How to Add Cash to Venmo Card (2024)

Let's face it, cash is still king for many people. It's convenient, trackable, and sometimes the only payment method accepted by certain vendors. But what if you want to use those crisp bills to fuel your Venmo adventures? Can you directly add cash to your Venmo card?

While Venmo itself doesn't have a built-in feature for depositing physical cash, there are still ways to get those greenbacks working with your Venmo card. This guide will explore all the options, from free bank transfers to a handy (but fee-based) trick involving everyone's favorite big-box store.

What is Venmo Card

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let's take a quick second to understand how your Venmo card connects to your Venmo account. Your Venmo card acts like a debit card linked to your Venmo balance. Any money you add to your Venmo account becomes available for spending through your physical Venmo card anywhere Visa is accepted.

Think of it like this: your Venmo account is your virtual wallet, and your Venmo card is the key that unlocks it in the real world. So, to use cash with your Venmo card, you'll need to find a way to get that cash into your Venmo balance first.

Add Cash to Venmo Card Through Transferring from a Linked Bank Account

The most common and convenient way to add funds to your Venmo balance is by transferring money from a linked bank account. Here's how it works:

1. Open the Venmo App: Fire up the Venmo app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Navigate to Your "Me" Tab: Look for the "Me" tab on the app's bottom navigation bar (it might look like a profile picture icon). Tap on it.
3. Find the "Manage Balance" Option: Within the "Me" tab, you should see a section dedicated to your Venmo balance. It might be labeled "Manage Balance" or something similar. Tap on that section.
4. Look for "Add Money": Once you're in your balance section, find the option to add money. It might be a button labeled "Add Money" or a plus sign icon (+). Tap on that option.
5. Choose Your Funding Source: Here's where you'll select the source of your funds. Since we're focusing on using cash indirectly, choose the option that lets you link a bank account.
6. Link Your Bank Account (if not already done): If you haven't already linked your bank account to Venmo, follow the on-screen instructions to do so. This typically involves entering your bank account details and verifying ownership through a small test deposit.
7. Enter Your Transfer Amount: Once your bank account is linked, you can enter the amount of cash you want to transfer from your bank to your Venmo balance.
8. Review and Confirm: Double-check the transfer amount and any associated fees (usually none for bank transfers). If everything looks good, tap the button to confirm the transfer.

The money from your bank account should now be reflected in your Venmo balance, ready to be used with your Venmo card. This method is completely free and typically transfers instantly, making it a great go-to option.

Adding Cash at Participating Walmarts Store

If you don't have a bank account or prefer using physical cash, there's a limited alternative – adding cash directly at select Walmart stores. Here's what you need to know:

• Limited Availability: This option is currently only available at participating Walmart stores within the United States (excluding Vermont). It's also not applicable to Venmo Teen accounts.
• The Fee Factor: Keep in mind that there's a $3.74 fee associated with adding cash at Walmart. So, factor this cost into your decision-making process.
• Here's How It Works: Head to a participating Walmart store and locate a staffed register. Inform the cashier that you want to add cash to your Venmo card. They will likely guide you through the process, which might involve swiping your Venmo card and potentially showing your ID for deposits exceeding $300.
• Transaction Recognition: Once the transaction is complete, you should see the deposit reflected in your Venmo app as "POSDEP*CASH" along with the store location.

Important Considerations for Adding Cash at Walmart

• Limited Scope: Remember, this option is restricted to participating Walmart stores within the US (excluding Vermont) and doesn't apply to Venmo Teen accounts.
• The Fee: Don't forget about the $3.74 fee associated with this method. Consider if the convenience of using cash outweighs the additional cost compared to a free bank transfer.
• Security: When adding cash at Walmart, ensure you're interacting with a legitimate cashier at a staffed register. Never share your Venmo card details or PIN with anyone outside the official transaction process.

Exploring Other Cash-Friendly Money Transfer Services

While Venmo itself doesn't directly accept cash deposits, there might be other money transfer services that cater to your needs. Here are a couple of options to explore (Note: These options might involve additional fees or limitations, so be sure to research them thoroughly before using):

• Retail Money Transfer Services: Certain retail locations like check-cashing stores or money transfer service providers might offer cash-to-account transfer options. However, fees can be high, so compare rates before proceeding.
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps with Cash Deposit Options: Some peer-to-peer payment apps outside of Venmo might allow cash deposits through partnered retailers. Research these options carefully, considering factors like fees, security, and transfer speeds.

Choosing the Right Method For You

Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide which method best suits your needs:

• For free and instant transfers: Linking your bank account to Venmo and transferring money is the most convenient and cost-effective option.
• For those without a bank account (with a fee): Adding cash directly at participating Walmart stores offers a cash-based alternative, but comes with a $3.74 fee.
• Exploring other options: Researching alternative money transfer services that accept cash deposits might be an option, but fees and limitations might apply.

Security Tips for Adding Funds to Your Venmo Account

No matter which method you choose, keeping your Venmo account secure is crucial. Here are some security tips to remember:

• Never share your Venmo login credentials or PIN with anyone.
• Be cautious of phishing scams: Don't click on suspicious links or attachments claiming to be from Venmo.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Venmo account for an extra layer of security.
• Review your Venmo activity regularly to monitor for any unauthorized transactions.

Conclusion

While Venmo itself doesn't directly accept cash deposits, there are still ways to leverage your physical cash for Venmo transactions. By linking a bank account or utilizing the (fee-based) option at participating Walmarts, you can bridge the gap between cash and the convenience of your Venmo card. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and prioritize security throughout the process. With a bit of planning, you can keep your Venmo card fueled and ready to roll, even if your funds originate from good old-fashioned cash.

FAQs: Adding Cash to Your Venmo Card

Can I add a check to my Venmo balance to use with my card?

Unfortunately, Venmo doesn't currently offer the option to deposit checks directly into your account.

Is there a minimum amount I can transfer from my bank account to Venmo?

The minimum transfer amount from your bank account to Venmo can vary depending on your bank's policies. It's best to check with your bank directly to confirm their minimum transfer requirements.

How long does it take for a bank transfer to reflect in my Venmo balance?

In most cases, bank transfers to your Venmo balance are instant. However, there could be occasional delays depending on your bank's processing times.

What if I don't live near a participating Walmart and can't use a bank transfer?

If the Walmart option and bank transfers aren't feasible, you can explore alternative money transfer services. Some services might allow cash deposits through partnered retailers, but be sure to research their fees, limitations, and security measures before using them.

Are there any daily limits on adding funds to my Venmo account?

Yes, Venmo has daily limits on the amount you can add to your balance. The exact limits can vary depending on your Venmo account verification status and other factors. You can find more information about Venmo's limits on their Help Center: https://help.venmo.com/.

What happens if I make a mistake while adding cash at Walmart?

If you encounter an error during the cash deposit process at Walmart, it's best to speak to the cashier immediately. They might be able to assist you in rectifying the mistake. Additionally, you can contact Venmo customer support for further assistance: https://help.venmo.com/hc/en-us/requests/new.

Can I use a debit card with a cash balance (like a prepaid card) to transfer funds to Venmo?

Currently, Venmo doesn't allow adding funds directly from debit cards with preloaded cash balances.