Cleo App Review

Cleo is a cash-advance and money-management app that relies on an AI chat bot instead of a traditional lender playbook. Its headline feature is a 0%-interest advance of $20–$250 (repeat users can reach $500 once they unlock Credit Builder). Approval is algorithm-based, so there’s no credit check; Cleo just looks at the income and spending data it pulls from your linked checking account.

The advance itself is fee-free if you wait the standard three-to-four business days for delivery. Need it sooner? Pay an optional express fee of $3.99–$14.99 and the cash shows up within 24 hours. Access to the advance (and the rest of the premium toolkit) requires a Cleo Plus or Builder membership that runs $1–$19.99 a month, but there’s never interest or late fees on the money you borrow.

Beyond the quick cash, the app packs a secured Credit Builder line, paycheck-two-days-early direct deposit, automated savings that can earn around 3% APY, and a chat-based budgeting assistant that tracks spending, flags bills and even roasts bad habits.

Cleo might work well for you if:

• Fast cash: You need an interest-free $20–$250 advance (up to $500 with Credit Builder)
• Flexible payback: You like choosing the repayment date and avoiding late fees or interest
• Build credit: You’re interested in a secured line that reports on-time payments to the bureaus
• Money insights: You want AI budgeting, spending breakdowns, bill alerts and playful “roasts”
• Earn on savings: You’ll use the Wallet’s automated saves and roughly 3 % APY

When Cleo might not be a good fit:

• Membership cost: You don’t want to pay $1–$19.99 each month just to stay eligible
• Need money now: You can’t wait 3–4 days and don’t want to pay $3.99–$14.99 for express delivery
• Inconsistent deposits: Your direct deposits are under $750 or irregular, which could shrink your limit
• Algorithm says no: You prefer guaranteed approval—Cleo can decline advances after reviewing your income and spending

Cleo cash-advance requirements are pretty straightforward:

1. Residence: Live in the U.S. and provide a verifiable address.
2. ID check: Pass Cleo’s identity-verification steps.
3. Income flow: Show steady earned-income deposits; at least $750 in direct deposits a month unlocks the highest limits.
4. No balance: Have no outstanding Cleo advance and stay within the allowed number of advances.
5. Account review: After you link your main checking account, Cleo’s algorithm reviews your income, spending and deposit patterns (no credit check).
6. Security: Clear Cleo’s fraud, legal and compliance screens.

First-time users usually start with $20–$100; returning users who keep meeting the rules can move up to $250—or $500 once they switch to Cleo’s Credit Builder line.

You’ll wait about 3–4 business days to see the money with Cleo’s free delivery option.

Need it sooner? Pay the express fee and the cash lands in your bank within 24 hours—often the same day. That rush service costs between $3.99 and $14.99 per advance, with higher advances sitting at the upper end of the range.

1. Pick date: You choose any repayment date when you request the advance—there’s no preset “next payday.”
2. Auto debit: Cleo pulls the amount (and any express-funding fee) from your linked bank account on that date; if your balance is low it can take a partial payment and retry later.
3. No penalties: The advance is 0% APR with no late fees or fixed term, and you can cancel Cleo’s debit authorization anytime by emailing team@meetcleo.com.

Cleo’s cash advances are only one part of the package. Here’s what else the app can do.

Credit Builder line

Once you’ve shown you can handle the basic advance, Cleo can open a secured, 0-APR credit line with just a $1 deposit. Every on-time payment is reported to the bureaus, which can help your credit history while lifting your borrowing limit to as much as $500. The feature also unlocks in-app credit-score tracking and personalized tips for improving it.

Budgeting and spending insights

Link your bank and card accounts once and Cleo’s chatbot starts breaking down where every dollar goes in real time. Expect category-level spend summaries, playful “roasts” when you overspend, and instant answers to money questions. A built-in bill tracker keeps upcoming payments front and center so there are no surprises.

Automated savings and high-yield wallet

Set a goal, pick a rule (round-ups, scheduled transfers, themed challenges) and let Cleo move a few dollars at a time into its Wallet. Money parked there currently earns around 3% APY, so your spare change grows while it waits for its next job.

Get paid early

Route your direct deposit through Cleo and your paycheck can show up in your account up to two days sooner, giving your budget a little breathing room between pay cycles.