Sending and receiving money used to be a slow chore. Now you can do it in seconds. One of the most popular ways? Cash App.
If you’ve heard about Cash App but haven’t used it yet, you’re missing out on simple ways to pay friends, cash out earnings, or get money fast when you need it. This article will show you exactly how it works — and how to use it wisely.
What Is Cash App?
Cash App is a free peer-to-peer payment app. Built by Block, Inc. (formerly Square), it works like Venmo or PayPal. It lets you send and receive money using your phone.
You can connect your debit card or bank account. Then send money to people through their phone number, email, or a unique $Cashtag. It only takes seconds.
Why Use Cash App?
Here’s why millions use it every day:
- No need to carry cash
- Easy to split bills or pay friends back
- Fast deposits to your bank
- Bonus features like investing and Bitcoin
Does It Cost Anything?
Cash App won’t charge you to send or receive money using a linked bank account or debit card. You can also receive money and transfer it to your bank account for free — if you’re okay waiting 1-3 business days.
If you want instant access to your money, they charge a small fee — usually 0.5% to 1.75%, with a minimum of $0.25.
Cash App Card: What You Need to Know
Cash App offers a free Visa debit card, called the Cash Card. You can use it at stores, online, or withdraw cash at ATMs (for a $2–$2.50 fee unless you have deposits that more than cover it).
You can request the Cash Card directly in the app. Once you activate it, you can start using your Cash App balance like a regular bank card.
Boost Program: Get Instant Discounts
Here’s a perk: The app lets you choose “Boosts,” which are instant discounts at popular stores and restaurants. Want $1 off every coffee from Starbucks? You got it.
Set your Boost in the app, pay with your Cash Card, and the discount applies automatically.
How To Send Money With Cash App
Need to pay someone? Here’s how:
- Open the app.
- Enter the dollar amount you want to send.
- Tap “Pay.”
- Enter the person’s $Cashtag, phone number, or email.
- Add a note (optional) — like “Dinner” or “Rent.”
- Tap “Pay.”
That’s it. The money comes out of your linked debit card or Cash App balance instantly.
How To Receive Money With Cash App
Someone sending you money? Give them your:
- Phone number or email used with Cash App
- Or share your $Cashtag (your unique username)
Once they send it, the money appears in your Cash App balance instantly. From there, you can use it with your Cash Card or transfer it to your bank.
Bank Transfers: Standard vs Instant
You can move money from Cash App to your bank in two ways:
- Standard deposit: Free, but takes 1–3 business days
- Instant deposit: Costs a small fee, deposits within minutes
Need cash urgently? It might be worth the fee. Otherwise, wait the few days for it to be free.
Linking Your Bank Account
To use Cash App, you’ll need to link a debit card or bank account:
- Go to the app settings
- Tap “Linked Accounts”
- Select your bank or card
- Follow the steps to verify
You can add multiple accounts if you want more flexibility.
Getting Paid Through Cash App
If someone owes you money, it’s easy to get it through the app. Here’s what to do:
- Give them your $Cashtag
- Wait for the payment to appear in your activity
- Choose whether to leave it in your app balance or cash it out
Cash App also lets you request money. Just tap “Request,” choose someone from your contacts, and type in the amount.
Cash App and Direct Deposit
You can get your paycheck or government benefits directly in Cash App.
Just set up direct deposit in the app using the account and routing number listed under banking. You might even get paid a day or two early.
Add Funds To Your Cash App
Need to load money into Cash App? There are a few ways to do it:
- Bank transfer: Link your bank and add funds from there
- Deposit a check: Use mobile deposit in the app
- Cash App Cash Card: Receive payments directly to your card balance
There’s no fee to add money by bank transfer, but check deposits may take a little longer to clear.
Cash App for Business Use
If you run a side hustle or small business, you can create a Cash App for Business account. You’ll get the same features, but keep your personal and business payments separate.
Business accounts charge a 2.75% fee per transaction. That’s the trade-off for using it to collect payments from customers.
Cash App Investing Features
Want to buy stocks with no fees? Cash App has a built-in investing feature. You can start with as little as $1.
- Buy fractional shares
- Create recurring investments
- Track your portfolio in-app
You don’t need a separate account. All of this lives inside the same app.
Bitcoin On Cash App
Cash App also lets you buy, sell, and send Bitcoin.
You can set recurring buys or make one-time purchases. There’s a fee based on market activity, but it’s clearly shown on each transaction.
Bitcoin purchases happen instantly and stay in your Cash App Bitcoin wallet until you transfer them elsewhere.
Security and Privacy
Your data and money are protected by encryption and other safeguards. You can also set up:
- Face ID or Touch ID logins
- PIN protections
- Notifications for all transactions
If something feels off, freeze your Cash Card instantly in the app. You can also report transactions directly within the platform.
What Is a $Cashtag?
$Cashtag is your custom username for Cash App. Instead of giving someone your phone or email, you can just say “Send it to $YourName.”
You can set yours up in the app. It must be unique and include at least one letter. Once set, it’s how people can find you and pay you instantly.
Cash App vs Competitors
Wondering how Cash App stacks up?
- Venmo: Social feed + money transfer, slightly slower moving funds
- PayPal: Good for international transfers, but more fees
- Zelle: Direct bank-to-bank, no deposits in app
Cash App wins for speed, ease of use, and extra features like investing, Bitcoin, and Boosts.
Common Cash App Scams
Watch out for fake accounts pretending to be “Cash App Support.”
Quick tips to stay safe:
- Never send money to a stranger promising returns
- Cash App will never ask for your PIN or sign-in code
- Ignore customer support messages outside the app
Only contact Cash App through the app itself.
Easy Ways to Get Free Money With Cash App
Want to score real money with no spending?
- Referral bonus: Share your invite link. You both get $5 when they join and send $5.
- Cash App giveaways: Watch their official Twitter account. They often run fast cash giveaways.
These only take a few seconds and can earn you free money fast.
Is Cash App Right for You?
If you ever split bills, sell anything online, get paid for gig work, or just want a simple app to move money — Cash App works.
Use it right and you can avoid fees, send money faster, score discounts, and even grow your money with investments or Bitcoin.
