Cash deposits to MoneyLion checking accounts work differently than at a traditional bank
MoneyLion does not have physical branches or ATMs where you can deposit cash directly. Instead, you deposit cash through a partner network or by converting it to a digital transfer. The most common method is using MoneyLion's cash deposit partners, which include retail locations like CVS, Walgreens, and other participating stores. You pay a small fee—typically $1 to $2 per transaction—and the cash is added to your account within one business day.
If you prefer not to pay a deposit fee, you can also transfer money from another bank account you own, or ask someone to send you money through a digital payment app and deposit it that way. The no-fee route takes longer but avoids the per-transaction cost.
Key Takeaways
- MoneyLion cash deposits happen at retail partners like CVS and Walgreens, not at MoneyLion locations, and cost $1 to $2 per deposit.
- Cash deposited at a partner location reaches your account within one business day, though the exact timing depends on when you deposit and the partner's processing schedule.
- You can avoid deposit fees by transferring money from another bank account you control or receiving digital payments from someone else.
- MoneyLion does not accept cash deposits by mail or at any physical office, so the retail partner network is your only direct cash option.
How to find and use a MoneyLion cash deposit partner
Open the MoneyLion app and look for the "Deposit Cash" or "Cash Deposit" option in the menu. The app will show you nearby participating locations—usually CVS, Walgreens, or other retail chains in your area. Tap the location, and the app will generate a barcode or reference number you present to the cashier along with your cash.
The cashier scans the barcode, takes your cash, and prints a receipt. The money then moves into your MoneyLion checking account. The timing depends on the partner and the time of day you deposit, but most deposits post within one business day. If you deposit after hours or on a weekend, expect the deposit to show up the next business day.
Not all CVS or Walgreens locations participate in the MoneyLion network, so the app will only show you active partners near you. If no partners appear in your area, you may need to use an alternative deposit method or travel to a location that does participate.
Fees and limits for cash deposits
Each cash deposit to MoneyLion through a retail partner costs $1 to $2, depending on the partner and the amount you deposit. This fee is deducted from your account after the deposit posts. There is no fee if you transfer money from another bank account you own or receive money through digital payment methods.
MoneyLion does not publicly state a maximum amount per deposit, but individual retail partners may have their own limits. If you need to deposit a large amount of cash, you may need to make multiple deposits or contact MoneyLion support to ask about options for larger sums.
Alternatives if you cannot use a retail deposit partner
If no MoneyLion partners are near you or you want to avoid the deposit fee, transfer money from another bank account you own. Log into your MoneyLion app, select "Transfer Money," and link your other bank account. The transfer usually takes one to three business days and costs nothing.
You can also ask someone to send you money through a digital payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App, then transfer that balance into your MoneyLion checking account. This method is free but requires coordination with another person and takes as long as the payment app's transfer time.
If you receive a check, you can deposit it through MoneyLion's mobile check deposit feature if the app offers it for your account type, or deposit it at another bank and transfer the funds to MoneyLion afterward.
What happens if your cash deposit does not appear
If you deposited cash at a partner location and the money has not shown up after two business days, open the MoneyLion app and look for a transaction history or deposit status section. Some apps show the deposit as "pending" before it posts. If it still does not appear, contact MoneyLion support through the app with the receipt from your deposit.
Have the receipt ready when you contact support—it shows the date, time, location, amount, and reference number. MoneyLion can use this information to trace the deposit and confirm whether it was processed correctly. If the partner location failed to send the money, MoneyLion can often recover it or credit your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at any CVS or Walgreens?
No. Only participating CVS and Walgreens locations accept MoneyLion cash deposits. The MoneyLion app shows you which stores near you are active partners. If a location does not appear in the app, it does not participate in the program.
How long does it take for cash to show up after I deposit it?
Most deposits post within one business day. If you deposit in the evening or on a weekend, the money typically appears the next business day. The exact timing depends on when the retail partner processes the deposit and when MoneyLion's system receives it.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can deposit at once?
MoneyLion does not publish a per-deposit limit, but individual retail partners may have their own caps. If you need to deposit a large amount, make multiple deposits or contact MoneyLion support to ask about options for bigger sums.
What if I lose my receipt from the cash deposit?
You can still contact MoneyLion support and provide the date, time, and location where you deposited the cash. If you remember the reference number or barcode shown on your phone, include that too. MoneyLion can look up the deposit in their system, though the receipt makes the process faster.
Can someone else deposit cash into my MoneyLion account?
No. The person depositing the cash must use their own MoneyLion account and barcode. If someone wants to send you money, they need to use a digital payment app or transfer from their own bank account instead.