How Does Cash App Work? Features & Benefits Explained

In recent years, Cash App has become one of the most popular peer-to-peer payment apps. 

With its easy-to-use interface and convenient features, it’s no wonder Cash App has gained so much attention.

In this article, we will explore what is Cash App and how it works. By the end, you’ll have all the info you need to decide if Cash App is right for you.

What is Cash App?

Cash App is a P2P mobile payment service developed by Square  Inc. that allows users to transfer money to one another. Think of it like Venmo or PayPal but with some extra features like investing and Bitcoin transactions.

The app was originally called Square Cash when it launched in 2013. But it was rebranded to just “Cash App” in 2018.

Over the years Cash App has expanded from just a peer-to-peer payment platform into a proper financial tool. You can get a free customizable debit card (Cash Card) which you can use online and in stores. Moreover, you can buy Bitcoin and Stocks right in the app.

Cash App Features:

The first step is downloading the Cash App mobile app on your device. You’ll then need to create an account and link a bank account to fund transactions. Here’s an overview of how Cash App works:

Getting Paid

You can provide friends, family, employers, clients, etc. with your $cashtag or personalized payment link to request and receive funds instantly. This works for one-time payments and recurring deposits (like paychecks).

It’s also possible to receive payments from non-Cash App users. They’ll receive an email or text prompting them to create an account to claim the funds. The money will be waiting for them when they sign up.

Cash Card

You can order a Cash Card that works like a debit card. It allows you to spend your Cash App balance anywhere Visa is accepted – in stores, online, at ATMs, etc.

It also comes with some nice perks, like Boosts which give you instant discounts/cashback at select merchants when you use the card.

Direct Deposit

By providing Cash App with your account and routing number, you can receive direct deposits from your employer, the government, or other sources directly into your Cash App balance.

Stock Investing

Cash App has an intuitive investing platform that lets you buy and sell stocks for as little as $1. You can check stock prices, view charts, get earnings reports, and more.

It doesn’t charge any commissions or fees for trades. You can fund the trades right from your Cash App balance.

Bitcoin

You can buy as little as $1 worth of bitcoin within Cash App. All Bitcoin transactions are secured using top encryption standards.

It’s simple to monitor your Bitcoin investments. You can track prices and manage your Bitcoin just like the balance in your Cash App account. Sending/receiving Bitcoin is free too.

Family Account

Cash App also allows you to create a family account to share funds and manage spending with teens. A Cash App family account allows a parent (the account sponsor) to create a spending account for a teen aged 13-17.

Teens get a Cash Card which is connected to the family account to make purchases. Moreover, the sponsor can transfer funds, view activity, and set spending limits and controls to remove someone from family account.

Cash Back & Discounts

Cash Card holders have access to Boosts, which provides instant discounts or cash back when you make purchases at certain merchants. Just one Boost can be activated at a time, but you can change it as often as you like.

Security

Cash App uses standard security measures like PIN codes, Touch ID, and two-factor authentication. It also fully encrypts all transaction data to protect your information. In case your Cash Card is lost or stolen you can remotely disable it within the app. 

How Do You Sign Up for Cash App?

Signing up for Cash App takes just a couple of minutes. Follow these steps:

1. Download the Cash App from the App Store or Play Store.
2. Open the app and tap “Sign Up”.
3. Enter your email address and phone number.
4. Create a 6-digit PIN code. This will be used to access your account.
5. Accept the Terms of Service and tap “Next”.
6. Cash App will then send a confirmation code to your phone to verify your number. Enter it when prompted.
7. To fund transactions, you’ll need to connect a bank account or debit card. Follow the instructions to securely link it.
8. Finally, add a display name and unique $cashtag. Your $cashtag name is what people will use to send you money.

Sending/Receiving Money

To send money to someone, open the app, and go to the “Pay” tab. Enter the amount you want to send along with the recipient’s $cashtag or phone number/email. The funds will instantly be taken from your Cash App balance.

To request money, go to the “Request” tab instead. The process is the same. The request is sent to the recipient, and they can choose to pay it.

For both sent and received payments, you’ll see the transactions listed in your activity so you can keep track.

How To Add Money In Cash App

Adding money to your Cash App balance is easy in just a few steps:

1. Open the Cash App. Launch the app and tap your balance section to start.
2. Select the Paper Money Option. Go to the Banking tab and choose the “Paper Money” option.
3. Find a Location Nearby. The app shows a map of stores that accept Cash App payments. Pick one.
4. Generate a Barcode. In the app, tap “Show Barcode” so the cashier can scan it.
5. Complete the Transaction. Hand over your cash and the fee is deducted from your balance.

Now the funds show in your Cash App and you can spend that money using your Cash Card or sending payments to friends.

Who Can Use Cash App?

Cash App is designed primarily for sending money and making purchases as an individual. But it also offers solutions for businesses as well.

Individual Users

Cash App is available to download for free by anyone based in the US or UK on iOS or Android devices.

You need to be at least 18 years old to sign up for a personal account. Those aged 13-17 can have an account with parental approval.

As an individual, you can take advantage of all of Cash App’s money transfer, direct deposit, investing, Bitcoin, and Cash Card features. It provides a ton of financial convenience.

Businesses & Freelancers

Cash App also supports business accounts through its Cash for Business program. It provides tools tailored to contractors, freelancers, and other small business owners.

With a business account, you can generate invoices, accept customer payments, track your finances, and more. There are associated fees, but no hardware is required which is a benefit.

Whether you’re a solopreneur, run an online biz, or own a brick-and-mortar store, Cash for Business can help manage operations.

Can you make a cash app account under 18?

Yes, you can create a Cash App account if you are under 18, but you will need a guardian to serve as the account sponsor. The parent must download the app, agree to the terms, and provide their own details. Then the teen can create a username and use a debit card linked to the parent’s account.

Can You Make a Second Cash App Account?

Yes, you can have two Cash App accounts, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, each account should have its own unique phone number or email. And you’ll have to link each account to a different bank. You can also use Cash App without SSN but remember only one account can use an individual Social Security number.

Can You Access Your Old Cash App Account?

Yes, you can access your old Cash App account as long as you have not deleted the account. Just sign in using the old phone number or email. If you have forgotten your login details, sign up for a new account and then contact Cash App support at 1 (800) 969-1940 or via their website for assistance merging the accounts.

What Are the Limits on Cash App?

Cash App does impose some limits on transactions and balances to help prevent fraud and other issues. The exact amounts can vary, but here are the general limits to be aware of:

• Weekly purchase/withdrawal limits – Cash Card has a $10,000 weekly spending cap. You can withdraw up to $2,000 per week from ATMs before verifying your identity.
• Daily usage limits – The daily purchase limit is $7,000. You can withdraw up to $1,000 per day from ATMs before verification.
• Account maximums – Unverified accounts can maintain a balance of $1,000 – $2,500. Fully verified accounts have no maximum balance restrictions.
• Payment sending limits – You can only send $250 within 7 days and $1,000 within 30 days before verifying your identity. Fully verified accounts can send up to $7,500 per transaction.
• Payment receiving limits – Unverified accounts can receive $1,000 within any 30-day period. Verified accounts have no limits.

So in summary, full account verification is needed to send and receive large amounts or maintain a large balance. The limits are for safety and regulatory compliance.

What Fees Does Cash App Charge?

The good news is Cash App is free to download and offers fee-free ways to send, receive, and withdraw funds. But there are fees associated with certain services:

• Instant transfers – Standard bank transfers are free, but instant transfers cost 1.5% (minimum $0.25). This quickly moves your Cash App balance to your bank.
• Cash Card transactions – Most purchases and ATM withdrawals are free, but out-of-network ATMs cost $2.50 plus any additional ATM fees.
• Credit card payments – Sending funds via a linked credit card costs 3% per transaction. Debit cards or bank transfers are free.
• Bitcoin – No fee to send/receive Bitcoin, but a volatility fee of up to 1.5% may apply.
• Cash for Business – Business accounts are charged 2.75% per transaction (2.5% plus $0.30). 

Common Cash App Scams to Watch Out For

As a popular payment app, Cash App does attract scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Here are a few common Cash App scams to look out for:

Cash Flipping Scams

A scammer promises to “flip” or multiply your money if you first send them cash. 

Fake Cash App Support Scams

Scammers pretend to be Cash App support staff and offer to fix account issues. They are just trying to gain remote access or steal your login code to drain your account.

Fake Payment Scams

You may receive a payment followed by a message claiming it was sent accidentally. 

Cash App Card Theft

Someone who steals your Cash Card and PIN can withdraw money from ATMs. Always keep your card secure and don’t share the PIN with others.

How to Avoid Cash App Scams

Here are some tips to protect yourself from scams on Cash App:

1. Carefully verify recipient names and details before sending money.
2. Turn on all available security settings like two-factor authentication (2FA).
3. Never share your sign-in code with anyone, including Cash App support.
4. Review your account activity frequently for unauthorized transactions.
5. Only send money to recipients you personally know and trust.
6. Don’t pay upfront deposits to strangers online for promised goods or services.
7. Immediately report scams to Cash App by contacting support in the app.

Pros and Cons of Using Cash App

Now that you know how Cash App works, let’s explore some pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Fast and free payments to other Cash App users	Not FDIC Insured
Investing in stocks with no commission fees	Limited features
Free Cash Card with cashback rewards	Security risks
Split bill feature	Age restrictions
Direct deposits	Limits on transactions
No fees	Customer support can be slow

Cash App Alternatives

While Cash App is popular, it’s not the only peer-to-peer payment app available. Here are some alternatives to consider:

Venmo

Venmo is one of the most well-known options. It offers many of the same features as Cash App. The app also has a social newsfeed where you can see payments between friends. Overall, Venmo is better for social payments while Cash App focuses more on financial services.

Paypal

PayPal is great for sending money online or receiving payments for goods/services. You can create an online invoice and accept credit card payments through PayPal. The app also includes buyer and seller protection.

Zelle

Zelle allows you to quickly send money directly to a bank account if the recipient has a Zelle account. Unlike Cash App, Zelle does not let you hold a balance, exchange money, or make purchases.

Comparison Between Cash App Alternatives

Features	CASH APP	VENMO	ZELLE	PAYPAL
Transfer Speed	Instant, Standard transfer (free)	Instant, Standard transfer (free)	Instant	Instant
Fees	3% fee (credit card)	3% fee (credit card)	Free	Free
Direct Deposit	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Buy Crypto	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Sending Limits	$7,500/week	$60,000/week	$2,500/day	No limit
Fraud Protection	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Bank Integration	No	No	Yes	Yes

Final Thoughts

After reading this guide, you should have a complete understanding of how Cash App works and what it offers.

Cash App isn’t quite as full-featured as a complete bank replacement yet. But it delivers an unbeatable experience focused specifically on money transfers and payments.

Just be sure you take the time to understand the fee structure and limits to avoid surprises.