Have you ever checked your bank statement and spotted a Cleo AI charge on debit card? Maybe it was a small amount, like $5.99, or something bigger, like $43.99.
If you’re wondering what these charges are, why they’re there, or how to handle them, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
In this blog, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Cleo AI charge on debit card. We’ll keep it simple, friendly, and easy to follow. Let’s dive in!
What Is Cleo AI?
Cleo AI is a financial app designed to help you manage your money. Think of it as a virtual assistant that lives on your phone. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to track your spending, create budgets, and even give you a playful nudge (or a “roast”) when you overspend.
Cleo has been around since 2016 and is popular in the U.S., especially among younger folks who want a fun way to stay on top of their finances.
The app offers free features, like basic budgeting tools, but also has paid subscriptions for extra perks. These include cash advances, a credit builder card, and savings challenges.
If you see a Cleo AI charge on your debit card, it’s likely tied to one of these paid services. But don’t worry—we’ll unpack that next.
Why Am I Seeing a Cleo AI Charge?
If Cleo AI is showing up on your debit card statement, it’s probably because you signed up for one of their services. Here’s a quick look at the most common reasons:
- Subscription Fees: Cleo offers paid plans like Cleo Grow ($2.99/month) or Cleo Builder ($14.99/month). These fees are automatically charged to your linked debit card.
- Cash Advances: Cleo provides interest-free cash advances (up to $250 or $500, depending on your plan). However, same-day transfers come with fees, ranging from $3.99 to $9.99.
- Credit Builder Card: If you use Cleo’s Credit Builder Card, you might see charges related to the subscription ($14.99/month) or transactions you made with the card.
- Unauthorized Charges: In rare cases, the charge might be a mistake or fraud. This could happen if someone else used your card or if you forgot signing up.
Not sure which one applies to you? Check your Cleo app or email for a receipt. You can also contact Cleo’s support team for clarification.
How Do Cleo AI Charges Appear on My Statement?
Cleo AI charges don’t always scream “Cleo” on your bank statement. They might show up under different names, depending on how the payment was processed. Here’s a table to help you spot them:
| Descriptor | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Cleo AI 15K8K952 | Likely a subscription or cash advance fee |
| Cleo AI Subscription | Monthly fee for Cleo Grow or Cleo Builder |
| Cleo AI Cash Advance | Fee for a same-day cash advance transfer |
| WebBank/Cleo | Payment for the Cleo Credit Builder Card |
If you see something like “Cleo AI 15K8K952” and it’s $43.99, it could be a one-time charge or a subscription you didn’t realize you signed up for. Always double-check your Cleo account’s order history to confirm.
Common Cleo AI Charges Explained
Let’s break down the most common charges you might encounter. This will help you understand what you’re paying for and whether it’s worth it.
Subscription Fees
Cleo has three tiers: a free version, Cleo Grow, and Cleo Builder. The paid plans unlock extra features, but they come with monthly charges:
- Cleo Grow ($2.99/month): Includes spending challenges, round-up savings, and a high-yield savings account.
- Cleo Builder ($14.99/month): Offers cash advances up to $500, the Credit Builder Card, and cash-back rewards.
These fees are automatically deducted from your debit card each month. If you signed up but forgot, this could explain a recurring charge.
Cash Advance Fees
Cleo’s cash advances are a lifeline when you’re short on cash. You can borrow up to $250 (Cleo Grow) or $500 (Cleo Builder) without interest. Sounds great, right? But there’s a catch: if you want the money instantly, you’ll pay a transfer fee. Here’s how it works:
- Standard Transfer: Free, but it takes 1-3 days.
- Same-Day Transfer: Costs $3.99 to $9.99, depending on the amount.
For example, if you took a $100 advance and paid $5.99 for same-day delivery, you’d see a $5.99 charge on your card.
Credit Builder Card Charges
The Cleo Credit Builder Card is a secured card that helps you build credit without a credit check. You deposit money (say, $50), and that becomes your spending limit.
The catch? You need the Cleo Builder subscription ($14.99/month) to use it. Plus, any purchases you make with the card might show up as separate charges.
Unexpected Charges
Some users have reported charges they didn’t expect. For instance, one Reddit user saw a $43.99 charge labeled “Cleo AI 15K8K952” and had no idea what it was for. Another was charged $5.99 monthly for two years without using the app. These could be due to:
- Forgetting you subscribed.
- Not canceling after a free trial.
- Fraud or unauthorized use of your card.
If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Cleo’s support team.
Are These Charges Legit?
Most Cleo AI charges are legitimate if you signed up for their services. Cleo is a well-known fintech company, not a scam. It’s been in business since 2016 and has over 5 million users. However, there have been concerns about transparency.
In 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined Cleo $17 million for misleading consumers about cash advance amounts and making it hard to cancel subscriptions.
To make sure a charge is legit:
- Check Your Cleo Account: Log in to see your subscription status or cash advance history.
- Look for Receipts: Search your email for confirmation from Cleo.
- Contact Support: If you’re still unsure, reach out to Cleo’s customer service via the app or their website.
If you think the charge is fraudulent, call your bank to dispute it and freeze your card if needed.
How to Avoid Unwanted Cleo AI Charges
Nobody likes surprise charges. Here are some tips to keep Cleo AI charges under control:
- Review Your Subscriptions: Check the Cleo app to see if you’re enrolled in a paid plan. Cancel if you don’t need it.
- Set Reminders: If you sign up for a free trial, set a calendar reminder to cancel before it turns into a paid subscription.
- Monitor Your Statements: Regularly check your debit card statements for unfamiliar charges.
- Understand Fees: Before taking a cash advance, read the fine print about same-day transfer fees.
- Contact Support Early: If you see an unexpected charge, reach out to Cleo’s support team right away.
Pro tip: Use a budgeting app (ironically, like Cleo’s free version) to track recurring charges and stay on top of your finances.
What If I Want to Cancel or Dispute a Charge?
If you’re done with Cleo or think a charge is wrong, here’s what to do:
Canceling a Subscription
To stop recurring charges:
- Open the Cleo app.
- Go to the settings or subscription section.
- Select “Cancel Subscription.”
- Confirm the cancellation.
Note: You might need to pay off any outstanding cash advances before canceling. Some users have reported issues with cancellation, so contact support if you run into trouble.
Disputing a Charge
If you think a charge is incorrect or fraudulent:
- Contact Cleo’s support team through the app or their website.
- If they don’t resolve it, call your bank to file a dispute.
- Provide details, like the charge amount and date, to support your claim.
You can also report issues to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if you feel Cleo’s practices are unfair.
Is Cleo AI Worth It?
Cleo can be a helpful tool if you’re trying to budget, build credit, or get quick cash without interest. The AI chatbot makes money management fun, and the Credit Builder Card is great for credit beginners.
But the subscription fees and cash advance transfer costs can add up. If you don’t use the app regularly, those charges might not be worth it.
Before signing up, ask yourself:
- Do I need cash advances often?
- Am I actively trying to build credit?
- Will I use the budgeting tools enough to justify the cost?
If the answer is no, stick to the free version or explore other budgeting apps like Chime or YNAB.
FAQs: Cleo AI Charge on Debit Card
Q: Why am I being charged $5.99 by Cleo AI?
A: This is likely the monthly fee for the Cleo Grow subscription. Check your Cleo app to confirm and cancel if you don’t want it.
Q: How do I know if a Cleo charge is fraudulent?
A: Log in to your Cleo account to see if the charge matches a subscription or cash advance. If it doesn’t, contact Cleo and your bank to report fraud.
Q: Can I get a refund for a Cleo charge?
A: Refunds depend on Cleo’s policy and the situation. Contact their support team to request one. If it’s fraud, your bank can help with a dispute.
Q: How do I stop Cleo from charging my debit card?
A: Cancel your subscription in the Cleo app. If that doesn’t work, contact support or ask your bank to block future charges.
Wrapping It Up
Seeing a Cleo AI charge on debit card can be confusing, but it’s usually tied to a subscription, cash advance, or Credit Builder Card. By checking your Cleo account, monitoring your statements, and understanding the fees, you can avoid surprises and make the most of the app.
If Cleo’s features fit your financial goals, it can be a fun and useful tool. But if the charges feel like a burden, don’t hesitate to cancel or dispute them.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a financial professional before making decisions about your money. The information provided is based on publicly available data and may not reflect the most current policies of Cleo AI. For specific concerns about charges, contact Cleo AI or your bank directly.
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