Apple Cash vs Venmo: Which Mobile Payment Service Reigns Supreme

Author

Reads 681

Apple Watch
Credit: pexels.com, Apple Watch

Apple Cash and Venmo are two of the most popular mobile payment services out there. Both offer a range of features to make sending and receiving money easy and convenient.

One key difference between the two is their user base. Apple Cash is exclusive to Apple device users, while Venmo is available to anyone with a smartphone.

Apple Cash is deeply integrated with Apple devices, making it a seamless experience for users.

What Is Venmo?

Venmo is a mobile payment service that makes it easy to send and receive money between friends and family.

It was founded in 2009 and is popular for its ease of use and social features.

You can use Venmo to split bills, pay rent, or just send money to friends.

The social feed feature lets you see what your friends are paying each other for, making it a great way to keep track of transactions.

You can link your bank account or debit card to Venmo to easily transfer money.

Venmo also offers a Venmo Debit Card, allowing you to use your Venmo balance for purchases online and in stores.

Features Comparison

Overhead view of a cashless transaction at a retail counter with mobile payment technology and eco-friendly products.
Credit: pexels.com, Overhead view of a cashless transaction at a retail counter with mobile payment technology and eco-friendly products.

Cash App and Venmo have different security features, with Cash App charging a 2.5% fee per transaction for business accounts, compared to Venmo's 1.9% fee plus $0.10 per transaction.

For instant transfers, Cash App charges a 0.5% to 1.75% fee, while Venmo charges a 1.75% fee with a $25 maximum fee.

Cash App and Venmo have varying transaction fees, with Cash App charging a $2 fee for ATM transactions and Venmo charging a $2.50 fee.

Business accounts on Cash App pay a 2.75% fee for accepting credit card payments, while Venmo charges a 1.9% fee plus $0.10 per transaction for business accounts.

Cash App's user interface and experience differ from Venmo's, but specific details are not mentioned in the article.

Transaction Process

To initiate a transaction with Apple Pay Cash, you simply tap on the iMessage app icon and select Apple Pay Cash from your list of iMessage apps.

You can send or receive money to fellow Apple Pay Cash users, and if the contact doesn't have Apple Pay Cash set up, the app will let you know and you can't proceed with the transfer.

A Person Using Mobile Phone to Pay Cashless
Credit: pexels.com, A Person Using Mobile Phone to Pay Cashless

To enter the dollar amount, you'll need to tap on the keypad and select the amount you want to send or request.

You can then add a message to the transaction before sending it, and Apple Pay Cash will use your card's balance first, followed by an alternative payment source you have set up in the Wallet app.

To approve each outgoing transaction, you'll need to use Touch ID or Face ID, just like you do when using Apple Pay at a retail location or online.

Alternatively, you can tell Siri to send a request or a dollar amount to a contact, making it quick and easy to send money on the go.

Send or Request

To send or request cash, start by opening the Messages app and tapping on the iMessage app icon. From there, select Apple Pay Cash from your list of iMessage apps.

You can send or receive money to fellow Apple Pay Cash users by tapping on the Apple Pay Cash icon in a conversation thread. If the contact doesn't have Apple Pay Cash set up, the app will let you know.

Laptop and smartphone showcasing online shopping and mobile payment setup on desk.
Credit: pexels.com, Laptop and smartphone showcasing online shopping and mobile payment setup on desk.

Enter the dollar amount you want to send, followed by send or request, and the message text field will populate with the transaction. You can add a message before sending.

You'll need to approve each outgoing transaction with Touch ID or Face ID, just like you do when using Apple Pay at a retail location or online. Alternatively, you can tell Siri to send a request or a dollar amount to a contact.

Transaction History and Payment Cancellation

To view your transaction history, go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Apple Pay Cash and select the Transactions tab near the top of the screen.

You can select a transaction to view more details, such as current status, amount, and transaction ID.

If a person you've sent money to hasn't accepted your payment, you can cancel the transaction before it's completed.

Canceling a transaction is a good option if you've sent money to someone who hasn't accepted it yet.

Just head back to the Transactions tab and look for the transaction you want to cancel.

Transaction Speed & Limits

Credit: youtube.com, Apple Cash vs Cash App vs Venmo vs Zelle! Best Peer to Peer Payment Apps 2025

Both Cash App and Venmo offer immediate transfers to users within their network, making it easy to send and receive money quickly.

Cash App has an edge with its "Instant Deposit" feature, which allows customers to transfer money from their Cash App balance to their bank account for a little extra charge.

Venmo has a weekly spending limit of $299.99 until the account is verified, but Cash App has a lower weekly limit of $250.

Once verified, Venmo allows users to send up to $25,000 per week with a business profile, while Cash App requires further identity verification to send or receive over $1,000 per month.

Using Venmo in Real Life

You can use Venmo in real life, just like Apple Pay Cash, by adding it to your wallet. This will allow you to make payments with your Venmo balance at retail locations and online.

Venmo will automatically accept incoming transactions without requiring your approval, just like Apple Pay Cash. You can change this setting if you'd rather approve each transaction, but it's not necessary.

Close-up of a man using a smartphone for online payment with a credit card indoors.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a man using a smartphone for online payment with a credit card indoors.

You can use your Venmo balance to make purchases anywhere that accepts Venmo, just like Apple Pay Cash. This includes online shopping and in-store payments.

If you want to keep your money in your actual bank account, you'll need to add it to your Venmo account, just like with Apple Pay Cash.

Choosing Between Options

If you're already entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, Apple Cash is the way to go since it has virtually no fees.

For cross-platform support, Venmo still leads the pack, being widely used and easy to set up.

Cash App comes in as a close second to Venmo, with a straightforward user interface and a frictionless sign-up process.

PayPal is a household name, but it's hard to recommend for person-to-person payments due to its higher and more complicated fee structure.

Your financial institution may provide its own peer-to-peer funds transfer services, such as Zelle, which can be a good option if you want to send money to friends directly from your bank account.

Which One to Use?

Credit: youtube.com, How to CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO OPTIONS - simple trick to help you! Tuesday's Action Ep. 21

If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, Apple Cash is the way to go with virtually no fees and generous limits that are easy to understand.

You don't need to install any extra software or sign up for a new account, just activate the Apple Cash card and provide a piece of government-issued ID and social security number to verify your identity.

For cross-platform support, Venmo is the clear winner, widely used and easy to set up, with no extra verification hoops to jump through for smaller amounts.

Cash App comes in second for cross-platform support, and it's a close second, with the most straightforward user interface and frictionless sign-up process.

PayPal may be a household name, but its higher and more complicated fee structure makes it hard to recommend for person-to-person payments, even though it's almost universally accepted in the professional world.

Your financial institution may also offer its own peer-to-peer funds transfer services, like Zelle, which can be a great option with fewer complications and lower fees.

How to Out

A mobile phone with OXXO Pay on a laptop used for online shopping.
Credit: pexels.com, A mobile phone with OXXO Pay on a laptop used for online shopping.

Outing a decision means being honest with yourself about what you really want.

Research has shown that people who engage in this process tend to make more informed choices. According to a study, those who took the time to weigh their options made decisions that were 30% more likely to align with their long-term goals.

Being aware of your own biases is key to outing a decision. Our brains are wired to seek out information that confirms our existing thoughts, but this can lead to poor decision-making. This is known as the "confirmation bias".

To avoid this, take a step back and ask yourself questions like "What are my underlying motivations?" and "Am I considering all the potential outcomes?" This can help you gain a more objective perspective and make a more informed choice.

For example, let's say you're deciding between two job offers. One job offers a higher salary, but the other job offers more flexibility and a better work-life balance. If you're someone who values financial security above all else, it might be tempting to choose the higher-paying job. But if you're someone who values freedom and autonomy, the other job might be the better choice.

Ultimately, outing a decision means being honest with yourself about what you truly want and need. By taking the time to reflect on your goals and values, you can make a choice that aligns with who you are and what you want to achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the cons of Apple cash?

Apple Cash has limited compatibility, only working with Apple devices, and is currently only available in the US. This restricts its use for international transfers and Android users.

What is the best Cash App to use?

For new investors, CashApp is a top choice due to its user-friendly interface and investment features. Explore its benefits and how it can help you start investing.

How does Apple Cash work?

Apple Cash allows you to send and receive money digitally, using your iPhone to make transactions. You can use it in Messages, Wallet, or with Tap to Cash, and even spend it in stores, online, or in apps with Apple Pay.

Can I pay someone with Apple Pay?

Yes, you can use Apple Pay to send money to others via text messages. To learn more about the process, see the Apple Support article on Send and receive money with Apple Cash.

Adrian Fritsch-Johns

Senior Assigning Editor

Adrian Fritsch-Johns is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling content. With a strong background in editorial management, Adrian has a proven track record of identifying and developing high-quality article ideas. In his current role, Adrian has successfully assigned and edited articles on a wide range of topics, including personal finance and customer service.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.