Cleo reviews: complaints & concerns

Out of thousands of user reviews from mid-2026, here are the main complaints about Cleo’s cash advance service:

• High fees: Many users report steep subscription fees plus multiple fees per advance, especially when advances are split into smaller increments, leading to paying multiple fees for one loan.
• Advance limits: Users frequently say their advance amounts are low, inconsistent, or get reduced even after paying on time, sometimes dropping drastically without explanation.
• Advance disbursement: The app often splits advances into multiple parts with 24-hour waits and fees for each, frustrating users who need the full amount quickly.
• App issues: Numerous reports of the app crashing, freezing, failing to load, or getting stuck on verification or bank linking steps.
• Customer service: A common complaint is the lack of real human support, with users stuck dealing with unhelpful AI chatbots and no phone support.
• Unauthorized charges: Several users say they were charged subscription or other fees even after canceling, or had money withdrawn without permission.
• Misleading practices: Many feel misled by the requirement to pay subscription fees before knowing advance eligibility, and by promises of higher advances that don’t materialize.

Overall, users find Cleo’s cash advance service expensive, unreliable, and difficult to use, with poor customer support and frequent technical problems.

Cleo has a significant number of recent scam-related complaints from users. Many report being charged subscription fees upfront—sometimes multiple times—even when they never received the promised cash advances or were denied eligibility after paying. Users frequently mention hidden or excessive fees, forced subscriptions to access advances, and difficulty canceling or getting refunds.

There are also numerous reports of unauthorized withdrawals from linked bank accounts, including from secondary or minor accounts, with little to no customer support available. The app’s AI-driven customer service is often described as unhelpful or nonexistent, leaving users stuck with unresolved issues and ongoing charges.

Additionally, Cleo faced a $17 million FTC settlement in 2024/2025 over deceptive advertising and unfair practices, yet many users feel similar problems persist. Overall, the pattern suggests users feel misled, financially harmed, and unable to get proper assistance, raising serious concerns about the app’s trustworthiness.

Cleo has numerous reports of overdraft issues, with users saying the app often withdraws payments early—sometimes days or even weeks before payday—causing overdraft fees and negative balances. Several complaints mention unauthorized withdrawals from multiple accounts, including savings, and difficulty removing old bank details, which leads to unexpected charges and overdrafts.

Many users also report that the app’s repayment dates don’t align with their actual paydays, resulting in repeated NSF fees. Customer support is frequently described as unresponsive or limited to AI bots, leaving users stuck with fees and no resolution. Some say Cleo continues charging subscription fees even after cancellation, further contributing to overdrafts.