Does Venmo Accept Credit Cards and What You Need to Know

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Venmo is a popular peer-to-peer payment service that allows users to send and receive money electronically. You can link your bank account or debit card to fund your Venmo balance, but credit cards are not directly accepted for payments.

However, you can use your credit card indirectly by linking it to your bank account, which can then be used to fund your Venmo balance. This is because Venmo does not store credit card information, but rather relies on bank account connections to facilitate transactions.

If you try to use a credit card to make a payment on Venmo, the transaction will be declined.

How to Use Venmo

Using a credit card on Venmo can be a convenient option, but it's essential to understand the pros and cons beforehand.

You can send payments with a credit card on Venmo, but you'll be charged a 3% fee when making a payment. This fee won't be charged if you use a debit card or bank account.

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If you're trying to meet minimum spending requirements to earn a credit card's sign-up or welcome bonus, using a credit card on Venmo is a good idea. You can also use it to pay someone over Venmo without risking overdrafting your checking account.

However, be aware that using a credit card on Venmo can lead to more fees and a higher interest rate if your card issuer codes the transaction as a cash advance. You won't be able to transfer any Venmo balances onto your credit card.

To add a credit card to your Venmo account, follow these steps:

  • Go to the "Me" tab by tapping your picture or initials
  • Go to the Wallet section
  • Tap “Add bank or card...” and then tap “Card”
  • Add your card information manually or with your phone’s camera

Keep in mind that most peer-to-peer payment apps, like Venmo, do not offer fraud or purchase protection as a credit card might. The cash you keep in the app is usually not FDIC-insured, so be cautious of offers to take out Buy Now, Pay Later loans or to convert cash to Bitcoin.

Venmo Fees and Charges

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Venmo charges a standard 3% fee on Venmo transactions made with cards, but this fee only applies when users send money to their friends or family. This fee is waived for purchases made through Venmo to authorized businesses.

You can avoid this fee by using your card to transfer money to businesses, not to friends or family. However, you should note that users who receive money through Venmo are not charged any fee.

The 3% fee is charged when you send money from your credit card to friends or family using Venmo. This fee is not charged when you use your cash balance or linked bank account to send money.

Venmo's fee structure is clear, but it's also worth noting that your credit card company might treat payments from Venmo as cash advances, resulting in additional fees and interest.

Using Venmo Through a Smartphone

To use Venmo through a smartphone, tap on the "Me" tab. This is where you'll find all your account settings and options.

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From here, tap on "Settings" in the top right corner. This will open a menu with several options, including "Payment Methods".

Next, tap on adding a bank or card option and choose "Card". This will allow you to add a new card to your Venmo account.

You can add your card information manually or take a picture of the card with your phone's camera. This is a convenient option if you have a lot of cards or prefer not to type in your information.

It's worth noting that Venmo does not charge a fee for adding a card to an account as a mode of payment. However, you may see a $0-1 charge on your card statement after adding it to Venmo.

Choosing and Using Venmo

To add a credit card to Venmo, you'll need to go to the "Me" tab, tap on "Wallet", and then select "Add bank or card...". From there, you can add your card information manually or use your phone's camera to scan it.

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To use a credit card on Venmo, you'll need to follow these steps: go to the "Me" tab, go to the Wallet section, tap “Add bank or card...” and then tap “Card”, and finally add your card information manually or with your phone’s camera.

Venmo charges a 3% fee when you use your credit card to send money to family and friends.

Choosing Between Options

If you're considering using a credit card on Venmo, you'll want to weigh the pros and cons first. You can use a credit card on Venmo to meet minimum spending requirements for a sign-up bonus or to pay someone without overdrafting your checking account. However, there's a 3% fee when making a payment with a credit card, which can outweigh any rewards you might earn.

Using a credit card on Venmo can also be risky, as your card issuer may code the transaction as a cash advance, resulting in more fees and a higher interest rate. To add a credit card to your Venmo account, go to the "Me" tab, then the Wallet section, tap "Add bank or card...", and follow the prompts.

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You can't transfer funds from your Venmo account to your credit card, so you'll need to transfer funds to your bank account or debit card instead. If you're shopping at a retailer that accepts Venmo, adding your best rewards credit card to your Venmo account could help you make the most of your credit card rewards.

Venmo limits the number of credit and debit cards you can have on your account in a rolling six-month period, so keep this in mind if you plan to rotate your cards periodically. To make the most of your credit card rewards, consider using your physical credit card for certain types of transactions, like dining purchases.

Here are some options to consider:

Account Sharing

You can't use one credit card on more than one Venmo account at a time. If you try to add a card to another account, it will be rejected.

However, if you delete the card from the first account, you can use it on another account. This is because the card details are no longer tied to the original account.

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You can't update a credit or debit card on Venmo, but you can delete it and add a new one. Just be aware of Venmo's limit of 4 cards per six months, which includes both active and deleted cards.

If you delete all four of your allowed payment methods within six months, your account will become unusable for a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a credit card to Cash App or Venmo?

Yes, you can link a credit card to Cash App and Venmo to send money and pay bills, but you'll need to have your physical credit card handy to enter the information. To get started, follow the app's instructions for adding a credit card.

Can you pay someone on Venmo with a credit card?

Yes, you can pay someone on Venmo using a credit card as one of the accepted payment methods. This allows for convenient and flexible payment options for users.

Why can't I use my credit card on Venmo?

Your credit card may be declined on Venmo due to funds availability or fraud prevention reasons, or if it's not registered under your name. Check with your card issuer for more information on why your card was declined

Can you use Venmo without a bank account?

Yes, you can use Venmo without a bank account by adding a credit or prepaid card as an alternative payment option. Learn more about your options for sending and spending money on Venmo.

Danielle Hamill

Senior Writer

Danielle Hamill is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in finance, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, tackling complex topics with clarity and precision. Her work has been featured in various publications, covering a range of topics including cryptocurrency regulatory alerts.

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