
If you're in a tight spot and need some emergency funding, cash advance apps like Cleo can be a lifesaver. Cleo, in particular, offers a range of features to help you get back on your feet.
Cleo's algorithm can analyze your financial situation and provide personalized recommendations for managing your debt. This can be a huge help if you're struggling to make ends meet.
With Cleo, you can even access cash advances of up to $1000, which can be a huge relief in an emergency.
Consider reading: Is Cleo Cash Advance Legit
What to Know
Cleo is a cash advance app that offers convenient advances with no hidden fees or interest charges, unless you need the money transferred instantly.
The app is designed with a sassy attitude, but not everyone may find it appealing. Cleo offers budgeting tools and will mock or praise your spending habits, but you'll need to download the mobile app to use the service.
To access advances up to $250, you'll need a monthly subscription, which costs $5.99 for Cleo Plus and $14.99 for Cleo Builder. Cleo Builder includes extra features to help boost your credit score.
Here's a comparison of Cleo and payday loans:
What Is
So, let's start with the basics. What is a topic that's often misunderstood? It's a concept that's hard to pin down, but essentially it's a broad area of study or discussion that's usually categorized into different subtopics or branches.
A topic can be thought of as a broad subject area, like a category or a heading that encompasses many related ideas and concepts. For example, history is a topic that includes subtopics like ancient civilizations, world wars, and cultural movements.
A topic can also be a specific area of interest or expertise, like a hobby or a profession. For instance, photography is a topic that involves learning about different types of cameras, lighting, and composition.
In academic settings, a topic is often assigned to students as a subject to research and write about. This can be a broad topic like climate change or a specific one like the impact of social media on mental health.
Overall, a topic is a way to organize and understand complex information, making it easier to learn and communicate with others.
Payday Loans at a Glance
Payday loans can be a costly option, with fees ranging from $15 to $25 for each $100 borrowed. This can quickly add up and lead to a cycle of debt.
The maximum advance for payday loans can be as high as $1,000, but this varies depending on the lender. Cleo, for example, offers a maximum advance of $250.
To qualify for a payday loan, you'll typically need to provide a Social Security number and banking information. Cleo requires a linked bank account, while payday loans often require a postdated check.
The application process for Cleo is relatively simple, taking only a few minutes to complete. Payday loans, on the other hand, may require additional documentation and verification.
Here's a comparison of Cleo and payday loans at a glance:
Cash Advance Apps
Cleo is an AI-based fintech platform designed for young people who need basic financial advice and guidance. It's chatty and conversational, even using pronouns like "she/her".
You'll communicate with Cleo via text, and it offers small cash advances of up to $250, but most first-time users won't qualify for the maximum from the start.
Cleo's cash advances require a paid monthly subscription, either Cleo Plus for $5.99 per month or Cleo Builder for $14.99 per month, which includes extra features to help boost your credit score.
DailyPay is a great alternative to cash advance apps like Cleo, allowing you to pay for unexpected expenses without incurring costly overdraft penalties.
DailyPay's $1.99 withdrawal fee is low, and the money will be in your bank account the following working day, which is a big plus.
DailyPay's automated features make it easy to save a predetermined portion of your income every time you get paid, making it a top alternative for payday loan apps like Cleo.
Cleo's free services are best for people just learning how to manage money, but for cash advances, you'll need to pay for a subscription.
Consider reading: Rocket Money Cash Advance
Popular Apps
MoneyLion is a popular cash advance app that offers instant cash advances up to $500 with a fee, or one to five business days for free. You can increase your cash advance limit to $1,000 if you become a RoarMoney customer and set up your qualifying recurring direct deposits.
MoneyLion doesn't charge fees for standard delivery, but you'll pay a one-time fee of $1.99 to $8.99 for Turbo delivery to get funds within minutes. This fee varies depending on your disbursement amount and account.
Here's a quick rundown of MoneyLion's key features:
- Instant cash advances up to $500
- No interest or mandatory fees
- No credit check for approval
MoneyLion is compatible with Chime and Varo, allowing you to link your bank accounts to access the Instacash feature. However, it's not compatible with PayPal, which requires a connection to a bank account to provide cash advances and monitor transactions.
Chime
Chime is a popular banking app that offers a range of services, including a digital bank account, cash advances, and a credit card. It's entirely free, with no monthly charges, minimum balance requirements, or other hidden costs.
Chime's cash advance feature is called SpotMe, which provides overdraft protection to help you save money on overdraft fees. It's not a true cash advance, but rather a way to cover transactions that exceed your account balance.
Chime offers a Visa debit card that can be used at no additional cost at over 38,000 Visa Plus Alliance merchant locations or Visa ATMs across the country. You can also get a Chime Credit Builder Visa credit card if you're struggling to get approved for a credit card.
To qualify for Chime's SpotMe program, you need to have direct deposit set up with your Chime account, and the deposit must come from a "qualifying" depositor. PayPal transfers don't count, so gig workers and freelancers will need to use a different cash advance app.
Here are some key features of Chime:
- Cash advance amount: up to $100 (or $200 with good payback history)
- No credit check or interest on advances
- No mandatory monthly subscription fee
- Visa debit card with no additional cost for use at in-network ATMs or merchant locations
- Chime Credit Builder Visa credit card for those with poor credit history
Brigit
Brigit is a popular app that helps bridge the gap between paydays by providing immediate financial assistance. It offers a cash advance of up to $250, which can be repaid with your next paycheck or on a selected date.
To be eligible for an advance, you must subscribe to the Plus plan, which costs $9.99 per month. This plan also offers personalized budgeting tools and advice, as well as a platform to find opportunities to earn extra money.
Brigit doesn't charge late fees or interest fees, making it a more affordable option compared to other cash advance apps. However, the APR can be quite high, ranging from 260.60% to 286.45%, depending on the payment schedule and fees.
You can extend the payment schedule on your initial loan without additional fees, but this requires more frequent usage of the service. With each additional extension, you can delay loan repayment for up to three consecutive periods.
Brigit is compatible with Chime and Varo, but not with PayPal, as it requires a connection to a bank account to access cash advances and other financial tools. You can qualify for Brigit without a credit check, making it a great option for those with poor credit history.
Here are some key features of Brigit's Plus plan:
- Cash advance amount: Up to $250
- Credit check: No
- Fees: No late fees or interest fees
- Monthly membership fee: $9.99
- Key features: Personalized budgeting tools and advice, a platform to find opportunities to earn extra money
Features and Requirements
Cleo's features are designed to make learning about personal finance fun and conversational, without awkward personal conversations. It will even mock you for your largest purchases to keep you in check.
Cleo's free services include budgeting and savings help, and it will provide you with a brutally honest response if you're unsure about a purchase. You can also set up a "budget" with essential spending and track how close you come to hitting those numbers.
To use Cleo, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
- You must be 18 or older
- Provide your state of residence
- Have a bank account thatโs compatible with Plaid
APR Estimate
The APR estimate is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a loan service. If you borrow $100 through Cleo and pay the monthly fee of $5.00 and a $4 fee to have the transfer expedited, you'll pay the equivalent of a 260% annual percentage rate.
You can avoid this high rate by opting out of the instant transfer fee. This brings the APR down to 156%.
This significant difference in rates highlights the importance of understanding the fees associated with a loan service.
For more insights, see: Daily Pay Cash Advance
Branch

Branch is a cash advance app that's designed to help employees get access to their money more quickly. It's a great tool for people who don't have bank accounts, as it provides a debit card and digital bank account at no cost.
You can take up to $500 in advance per payment cycle, or $150 per day, based on the number of hours you work and the amount of money you earn. This is a significant amount of money, and it can really help you out in a pinch.
To use Branch, your employer must also create an account. This is a requirement, so make sure you check with your HR department to see if they've set it up.
One of the best things about Branch is that it's completely free to use, and it doesn't require a membership. This is a big plus, as you won't have to worry about any extra fees or costs.
Branch is available on iOS for free, and it's a great option for people who want to manage their finances more effectively.
For your interest: How to Put Cash on a Cashapp Card
Possible Finance
Possible Finance offers a cash advance feature that's more like a small-dollar personal loan. You can borrow up to $500, which is a higher amount than some other cash advance apps.
The fees for Possible's cash advance are significantly higher than the alternatives, with a range of $10-$25 per $100 borrowed, depending on your state.
One thing to note is that Possible does require a credit check, which may affect your chances of approval if you have bad credit.
Possible Finance doesn't have a monthly membership fee, which is a plus if you're looking to save some extra money each month.
Here's a quick rundown of Possible Finance's key features:
Requirements
To use Cleo, you must be at least 18 years old. This requirement is in place to ensure that all users are adults with the capacity to make financial decisions.
You'll also need to provide your state of residence when signing up for the app. This information is likely used to determine which financial institutions are available to you.
To connect your bank accounts, you'll need a bank account that's compatible with Plaid. Unfortunately, not all banks work with Plaid, so you may need to switch banks if you bank with one of the major institutions that don't use Plaid, such as Chase, Capital One, or PNC.
Here are the specific requirements for using Cleo:
These requirements are in place to ensure that you can get the most out of the Cleo app and its features.
Using the Apps
To use cash advance apps like Cleo, you'll first need to download the mobile app and create an account. Then, connect your bank account to the app via the Plaid platform, which allows the app's AI to analyze your deposit, spending, and savings data without accessing your personal information.
Most cash advance apps require you to connect a checking account with recurring direct deposits. Cleo, for example, allows new users to borrow up to $70 with no credit check. You can request a cash advance, which will be automatically deducted from your next direct deposit.
Explore further: Cash Advance Apps No Credit Check No Direct Deposit
If you need an "express" advance, you'll pay a $4 fee, but regular ACH transfers are free. Cleo's fees for same-day advances range from $3.99 to $9.99, depending on the amount you borrow. To help you track your finances, Cleo's AI budget planner, monthly bill tracker, overdraft alerts, and payment reminders are all available for free once you download the app.
Here are the maximum cash advance amounts for some popular cash advance apps:
How to Request
To request a cash advance from Cleo, you'll need to link your bank account and answer a series of questions about your income and bills. You can do this by typing "spot me" in the chat section of the app.
Cleo will let you know if you've been approved for an advance, and if so, you'll be offered an initial advance between $20 to $100. You can choose a repayment term of up to 28 days.

It's worth noting that Cleo uses Plaid to connect your bank accounts, which is a secure service that connects your bank accounts to various apps. However, not all financial institutions are compatible with Plaid, so you may need to switch banks if you bank with Chase, Capital One, or PNC.
If you're approved for an advance, you can expect to receive the funds in your Cleo "Wallet", but you won't be able to withdraw the money immediately. You'll need to wait for it to clear, which can take up to four business days.
Here's a summary of the steps to request a Cleo cash advance:
- Link your bank account to Cleo
- Answer questions about your income and bills
- Type "spot me" in the chat section
- Choose a repayment term of up to 28 days
- Wait for the funds to clear in your Cleo "Wallet"
How to Cancel
To cancel your Cleo subscription, you must open a chat and type "Cancel." That's right, just type those two simple words and Cleo will take care of the rest.
You'll need to answer a few questions first, so be sure to respond to keep the conversation moving. If you don't answer the questions, you'll have to start over.
After answering the questions, you'll get an "Unsubscribe" button to tap, which should send you a confirmation email confirming your canceled subscription.
Don't forget, if you cancel while still having an active advance, you must repay it by the due date. It's essential to keep this in mind to avoid any additional fees.
If you've paid a Cleo subscription within seven days of signing up and haven't requested a cash advance, your subscription fee will be refunded.
Security and Legitimacy
Cleo is a legitimate cash advance app, launched in 2016 by Barnaby Hussey-Yeo. It's not just a payday advance app, but a free artificial intelligence financial assistant that helps 150,000 people manage their money every day.
Cleo's security practices are in line with the rest of the financial sector. They use encrypted read-only mode to access your transaction history and data, without storing or accessing your banking login details.
They hold regular security tests and audits to ensure your information is safe.
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Is Legitimate?
Cleo is not a scam, it's a legitimate financial assistant. It was launched in 2016 by Barnaby Hussey-Yeo.
Cleo's founder is adamant that it's not just a payday advance app. He wants people to know that Cleo is a free AI financial assistant.
Cleo helps 150,000 people manage their money every day. It makes money simple, putting people back in control.
Cleo provides instant, personalized, and intelligent information about finances. This information is given in a way that makes people want to engage with their finances.
On a similar theme: Free Money
Is Secure?
Cleo takes security seriously, using security practices in line with the rest of the financial sector.
They don't store or access banking login details, which means your sensitive information is safe.
Cleo holds regular security tests and audits to ensure their systems are up to date and secure.
Here are some key security features that give you peace of mind:
- Encrypted read-only mode to access your transaction history and data
- No storage or access of banking login details
- Regular security tests and audits
Customer Experience
Cleo, a cash advance app, has a concerning customer experience record, with a failing grade from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The BBB customer reviews give Cleo a dismal 1 of 5 stars, highlighting the issues users have with the service.
Cleo fares slightly better in the Apple App Store and Google Play reviews, but still receives complaints about a glitchy system and high monthly subscription fees.
Here's a breakdown of Cleo's customer ratings:
- BBB rating: F
- BBB customer reviews: 1 of 5 stars
- Apple App Store score: 4.7 of 5 stars
- Google Play score: 4.2 of 5 stars
Customer Opinions
Customer opinions about Cleo are mixed, with many customers expressing frustration with small advances and trouble canceling the service.
Customer feedback on Cleo's Better Business Bureau page is mostly negative.
Some customers have reported issues with canceling the service, suggesting that Cleo's customer support may not be as effective as it could be.
Cleo fares better in Apple App Store and Google Play reviews, but there are still complaints about a glitchy system.
High monthly subscription fees are another common complaint among customers.
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The Experience
The experience can be a mixed bag, especially when it comes to AI-powered tools like Cleo. Cleo is fairly simple to use and the chatty format is pleasant.
However, there are some limitations to be aware of. Cleo can't really tell the difference between essential bills and nonessential expenses. This can lead to some awkward situations.
For example, Cleo might roast you for blowing money on your mortgage, which is a necessary expense. Cleo's algorithms might not understand the context behind your spending.
This can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to get a clear picture of your finances. Cleo's inability to distinguish between essential and nonessential expenses can make it difficult to trust its advice.
Alternatives and Options
If you're not sold on cash advance apps, there are other options to consider. You can borrow from a personal loan, which can be a better option if you need a larger amount of money.
If you're looking for alternatives to cash advance apps, consider these options: personal loan, 0% APR credit card, or a loan from family or friends. These alternatives can provide more flexibility and potentially lower fees.
If you're unsure about which option to choose, it's worth exploring each of these alternatives to see which one works best for you.
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Best Options

If you're looking for alternatives to traditional high-cost payday loans, you have plenty of options. These apps don't check your credit scores, so your credit history doesn't matter.
Some of the best cash advance apps like Cleo include Albert, Brigit, Dave, Earnin, Empower Finance, FloatMe, Klover, MoneyLion, and Possible Finance.
These apps offer quick cash advances and financial management tools, making them a great choice for those in need of short-term loan services.
Some of the top apps to consider are:
- Albert
- Brigit
- Dave
- Earnin
- Empower Finance
- FloatMe
- Klover
- MoneyLion
- Possible Finance
Alternatives to Borrowing
If you're not a fan of borrowing from your next paycheck, there are other options to consider. Borrowing from family or friends can be a viable alternative, but be sure to set clear expectations and boundaries.
According to the article, more than 90% of American payday loan borrowers end up regretting their decision. This highlights the importance of exploring other options. Personal loans can be a good alternative, but be aware that some loan apps, like Cleo, charge fewer fees and offer more flexible repayment options.
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You can also consider using a 0% APR credit card, but be mindful of the terms and conditions. These cards often come with introductory periods that can help you avoid interest charges. However, be sure to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.
Some loan apps, like Cleo, offer financial management tools and budgeting help to improve your financial well-being. These features can be a game-changer if you're struggling to manage your finances.
Here are some alternatives to borrowing from a loan app:
- Personal loan
- 0% APR credit card
- Loan from family or friends
Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of any alternative option before making a decision.
Loan Alternatives to Payday Loans
If you're looking for alternatives to payday loans, there are several options to consider.
One alternative is to take out a personal loan. This can provide a more stable and predictable way to borrow money, with fixed interest rates and repayment terms.
If you're struggling to make ends meet, you might also consider borrowing from family or friends. This can be a more affordable option than payday loans, but it's essential to have an open and honest conversation with your loved ones about the terms of the loan.
On a similar theme: Payday Loans like Advance America
For those who prefer not to borrow from others, a 0% APR credit card can be a viable option. However, be aware that these cards often come with fees and restrictions, and it's crucial to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.
If you're unsure about which option is best for you, consider exploring alternative cash advance apps, such as EarnIn, which offers up to $750 per pay period with no interest or membership fees.
Here are some alternatives to cash advance apps:
- Personal loan
- 0% APR credit card
- Loan from family or friends
Ultimately, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best fits your financial situation and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What app is exactly like Cleo?
Possible Finance is a mobile app similar to Cleo, offering short-term installment loans without a monthly membership fee. It allows borrowing up to $500 and reports credit activity to two major credit bureaus.
What is Bree cash advance?
Bree cash advance is a quick and interest-free loan of up to $350, available online with no credit check or late fees. Get instant access to cash to cover unexpected expenses or bridge the gap between paycheques.
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