Cleo's bar to entry is deliberately low — no credit score, no employment letters, no collateral. But "low" isn't "none." Here's the exact checklist the AI cares about, and how to move from a starter limit to the full $500.
What You Must Have
- Age 18 or older — required for every Cleo financial product.
- U.S. residency — available in 48 states plus Washington, DC.
- Active personal checking account — with a debit card, ACH-capable, linkable through Plaid.
- Consistent income deposits — regularity beats size; $750+/month direct deposit recommended for top limits.
- Identity verification — a quick in-app process.
What You Don't Need
- A credit score — Cleo never runs a hard check; thin or damaged files are fine.
- A W-2 job — gig, freelance, and part-time income all count.
- Collateral or a security deposit for advances.
- A minimum bank balance.
That "no hard check" point is structural, not marketing: eligibility runs on AI analysis of your linked account — the same system reviewed in our full Cleo review.
How to Unlock Higher Limits
Link your main income account
Point Cleo at the checking account where money actually arrives — analysis of a side account undersells you.
Show consistent deposits
Weekly or biweekly patterns build confidence fastest; direct deposit is the strongest signal.
Repay on time, every time
Repayment history is the main lever that grows $20–$100 starter limits toward $250.
Upgrade to Builder for the $500 tier
The top advance limit lives on the $14.99 Builder plan — along with the Credit Builder Card.
Income Types That Count
Payroll direct deposit, gig platform payouts, freelance client transfers, benefits, and regular support payments can all register as income — Cleo evaluates deposits, not job titles. Bank compatibility is broad too: most major banks and fintechs work, including Chime (setup guide here). Once approved, funding follows the standard timelines in our deposit speed guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
There's no published hard minimum — the AI looks for consistency. Regular deposits matter more than size, though $750+/month in direct deposits is recommended for higher limits.
Cleo covers 48 states plus Washington, DC. Availability of specific products (like the Cleo Card) can vary by state — the app shows what's available where you live.
Not strictly — linked-account income of any regular kind can qualify you. Direct deposit mainly accelerates limit growth and unlocks early-paycheck features.
Yes, if they're 18+ with a checking account showing consistent deposits. Eligibility follows the money pattern, not the job title.
See What You Qualify For in 2 Minutes
No hard credit check. No impact on your score. 0% interest advances up to $500.
Apply Now — It's Free to Check