What is Cleva and how does it work?

Cleva is a fintech platform that provides US-based USD accounts, debit cards, and tools for Africans, especially in Nigeria, to receive international payments, manage USD, convert to local currency, spend via card, and save against currency volatility. Users sign up, create a USD account to receive payments via ACH, wires, or freelancing platforms, then spend, convert, or save funds. It includes rewards like Cleva Points earned on transactions.

What countries does Cleva operate in?

Cleva primarily operates in Nigeria, with plans to expand to other African countries, including Kenya and South Africa.

How do I sign up for Cleva?

Visit getcleva.com and select 'Registered business' or individual sign-up during registration to create your USD account. Complete the KYB or KYC process for fast approval.

Does Cleva have a mobile app?

Yes, Cleva is available on iOS and Android. You can download Cleva on the App Store for iPhone, or get it on Google Play for Android.

Who is Cleva best suited for?

Cleva is best suited for freelancers, remote workers, agencies, SMEs, e-commerce businesses, creatives, and professionals in emerging markets like Africa who need to receive and manage USD payments from global clients.

How do I contact Cleva support?

Business users receive dedicated support; check the website or app for contact options like help center or support requests.

Does Cleva have a plan for teams or businesses?

Yes, Cleva offers a business plan with USD accounts in your business name, higher deposit limits, instant USD to local currency conversion, stablecoin deposits, and dedicated support.

Cleva

Rating: 5
Author: Ajijola Ademola

🇳🇬 Nigeria 🇬🇭 Ghana 🇺🇬 Uganda

A US-based USD account for non-US residents to receive ACH and wire payments, hold dollars, spend with a virtual card, and convert to local currency.

Use it on:Web Android· 4.7 iOS· 4.7

Is Cleva right for you?

Best for

Freelancers paid in USD
Remote workers
Export businesses
Online sellers
Cross-border teams

What it does well

USD account opening
Receive ACH payments
Receive wire payments
Virtual card spending
Convert to local money

Things to check

Nigeria Ghana Uganda access
ACH payment limits
Wire fees and timing
Local payout currencies
Virtual card acceptance

Cleva is a financial app that gives non-US residents, including African freelancers and businesses, a US-based USD account in their name to receive and manage dollar payments from global clients and platforms.

Key capabilities include:

USD account for ACH and wire receipts: Receive USD via ACH or wire transfers from employers, clients, investors, and platforms such as Upwork, Deel, and Amazon.
Virtual USD card for online spending: Create a virtual dollar card for global online shopping, and earn Cleva Points on transactions that can be redeemed for USD.
Currency conversion and payouts: Convert USD to local currency when needed, and send free transfers to local bank accounts.
Internal transfers and rewards: Send free, instant Cleva-to-Cleva transfers, plus a referral programme that pays $5 per successful referral.

Available on Web, Android, and iOS.

It is designed for freelancers, remote workers, contractors, digital nomads, startups, and businesses in Africa that need a practical way to receive USD and move money to local banks.

Cleva is notable in the African fintech market for focusing on USD payouts for cross-border work, offering capped fees and 24/7 support, and for its compliance posture, with funds processed by licensed US-based financial partners and MSB registration with FinCEN. It has also been featured by Y Combinator, with reported pre-seed funding coverage in African tech media.

As of Jul 6, 2026, Cleva is rated 4.7 on the App Store from 1.4K reviews and 4.7 on Google Play from 8.3K reviews with 1M+ installs.

Phone:+1 800-682-5220

Categories:

Fintech

Features & Business Model: