Cash Advance Apps

Is Cleo app legit?

Last Updated: Apr 03, 2025

Cleo is a legit cash advance app. Founded in 2016 in London by Barnaby Hussey-Yeo, the company is now headquartered in New York. Cleo is an AI-based fintech platform that helps over 150,000 people manage their money every day. The company claims to have over 5 million users. As of October 2023, there were no official regulatory complaints about Cleo.

How reliable is Cleo?

Hundreds of Cleo reviews from March 2025 that we analyzed suggest users can rely on the app. Here’s what they have to say about it:

  • Lifesaver: Many users describe Cleo as a “lifesaver” that comes through when they need extra cash during tough times or in a pinch.
  • Always There: Several people highlight that Cleo is "always there when I need it", appreciating its reliability and ease of use.
  • Inconsistent Advances: A few reviewers mention frustration with inconsistent cash advances when the app's information isn't up to date. Still, the dominant theme is clear: most users see Cleo as a steady backup plan that’s there when they need it most, whether to cover unexpected expenses or bridge the gap until payday.

How much can I get from Cleo?

Based on user feedback, while Cleo advertises a maximum cash advance of $250, many users receive much lower amounts. Here's what we found:

  • Higher advances possible: Some users report receiving higher advances—one even mentioned being approved for $280 after just a month.
  • Low starting amounts: Many users only got advances of $5, $30, or $40, even after paying membership fees.
  • Fluctuating amounts: Some experienced their available advance amounts decreasing unexpectedly, despite timely repayments.
  • Unlikely to hit $250: Several users expressed frustration at never reaching the advertised $250 maximum, even after months of use.

While Cleo can provide quick cash when you need it, don't count on getting the full $250 right away. If you're considering Cleo for larger advances, be aware you might start with smaller amounts.

App reviews talking about Loan Amounts:
"...only able to give me an advance of $30 🤣..."
"The advance amount fluctuates too often..."
"...wish I'd get approved for more then 30 dollars but it's a cool app..."

What users say?

Positive
4%
Negative
96%
Many users complain about difficulties in canceling their subscriptions with Cleo, often citing unauthorized charges even after they believe they've successfully unsubscribed. A recurring theme is the frustration over continued charges despite attempts to cancel, with some users reporting multiple charges in a single month. The process to cancel seems cumbersome, with users mentioning unresponsive customer service and a lack of direct human support. The sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with users feeling trapped by a service they no longer wish to use and having to resort to blocking payments through their banks.
App reviews talking about Subscription Cancellation:
"...I canceled my subscription and they still charged my card..."
"I unsubscribed to plus months ago and the app continues to charge me..."
"...Won't let me cancel my subscription and cleo keeps trying to take money from me illegally..."

Scam reports

Even though Cleo is a legit company, we found over 40 reviews published recently describing the service as scammy (for context, this is out of hundreds we analyzed). About 30 explicitly call the service a “scam”, “fraud”, or “thieves,” while others mention unauthorized charges or hidden fees that made them feel deceived.

Several users report being charged subscription fees but not receiving the promised cash advances, or being told they didn't qualify after paying. A few worry about data security or unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts, and express frustration with unhelpful customer service.

The overarching theme is that people feel tricked or financially harmed, often pointing to unwanted subscriptions, surprise fees, and difficulty canceling or getting refunds.

App reviews talking about Scam:
"...they stole 15$ from me..."
"Scam - They’ll charge you for a subscription and never give you an advance."
"...charged me before revealing they were all just a scam."