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CashApp and Venmo are two popular mobile payment services that make it easy to send and receive money. Both services have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to safe money transfers.
One key difference between the two services is their approach to security. CashApp uses a system of unique codes to verify transactions, while Venmo relies on a combination of passwords and encryption. This means that CashApp may be more secure in terms of preventing unauthorized transactions.
However, CashApp's security system can also make it more difficult to resolve issues with transactions. For example, if you accidentally send money to the wrong person, you may have to rely on CashApp's customer support to resolve the issue. On the other hand, Venmo's more traditional approach to security may make it easier to resolve issues with transactions.
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App Security
Cash App's security features are similar to those of its competitors, but some key distinctions emerge. Cash App uses encryption and 2FA to protect users, and its in-app support feature allows direct communication with support personnel. This can help prevent scams like those that involve pretending to be support personnel to obtain funds or information.
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The chargeback process on Cash App is straightforward, allowing users to report questionable transactions directly within the app. This process involves investigating with involved parties and financial institutions to resolve the issue.
Cash App's security features are comparable to those of Venmo, but they have some differences. Both platforms use encryption and 2FA, but Cash App can integrate with POS systems, while Venmo cannot.
Here's a comparison of Cash App and Venmo's security features with other popular payment apps:
Cash App's security in a nutshell is that it's pretty safe for your business, but you need to remain vigilant due to social engineering scams.
Money App Safety Concerns
Cash App's security features are robust, with encryption protocols hiding financial details and two-factor authentication adding an extra layer of protection. However, scam artists still operate on the platform using social engineering tactics.
The platform complies with Level 1 of the PCI Data Security Standard, which is the highest benchmark available, making it difficult for hackers to steal from your account. But, it's essential to remain vigilant as social engineering scams can still occur.
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Cash App's security measures attempt to combat scams by asking for confirmation before sending funds to a new party and notifying users of changes to their PIN password. However, users are still at risk of being flagged as high-risk and locked out of the service.
Cash App collects personal data, including geolocation information, passports, and driver's license numbers from users. The company's data deletion policies are also less than transparent, ranking it on the worse end of the data deletion category.
Consumer funds left in a digital wallet account aren't automatically transferred to bank accounts, posing a financial risk for consumers. This allows companies to profit from customers who leave their unprotected money in digital wallets instead of their bank accounts.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an advisory warning to consumers about the lack of consumer insurance in popular payment apps like Cash App and Venmo.
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Venmo vs Cash App
Venmo and Cash App have some key differences that can affect your experience.
Cash App has a more straightforward approach to transactions, with a focus on peer-to-peer payments and investing.
Venmo, on the other hand, is owned by PayPal and has a more social aspect, allowing users to share payment details with friends and family.
Cash App has a more limited feature set compared to Venmo, but it's also generally considered more secure.
Venmo Pros
Venmo boasts nearly 90 million accounts, making it one of the most popular digital wallet apps in the country. This makes it far more likely that the people you interact with also use Venmo, which means faster and easier money transfers.
The free nature of the app is a major advantage, as there are no monthly fees to keep an account. Standard transfers are also free, making it an easy and affordable option for users.
Venmo offers connected credit and debit cards, which can be used to treat your Venmo account like a bank account. The debit card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
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The Venmo credit card offers 3% cash back on your top spend category, with a stair-stepped 2% and 1% on your second and third top categories. This can add up to significant savings over time.
Through Venmo's Protected Purchase Program, as well as Mastercard and Visa protections, card users have more consumer protections from unauthorized use than Venmo app users. This provides an added layer of security and peace of mind.
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Venmo Cons
Venmo requires a U.S. phone number and for users to reside in the U.S. in order to use the app, which can be a problem for frequent travelers, border city residents, or people with international friends and family.
This can also be a challenge for federal employees and military members stationed overseas, who may not be able to meet the residency requirement.
Any money you hold in your Venmo account isn't FDIC-insured, which means you're not guaranteed to get your money back if the company goes out of business.
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Funds sent by other Venmo users aren't protected, but direct deposits and remote checks are.
Venmo charges a range of fees for various functions within the app, including a 3% fee for transfers using a credit card.
Standard transfers between bank accounts, Venmo debit cards, or Venmo balances are free, but may take three to five business days.
Venmo's Instant Transfer option promises to get your money to you in 30 minutes, but it incurs a 1.75% fee on the total amount being transferred.
The company also charges a scaled fee for buying or selling cryptocurrencies through the app, and additional fees for transferring cryptocurrency out of your Venmo or PayPal account.
The transaction limits on Venmo are actually higher than Cash App's, allowing you to send up to $60,000 a week.
However, the money you hold in your Venmo account isn't FDIC-insured, which means you're not guaranteed to get your money back if the company goes out of business.
Venmo also collects personal data, including geolocation information, passports, and driver's license numbers from users, which can be a concern for those who value their privacy.
The company's data deletion policies have been criticized for being less-than-transparent, which can make it difficult for users to protect their personal information.
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Business Money Safety
Cash App's security features are robust, with encryption protocols hiding your business's financial details as they're sent to the platform's servers.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of protection to prevent unauthorized access, and Cash App complies with Level 1 of the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), the highest benchmark available.
Social engineering is a tactic scammers use to steal from your Cash for Business account, but you can improve security by following best practices, such as turning on your security lock.
This lock ensures every outgoing payment requires a passcode, face ID, or touch ID, adding an extra layer of security.
You can also enable notifications on your phone or email whenever a payment is initiated, keeping you informed and in control.
Adding 2FA to the email account tied to your Cash for Business profile is another simple step to take, increasing security and protecting your account.
Be cautious of potential scams from anyone posing as Cash App's support personnel, as they will never ask you to send funds, provide a sign-in code, or download another application.
User behavior is the most prominent safety concern associated with the payment platform, so exercise caution when handling suspicious transaction requests or avoiding phishing scams.
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Alternative Payment Options
CashApp and Venmo offer alternative payment options to traditional bank transfers, but they also come with their own set of risks and fees.
CashApp charges a 3% fee for instant deposits, while Venmo charges a 3% fee for instant transfers to a debit card.
Both CashApp and Venmo have security measures in place to protect users, including two-factor authentication and encryption.
Venmo's owner, PayPal, has a history of being hacked in the past, with over 3.3 million accounts compromised in 2017.
CashApp has experienced its own share of security breaches, with over 6.1 million email addresses and phone numbers stolen in 2019.
Many users have reported having their accounts frozen or restricted due to suspicious activity, often without any clear explanation or resolution.
CashApp and Venmo both offer options for users to link their bank accounts, credit cards, or debit cards to make payments.
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Fees and Charges
Both Venmo and Cash App charge a 3% fee when sending money using a credit card. This fee is waived when you fund the transaction with your Venmo balance, bank account, or debit card.
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Venmo charges a 1% fee for instant transfers, which allow you to transfer money from your Venmo balance to your debit card in a matter of minutes. Standard transfers are free, but it will take one to three business days for the deposit to show up in your bank account.
Cash App charges a 1.5% fee if you request an Instant Transfer from your Cash App account balance to your linked debit card. Standard transfers to your bank account are free.
If you're sending money with a credit card, you'll pay a 3% fee on both Venmo and Cash App.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cash App really secure?
Cash App has robust protective features, but your funds are not insured, making them at risk of being irretrievable if stolen. While secure, it's essential to understand the limitations of Cash App's protection.
Sources
- https://spero.financial/venmo-cash-app-and-zelle-are-mobile-payment-apps-safe-to-use/
- https://cash.app/help/6482-recognize-scams-and-keep-your-money-safe-with-cash-app
- https://www.makeuseof.com/cash-app-vs-venmo/
- https://paymentcloudinc.com/blog/is-cash-app-safe/
- https://www.moneydigest.com/1443736/pros-cons-money-transfer-cash-app-vs-venmo/
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