The basic process: Cleo to your bank account
Cleo is a mobile app that holds money in a connected account, not a traditional bank. To move money out, you link your actual bank account to Cleo, then initiate a transfer from within the Cleo app. The money goes to your bank's account, not the other way around — Cleo is designed as a temporary holding place, so the app makes it straightforward to move funds out when you need them.
The transfer itself is free and usually takes one to three business days, depending on your bank. You do not need to contact Cleo support or your bank directly; the app handles the whole thing.
Key Takeaways
- You start a transfer from inside the Cleo app by selecting your linked bank account and entering the amount you want to move.
- Cleo transfers are free and typically arrive within one to three business days.
- Your bank account must be linked to Cleo before you can transfer money out, which requires your routing number and account number.
- Transfers initiated on weekends or after your bank's cutoff time may not process until the next business day.
- If a transfer fails, Cleo will show you the reason in the app — usually a mismatch between the account number you entered and what your bank has on file.
Linking your bank account to Cleo
Before you can transfer money out, you need to tell Cleo which bank account to send it to. Open the Cleo app and go to the settings or account section — the exact location varies slightly depending on whether you use iOS or Android, but look for a "Linked Accounts," "Payment Methods," or "Bank Accounts" option.
Select "Add Bank Account" or the equivalent button. Cleo will ask for your bank's name, your account number, and your routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank's location; you can find it on a check, in your bank's app, or by calling your bank. Your account number is the number of the specific checking or savings account you want the money to go to.
After you enter this information, Cleo may verify the account by sending two small deposits to your bank account — usually under a dollar each. Check your bank account a few days later, see what those amounts are, and enter them back into the Cleo app to confirm the account is yours. This step protects both you and Cleo by proving you control the account.
Starting a transfer from Cleo
Once your bank account is linked and verified, go to the main screen of the Cleo app and look for a "Transfer," "Send Money," or "Withdraw" button — again, the exact wording depends on your app version. Tap it and select the bank account you want to transfer to.
Enter the amount you want to move. Cleo will show you your current balance and confirm that you have enough money to cover the transfer. Then review the details — the receiving bank, the amount, and the expected arrival date — and confirm the transfer. That is all you need to do. Cleo will send the money when ready, and your bank will receive it within one to three business days.
Why transfers sometimes take longer
If you start a transfer on a Friday evening or over the weekend, your bank may not process it until Monday morning. Banks do not move money on weekends or federal holidays, so a transfer initiated on Saturday will sit in the queue until Monday. Similarly, if you transfer money after your bank's cutoff time — usually 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. on a business day — it may not process until the next day.
The three-business-day window accounts for these delays. If you initiated a transfer on a Friday at 4 p.m., it might not actually move until Monday, then take two more days to arrive, landing on Wednesday or Thursday. This is normal and not a problem with Cleo or your bank.
What to do if a transfer fails
If Cleo cannot send the money, the app will show you an error message. The most common reason is that the account number or routing number you entered does not match what your bank has on file. This often happens if you mistyped a digit or if you entered a savings account number when you meant to use a checking account.
Check the account number and routing number against a recent check, your bank statement, or your bank's app. If they do not match what you entered in Cleo, delete the linked account and add it again with the correct information. If the numbers are correct but the transfer still fails, contact your bank directly — they can tell you whether there is a block on the account or another reason the transfer cannot go through.
Cleo will refund any money that fails to transfer back to your Cleo account automatically, so you will not lose the funds.
Transferring all your money out of Cleo
If you want to close your Cleo account or move all your money out, you can transfer your entire balance in one go. Enter the full amount shown in your Cleo account as the transfer amount. After the transfer completes and your bank confirms receipt, you can delete the Cleo app or leave it inactive.
Some versions of Cleo offer a "Close Account" option in settings that will walk you through moving your balance and shutting down the account. If you see this option, use it — it ensures nothing is left behind. If you do not see it, straightforward transfer out your balance and stop using the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from my bank to Cleo instead?
Yes. Cleo is designed to receive money from your bank account so you can use it for short-term loans or savings. You can transfer money in from your linked bank account through the Cleo app just as easily as you transfer money out. The process is the same: select your bank account, enter the amount, and confirm.
What if my bank account information changes?
If you close the bank account linked to Cleo or switch to a different account, you need to update or replace the linked account in the Cleo app. Go to your linked accounts, remove the old one, and add the new account using the same verification process. Any transfers you started before you made the change will still go to the old account, so make the update before you initiate a transfer.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer out at once?
Cleo does not publicly state a single-transfer limit, but your bank may have limits on how much money can be received in one deposit. If you are transferring a very large amount, contact your bank first to confirm they will accept it. You can also split the transfer into two or three smaller amounts if needed.
Do I pay a fee to transfer money out of Cleo?
No. Cleo does not charge a fee for transfers to your bank account. Your bank may charge a fee if you are transferring to an account that is not in your name, but transfers to your own account are free on both sides.