PFM app MoneyLion is getting an overhaul.
Aside from a logo change and a sparkling new app design, users will now be able to access the MoneyLion app for tips on spending and credit, in-app access to services such as TransUnion, and, most notably, updated personal loan features, the company announced today.
“We’re really broadened the number of ways that people can reduce their rates,” Tim Hong, CMO for MoneyLion, told Bank Innovation. “Our focus is really that middle America [consumer]—between 550 to 750 [credit score]. Since 2008, a lot of FIs have stopped focusing on that segment, but we really want to focus on how to make money more approachable.”
MoneyLion’s upgrades include an “Instant Offers” feature, which works by scanning both sides of a user’s driver’s license within the mobile app. After scanning, the app will display the user’s borrowing power, allowing them to apply and receive funds through the app.
“We’ve approved loans as large as $35,000 through the mobile app alone, which is certainly unique and certainly convenient for our customers,” Hong said, adding that the app’s upgrade is designed with the goal of financial health in mind.
Currently, MoneyLion has more than 1 million users, and has processed more than 200,000 loans, according to Hong.
In addition to the “Instant Offers” feature, the company is also introducing what it calls “Boosts”—a way for customers to utilize friends and family to lower their interest rates. Essentially, consumers can request, receive, or send “Boosts” within the app to another user, and the more boosts one receives, the lower the rate of interest on a loan.
“This isn’t a legal co-sign, it’s completely free. As [a customer] gets more Boosts, we lower the APR,” Hong said. “You can request Boosts from friends and family, and you can get Boosts anytime, so it helps to build trust with the customer.”
In addition to the personal loan upgrades, MoneyLion is also providing users with new recommendations for personal finance management. This feature utilizes AI and machine learning, and provides saving/credit tips to users every day.
MoneyLion’s new look can be viewed on the company’s site, and the new app is available on Android and Apple devices today.