How Does the Cleo App Work?

A step-by-step breakdown of The app's AI, bank linking, budgeting tools, cash advances, and safety features — everything you need to know before signing up.

In This Guide

  1. Step 1: Download & Sign Up
  2. Step 2: Link Your Bank via Plaid
  3. Step 3: Set Up Your Budget
  4. Step 4: Chat with The app's AI
  5. Step 5: Request a Cash Advance
  6. Security & Privacy
Step 1

Download & Sign Up

The app is available on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) in the United States. Signing up takes about 3–5 minutes.

You'll need:

  • A valid US mobile number or email address
  • To be at least 18 years old
  • A US-based checking or savings account
  • SSN (for the card applicants only)

During onboarding, Its AI will ask what you want to focus on: budgeting, cash advance, credit building, or savings. This personalizes your experience from day one.

📱

Available On

Apple App Store
iOS 14+
Google Play
Android 8+
Step 2

Link Your Bank Account via Plaid

Cleo connects to your bank account through Plaid, a secure, industry-standard financial data provider used by thousands of apps including Venmo and Robinhood.

The connection is read-only — It can see your transactions and balance, but cannot initiate transfers without your explicit action inside the app.

Most major US banks are supported via Plaid. Credit unions and some smaller banks may have limited connectivity.

How Plaid Works

1
You enter your bank credentials securely inside Plaid's interface — Cleo never sees your username or password.
2
Plaid authenticates with your bank using bank-level 256-bit TLS encryption.
3
Cleo receives a read-only token to pull transaction data and balances — no ability to move money.
4
You can revoke access at any time through Plaid's dashboard at plaid.com/connections.
Step 3

Set Up Your Budget

Once your bank is linked, It automatically analyzes your last 30–90 days of transactions and categorizes them into spending buckets: food, bills, entertainment, transport, and more.

Spending Breakdown

Monthly view of all categories, with comparisons to prior months so you can spot trends.

Bill Tracker

The app identifies recurring charges and alerts you before bills are due so you're never caught off guard.

Budget Limits

Set custom spending caps per category. The app alerts you when you're approaching your limit.

Step 4

Chat with Its AI

The heart of the app is its conversational AI. Instead of navigating menus, you just chat. Cleo understands plain English and responds like a knowledgeable (if slightly sarcastic) financial advisor.

Things You Can Ask the App

  • "How much did I spend on food this month?"
  • "Can I afford to spend $200 this weekend?"
  • "Roast me" (get brutally honest spending feedback)
  • "Hype me up" (get motivational encouragement)
  • "I need a cash advance"
  • "Show me my bills for next week"

Roast Mode vs Hype Mode

🔥 Roast Mode

Cleo delivers meme-filled, brutally honest commentary on your worst spending habits. Great for a reality check when you've been overspending.

🙌 Hype Mode

Cleo celebrates your financial wins with enthusiastic encouragement. Perfect when you've stayed under budget or hit a savings milestone.

Step 5

Request a Cash Advance

Cash advances are available to the Plus plan and Builder subscribers. The process is simple — just ask the app directly in the chat interface.

1

Ask the App

Type "I need a cash advance" in the chat

2

Eligibility Check

Cleo reviews your account history and cash flow

3

Choose Amount

Select from your available range; pick standard or express delivery

4

Funds Arrive

2–3 days (free) or same day (optional fee)

Security

Is Cleo Safe? How It Protects You

256-bit Encryption

All data transmitted between this app and your bank uses bank-grade AES-256 encryption — the same standard used by major financial institutions.

Read-Only Access

Cleo can only view your account data — it cannot initiate payments, transfers, or withdrawals on your behalf without explicit action from you.

FDIC Insurance

Savings deposits held through this app's banking partner Thread Bank are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor.

FAQ

How Cleo Works — Common Questions

Does the app work with Chime?
Yes, the app is compatible with Chime accounts. You can link your Chime account to track spending, set budgets, and manage finances. Some users report occasional connectivity issues — contact support if you experience problems.
Does the app work with Cash App?
No. Cash App functions as a peer-to-peer payment platform rather than a traditional bank account, so it doesn't provide the account access Cleo needs to track transactions and determine advance eligibility.
Can I use Cleo without linking a bank account?
No. Linking at least one bank account via Plaid is required to use any of Its features. Unlike some budgeting apps, It does not support manual account entry.
How does Cleo make money?
Cleo earns revenue through its subscription tiers (Grow, Plus, Builder), optional express transfer fees on cash advances, and through its the card (credit builder card) subscription. It does not sell user data to advertisers.