Venmo and Cash App have become staples for quick peer-to-peer payments. As of 2022, Venmo processes over $159 billion in payments between over 90 million active user accounts. Meanwhile, Cash App fosters around 40 million active users, facilitating digital payments worth $74 billion.
I use both apps frequently for settling shared expenses with friends. However, with money scattered across the two platforms, consolidation is necessary. Unfortunately, unlike PayPal and Venmo (both owned by PayPal), direct transfers between rival services Cash App and Venmo are not supported.
After substantial trial-and-error, I‘ve found three reliable methods to shift funds from Venmo into Cash App. Each approach has its own pros and cons, which I will analyze in detail in this guide. Let‘s get started!
Overview of Transfer Methods
Here is a quick overview of the available avenues for indirect Venmo to Cash App money transfers:
| Method | How it Works | Speed | Fees | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | Link Cash App to Venmo via bank account details | Instant | 1% for instant transfers | $3000/week with ID verification |
| Cash Card | Transfer money from Venmo to associated Cash Card debit card | Instant | None besides instant transfer fees | $3000/day spending limit |
| Shared Bank | Route money through same bank account linked to both apps | 1-3 business days | None | Varies based on bank account limits |
Method 1: Direct Deposit
Activating Direct Deposit allows your Cash App to receive transfers akin to a bank account. This is done by providing your account with dedicated bank details – an account number and routing number.
Banks use routing numbers to identify financial institutions for digital transfers. Paired with your unique account number, these details allow seamless redirection of payments from sources like Venmo into your Cash App balance.
Here is the full step-by-step guide to link them:
Step 1: Enable Direct Deposit in Cash App
Open Cash App and tap the Banking tab on the bottom menu. Next, navigate to the Direct Deposit section and click "Get Account Number".
Enable Direct Deposit by clicking "Enable Account" on the pop-up prompt. This will generate and display your account details.
Step 2: Copy Account and Routing Details
You will see two numbers:
Account Number: Your unique account identification number. Needed to identify your Cash App for deposits.
Routing Number: The code that routes incoming payments to Cash App‘s bank Silvergate.
Copy down both the numbers by tapping the "Copy" button next to them. Tip: Save them on your phone‘s note app for easy access later.
Step 3: Link Cash App Details as Bank on Venmo
Open the Venmo app and click on your profile picture > Settings > Payment methods > Add bank account
On the "Add Account" screen, fill in two fields:
Account Number: Paste your Cash App account number
Routing Number: Paste the Cash App routing number
Enter any additional information like address if requested. Then link the account.
Once the details are verified, your Cash App will now be linked as a payment method for deposits!
Troubleshooting Direct Deposit Account Linking
If you encounter error messages during account linkage, here are some troubleshooting tips:
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Double check that the account and routing number copied from Cash App are entered correctly in Venmo
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Enable direct deposit and try re-generating your account details if incorrectly copied previously
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Manually enter your bank address details even if optional to maximize verification check success rates
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Use an alternate bank account or card if one payment method is facing linkage failures
Advantages of Direct Deposit
Compared to the other upcoming methods, direct deposit has some notable advantages:
Speed: Enables instant transfers in just 30 minutes, unlike 1-3 day waits for standard bank transfers
Simplicity: Easy to set up without needing new debit cards or bank linkage
High limits: Up to $3000 can be shifted weekly after ID verification
However, direct deposit also incurs the usual 1% instant transfer fees like normal Venmo transfers. Let‘s explore alternate fee-free options next.
Method 2: Cash Card
The Cash Card is a free customizable debit card by Cash App that offers some neat features:
- Spend Cash App balance in stores and online
- Instant discounts and cashback rewards
- No ATM, transaction or overdraft fees
- Free weekly paycheck deposits
By linking your Cash Card as a payment method on Venmo rather than a bank account, you enable rapid transfers between the services – with bonus perks!
Here is how to set up and use a Cash Card for Venmo-Cash App transfers:
Order Your Cash Card
If you haven‘t already ordered the Cash Card through the Cash App mobile app, simply tap the profile icon > Cash Card > Order My Card.
It takes up to 14 days to arrive after entering your address. Instant virtual cards are also available while waiting for the physical Cash Card.
Activate Your Cash Card
Once received, open Cash App and tap Cash Card again. Follow the instructions to activate your physical card and set a PIN.
Activation links the card to your Cash App account allowing usage for purchases backed by your balance.
Add Cash Card as Payment Method on Venmo
Now in the Venmo app, navigate back to Payment Methods and select "Add Debit/Credit Card"
Enter the long Cash Card number and expiry details. For safety, I recommend using the mobile device camera scan feature by tapping the barcode icon.
Once successfully added, your Cash Card will show up as a linked payment method!
Transfer Money from Venmo to Cash App
To move funds, initiate a normal payment on Venmo and select your linked Cash Card as the destination payment method.
Transferred amounts get deducted from your chosen bank account/card on Venmo and added directly to your Cash App balance!
Cash Card vs Bank Account Withdrawals
Transferring money from Venmo to your Cash Card vs a standard bank account has some advantages:
Faster transfers: Cash Card deposits are faster with most showing up instantly versus 1-3 day bank transfer waits.
Zero transfer fees: Shift money between platforms minus direct deposit or instant transfer fees.
However, a drawback is the $3000 daily spending limit on Cash Card purchases or ATM withdrawals. Large transfers may be better routed through bank accounts without usage limits for withdrawals.
Method 3: Shared Bank Account
The final approach involves adding a common bank account to both Cash App and Venmo payment methods. This enables a bridge allowing money to be routed:
Venmo -> Shared Bank Account -> Cash App
It takes longer with more steps. However, a perk is zero transfer fees.
Here is how to set it up:
Step 1: Add Bank account to Venmo and Cash App
First, make sure you have the same bank account linked to both Venmo and Cash App Apps payment methods / balance sections.
I recommend using reputable national banks that smoothly interface with both apps and their technology infrastructure. Avoid smaller credit unions and regional banks.
Step 2: Transfer money from Venmo to Bank
Next, transfer funds out from your Venmo balance into your connected bank account, just like normal withdrawals.
Unlike instant transfers, route it through regular 1-3 day ACH withdrawals to avoid fees.
Once the money lands after a few days, you‘re ready for step 3!
Step 3: Cashout money from Bank to Cash App
Finally, open Cash App and select "Add Cash" to deposit money into your account balance.
Choose the same bank account from step 1 as the funding source for the deposit.
In just 1-3 business days, your money from Venmo will now transfer into your Cash App, merged into one place!
Pros of Using Shared Bank Method
Zero fees for transfers by using standard ACH routing through bank account
Higher limits depending on your bank account‘s capacity
More control with the ability to easily view transfer status within your bank
The only con is the longer 1-3 day processing times in this 3-step process. But for larger transfers, the fee avoidance merits consideration of this technique.
FAQs (Venmo to Cash App)
Does sending money from Venmo to Cash App require any fees?
Venmo charges a 1% fee capped at $10 for instant money transfers to bank accounts and debit cards. This would apply when shifting funds to Cash App via linked debit card or direct deposit.
However, regular 1-3 day bank account transfers are free on both apps. This is why using a shared bank account can avoid transfer fees.
Can I directly wire transfer funds if I need it instantly?
While external wire transfers allow near-instant movement of money, unfortunately neither Venmo nor Cash App support incoming wire transfers from outside banks or services.
So links through direct deposit or debit cards are necessary as intermediaries for instant transfers.
How long does it take to verify my Venmo account if I‘m hitting limits?
Venmo has a weekly transfer limit of $299.99 for unverified accounts, going up to $3000+ for ID-verified ones.
Venmo promises verification in 1-3 business days after submitting all your documents (ID card, SSN, etc.). I found it took closer to 2 business days in my experience.
Can I use any debit card brands like Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover for transfers?
Yes, the big mainstream card brands are all compatible with linkages to Venmo and Cash App for shifting money. Even virtual debit cards from fintech apps work in my experience.
The only requirement is sufficient balance/limits on originating payment method for transfers to go through.
I don‘t use Venmo. What are some quick ways to add money to just my Cash App?
Popular options include connecting your debit card, linking bank accounts you already actively use, depositing physical checks, or receiving direct deposit payments from employers.
These all let you add money straight into your Cash App account without needing to first transfer from Venmo or other apps.
Hope this guide was helpful unraveling how to transfer money from Venmo into Cash App! Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments.
