You cannot add someone else's bank account to your own Venmo without their permission and involvement
Venmo does not allow you to link another person's bank account to your Venmo profile. The account holder—the person whose name is on the bank account—must connect it themselves through their own Venmo app or website. Venmo requires verification that matches the bank account owner's identity, so you cannot bypass this by entering their account details on your phone.
If someone asks you to add their bank account to your Venmo, they are asking you to do something Venmo's system will not permit. If you somehow obtained their banking information and tried to enter it, Venmo would reject it during the verification step, which requires access to the account holder's email and phone number.
There are legitimate reasons someone might ask this of you—they may not have a smartphone, they may not understand how Venmo works, or they may want to receive money quickly. But the solution is not to use your Venmo account on their behalf. The right approach depends on what they actually need to do.
Key Takeaways
- Venmo requires the bank account owner to verify their own identity and connect their own account through their own phone or computer.
- You cannot add someone else's bank account to your Venmo profile, and Venmo's verification system will block the attempt.
- If someone needs to receive money but does not have Venmo set up, you can send them money through their email address or phone number instead.
- If someone needs to withdraw money to their bank account, they must set up their own Venmo account and link their own bank account.
- Sharing your Venmo login with someone else so they can add their bank account is a security risk and violates Venmo's terms of service.
What happens if you try to add someone else's bank account
When you enter a bank account number and routing number into Venmo, the app asks for the account holder's email address and phone number. Venmo then sends a verification code to that email or phone. If you do not have access to those accounts, you cannot complete the connection. If you somehow enter a code without authorization, you are committing fraud—you are accessing someone else's financial accounts without permission.
Even if you had the email and phone number, Venmo's system is designed to prevent this. The verification step is a security measure. It exists so that only the person who owns the bank account can connect it to Venmo.
If someone needs to receive money but does not have Venmo yet
You can send money to someone through Venmo even if they do not have a Venmo account. Enter their email address or phone number in the "Pay or Request" field. Venmo will send them a notification. They can then claim the money by creating a Venmo account, or they can receive it through a link without creating an account (though this option varies by region).
This is the fastest and safest way to send money to someone who is not yet on Venmo. You do not need their bank account information, and they do not need to give you access to anything.
If someone needs to withdraw money to their bank account
The person who wants to withdraw money must set up their own Venmo account and connect their own bank account. There is no way around this. Venmo does not allow transfers to bank accounts that are not verified and linked to the account making the withdrawal.
If the person does not have a smartphone, they can use Venmo on a computer through venmo.com. If they do not have a bank account, they can request a Venmo debit card, which allows them to withdraw cash at ATMs or spend the balance directly. But the account itself must be in their name.
Why you should not share your Venmo login with someone else
If someone asks you to let them use your Venmo account so they can add their bank account, do not do this. Sharing your login means they have access to your transaction history, your payment methods, and your money. They could send money from your account, change your password, or add their own payment methods.
Venmo's terms of service prohibit account sharing. If Venmo detects that multiple people are using one account from different locations or devices, they may freeze the account while they investigate. You could lose access to your own money during that time.
The security risk is real. Even if you trust the person, their phone could be stolen, or their security could be compromised. Once someone has your login, you cannot control what they do with it.
If someone is having trouble setting up their own Venmo account
Venmo requires a Social Security number, a date of birth, and a valid form of ID to create an account. If someone is struggling with the setup process, they can contact Venmo support through the app or at help.venmo.com. Venmo's support team can walk them through the steps or troubleshoot problems with verification.
If the person does not have a Social Security number or valid ID, they may not be able to use Venmo. In that case, other peer-to-peer payment apps like PayPal, Square Cash, or Google Pay may have different requirements. But no legitimate payment app will let you add someone else's bank account to your profile.
What to do if someone has already added your bank account without permission
If you discover that someone has connected your bank account to their Venmo account, contact your bank immediately. Tell them that unauthorized access has occurred. Your bank can freeze the account or reverse any fraudulent transfers.
Also contact Venmo support and report the account. Venmo takes fraud seriously and will investigate. You may need to provide your bank statements and a police report if large amounts of money were moved.
Change your bank's online password and enable two-factor authentication if you have not already. If the person who did this had access to your email or phone, change those passwords too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone else's bank account through Venmo?
No. Venmo only transfers money between Venmo accounts or from a Venmo account to a bank account that is linked to that same Venmo account. You cannot send money directly to someone else's bank account. You can send money to their Venmo account, or to their email or phone number if they do not have Venmo yet.
What if I have power of attorney over someone's finances?
Power of attorney does not override Venmo's verification requirements. The account holder must still set up their own Venmo account and connect their own bank account. You can help them through the process, but you cannot do it for them. If they are unable to use a smartphone or computer, you may need to use a different payment method or contact Venmo support to discuss your specific situation.
Can I add my spouse's or partner's bank account to my Venmo?
No. Even in a marriage or partnership, Venmo requires the bank account owner to verify and connect their own account. If you share a joint bank account, the account is still in both names, and either of you can connect it to your own Venmo profile. But you cannot connect it to your partner's profile without their involvement.
What if someone sends me money and asks me to transfer it to their bank account?
Do not do this. This is a common fraud pattern. Someone sends you money through Venmo (often using a stolen account or a chargeback), asks you to withdraw it to your bank account, and then asks you to send it to their bank account. When the original transaction is reversed, your bank account is left short. You end up liable for the money. If someone asks this of you, it is almost certainly a scam.
Can I use Venmo if I do not have a bank account?
You can receive money and hold a balance in Venmo without a bank account. But to withdraw that money, you need either a bank account or a Venmo debit card. The debit card allows you to spend your Venmo balance or withdraw cash at ATMs. You can order one through the Venmo app if you are in the United States.