Download the app and create your account

Cash App is a mobile payment service owned by Block, Inc. To start, you need to download the app to your phone — search for "Cash App" in the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone, or the Google Play Store if you have an Android phone. The app is free to download.

Open the app after it installs. You'll see a screen asking you to sign up. Tap the sign-up option and enter your email address or phone number. Cash App will send you a verification code to that email or phone — check your messages and enter the code into the app to confirm you own that account.

Next, create a password. Make it something you can remember but that others cannot guess easily. Cash App will also ask for your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This information is used to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a smartphone with either iOS or Android, a valid email address or phone number, and a Social Security number to create a Cash App account.
  • The basic account is free and lets you send and receive money, but you cannot add a bank account or debit card without providing your full address.
  • Adding a debit card or bank account takes a few minutes and lets you move money in and out of Cash App to your actual bank.
  • Cash App will ask for your legal name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number during setup.
  • You can start sending money to other Cash App users immediately after you verify your email or phone number.

Add a debit card or bank account

Once your account is created, you can send money to other Cash App users right away. However, to add money from your bank account or debit card, you need to link one. Tap the banking icon (usually a dollar sign or card symbol) at the bottom of the screen, then select "Add a Bank Account" or "Add a Debit Card."

If you choose to add a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). Cash App will verify the card by making a small deposit to your bank account — check your bank statement in a day or two and enter that amount into the app to confirm the card is yours.

If you add a bank account instead, you'll need your routing number and account number. These appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank and ask. Cash App uses the same verification method: a small deposit appears in your account within a few days, and you enter the amount to confirm.

Set up your Cash Tag and profile

A Cash Tag is a unique username that other people use to send you money — it looks like @yourname. Tap your profile icon (usually in the top left or right corner) and select "Cash Tag" or "Profile." Choose a Cash Tag that you're comfortable sharing. You can change it later, but each change costs one dollar after your first one.

While you're in your profile, add a profile picture if you want one. This helps other users recognize you. You can also set a PIN code for extra security — this is different from your password and protects your account if someone gets your phone.

Understand Cash App's limits and fees

Cash App does not charge you to send money to other Cash App users, but there are limits on how much you can send. When you first create an account, you can send up to $250 per week. This limit increases as you use the app and verify more of your information.

If you use a debit card to send money, there is no fee. If you use a credit card, Cash App charges 3 percent of the amount you send. Receiving money is always free. Sending money to someone's bank account (a feature called "Cash Out") costs 1.5 percent of the amount, with a minimum fee of 25 cents.

Cash App also offers a feature called "Boost" that gives you discounts at certain stores and restaurants. These are optional and free to use if you have them available in your area.

Verify your identity for higher limits

To send and receive larger amounts of money, Cash App asks you to verify your full identity. Go to your profile, find the verification or identity section, and provide your full address. Cash App may ask for a photo of your ID — take a clear picture of the front and back of your driver's license or passport and upload it through the app.

Verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, your sending and receiving limits increase significantly. Without verification, you're limited to smaller amounts per week, which makes the app less useful if you need to move larger sums of money.

Enable security features

After your account is set up, turn on two-factor authentication to protect it. This means Cash App will ask for a second form of verification — usually a code sent to your phone — when you log in from a new device. Go to your settings and look for "Security" or "Two-Factor Authentication."

You should also enable biometric login if your phone supports it — this means using your fingerprint or face to open the app instead of typing your password every time. This makes the app faster to use while keeping it secure. Never share your password or PIN with anyone, and do not log into Cash App on a public or shared computer.

Troubleshoot common setup problems

If Cash App won't send you a verification code, check that you entered your email or phone number correctly. If you use a phone number, make sure it's the one connected to your phone — Cash App sends the code as a text message. If you still don't receive it, wait a few minutes and request a new code.

If your debit card or bank account won't link, double-check that you entered the card number and expiration date correctly. For bank accounts, verify your routing number and account number with your bank — a single wrong digit will cause the link to fail. If the problem continues, contact your bank to make sure they're not blocking Cash App's verification deposits.

If you forget your password, tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen. Cash App will send you a reset link to your email address. If you can't access that email, you may need to contact Cash App support through the app's help menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bank account to use Cash App?

No. You can send money to other Cash App users without a bank account. However, you cannot move money out of Cash App to your own account, and you cannot add money from a bank to Cash App without linking one.

What happens if I forget my PIN?

Go to your settings and select "Change PIN" or "Reset PIN." Cash App will send a verification code to your email or phone. Enter the code and create a new PIN. If you cannot access your email or phone, contact Cash App support through the app's help menu.

Can I use Cash App without a Social Security number?

No. Cash App requires your Social Security number during account creation. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. You only need to provide the last four digits at first, but you'll need your full number if you want to increase your sending and receiving limits.

Is it safe to use Cash App?

Cash App uses encryption to protect your information and money. The biggest risk is user error — if you send money to the wrong person or share your PIN, Cash App cannot reverse the transaction. Only send money to people you trust, and never share your password or PIN with anyone.

How long does it take to verify my identity?

Identity verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. In some cases it can take up to 24 hours. You'll receive a notification in the app when your identity is verified and your limits increase.