You can get a Venmo Card without a bank account, but you'll need a valid ID and a way to load money into your Venmo balance

Venmo does not require you to link a bank account to open an account or request a debit card. You can fund your Venmo balance using a credit card, another debit card, or by having someone send you money through the app. Once you have money in your Venmo balance, you can use the Venmo Card to spend it anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

The catch is that without a bank account, you lose some of Venmo's convenience. You cannot set up direct deposit, and you cannot transfer money out of Venmo back to a bank account. You also cannot use Venmo's instant transfer feature to move money to a debit card. Your options narrow to spending what you load in, or asking someone to send you money peer-to-peer.

Key Takeaways

  • Venmo Card approval does not depend on having a bank account linked to your Venmo profile.
  • You can load your Venmo balance using a credit card or debit card, even if that card is not tied to a bank account you own.
  • Without a bank account, you cannot transfer Venmo balance to another account or use instant transfer to a debit card.
  • You will need a valid government-issued ID and a Social Security number to open a Venmo account and request a card.

How to request a Venmo Card without a bank account

Open the Venmo app and go to the Card section in the menu. Tap "Order Card" and follow the prompts. Venmo will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. You do not need to link a bank account at this stage. Once your identity is verified, Venmo will send you a physical card in the mail, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot open a Venmo account. Venmo requires this for identity verification and tax reporting purposes, regardless of whether you link a bank account.

Ways to load money onto your Venmo Card without a bank account

You can add money to your Venmo balance using a credit card or debit card. Open the app, tap the menu icon, select "Manage Balance," and choose "Add Money." Enter the amount and select your card. Venmo charges a 1.75% fee for credit card transfers and no fee for debit card transfers. The money appears in your Venmo balance immediately.

You can also receive money from other Venmo users. When someone sends you money through the app, it lands in your Venmo balance and is ready to spend with your card right away. This is useful if friends or family regularly send you money, or if you receive payments for goods or services.

Some employers and government agencies now offer direct deposit to Venmo, though this requires linking a bank account to receive the deposit. If you do not have a bank account, this option is not open to you.

What you cannot do without a bank account

You cannot transfer money out of Venmo to another account. Venmo's standard transfer feature, which moves money to a linked bank account, requires that account to exist. You also cannot use Venmo's instant transfer to a debit card, which moves money to a card in minutes but charges a 1.75% fee.

This means your Venmo balance is essentially trapped in the app unless you spend it with the card or send it to another Venmo user. If you need cash, you cannot pull it out. Some users work around this by spending their Venmo balance at ATMs that accept Mastercard, though this may incur ATM fees depending on the machine.

Fees and limits for Venmo Card spending

Using the Venmo Card to spend money from your balance carries no fee. You can use it at any merchant that accepts Mastercard, online or in person. There is no monthly fee for the card itself.

Venmo does set limits on how much you can send and receive. As of 2024, the weekly limit for peer-to-peer transfers is $20,000, though this can vary based on your account history and verification status. Card spending limits are separate and depend on your card issuer's fraud prevention rules, not on Venmo itself.

Alternatives if you cannot get a Venmo Card

If Venmo denies your card request, you can still use your Venmo balance to send money to other users or pay bills through Venmo's bill pay feature. You can also explore other prepaid debit cards that do not require a bank account, such as cards from NetSpend, Chime, or GoBank. These cards work similarly to the Venmo Card but may have different fee structures and funding options.

Another option is to open a bank account specifically to link to Venmo. Many online banks like Chime, LendingClub, or Ally have no minimum balance requirements and no monthly fees, making them low-cost ways to unlock Venmo's full feature set.

What happens if you close your bank account after getting a Venmo Card

If you link a bank account to Venmo and then close that account, your Venmo Card continues to work as long as you have money in your Venmo balance. You can still load money using a credit or debit card, and you can still spend with the card. You simply lose the ability to transfer money back out to a bank account.

Venmo may flag your account if you close a linked bank account without notice, especially if you have pending transfers. If this happens, contact Venmo support through the app to explain the situation and prevent your account from being frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to verify my identity to get a Venmo Card without a bank account?

Yes. Venmo requires your full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will also need to provide a valid government-issued ID. These requirements apply whether or not you link a bank account.

Can I use my Venmo Card at an ATM to withdraw cash?

Venmo Card does not have a PIN and cannot be used at ATMs for cash withdrawal. You can only spend the balance at merchants that accept Mastercard. Some third-party ATM networks may accept the card for balance inquiries, but not for cash out.

What if someone sends me money on Venmo but I have no bank account to transfer it to?

The money stays in your Venmo balance. You can spend it with your Venmo Card, send it to another Venmo user, or use it to pay bills through Venmo. You cannot move it anywhere else without a bank account to link.

How long does it take to get a Venmo Card in the mail?

Venmo typically mails cards within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service. You can check the status in the app under Card settings.

Can I load my Venmo balance using someone else's debit card?

No. Venmo requires that the card you use to load money be registered in your name. Using another person's card violates Venmo's terms and can result in account suspension.