Cash App Review [2023]: Is it a Safe Way to Send and Receive Money? (2024)

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If you’ve ever been out with a large group, chances are you’ve had someone ask to send you their share of the tab via Cash App. The app is free and simplifies the process of transferring money or paying a friend with a credit card. With just a few hits of a button, you can send and receive money, so there’s no more awkwardly asking, “Can we pay with multiple cards?” at the end of dinner.

Cash App gets high praise from users who give it a 4.5-star rating in the Apple App Store. If you’re thinking about downloading it, this Cash App review will cover how it works, who it’s for, and whether it’s safe to use.

Quick Summary

Send and receive money, quickly and easily.

  • Safe and secure transactions with data encryption and in-app security lock
  • No fees to send money from your CashApp balance or a bank account
  • Simplify reimbursem*nts with CashApp payment requests

Visit Cash App

In this Cash App review:

  • What is Cash App?
  • How does Cash App work?
  • Who is Cash App best for?
  • Is it safe to send money with Cash App?
  • How to sign up for Cash App
  • FAQs about Cash App
  • The bottom line on Cash App

What is Cash App?

Cash App is a peer-to-peer payment app created by Square, Inc. in 2013. The mobile app is available for iOS and Android and is widely popular. In June alone, more than 30 million people used the Cash App for transactions, and it’s ranked No. 1 in the App Store finance category.

Cash App is just one of many products that Square offers to help people with money transactions. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Square launched in 2009 and provides payroll tools, payment hardware, and more for restaurants and other small businesses.

> Enter to win a $300 Cash App deposit

How does Cash App work?

Cash App has four main functionalities:sending money, receiving money, mobile banking, and investing. Here’s how each one works:

Sending money

All you need is the recipient’s email address, phone number, or $Cashtag to send cash. The $Cashtag is the name that each Cash App user sets up within their app profile.

After entering the person’s information, the app will ask where you want to withdraw money from to make the payment. The money can come from your Cash App balance, linked bank account, or credit card. Cash App accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Sending payments from your Cash App balance or bank account is free. If you use a credit card to send a payment, there’s a 3% transaction fee.

You can send up to $1,000 within a 30-day period, but that limit will increase if you verify your name, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.

Receiving money

When you receive money, it goes into your Cash App account first, and then you can withdraw to a connected bank account or debit card.

A standard deposit shows up in your bank account within one to three business days, whereas an instant deposit to your debit card happens instantly but has a rush fee that ranges between 0.5%-1.75%.

If you don't want to transfer money out to a bank account, you can also request a Cash Card. The Cash Card is a Visa debit card that lets you use Cash App funds to purchase items online or in retail stores. There’s a $2-$2.50 fee if you use the Cash Card at an ATM, plus the ATM servicer may charge a fee as well.

On the flip side, having a Cash Card gets you access to Cash Boosts. These are discounts you can add right in your phone to save money on everyday purchases like at restaurants and stores.

Cash App Review [2023]: Is it a Safe Way to Send and Receive Money? (2)

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Banking through Cash App

Besides receiving payments from friends, you can deposit other funds —such as your paycheck direct deposit and tax refund check —using Cash App banking.

You must order a Cash App card to unlock the banking feature. According to the website, setting up direct deposits into your Cash App account could help you get your paycheck up to two days faster than direct deposit to another bank.

If you have Cash App's card, then then your Cash App account balance is FDIC insured through Cash App's partner banks. FDIC insurance guarantees up to $250,000 of your cash if a financial institution goes belly up.

Cash App Investing

Cash App Investing lets you invest in stocks and exchange-traded funds with as little as $1 with no commission fees. This feature is available only to U.S. residents who are 18 years or older. To sign up, you need to tell Cash App your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and employment information. If you’re new to investing, FinanceBuzz’s beginner-friendly guide discusses how to invest money.

Cash App also supports cryptocurrency. You can buy or sell Bitcoin within the app. You can also deposit Bitcoin or withdraw it to an external wallet.

Who is Cash App best for?

Cash App is one of the best money apps for person-to-person transactions between friends and other people you trust. There’s no need to remind your roommate to pay their share of the rent or utilities each month. Instead, you can just send them a Cash App payment request.

There is, however, a location limitation. Cash App is primarily for U.S. to U.S. transactions, but you can also send money to people in the U.K. Money transferred across the pond is converted from USD to GBP. If you’re living abroad or trying to send money to someone in another country, you could consider PayPal or TransferWise instead.

Before using Cash App to handle your banking, shop around to see which of thebest checking accounts or high-yield savings accounts are available at credit unions or online banks.Cash App has direct-deposit functionality, but the banking features are limited. The account doesn’t earn interest, you can’t deposit or write checks, and there’s a $2-$2.50 ATM fee. The best banks have no ATM fees and expanded banking features, such as mobile check deposit.

For business, the personal Cash App account may not be ideal for many transactions. It’s free to use, but you can only receive up to $1,000 in a 30-day period until you go through the steps of verifying your account. Plus, tracking dozens of Cash App payments could be an accounting and logistical nightmare. Cash App has a Cash for Business version that you can upgrade to, but there is a 2.75% transaction fee for each payment you receive.

Is it safe to send money with Cash App?

Payment information is encrypted and sent through secure servers, according to the Cash App website. You should take some additional steps to ensure no one can send money using your phone without your permission. Cash App recommends password-protecting your phone and enabling the in-app security lock, which will require a PIN or touch ID for each transaction.

Also, keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to cancel payments you send to another person’s Cash App. Because of this, you should be extra careful when sending money to people you don’t know, especially if you’re trying to buy something. A popular scam is for sellers to say they accept only Cash App payments and then ghost you before sending the product.

If someone calls or texts you claiming to be from Cash App customer support, that could be a scam too. The Better Business Bureau recently warned that people posing as Cash App support reps have been asking users to set up a new Cash App account to troubleshoot a problem only to run off with their Cash App balance.

How to sign up for Cash App

  1. Download the app. Head to the Apple or Google Play store to download the app for free.
  2. Enter your phone number. Cash App will ask for your phone number to send a confirmation code. Enter the code you receive to start the account.
  3. Choose your $Cashtag. Add a photo, $Cashtag, and email to complete your profile.
  4. Link financial accounts. Add a bank account or credit card account to send payments.
  5. Send and receive money. Get the $Cashtag, email, or phone number from your friends to send them money, or send payment requests to receive cash.

FAQs about Cash App

Is Cash App legit?

Yes, Cash App is a legit app that was created under the Square, Inc. brand. Although the app is legitimate, you should use it cautiously. Scammers have found ways to defraud people using the app, so only send and accept money from people you trust.

Protect your money by creating a password for your phone. Cash App recommends always double-checking the recipient’s $CashTag, email, and phone number before sending money to avoid accidentally sending it to the wrong person.

How much money can you send through Cash App?

You can send up to $1,000 within a 30-day period, so you could have to do a bit of budgeting to stay under that limit. You can increase this limit if you provide information about yourself, such as your name, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.

Learn more about Cash App sending limits.

Does Cash App charge a fee to send money?

Cash App charges a 3% fee if you send money from a credit card. However, there’s no fee to send money from your Cash App balance or bank account, even if you send money to someone in the U.K. As we mentioned above, you can send money across the pond with Cash App, though it’s mainly a U.S. payment service, so it isn’t a solution if you’re trying to send money to friends and family across the world.

Learn more about Cash App fees.

How do you withdraw money from Cash App?

To withdraw funds from Cash App, click on your Cash App balance and then hit the “Cash Out” button. You tell Cash App how much you want to withdraw from your balance and how soon you want to receive the funds.

The standard transfer deposits into your account within one to three business days, and it’s free. The instant transfer has a fee anywhere from 0.5% to 1.75%. For instance, if you wanted to deposit $500 into your bank account instantly, it could cost you up to $8.75.

Do you need a bank account for Cash App?

You don’t need a bank account to use Cash App. Instead of sending money you receive to a connected bank account, you can use the Cash Card to make online and in-store purchases.

A bank account is not necessary to send money either. You can send money from your Cash App balance, or you can use a credit card. However, credit card payments do have a 3% transaction fee.

The bottom line on Cash App

No one likes being the person splitting up the check after everyone throws in a credit card.It can make a mess of your personal finances.

Cash App has made it easier to navigate this situation —pay with your credit cards, collect the points, and have everyone else send you money through Cash App. Cash App also offers a banking product and investing product that allows you to invest in stocks online for free.

The app does have some limitations, though. You can’t send or receive more than $1,000 in a 30-day period until you verify your account. Say your best friend is trying to send you their share of the hotel stay and airfare after a vacation. You might have to wait until their account is verified before you can get the money.

Also, make sure that you’re careful when sending cash. If you accidentally send money to the wrong person, there’s no guarantee you’ll get it back. Check and re-check the $CashTag, phone number, and email address before you send money.

Ready to get started? Enter to win a $300 Cash App deposit

Safe and free way to send, spend, and save money

Cash App Benefits

  • No hidden transfer fees when sending money from your Cash App balance or bank account
  • Deposit advances as well as simplified reimbursem*nts requests
  • Allows for the trading of stocks and Bitcoin directly on the app

Get Started With Cash App

Cash App Review [2023]: Is it a Safe Way to Send and Receive Money? (2024)

FAQs

Cash App Review [2023]: Is it a Safe Way to Send and Receive Money? ›

Cash App uses cutting-edge encryption and fraud detection technology to make sure your data and money is secure. Any information you submit is encrypted and sent to our servers securely, regardless of whether you're using a public or private Wi-Fi connection or data service (3G, 4G, or EDGE).

Is Cash App safe to send and receive money? ›

Cash App uses cutting-edge encryption and fraud detection technology to make sure your data and money is secure. Any information you submit is encrypted and sent to our servers securely, regardless of whether you're using a public or private Wi-Fi connection or data service (3G, 4G, or EDGE).

Is Cash App safe to send money to someone you don t know? ›

Since Cash App cannot guarantee a refund if you don't receive what you pay for, it's safer to send money over Cash App once you meet the buyer in-person and receive whatever has been promised to you. Don't send money to someone you don't know who is promising to deliver you something at a later date.

Can Cash App be hacked by sending money to someone? ›

$Cashtags are intended to be shared, so giving your $Cashtag to other people won't lead to hacking. All a hacker can do with your $Cashtag is search for you and send you money. However, this in itself can present a danger, as some scams start with a scammer sending a user a payment.

Will Cash App refund money if scammed? ›

If a potentially fraudulent payment occurs, we cancel it to prevent you from being charged. When this happens, your funds will instantly be returned to your Cash App balance or linked bank account. If not, they should be available within 1–3 business days, depending on your bank.

Is Cash App safer than Zelle? ›

Cash App and Zelle are both safe digital finance platforms that use two-factor authentification and data encryption to keep your money and data safe. However, they offer different services and are regulated differently as a result.

Can someone steal your information if they have your Cash App? ›

Once you send them money, the account blocks you and you're cash is gone. These scammers might also send a fake Cash App link for users to sign into so that they can steal your login credentials. So, not only do they have your hard-earned cash, but they also have your personal information.

Is Cash App safer than venmo? ›

Is Cash App safer than Venmo? Not necessarily. Cash App and Venmo are money transfer apps, which are inherently risky since their services involve sending money to other people. But if you stick to sending money to friends and family, you likely won't run into any issues involving scams.

What are the disadvantages of Cash App? ›

Payment Limits

Cash App initially limits the amount you can send and receive to $250 in a week and $1,000 per month, although you can increase this by going through an additional verification process. You can also not withdraw more than $1, 000 per week via an ATM or cash back using your debit card.

Can someone hack my bank account with my phone number? ›

Once hackers have your number, they can use it to gain access to your most sensitive and valuable data, such as your: Email accounts and contact lists. Financial assets and bank accounts. Current and previous home addresses.

Can someone hack your bank account with routing number and account number? ›

If fraudsters can combine your bank details and other easy-to-find information — such as your Social Security number (SSN), ABA or routing number, checking account number, address, or name — they can easily begin to steal money from your account.

Can someone hack your bank account with your name and email? ›

It's also possible hackers could use your email account to gain access to your bank account or credit card information, draining funds from an account, or racking up charges. They might even use your email and password to sign up for online sites and services, sticking you with monthly fees in the process.

What happens if a scammer gets your Cash App? ›

If you catch the scam quickly enough, you can try to cancel the transfer. Go to your activity tab and look for the fraudulent payment. If you see the option to “Cancel” it, that means that the scammer hasn't finalized the transfer. Select “Cancel” immediately, and you should get your money back.

What to do if a random person sends me money on Cash App? ›

Here's what to do if someone “accidentally” sends you money on a payment app:
  1. Do not follow return payment instructions from a stranger.
  2. Ask the sender to cancel the transaction immediately — in many cases, the sender can simply contact the app's customer support to cancel the transaction.

Can I sue someone for scamming me on Cash App? ›

Have you had an issue with a money transfer or been the victim of a scammer on Cash App? If you think you are owed financial compensation, and it's Cash App's fault - you can sue them in Small Claims court.

Which is better PayPal or Cash App? ›

You should choose PayPal over Cash App if you need to send or receive payments internationally, as Cash App only works within the US. Additionally, PayPal offers more payment options such as credit cards and bank transfers while Cash App is limited to debit card payments.

Is Cash App protected like PayPal? ›

A federal consumer watchdog on Thursday warned consumers not to store money on payment apps such as Venmo, Cash App or PayPal, because that money is not automatically insured by the government and could be completely lost if the companies fail.

What is safer Zelle or Venmo? ›

Unlike Zelle, Funds Stored in Venmo Are Not FDIC-Insured

Zelle transfers money directly to and from FDIC-insured bank accounts, so you know the funds you send or receive are protected up to $250,000 per account.

Should you ever have to pay a fee to receive money on Cash App? ›

Sending and receiving money is totally free and fast, and most payments are deposited directly to your bank account in minutes.

Do you have to pay a fee to receive $5000 on Cash App? ›

Cash App doesn't indicate a limit for withdrawals to your bank account or linked debit card. Therefore, you should be able to cash out $5,000. However, you may need to pay a fee of 0.5%-1.75% for an Instant Deposit.

Does Cash App charge a fee to receive 3000 dollars? ›

Sending and Receiving Money

Cash App does not charge a fee for sending or receiving money from other Cash App users.

Can a person be tracked through Cash App? ›

The answer is no; cash app transactions cannot be traced. You are also advised not to delete all your past and future Cash App transactions. This is because, by default, the transactions are already private. However, you and the person with access to your account can only see the transaction history.

What is the maximum amount you can receive on Cash App? ›

Cash App lets you send up to $250 within any 7-day period and receive up to $1,000 within any 30-day period.

Why do people prefer Venmo over Cash App? ›

A major pro is that Venmo does not charge fees for receiving and transferring funds into your bank account or sending money using your debit card, prepaid card, linked bank account or Venmo balance. Here's how to get started: Sign up for a Venmo account. You can do this through the app's website or the mobile app.

How do I stop Cash App from taking fees when I receive money? ›

How do you avoid fees on Cash App? To avoid fees on Cash App when sending or receiving money, don't use a credit card to send payments and don't use the instant deposit option when cashing out your balance.

Why do people use Cash App? ›

Cash App lets anyone quickly receive and send money from their mobile devices. In addition to mobile banking, Cash App also offers the option to purchase stocks and bitcoin through its platform. The company has even made it possible to file your taxes through its Cash App Taxes feature.

What is the Cash App fee for $100? ›

What is the Cash App fee for $100? Cash App doesn't apply any fees to sending or receiving $100, but there are a few exceptions. You may be charged a 3% fee on your total payment if you use your credit card to send money. You'll have to pay $3 for a $100 transaction.

What are 3 disadvantages of using cash? ›

The pros and cons of cash
  • Pros:
  • No interest charges. There are no additional charges when you pay with cash. ...
  • Makes it easier to follow a budget. Cash can help you to stick to a budget. ...
  • Cons:
  • Less Secure. Cash is less secure than a credit card. ...
  • Less Convenient. ...
  • Your cash savings may not cover certain expenses. ...
  • Pros:
Oct 31, 2022

Can someone steal your bank info from a phone number? ›

If scammers have access to your phone number, they could potentially use it to hack into your online accounts — including your email, social media, and even your bank account.

Can someone hack my phone by texting me? ›

A: Yes, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in text messages to hack your phone and gain unauthorized access to your personal information or control your device.

What are signs that your phone is hacked? ›

How to know if your phone is hacked
  • 1: You notice something you don't recognize on your phone. Look out for apps you didn't download, text messages you didn't send, purchases you didn't make, and suspicious phone calls.
  • 2: Your phone works slowly. ...
  • 3: Mysterious data usage spikes. ...
  • 4: Strange behavior. ...
  • 5: Pop-ups.
Jan 12, 2023

What information does a scammer need to access my bank account? ›

The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.

What can a scammer do with account and routing number? ›

When a scammer has your bank account and routing numbers, they could set up bill payments for services you're not using or transfer money out of your bank account. It's tough to protect these details because your account number and routing number are printed right at the bottom of your checks. But do your best.

Can someone fake a bank transfer? ›

A bank transfer scam – also known as an authorised push payment (APP) scam – occurs when you transfer money from your bank account to a scammer's bank account under false pretences. Bank transfer scams occur when a scammer tricks a victim into transferring money.

What is the first thing you do when you get hacked? ›

Step 1: Change your passwords

This is important because hackers are looking for any point of entry into a larger network, and may gain access through a weak password. On accounts or devices that contain sensitive information, make sure your password is strong, unique—and not easily guessable.

What can hackers do with your full name and email? ›

What can criminals do with my email address?
  • Using your email address to send messages. ...
  • Collecting your credentials using phishing campaigns. ...
  • Accessing your accounts online. ...
  • Stealing financial details. ...
  • Accessing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) ...
  • Stealing your identity. ...
  • Staying safe from cybercrime schemes.

Can a hacker get into my email without password? ›

Yes, your email account can be hacked without a password if you click on a malicious link, download an infected attachment, or use a compromised public Wi-Fi network. Hackers use these methods to access your email account and steal your personal information or send spam messages from your account.

Can your Cash App be hacked by receiving money? ›

Whether it is about your data or money, you can keep them safe with the Cash app. Also, no one can log in to the account if they don't have the login details, face ID, or PIN. So, it is not possible to hack the Cash app by any means.

Is Cash App safe to receive money from strangers? ›

If you must transact with strangers through Cash App, be sure to check the recipient's details. One red flag is when the name they give you doesn't match the name on their Cash App account. They could give you a fake identity to hide their real identity, which is obviously suspicious. Use two-factor authentication.

How do you know if someone is a Cash App scammer? ›

So remember — if something sounds too good to be true, it's likely a scam.” If some unknown person is suddenly offering concert tickets, expensive electronics, or other valuables in return for a Cash App payment, it's possible that they'll take your money and disappear without ever providing the goods you paid for.

Is Cash App under investigation? ›

Closer to home, Cash App is being investigated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over concerns it was not adequately responding to users' complaints about fraud and app usability.

Can you track a scammer? ›

Tracking down a scammer can be challenging, but it is possible. Remember to gather as much information as possible about the scammer. Check if anyone else has reported them or if they have any criminal records. If all else fails, hire a private investigator to help you out.

Will my bank refund me if I get scammed? ›

Contact your bank immediately to let them know what's happened and ask if you can get a refund. Most banks should reimburse you if you've transferred money to someone because of a scam.

What happens when someone sends money on Cash App? ›

The payment will be available instantly in your recipient's balance. Payments are subject to 3DS2, which will prompt you for identity confirmation prior to being sent. This will prompt you to verify information or login to your bank accounts website directly.

Which money App is safest? ›

Most Secure: Google Pay. Why we chose it: Google Pay allows you to securely send and receive money with just your phone and mobile wallet. It encrypts your data when you make online payments and doesn't store your debit or credit card information in the app, but in a secure server.

What is the difference between Zelle and Cash App? ›

Zelle allows domestic bank to bank transfers, whereas Cash App can be used to deposit money internationally, paid for by bank transfer or debit card. Also, Cash App allows transfers in the UK, but Zelle is limited to the US.

Does Cash App charge a fee? ›

Cash App charges a fee for instant transfers (0.50% to 1.75% of the transfer amount, with a minimum fee of $0.25), but you can also choose a standard no-fee transfer, which typically takes one to three business days to complete.

Can anyone see who sends me money on Cash App? ›

Unlike Venmo, transactions are already private and you don't have to change anything to hide transactions from others.

Can anyone see who you send money to on Cash App? ›

Are there transactions in your Cash App history that you don't want anyone to see, like a gift for a family member or friend? Unlike Venmo, your transactions are private information that only you can see once you log into your phone.

Why is money sent to me on Cash App but not received? ›

The most common issue is a network issue. The sender sending money from his account may face network difficulties, which could be the reason Cash App Payment is stuck. The Cash App server issue is another reason your payment is pending in cash.

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