MoneyLion
Banking + investing + credit-builder super-app.
- Who holds it
- A sponsor bank behind the brand — not the app you signed up with — Partner banks.
- The ledger
- Split between a program manager and the sponsor bank — the modular setup that broke in Synapse.
- If it fails
- Any claim runs through the sponsor bank, and only works if the two ledgers reconcile.
Derived from MoneyLion’s regulation type and custody — a class of protection, not a guarantee. Limits and eligibility vary by scheme, balance and jurisdiction; confirm before you rely on it. What happens if a neobank shuts down →
The facts
| Category | traditional |
| AI | AI underwriting in production |
| HQ | New York, US |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Custody | Custodial |
| Regulation type | Partner-bank model |
| License detail | Partner banks |
| Card | Visa · Debit |
| Stablecoins | No |
| KYC | Yes |
| Active regions | North America |
| Countries | United States |
| Founders | Dee Choubey |
| Funding | Public; acquired by Gen Digital (2025) |
Verified links: official site ↗ · terms ↗ · privacy ↗ · @MoneyLion ↗
Common questions about MoneyLion
What is MoneyLion?
MoneyLion is a fiat neobank, headquartered in New York, US and founded in 2013. Your money is held custodially, so MoneyLion or its partner bank holds the balance and you hold a claim on it. It operates on a partner-bank model (Partner banks).
Does MoneyLion have a card, and where can you use it?
It issues a Visa debit card. It is available in North America.
Does MoneyLion require KYC?
Yes. MoneyLion requires identity verification (KYC) to open an account, as a partner-bank model.
Head-to-head
Peers
Chime · Wise · Varo · Current · SoFi · Ally Bank
MoneyLion appears in
Neobanks running on someone else’s banking license (81) · Neobanks available in North America (126) · Neobanks that issue a Visa card (182) · Neobanks in United States (66)
Figures compiled from public sources, for comparison only — not financial advice. "Up to" rates change constantly; always confirm with the issuer. Spotted an error? Suggest a fix.