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Choosing between Cleo Plus and Cleo Builder depends on whether you just need a safety net for your bank account or if you’re actively trying to improve your credit score.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Cleo Plus | Cleo Builder |
| Monthly Cost | $5.99 (or ~$45/year) | $14.99 (or ~$135/year) |
| Cash Advance | Up to $250 | Up to $500 (varies by eligibility) |
| Credit Building | Score monitoring & coaching | Cleo Credit Builder Card (Secured) |
| Savings Tools | Savings hacks & goals | High-yield savings (2.75% APY) |
| Best For | Occasional “spots” until payday | Improving credit without a hard pull |
Cleo Plus: The Budgeting Safety Net
This tier is designed for users who want to avoid overdraft fees and get a better handle on their spending.
- Cash Advances: Offers interest-free advances up to $250 (first-timers typically start lower, between $20–$100).
- Credit Insights: You can track your Equifax credit score and get tips on how to improve it, but it does not include a physical card to help you build credit history.
- Debt Reset: Includes a personalized dashboard to help you prioritize debt payments and create a payoff plan.
Cleo Builder: The Credit Growth Engine
This is Cleo’s most comprehensive plan, including everything in the Plus and Pro tiers.
- Secured Credit Card: You get the Cleo Card, where your security deposit (as low as $1) becomes your credit limit. This activity is reported to all three major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax).
- Higher Advance Limits: Eligible users may access higher cash advances, sometimes up to $500.
- High-Yield Savings: Access to a high-yield savings account with a competitive 2.75% APY.
- Early Payday: If you set up direct deposit, you may receive your paycheck up to 10 days early.
Which one fits you best?
- Choose Cleo Plus if you have a decent credit score but occasionally need a small, interest-free “spot” to cover bills before payday. It’s a more affordable way to access the app’s core financial tools.
- Choose Cleo Builder if you are building credit for the first time or if you are repairing a low score. The ability to report on-time payments to all three bureaus is the primary reason to pay the higher monthly fee.
