one-off advance — the subscription makes a single $75 advance expensive.