Yes, you can transfer money from your Cleo card to your bank account, but the method depends on whether you're moving funds you loaded onto the card or cash advances Cleo gave you
Cleo is a financial app that offers two main services: a spending account (where you load your own money) and short-term cash advances. If you have money sitting in your Cleo spending account, you can transfer it back to your linked bank account through the app. If you took out a cash advance, you cannot transfer it back—you can only spend it or let it sit in your Cleo account until you pay it off.
The transfer itself is free and typically takes one to two business days, depending on your bank. You'll need your bank account linked to Cleo before you start, which most users set up when they first open the app.
Key Takeaways
- Money you loaded into your Cleo spending account can be transferred back to your bank account through the app at no cost.
- Cash advances from Cleo cannot be transferred out—you can only spend them or pay them back to Cleo.
- Transfers from Cleo to your bank account usually take one to two business days to arrive.
- Your bank account must be linked to Cleo before you can initiate a transfer.
- Cleo does not charge a fee for transfers to your linked bank account.
How to transfer money from your Cleo spending account
Open the Cleo app and go to your account balance or wallet section. Look for an option labeled "Transfer" or "Send Money." Select the amount you want to move and choose your linked bank account as the destination. Confirm the transfer, and Cleo will process it immediately, though the funds may take one to two business days to appear in your bank account depending on your bank's processing speed.
If you don't see a transfer option in the app, check that your bank account is properly linked. Go to your account settings or payment methods and verify that your bank routing number and account number are correct. Some banks take longer to accept transfers than others—credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes add an extra day.
Why you cannot transfer cash advances back out
When Cleo gives you a cash advance, that money is a loan, not your own funds. The advance goes directly into your Cleo account, and you're expected to repay it by the due date. Because it's borrowed money, Cleo's system does not allow you to move it to another account—you can only spend it on purchases or withdraw it as cash at an ATM.
If you took an advance and want to move funds elsewhere, your only option is to spend the advance on what you need, then transfer your own money (if you have a balance in your spending account) to your bank. You cannot reverse or redirect a cash advance once it's been issued.
What happens if your bank account is not linked
If you try to transfer money but your bank account is not linked to Cleo, the app will prompt you to add one. You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on a check or in your bank's online portal. The linking process is immediate, but Cleo may place a small hold on your account (usually under $1) to verify ownership—your bank will release this within a few days.
Once your account is verified and linked, you can transfer money right away. If you're having trouble linking your account, contact your bank to confirm they allow third-party transfers. Some banks require you to enable ACH transfers in your security settings before external apps can move money.
Timing: when the money actually arrives
Cleo processes transfer requests immediately when you submit them, but your bank controls when the money lands in your account. Most transfers arrive within one to two business days. Weekends and bank holidays can add time—a transfer initiated on Friday evening may not arrive until Tuesday.
If your transfer has not arrived after three business days, log into your bank account and check whether it's pending. If it shows as pending, wait another day or two. If it does not appear at all, contact Cleo support with your transfer confirmation number (the app provides this after you submit the transfer) and ask them to investigate on their end.
Fees and costs
Cleo does not charge a fee to transfer money from your spending account to your linked bank account. Your bank also should not charge you for receiving an incoming transfer. However, if you withdraw cash from an ATM using your Cleo card instead of transferring to your bank, some ATM operators charge a fee (usually $2 to $3), and Cleo may charge an additional fee depending on your account type.
If you're moving money frequently, transferring directly to your bank account is always free and faster than withdrawing cash.
What to do if a transfer fails or gets stuck
A transfer can fail if your bank account information is incorrect, if your bank rejects ACH transfers from third parties, or if there's a temporary system issue on either Cleo's or your bank's end. If your transfer fails, Cleo will notify you in the app and explain the reason. The most common reason is a mismatch between the account number you entered and the one on file at your bank.
To fix it, go back to your linked accounts in Cleo settings and double-check the routing number and account number. If they're correct, try the transfer again. If it fails a second time, contact your bank directly and ask whether they block transfers from financial apps. Some banks require you to call and authorize third-party transfers before they'll accept them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from my Cleo card to someone else's bank account?
No. Cleo only allows transfers to a bank account that is linked to your own Cleo profile. You cannot send money directly to another person's bank account through Cleo. If you need to send money to someone else, transfer it to your own bank account first, then use your bank's transfer or payment service to send it to them.
What if I took a cash advance and want to move it somewhere else?
You cannot transfer a cash advance out of Cleo. You can only spend it on purchases or withdraw it as cash. If you need the money in your bank account, you'll have to repay the advance first, then transfer your own funds if you have a balance in your spending account.
How long does it take to link a new bank account to Cleo?
Linking is instant, but verification can take a few days. Cleo may place a small temporary charge on your account to confirm ownership—your bank will release this automatically. Once verified, you can transfer money right away.
Will my bank charge me for receiving a transfer from Cleo?
No. Banks do not charge fees for receiving incoming ACH transfers. Cleo also does not charge a fee. The transfer is free on both ends.
What if the transfer shows as pending in my bank but hasn't arrived?
Pending transfers usually arrive within one to two business days. If it's been three business days and it's still pending, contact your bank and ask them to check the status. Provide them with the transfer confirmation number from Cleo so they can look it up on their end.