What you need to open a Cash App account

Cash App is a mobile payment app owned by Block, Inc. (formerly Square). To open an account, you need a smartphone with iOS or Android, a valid email address or phone number, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You must be at least 18 years old. The app itself is free to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Cash App does not require a bank account to sign up, but you will need one eventually if you want to add money to your Cash App balance or cash out to a bank account. You can link a debit card, credit card, or bank account during setup or later.

The entire signup process takes about five minutes. Cash App will ask you to verify your identity before you can send or receive large amounts of money, which typically happens the first time you try to move a significant sum.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Cash App from your phone's app store, enter your email or phone number, create a password, and provide your full name and date of birth to complete basic signup.
  • You can send and receive small amounts ($100 to $250 per week, depending on your account age) without linking a bank account or verifying your identity.
  • To send or receive larger amounts, Cash App will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number and a photo ID.
  • Linking a debit card or bank account lets you add money to your Cash App balance and withdraw it, but is not required for peer-to-peer transfers between other Cash App users.
  • Cash App charges no fee for standard bank transfers, but charges $1.50 to $2 for instant transfers to a linked debit card.

Step-by-step signup process

Open the Cash App on your phone and tap "Sign Up." Enter your email address or phone number—either works, though a phone number is faster because Cash App can text you a verification code. Create a password that is at least eight characters long and includes a number or symbol. Tap "Next."

Enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your ID. Enter your date of birth. Cash App will ask you to create a $Cashtag, which is a unique username that other people use to send you money. It starts with a dollar sign and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. You can change it later. Tap "Next" to finish basic signup.

Cash App will send a verification code to your email or phone. Open the message, copy the code, and paste it into the app. Your account is now active and you can begin receiving money from other Cash App users immediately. Sending money to other users may have a limit until you verify your identity.

Linking a bank account or debit card

To add money to your Cash App balance or withdraw money to a bank account, you need to link a payment method. Tap the profile icon (circle with your initials) in the bottom right corner. Tap "Cash" or "Linked Cards." Tap "Add a Bank Account" or "Add a Debit Card."

If you link a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Cash App will verify the card with a small deposit and withdrawal—check your bank statement for the amount and enter it in the app to confirm. This usually takes one to two business days.

If you link a bank account directly, Cash App will ask for your routing number and account number. You can find these on a check or by logging into your bank's website. Cash App verifies the account by making two small deposits, which you then confirm in the app. Direct bank linking is slower but allows you to transfer larger amounts and withdraw money for free.

Identity verification and sending limits

When you first sign up, Cash App allows you to send and receive up to $100 to $250 per week without verifying your identity. The exact limit depends on your account age and history. Once you hit that limit, Cash App will ask you to verify your identity before you can send more money.

To verify, tap your profile icon, then "Personal." Tap "Verify Identity." Cash App will ask for your full Social Security number and a photo of your ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Take a clear photo of the front and back of your ID and upload it through the app. Cash App typically completes verification within 24 hours, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

Once verified, you can send and receive up to $20,000 per transaction and up to $60,000 per month. These limits are set by Cash App and may vary based on your account history and activity.

Sending and receiving money

To send money to another Cash App user, tap the dollar sign icon at the bottom of the screen. Enter the amount. Tap "Next." Search for the recipient by their $Cashtag, phone number, or email address. Tap their name to select them. Review the amount and tap "Confirm." Enter your password or use Face ID or Touch ID to authorize the payment. The money arrives instantly.

To receive money, share your $Cashtag, phone number, or email address with the person sending it. They enter your information into their Cash App and send the amount. The money appears in your Cash App balance immediately. You can then withdraw it to your linked bank account (which takes one to three business days) or keep it in your Cash App balance to spend at participating merchants.

Cash App charges no fee for sending money between Cash App users. If you withdraw to a linked bank account using the standard transfer option, there is no fee. Instant transfers to a debit card cost $1.50 to $2 per transaction.

Security and fraud protection

Cash App uses encryption to protect your account and transactions. You should enable two-factor authentication for extra security. Tap your profile icon, then "Security." Toggle on "Security Lock" and choose whether to use a PIN, Face ID, or Touch ID. You will need to enter this every time you send money.

Cash App also offers purchase protection for certain transactions made through the app's Cash Card or at merchants. If you dispute a transaction, Cash App investigates and may refund you. However, peer-to-peer transfers between friends are not covered by purchase protection, so only send money to people you trust.

If your account is hacked or you send money by mistake, contact Cash App support immediately through the app. Tap your profile icon, then "Support." Describe the issue and Cash App will investigate. Recovery is not may provide, especially for peer-to-peer transfers, so act quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Cash App without a bank account?

Yes. You can receive money and hold it in your Cash App balance without linking a bank account. However, you cannot withdraw that money or add money from your paycheck without a linked bank account or debit card. Most people link at least a debit card to make the app useful.

What happens if I forget my password?

Tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen. Cash App will send a reset link to your email or a code to your phone number. Follow the link or enter the code and create a new password. You can then log back in immediately.

Can I have more than one Cash App account?

Cash App's terms of service do not allow multiple personal accounts under the same person. However, you can have one personal account and one business account (Cash for Business) if you are self-employed or run a small business. Each requires a separate email or phone number.

How long does it take to withdraw money to my bank account?

Standard transfers to a linked bank account take one to three business days. Instant transfers to a debit card are available immediately but cost $1.50 to $2 per transaction. Weekends and holidays may delay standard transfers.

Is Cash App safe for large payments?

Cash App is reasonably secure if you use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. However, peer-to-peer transfers cannot be reversed once sent, so do not send money to strangers or people you do not trust. For large business payments, a traditional bank transfer or wire may offer more protection.