Download the app and create your account
Cash App is a mobile payment app made by Square. To start, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone. Open the app, tap "Sign up," and enter your email address or phone number. Cash App will send you a verification code—check your email or text messages and enter that code back into the app.
Next, create a username (called a "cashtag," starting with $). This is how other people find and send you money. Choose something you're comfortable sharing, because it's public. You'll also set a password—make it strong and don't reuse it from other accounts.
Cash App will ask for your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This is standard identity verification. Once you enter this information, your account is live and you can receive money immediately.
Key Takeaways
- Download Cash App, sign up with email or phone, verify your identity with your name, birthdate, and last four digits of your Social Security number, and you're ready to receive money.
- Your cashtag (username) is public and how people send you money, so choose one you're comfortable sharing.
- Sending money to other people requires you to add a debit card or bank account to your Cash App wallet.
- Your first $250 in weekly transfers is free; after that, standard bank transfer fees apply depending on your bank.
- Cash App does not charge you to receive money, but the person sending it may pay a fee if they use a credit card instead of a debit card.
Add a debit card or bank account to send money
Receiving money requires nothing more than your cashtag. But to send money, you need to link a payment method. Tap the banking icon (usually at the bottom of the screen), then "Add a Bank Account" or "Add a Debit Card."
If you add a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Cash App will verify it with a small deposit to your bank account—this usually takes one to three business days. If you add a bank account directly, you'll enter your routing number and account number (found on a check or your bank's website), and verification is faster.
Once linked, that card or account becomes your default payment source. You can add multiple cards or accounts and switch between them when you send money.
Understand Cash App's sending and receiving limits
When your account is brand new, Cash App limits how much you can send and receive per week. Most new accounts can send up to $250 per week and receive up to $1,000 per week. These limits increase over time as you use the app and build history.
To raise your limits faster, Cash App asks you to verify your full Social Security number (not just the last four digits). Go to your profile, tap "Personal," then "Social Security Number," and enter all nine digits. This usually unlocks higher limits within a few hours.
If you need to send or receive more than your current limit, wait until your weekly limit resets (usually on Mondays) or verify your full Social Security number to increase your cap.
How Cash App transfers work and what they cost
When you send money to someone, you choose whether to send it instantly or as a standard transfer. Standard transfers are free and take one to three business days. Instant transfers cost 1.5% of the amount you send (with a minimum fee of 25 cents), and the money arrives within 30 minutes.
Receiving money is always free, regardless of how the sender paid. However, if the person sending you money uses a credit card instead of a debit card or bank account, they pay a 3% fee—but that doesn't affect what you receive.
Cash App also offers a Cash Card, a physical debit card linked to your Cash App balance. You can use it at ATMs and stores like a regular debit card. ATM withdrawals cost $2 each unless you use an in-network ATM (Cash App partners with MoneyLion and Allpoint networks).
Keep your account secure
Set up a PIN or biometric lock (fingerprint or face recognition) on your Cash App account. Go to your profile, tap "Security," and choose your lock method. This prevents someone who has your phone from sending money without your permission.
Never share your cashtag password, PIN, or the verification codes Cash App sends you. Cash App support will never ask for these. If someone claims to be from Cash App and asks for your password or code, it's a scam.
Turn on notifications for all transactions so you see immediately when money leaves your account. If you spot a payment you didn't make, report it to Cash App right away through the app's support section. Cash App covers most fraudulent transactions, but reporting quickly improves your chances of recovery.
Link your bank account to move money in and out
To move money from Cash App to your actual bank account, tap the banking icon and select "Cash Out." Choose your linked bank account, enter the amount, and select standard (free, one to three days) or instant (1.5% fee, 30 minutes). The money will arrive in your bank account on the timeline you chose.
To move money from your bank into Cash App, tap the banking icon and select "Add Cash." Enter the amount and confirm. The money appears in your Cash App balance immediately, though it may take a day or two for your bank to show the withdrawal.
Some employers and government agencies (like the IRS) allow direct deposit to Cash App. You'll need your Cash App routing number and account number, which you can find in the app under your profile, then "Banking," then "Routing Number."
Troubleshoot common setup problems
If Cash App won't verify your identity, the most common reason is a mismatch between the name you entered and the name on your Social Security record. Make sure you entered your legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card—middle names, suffixes, and spelling all matter. If it still fails, wait 24 hours and try again.
If your debit card won't verify, check that the card is active and hasn't expired. Some banks flag Cash App as a new merchant and temporarily block it. Call your bank and ask them to allow transactions from Square (Cash App's parent company). Then try adding the card again.
If you can't receive money, make sure your cashtag is set up correctly. Go to your profile, tap "Cash Tag," and confirm it's spelled the way you told the person sending you money. If the sender is having trouble finding you, ask them to search for your full name instead—Cash App will show your profile if your account is verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bank account to use Cash App?
No. You can receive money and hold it in your Cash App balance without a bank account. But to move money out of Cash App into a traditional bank, or to send money using a bank account instead of a debit card, you'll need one.
Can I use Cash App without a Social Security number?
You can create an account and receive money with just your name and date of birth. But to send money, verify higher limits, or cash out, Cash App requires at least your last four digits of your Social Security number. Full verification requires all nine digits.
What happens if I forget my Cash App password?
Tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen. Cash App will send a reset link to your email or phone. Click the link, create a new password, and log back in. If you can't access your email or phone, contact Cash App support through the app.
Is Cash App safe for sending money to strangers?
Cash App transfers are permanent once sent—you can't reverse them like you can with a credit card. Only send money to people you trust. If you're buying something from someone you don't know, use a payment method with buyer protection, or meet in person and use cash instead.
Can I use Cash App internationally?
Cash App only works within the United States. You cannot send money to or receive money from accounts outside the US. If you need to send money abroad, use a service like Wise or Western Union instead.