What information do I need to provide during signup?
All vendors on the Cleo Pay platform will need to sign up using a tax ID number — either your Social Security Number if filing as an individual, or your EIN (Employer Identification Number) if you're registering as an LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, or other entity. This ensures all payments are sent to verified businesses, whether you're self-employed as an independent contractor or a larger company. You'll also need to provide a mailing address so you can receive a 1099 form at year-end, and connect your bank account. We offer two options: Option 1 (Recommended): Through our partner Plaid, which lets you log in and securely link your bank account. Option 2: Manually enter your bank routing and account numbers.
How long does vendor setup take?
Most vendors complete the setup process in under 15 minutes. You'll receive a link from the business paying you — just follow the steps to enter your tax info and connect your bank account. No app download required.
Do I need to download an app to receive payments?
No. Vendor onboarding is done entirely through a simple web link sent by your client. There is no app to download and no account fees. You can receive unlimited payments at no cost.
Is Cleo Pay safe to use?
Yes. Cleo Pay uses bank-level encryption to keep all of your sensitive data and information safe and secure. Please see our privacy policy for details on how we handle your data. Our partner Plaid keeps all bank account information secure and encrypted. For more information, visit Plaid's Security Information page.
How does Cleo Pay keep my bank information secure?
Bank connections are established through Plaid using OAuth, which means your banking credentials are never shared with Cleo Pay directly. Payments are processed through Dwolla, a certified ACH payment processor. All sensitive data is encrypted at rest and in transit.
How long does it take to receive my payment?
Once your invoice is submitted, the paying business receives a notification that it's ready for review. They'll approve your invoice and issue payment — you'll be notified at each step. Timelines depend on the business and their accounting process. Once you're notified that payment has been initiated, funds will be deposited to your bank account via ACH within one to two business days. Some businesses offer same-day or next-day ACH for faster delivery.
Can I track my payment status in real-time?
Yes. Your vendor portal shows the full payment lifecycle: Awaiting Approval, Ready to Pay, Processing, and Paid. You'll also receive email notifications at each stage so you always know where things stand.
Can payments be scheduled in advance?
Yes. Businesses using Cleo Pay can schedule payments for a future date. If a payment is scheduled, you'll see the expected payment date in your vendor portal.
Will I receive a 1099 from Cleo Pay?
Vendors who receive over $20,000 and 200 or more payments via Cleo Pay will receive a 1099-K in accordance with updated IRS guidance on 1099-K reporting. 1099 forms will be available in your Cleo portal and mailed out in January following the previous tax year.
What is the W-9 and why do I need to provide one?
A W-9 provides your tax identification number (SSN or EIN) so the business paying you can file accurate tax forms at year-end. Completing your W-9 takes about 5 minutes during the onboarding process and is required before you can receive your first payment.
Do I get access to a vendor portal to track payments?
Yes. Once your vendor account is created, you can see the status of all your invoices and payment requests. Once payments are made, you'll see whether the payment is processing or has been deposited to your bank account.
What support is available if I have payment issues?
Cleo Pay's support team is here to help with any questions. Reach us at support@cleo-pay.com. We're also happy to schedule a personalized 15-minute onboarding call to walk you through the platform and get you set up with anything you need.
Am I entering into any contractual obligations with Cleo Pay directly?
No. Cleo Pay acts only as a payment processor on behalf of the business inviting you to receive a payment. Cleo Pay has no affiliation or involvement with any invoice items, payment terms, or other contractual matters between you and the business issuing payment to you.
What is Cleo Pay and what problem does it solve?
Cleo Pay is an accounts payable automation platform built for small and mid-sized businesses. It replaces manual check writing, spreadsheets, and back-and-forth emails with a single system that handles invoices, ACH payments, W-9 collection, 1099 compliance, and QuickBooks sync. Businesses save hours every week and reduce the risk of errors and missed payments.
How much does Cleo Pay cost?
Cleo Pay offers three plans: Free — Receive-only access for vendors at no charge. Basic ($99/mo) — Up to 30 outbound payments per month, 3 team seats, and core AP automation. Pro ($299/mo) — Up to 100 outbound payments per month, 10 team seats, 1099 filing included, and dedicated support.
Are there setup fees or long-term contracts?
No. There are no setup fees, no onboarding charges, and no long-term contracts. You can cancel your subscription at any time.
Does Cleo Pay sync with QuickBooks?
Yes. Every payment made through Cleo Pay syncs automatically with QuickBooks Online. Each transaction is matched to the correct vendor, category, and reference number — so your books stay accurate without manual data entry.
How does contractor onboarding work?
Send your contractor a unique invite link or QR code. They follow a guided flow to enter their W-9 information and connect their bank account via Plaid. Most contractors complete setup in about 15 minutes. Once they're set up, you can issue payments immediately.
Can my accounting team access Cleo Pay?
Yes. The Basic plan includes 3 team seats and the Pro plan includes 10 seats, both with role-based permissions. You can give your accountant or bookkeeper access to view, approve, or process payments without sharing your owner credentials.
Getting paid shouldn’t be complicated.
Answers to common questions about Cleo Pay, for vendors receiving payments and businesses automating accounts payable.
What is Cleo Pay?
Cleo Pay is a comprehensive payment automation platform that businesses use to manage their accounts payable efficiently. If you’re here, it means one of your clients has chosen Cleo’s automated billing system to handle their vendor payments.
When your clients use Cleo Pay, you benefit from:
- Faster payments with automated processing and scheduling
- Enhanced security with bank-level encryption and fraud protection
- Reduced administrative burden with digital invoicing and automated reconciliation
- Greater transparency with real-time payment tracking and notifications
Getting Started
Security & Safety
Payments
Taxes & Compliance
Account & Support
For Businesses
Still have questions?
Our support team is ready to assist. Reach out by email or book a quick call and we’ll walk you through anything you need.