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Venmo's policy for sending and receiving money is pretty straightforward. You can send money to anyone with a Venmo account, and they can receive it as long as they have a valid email address or phone number.
To send money, you can use your Venmo balance, a linked bank account, or a debit card. You can also use your Venmo balance to receive money, but you can't receive money through a debit card.
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Account and Fees
Opening a Venmo account is free, and there are no monthly fees. You can use the app to send and receive money to and from friends and associates without incurring any costs.
However, if you use a linked credit card to pay anyone, you will be charged a 3% fee. This fee is applied to the transaction amount, so if you're sending $100, you'll be charged $3.
Some services on Venmo come with additional fees. For example, using the Instant Transfer feature to move money from your Venmo account to a bank account incurs a fee of 1.75%. This fee is waived if you choose the standard transfer option, which takes three to five business days.
Fees
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Fees are an important consideration when it comes to using Venmo. You can use Venmo for free to send and receive money with friends and family.
There are no monthly fees to worry about, and setting up an account is also free. However, some services do come with a fee.
Using a credit card to pay someone incurs a 3% fee, which can add up quickly. You'll also be charged a 3% fee if you use a credit card to transfer money to another user.
Instant Transfers to a bank account cost 1.75% of the amount being transferred, and can take less than an hour. You can avoid this fee by choosing the standard transfer option, which takes three to five business days.
Some other services that come with a fee include sending money to digital wallets, using the cash check feature, and buying and selling cryptocurrencies. These fees vary, but can range from 1.75% to 5% of the transaction amount.
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Here are some specific fees to keep in mind:
Criticisms
Venmo has faced criticism for its security, with complaints highlighting the app's shortcomings.
In 2016, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused Venmo of negligent privacy, safety, and security practices, leading to a $175,000 payment to the state and reforms to these practices.
Venmo's slow customer service responses to breaches have also been a point of contention.
The company was found in violation of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Safeguards Rule in 2018, which requires financial institutions to implement measures to protect customer information.
In 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau began investigating Venmo's treatment of scam victims, following complaints that the payment app had been threatening to send debt collectors to their homes.
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Sending/Receiving
Sending and receiving money with Venmo is a breeze. You can send money to friends and family using your Venmo balance, debit card, or bank account, and there's no fee for doing so.
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Receiving payments is also free, unless the sender identifies the transaction as for goods and services. If that's the case, you'll be assessed a 2.99% seller transaction fee.
You can receive payments in your personal Venmo account, charity profile, or business profile. The fees for receiving payments in these profiles vary, with a 1.9% + $0.10 fee for charity profiles and a 1.9% + $0.10 or 2.29% + $0.09 fee for business profiles.
To receive payments in your business profile, you can use Tap to Pay, which incurs a 2.29% + $0.09 fee.
Here's a breakdown of the fees for receiving payments in different profiles:
Receiving payments in your Venmo account is free, unless the sender identifies the transaction as for goods and services. In that case, you'll be assessed a 2.99% seller transaction fee.
Security and Safety
Venmo uses data encryption technology to protect users against unauthorized transactions while storing user information on secure servers. This is a good start, but it's not foolproof.
Hackers and scammers have been able to circumvent these safeguards, and even Venmo's additional security features can't guarantee complete protection. If you share your password, lose your phone, or fall victim to a scam, your account could still be vulnerable.
To minimize risks, set up two-factor authentication, create a unique PIN code, and/or use Touch ID to ensure only you can access your Venmo account. This will add an extra layer of security to your account.
Some common sense precautions can also help keep your account safe, such as:
- Changing your security settings to "Private" to cloak your transaction history
- Avoiding large Venmo balances and frequently transferring funds to linked bank accounts
- Only using Venmo to exchange funds with people you know
Venmo itself warns against sharing your password or other personal information, and you can report suspicious activity to their support team at [email protected].
Age Restrictions
Age Restrictions are in place to ensure users are old enough to understand and manage their accounts responsibly. You must be at least 18 to open a Venmo account.
However, if you're 13 to 17, you can still use Venmo, but you'll need to open a "Teen Account" which is linked to a parent or guardian's account. This way, they can keep an eye on your activity and be responsible for it.
The default setting on Teen Accounts is private, so your purchases, locations, and payments won't be visible to the public. This adds an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for both you and your parents.
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Protecting Yourself Online
Protecting yourself online is crucial when using Venmo. To start, change your security settings to "Private" to cloak your transaction history, making it harder for strangers to view your transactions.
Venmo users should avoid keeping large amounts of money as a Venmo balance to minimize potential losses in case of hacking. Transferring Venmo transactions to linked bank accounts frequently can also help prevent unauthorized access.
Be cautious of scammers sending emails asking for your password or personal information. Venmo will never ask you for this information, so if you receive a suspicious email, send a message to [email protected].
Venmo uses encryption to keep your funds and account details safe, and multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. You can also set up a unique PIN in the app to ensure you're the only one using your Venmo account.
To avoid being scammed on Venmo, only transfer money to people and retailers you know and trust. This is especially important when using platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
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Here are some security features to consider:
- Change your security settings to "Private" to cloak your transaction history
- Set up two-factor authentication for added security
- Create a unique PIN code for your Venmo account
- Use Touch ID to log in to your Venmo app
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and hacking when using Venmo.
Payment and Transfer
Venmo offers free standard bank transfers, which take 1-3 business days to arrive in your bank account. You can also choose to transfer money instantly for a fee of 1.75% with a minimum fee of $0.25 and a maximum fee of $25.
Instant transfers are available for a fee, but standard bank transfers are free. If you need money to arrive quickly, instant transfer is a good option, but keep in mind the fee.
Here are the fees associated with transferring money from your Venmo account:
You can also use the Venmo app to transfer money from your Venmo account to your eligible linked debit card, which is free but takes approximately 48 hours.
Credit Card Charges
The Venmo credit card comes with a cash-back feature that rewards you with 3% on your "top spend" category, 2% on your second most-used category, and 1% on everything else. This feature is a great way to earn rewards on your everyday purchases.
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The interest rate on the Venmo credit card varies depending on your credit rating, ranging from 20.49% to 32.49% as of September 2024. This is a relatively steep interest rate, so it's essential to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
If you do need to make a cash advance, be aware that it will cost the greater of $10 or 5% of the amount. This fee is in addition to the interest charges, which can add up quickly.
Here's a breakdown of the cash advance fees:
To avoid these fees, try to use your credit card for purchases only and avoid making cash advances whenever possible.
Debit Card Charges
The Venmo debit card is a convenient payment option, but it's essential to understand the charges associated with it. You can use your Venmo debit card for free, as long as you're careful with your withdrawals.
ATM withdrawals from the MoneyPass network are free, which is a great perk. However, withdrawals from out-of-network ATMs cost $2.50 each, so it's best to stick with the network.
Take a look at this: Venmo Debit Card Fees
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There's also a $3 over-the-counter withdrawal fee when a signature is required for a withdrawal at a bank or financial institution. This is something to keep in mind if you need to make a withdrawal in person.
One thing to note is that there are no annual or monthly fees associated with the Venmo debit card. This can be a significant cost savings over time.
Merchants pay the transaction fees, so you won't be charged anything extra for making purchases with your Venmo debit card.
On a similar theme: How Does Venmo Card Work
Transferring Funds
Transferring funds with Venmo is a breeze. You can transfer money from your Venmo account to your bank account instantly if you're willing to pay a 1.75% fee, with a minimum fee of $0.25 and a maximum fee of $25.
There's no fee to transfer money from your Venmo account with the standard option, but it takes one to three business days to process. This option is free, making it a great choice if you're not in a hurry.
Curious to learn more? Check out: How Much Is the Instant Transfer Fee on Venmo
You can also transfer cash to your bank account for free, but it may take several days to receive the money. This is a great option if you're not worried about getting the money quickly.
If you're looking to transfer money to your eligible linked debit card, you'll need to use the Instant Transfer option, which comes with a fee. The fee is 1.75% of the transfer amount, with a minimum fee of $0.25 and a maximum fee of $25.
Here's a summary of the transfer options and fees:
Remember, with the standard transfer option, you won't get the money until one to three business days later, but it's free. With the Instant Transfer option, you'll get the money instantly, but it comes with a fee.
How Buying and Selling Work
Buying and selling on Venmo is a straightforward process. You can pay another personal profile on Venmo and have the option to tag the payment as a purchase.
This tagging option is important because it enables the Venmo Purchase Protection Program to kick in, which can help resolve issues with the purchase. If you're the buyer, this program can help make things right if the item wasn't delivered, arrived broken, or was the wrong item.
If you're the seller, the Purchase Protection Program can help prevent you from losing money due to unauthorized transactions or claims that the buyer never received their purchase.
Some examples of situations that could be covered by Venmo's Purchase Protection program include receiving a DVD when you bought a book, getting a knockoff item when you thought you were buying an authentic one, or having an item arrive damaged during shipping.
Here are some specific scenarios that might be covered by the Purchase Protection Program:
- If you bought a book, but received a DVD
- If you purchased an item described as authentic, but received a knockoff
- If the item you bought is missing major parts that the seller didn't report
- If you purchased three items but only received two
- If the item was damaged during shipping
Payment Methods
Adding money to your Venmo account is a breeze, and most methods are free! There's no fee when you transfer money from your bank account, receive personal payments, or get a merchant refund.
Receiving payments from friends and family is also free, but be aware that if the sender identifies the transaction as for goods and services, you'll be charged a 2.99% fee.
You can also receive payments using Direct Deposit, which is free, and even add cash to your Venmo balance using your Venmo Debit Card at participating stores, with a fee of $3.74.
Here's a quick rundown of the fees associated with adding money to your Venmo account:
Using your Venmo Debit Card comes with some fees, but you can avoid them by being mindful of your withdrawals.
Payment Not for Purchase
If you accidentally tagged a payment as a purchase, you can contact Venmo's Support team. They may be able to return the fee for payments tagged in error.
To avoid this issue, it's essential to understand the difference between personal and business transactions. If you receive a payment that's tagged as a purchase, you'll be assessed a 2.99% fee. This fee is non-refundable, but you can contact Venmo's Support team to see if they can assist in returning the payment to the sender.
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If you're unsure about the nature of a payment, it's always best to check with the sender. They can clarify whether the payment is for a purchase or a personal transaction. This will help you avoid any unnecessary fees.
Here are some possible outcomes when contacting Venmo's Support team:
Keep in mind that disputing the transaction won't rectify the situation, so it's crucial to contact Venmo's Support team as soon as possible.
PayPal Comparison
When using peer-to-peer payment options like Venmo or PayPal, it's essential to understand the fees involved. Both platforms charge fees when you use a credit card to send payments to friends and family.
Venmo charges a 3% fee every time you use a credit card to transfer money to another person. PayPal, on the other hand, charges 2.9% plus a fixed fee of $0.30 for payments in USD, regardless of whether you're using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal Credit.
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If you're looking for a desktop option, PayPal is the way to go, as it allows you to send money to friends and family using a computer, whereas Venmo only offers mobile app integration.
Here's a comparison of the fees for both platforms:
Considering these fees, PayPal might be the better option for you, especially if you prefer to send money from your desktop.
Mastercard Debit Card Basics
The Mastercard Debit Card Basics you need to know. The Venmo Mastercard Debit Card is free to use, except for some ATM fees.
You can use your Venmo debit card free of fees if you don't withdraw cash from an out-of-network ATM and refill it only from your linked bank account or your Venmo balance. This way, you can avoid the $2.50 domestic ATM withdrawal fee.
The Venmo Mastercard Debit Card has daily and weekly purchase limits: $2,999.99 per purchase, $3,000.00 daily purchase limit, and $7,000.00 combined weekly purchase limit.
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There's also a daily limit for ATM withdrawals, over the counter withdrawals, and cash back with purchase transactions: $1,000. You can make up to 30 transactions per day with your Venmo Mastercard Debit Card.
To get cash out without paying an additional charge, use the MoneyPass ATM network. This way, you can avoid the $2.50 domestic ATM withdrawal fee.
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Payment and Insurance
Venmo balances aren’t insured by the FDIC, which means you won't automatically be reimbursed if Venmo goes bust or loses your money.
It's generally a good idea to keep little or no money in your Venmo account and instead keep it in your linked bank account where it can be tapped as needed.
Getting Started
To get started with Venmo, simply download the app and enter your personal information, including your phone number, email address, and bank account number.
You'll also need to create a Venmo login and password to secure your account.
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The first time you open your account, you'll have a rolling limit of $299.99 per week for payments and purchases.
Once you verify your account, Venmo limits increase to:
- Send up to $60,000 per week
- Spend up to $7,000 on combined purchases per week
It's worth noting that some per transaction limits apply, and transactions on your Venmo Mastercard Debit Card also come with additional limits.
Setting up an account is completely free, with no fee to setup or monthly fees.
This makes it easy to get started with Venmo and start sending and receiving money with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new $600 rule on Venmo?
The $600 rule on Venmo has been delayed until 2025, and for 2024, the threshold is $5,000 for receiving a 1099-K form. If you exceed this amount, Venmo will send you a 1099-K form for business transactions.
Does Venmo give money back if scammed?
Venmo typically doesn't refund money if you've been scammed, as payments can't be cancelled once sent. However, you may be able to recover your funds through your bank or other means.
What are rules for Venmo?
To use Venmo, you must be a US resident or territory resident, at least 18 years old, and have a personal cellular or wireless phone number. Having multiple accounts is not allowed.
Sources
- https://venmo.com/resources/our-fees/
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/032415/how-safe-venmo-and-why-it-free.asp
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/advice/how-to-use-venmo/
- https://venmo.com/legal/us-user-agreement/
- https://help.venmo.com/hc/en-us/articles/1500010381401-Buying-and-Selling-on-Venmo-FAQ
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