# Cellopark Australia — user reviews

> 212 indexed App Store user reviews of Cellopark Australia by cellopark, rated 3.40/5 from 15 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cellopark-australia/id574820474/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cellopark-australia/id574820474.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 9 · 4★ 0 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 6

## What do users think of Cellopark Australia?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 🚀 Convenient mobile payment for parking
- 📍 Quick parking session management
- 💳 Monthly invoice billing option
- 🎯 Geolocation-based parking detection
- ⏱️ Flexible parking duration adjustment

**Cons**

- 💰 Deceptive premium subscription auto-enrollment
- 🔓 Difficult premium service cancellation process
- 🎨 Poor user interface and outdated design
- 📱 Clunky and non-intuitive app experience
- 🔐 Excessive personal data collection requirements
- 💳 Forced credit card storage without alternatives
- 🚫 No Apple Pay or PayPal integration
- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and glitches
- ❌ Location detection failures
- ⚠️ Automatic session continuation after leaving
- 🔔 Premium features charged for basic notifications
- 📧 Unresponsive and condescending customer support
- 🚨 Privacy breach with unauthorized data transfer to OPark
- 💸 Overcharging and billing errors
- 🔑 Account access and password reset issues
- 🎯 Inaccurate parking spot identification
- ⏳ Lengthy and complicated signup process
- 🚗 Incompatible with international phone numbers
- 📊 Hidden charges and unclear fee structure
- 🔒 Data security concerns and potential hacking risks

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App fails to register new accounts
- Login credentials not recognized despite correct password
- Password reset emails not received
- SMS verification codes not arriving
- App freezes during signup process
- Payment method update throws server errors
- Vehicle details cannot be added or edited
- Parking session fails to start despite button press
- Automatic session continuation after vehicle departure
- Parking meter stops without user action
- Parking meter continues despite manual stop
- Location search unable to find valid parking zones
- Carpark not appearing in app despite signage present
- Feedback popup traps users unable to exit
- App not optimized for iPhone X and newer devices
- Inconsistent parking zone numbering between app and signage
- Charged despite not starting parking session
- Double billing from council and app simultaneously
- Overcharging beyond advertised rates
- Password requirements validation errors
- App crashes on reinstallation
- Spam text messages from wrong parking locations
- Premium subscription appears despite deactivation
- Account suspension with unexplained large bills
- Notification system fails to alert users
- iMoved tracking service does not function
- Parking rate cap not honored in billing

**Most requested features**

- Apple Pay and PayPal payment integration
- Automatic parking session termination upon vehicle departure
- Free SMS/push notifications for parking reminders
- Geolocation-based automatic session stop
- Pre-set parking duration limits
- Parking time limit display on map view
- Back-pay option for forgotten parking sessions
- Support for international phone numbers
- Password autofill and iOS credential manager support
- Credit card autofill functionality
- Simple one-tap parking session start/stop
- Clear upfront pricing display before session start
- Account deletion functionality
- In-app premium downgrade option
- Improved location accuracy and parking spot search
- QR code scanning from car without leaving vehicle
- Parking history and receipt management
- Multi-vehicle management without premium charges
- Clearer premium service opt-in/opt-out process
- Parking inspector notifications for account holders

## Newest reviews (18 of 212)

### 2/5 — Just be wary

*2026-08-18, version 7.60*

Short review: Overall I think it’s easy enough to use, but make sure you read every pop-up and can see that your account says “basic” not “premium”. Easy Park is a much better app. 

Long review: 
I read all the negative reviews here and so was aware I might be unknowingly charged, but unfortunately I have to use the app for my university. 
The app is easy enough to use, but I pressed a link on the app to enable notifications, and in response it alerted me that ‘notifications were enabled and I was now on the premium version’. There was no warning beforehand that by enabling notifications I was signing up to premium, and no terms and conditions to agree to. In order to downgrade back to basic I had to sign in to the website, not the app. Would recommend trying other services before this one.

### 1/5 — Hidden feees

*2026-07-16, version 7.60*

You are automatically opted into a “premium” account and pay monthly per car you have registered. Imagine making users pay to be notified when their parking is about to expire. This is such a basic inclusion. Extremely disappointed that this is the default parking app in Brisbane.

### 1/5 — Pretty hopeless

*2026-06-30, version 7.60*

I’m 💯 sure I parked in a spot that said less than 15 mins is free to park. I put my details in anyway, only parked there for 2 mins (which was confirmed by Cellopark), but they have charged me regardless. I live 1.5 hours away so can’t provide any proof. In the end, it’s about the principle, not the money. But thinking how much extra they would earn by doing this to multiple customers everyday.

### 4/5 — Scam app

*2026-06-29, version 7.60*

Beware of this app. Charges subscription you haven’t signed up to. It’s a scam

### 1/5 — Incorrect charges

*2026-06-28, version 7.60*

App can’t tell how long you’re in a park even with location on. Parked for 10 mins in a 1 hour free zone and the app charged me $4.30 for 2.5 hours. Can’t dispute it in the app. So looks like they just take money whenever they like

### 1/5 — Terrible for tourists - 0 stars

*2026-06-28, version 7.60*

You need an Australian number and credit card… which makes it useless. I had to ask a local to pay for me, text them and I handed them money. Took 65 minutes to make it happen… sorry guys, this is the worst rhjng we’ve encountered in Australia for our 6 week trip… by a lot!

### 1/5 — Pretty dodgy

*2026-06-26, version 7.60*

UI needs improvement. Scammers on the premium service. Can easily sign up to it. Apparently I did with knowing I did. But can’t as easily downgrade. They don’t give prices until after you start. Customer service are arrogant. Hopefully the council changes companies.

### 1/5 — Bad app and toxic practices

*2026-06-25, version 7.60*

No proper disclosure given for the hidden “premium” account upgrade. Which only just reminds you if the parking is ending. So dumb.

### 1/5 — Such a rort

*2026-06-25, version 7.60*

It’s so awful you’re forced into using this terrible app.
They charge for notifications which is outrageous. 
You’ll end up spending more money in parking from forgetting to reopen the app and hit stop (which they’re counting on). 
Either allow notifications for free or allow the user to pre-pay/select the correct amount of time.

### 1/5 — Awkward procedures

*2026-06-19, version 7.60*

It gets the basic functionality right but doesn’t seem like they’ve really thought about paid parking procedures in much depth.

Compared to a Wilson Parking app I use regularly:

1)That one lets you set the duration at the beginning and top up if necessary. So, you can check in and then forget about it. This one requires you to check out at the end, so if you forget you’ll be paying long after you’ve left the car park.

2) That one lets you pay in various ways, including by card, Paypal, or Apple Pay. This one is card only.

3) That charges you on the day. This one has some weird pay cycle to deal with.  (Harder to reconcile your records at a later date, if necessary; can’t just use the app once and then remove it and forget if you no longer need it; have to keep the delayed charge in mind at the end of the cycle; etc).

4) That one has other advantages like a shortcut button for repeating a previous parking session.

So, yeah, this one’s pretty underdeveloped overall.

### 1/5 — Rubbish. Rigged

*2026-06-17, version 7.60*

Tried to register having done so previously. Didnt even get past the first screen. Doesn’t accept all names (no hyphens allowed - discrimination?). 
Filled out all fields and still didn’t let me go to next window. 1:30pm @ LaTribe Bundoora home of Matilda’s.

### 1/5 — No confirmation for Premium and no downgrade option

*2026-05-29, version 7.60*

I pressed the premium button to see what it was and it automatically made my account premium. 
There is no way to downgrade this, even though the FAQ states you just press downgrade.

Feels very untrustworthy and a scam. I will make an official complaint if this is not dealt with asap.

### 1/5 — Watch out for hidden costs!

*2026-05-27, version 7.60*

Would not have signed up to a premium service for an extra $4.99 for what? A text message reminder that I never received? Appsolultly unethical and fraudulent.

### 1/5 — I can’t finish my parking

*2026-05-27, version 7.60*

Since I left the parking spot for a unknowing reason I can’t finish the parking time

### 1/5 — hidden fee by default / disgusting tactic

*2026-05-26, version 7.60*

Just have to install the app only visit friend and need to park the car for a few hours ($1.13) then end of the month got invoice extra $1.99 for premium package?!? Response from official (other feedback said “ It is optional “ )yes right ! Optional by default. It’s just $1.99 but i hate this disrespect behavior like this.

### 1/5 — Terrible

*2026-05-26, version 7.60*

Terrible

### 1/5 — So disappointed

*2026-05-21, version 7.60*

This app design is so bad you cant even comprehend. Was testing how it works, put me into a parking without no option to cancel. Called support but they said it cannot be cancelled. I mean who in their right mind would not have considered that. Try other options if you have. Extremely bad app

### 1/5 — They take money from your card unauthorised.

*2026-05-07, version 7.60*

They took money from my credit card without authorisation, apparently they can’t return it as they say I’ve contacted them with the incorrect email address, I still see this as their problem.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — It’s a trap! A scam! Don’t use it

*2026-08-12, version 7.60*

This app used deceptive sales tactics to allure users into unknowingly signing up for ‘premium’ services, where they then innocuously make small charges to your debit card over time. Brisbane city council has absolutely let down its constituents by going with such a shady provider. Beware.

### 1/5 — Tc

*2026-07-31, version 7.60*

Absolutely rubbish. Won’t log in. Slow. Clunky. Will not accept any payment cards. Sent me multiple password resets codes but would not accept them. Then locked me out.

### 1/5 — I hate this app

*2026-07-29, version 7.60*

I hate this

### 1/5 — Awful

*2026-07-27, version 7.60*

I was signed up for premium with me  doing it. There was no way in the app to return to a basic account. I rang the support number and complained and insisted they reverse the charge and change account to basic. They eventually did. I wanted to delete my credit card details but there is no way to do that in the app. I will ring them again and delete the whole account.  Best I could do was delete all vehicle details from the app. This app is so scammy.

### 1/5 — Charges for notifications.

*2026-07-23, version 7.60*

Scammy! Secret charges for notifications

### 1/5 — Cp charges you for notifications

*2026-07-23, version 7.60*

Terrible business that  charges you for msg notifications about car park… disgrace

### 1/5 — Terrible design. Hidden fees

*2026-07-22, version 7.60*

.

### 1/5 — Similar thievery to eftpos fees

*2026-07-22, version 7.60*

Hidden fees galore if you don’t read every word of T&Cs

### 1/5 — Clunky and unresponsive

*2026-07-20, version 7.60*

It took over an hour to set up an account properly

### 1/5 — Criminals

*2026-07-17, version 7.60*

Check they haven’t auto signed you up to a premium account without knowing or asking it

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Simple and fast

*2026-08-07, version 7.60*

Parking made easy with the app. Love that it times out if I move the car without stopping the parking session. Simple and easy to use and saves me trying to decipher the parking signs displayed plus deducts 1 hr free parking from the parking areas relevant. 5/5. 😍

### 5/5 — Hospital parking South Brisbane

*2026-05-01, version 7.60*

App is so easy to use. I managed to find a street park outside the hospital (3hour parking). I forgot I had the App but quickly updated my CC details etc and entered parking details. Lucked in! $8.89 for 1 & 1/2 hours as compared to $25 each for previous two days!! Thank you 😊

### 5/5 — Super easy

*2026-04-01, version 7.60*

Seamless and easy way to park! And even better only pay for the time you were there!!

### 5/5 — Best app ever

*2025-11-24, version 7.40*

Best app ever x2

### 5/5 — User interface

*2025-08-11, version 7.20*

Friendly user interface

### 5/5 — Easy to use

*2025-06-04, version 7.20*

Very easy to navigate

### 5/5 — Easy

*2025-03-25, version 7.20*

This app is a life saver. It’s simple and easy to use. Saves having to punch in information into the parking meters every time and then overpaying just in case you need to stay longer. This app is really helpful,  love it.

### 5/5 — Easy to use once setup

*2025-03-23, version 7.20*

I found this app easy to navigate. Once I set up my bank details, I simply park and choose on the map the closest parking spot. Just have to remember to stop it once you get back to your car.

### 5/5 — App works good

*2023-06-14*

Although parking can be pricey, this app makes it very convenient and works excellent.

### 5/5 — Too hard for uni students; great for the rest of the population

*2018-12-15, version 5.80*

I notice that a lot of negative comments about this app come from uni students who obviously need a parent or guardian to hold their hand through every aspect of their lives.

I’m in my 50’s and find Cell O Park both easy to use and very convenient but I guess I’ve learnt about taking responsibility rather than blaming others for the challenges that life presents

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-27.*