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Venmo is a popular peer-to-peer payment service that's easy to use and convenient for splitting bills with friends. To get started, you'll need to download the Venmo app and create an account.
You can link a debit card, credit card, or bank account to your Venmo account to fund transactions. This is a quick and simple process that can be done in just a few minutes.
What Is Venmo?
Venmo is a peer-to-peer payment service that allows users to send and receive money electronically. It was launched in 2009 by Andrew Kortina and Iqram Magdon-Ismail.
Venmo payments are typically funded by a user's bank account, debit card, or credit card. Users can also link their Venmo account to their bank account for free.
Venmo was acquired by PayPal in 2013, which is why you may see the PayPal logo when you use the service.
Account Management
To keep your Venmo account secure, it's essential to update your account details regularly. Change your password immediately if you've been scammed.
Using long and unique passwords for your online accounts is a good practice. The best password managers can generate strong passwords for you and remember them.
Delete your bank account information from Venmo and add it again once your accounts are secured.
Update Account Details
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If you've been scammed, change your password immediately. Use long and unique passwords for your online accounts.
The best password managers will generate strong passwords for you and remember them. I've seen friends who use password managers and it's a game-changer for keeping track of multiple accounts.
Delete your bank account information from Venmo and add it again once your accounts are secured. This ensures your account is protected from any potential security risks.
Link a checking account, not a savings account, to Venmo. Savings accounts have traditionally had a limit of six online withdrawals or transfers per month.
Multiple Accounts
You can have multiple Venmo accounts, but there are some conditions to keep in mind. You can have up to two accounts, as long as each one is opened with a unique set of contact details, such as a different email address and phone number.
To open a second account, you'll need to have a joint bank account or debit card with another Venmo user. Alternatively, you can own a business and open a Venmo Business account.
PayPal
PayPal offers no-fee transactions when sending money from a linked bank account or PayPal account.
You can also send money internationally to someone else's PayPal account for a 5% fee plus a variable fee.
PayPal charges a 2.9% fee, plus a fixed fee based on the currency, when you use a debit or credit card to send payments.
The fixed fee when sending a payment in USD is $0.30.
PayPal is available in more than 190 countries and supports 25 currencies.
Single transactions on PayPal do not exceed $60,000, and in some cases, are limited to $10,000.
PayPal also allows you to send money to friends and family using a desktop computer, which is a convenient option for those who don't always want to use an app.
You can read Bankrate's guide to PayPal to learn more about how this popular payment system works.
Fees and Limits
You can send up to $60,000 per week on Venmo after verifying your identity, which involves submitting your Social Security number, ZIP code, and birthdate.
To get started, your initial transfer maximum is $299.99 per week, but this increases to $60,000 per week once you're verified.
Venmo charges a 3% fee per transaction for peer-to-peer payments funded by credit card, but peer-to-peer payments funded by bank account, debit card, or prepaid debit card are free.
You can avoid fees on Venmo by using bank account, debit card, or prepaid debit card for peer-to-peer payments, or by making purchases from merchants with a Venmo payment option.
The maximum you can transfer from Venmo to a bank account starts at $999.99 per transaction, but once you're verified, the limit is $19,999 per week.
Here's a breakdown of Venmo's fees:
Cash advance limits on credit cards are substantially lower than your regular credit line and accrue interest from the first day the transaction occurs.
Is Safe?
Venmo prides itself on its secure network and protection of customer data. Each transaction within the app is encrypted, so information about your financial institution or linked cards is secure.
You can secure the Venmo app by setting not just a password but also a biometric or PIN-based code for your account. This adds an extra layer of protection to prevent unauthorized access.
Venmo offers two-factor authentication, which requires a second form of verification, such as a fingerprint or PIN, to log in to your account. This feature helps prevent scammers from accessing your account even if they have your password.
Use two-factor authentication to help prevent Venmo fraud. This is especially important when interacting with strangers or making large transactions.
Venmo's security features include encryption of data transmission, which helps protect your account information and monitor your account activity to identify unauthorized transactions.
Here are some safety features Venmo offers:
- Mandatory verified phone number and email
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Venmo Purchase Protection Program
- Encryption of data transmission
If you've lost your phone or suspect that it is being used in an unauthorized way, you can prevent your phone from accessing your Venmo account by logging on to Venmo's website and changing your permission settings.
Payment and Transfer
Venmo offers a debit card that works for U.S. purchases anywhere that accepts Mastercard. You can also earn cash back in different spending categories with the optional Venmo credit card, which has rewards deposited into your Venmo account.
To get money from Venmo, you need to open a Venmo account and set up a transfer to your bank account. This can take one to three business days to process, but it's free.
You can transfer money from your Venmo account to your bank account instantly if you're willing to pay a 1.75 percent fee, with a $0.25 minimum and a $25 maximum.
How It Works
Payment and Transfer systems rely on a network of banks and financial institutions that facilitate transactions between individuals and businesses. These institutions verify the account details of the sender and recipient to ensure smooth transactions.
The sender initiates a transfer by providing the recipient's account information, which is then used to debit the sender's account and credit the recipient's account. This process typically takes a few minutes to an hour, depending on the transfer method and the banks involved.
To initiate a transfer, the sender needs to have a bank account with sufficient funds to cover the transfer amount. They also need to provide the recipient's account details, including their account number and routing number.
The transfer is then processed through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system, which is a network of banks that facilitates electronic transactions. This system ensures that the transfer is completed efficiently and securely.
The recipient's bank then credits their account with the transferred amount, making it available for use. The recipient can then use the funds to make purchases, pay bills, or transfer them to another account.
Payment Arrival Time
Payment arrival time can vary depending on the situation. If you're receiving money from another person, you can usually access it in a short amount of time, typically a few hours to a few days.
However, if the recipient has just opened a Venmo account for the first time, it may take several days to receive the money.
You can transfer money from your Venmo account to your bank account instantly, but be prepared to pay a 1.75 percent fee with a $0.25 minimum and a $25 maximum.
Standard bank transfers are free, but they take one to three business days to process.
Pay with Card
You can use Venmo to pay with a card, which is a convenient option for making purchases. Venmo offers a debit card that works for U.S. purchases anywhere that accepts Mastercard.
This debit card is a great option for everyday purchases, and it's easy to use. With the Venmo debit card, you can make purchases just like you would with any other debit card.
Venmo also offers an optional credit card that allows users to earn cash back in different spending categories.
Getting Started and Help
To get started with Venmo, download the app and enter your phone number, email address, and bank account number. You'll also need to create a Venmo login and password to secure your account.
You'll initially have a rolling limit of $299.99 per week for payments and purchases. This limit increases once you verify your account, allowing you to send up to $60,000 per week and spend up to $7,000 on combined purchases per week.
Some transactions may have additional per transaction limits, and your Venmo Mastercard Debit Card comes with its own set of limits.
Getting Started
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To get started with Venmo, download the app and enter your personal information, including your phone number, email address, and bank account number. This will help you create a secure account with a Venmo login and password.
You'll initially have a rolling limit of $299.99 per week for payments and purchases, but once you verify your account, those limits increase significantly.
Here are the increased limits you can expect: Limit TypeLimit AmountWeekly Send Limit$60,000Weekly Spend Limit$7,000
Support Request Documentation
If you need to submit information or documents to the Support team, you can do so through the Venmo app's in-app chat or Document Upload Form. Never send documents via text message.
Venmo Support will never ask you to send documents via text message. This is to ensure your security and protect your personal info.
Scams and Protection
Venmo uses encryption to protect your account information and monitor your activity to identify unauthorized transactions. If you suspect something's off, contact Venmo's Support team with details.
Venmo offers additional security features to safeguard your account. You can add a Passcode code in the app to add extra layers of protection. This way, you can prevent unauthorized access to your account, especially if you've lost your phone or suspect it's being used in an unauthorized way.
To avoid getting scammed, be wary of "get rich quick" schemes that promise big returns for a small investment on Venmo. These are often pyramid schemes or money circles, and you should never pay money to get rich fast.
Be skeptical of emergency money requests from friends or family, as scammers often pose as loved ones in need. If you're concerned, contact your loved one directly to verify their claim.
Don't fall for fake Venmo emails or texts that ask you to verify your information by clicking a link or filling out a form. These scams can steal your info and compromise your accounts.
If you've been scammed on Venmo, take screenshots and record any information you can about the scam. Then, report it to Venmo and secure any linked accounts to prevent further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside of using Venmo?
Using Venmo comes with a risk of your money being stolen if a hacker gains access to your account. This is because a hacker can easily change the linked bank account to their own, allowing them to transfer your money
What information do I give someone to pay me on Venmo?
To receive money on Venmo, give the sender your Venmo user name, email, phone number, or scan code. You can share your scan code in person or via text, email, or AirDrop (for iOS users).
Does Venmo need your bank account?
To send or transfer money on Venmo, you'll need to link a U.S. bank account, debit card, or credit card. A checking account is required for transfers, not a savings account.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/what-is-venmo
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/advice/how-to-use-venmo/
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/everything-you-need-to-know-about-venmo/
- https://help.venmo.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035844973-About-Venmo-Security
- https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-avoid-venmo-scams
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