How to Move Money Between Venmo and Cash App

You cannot transfer money directly from Venmo to Cash App

Venmo and Cash App are separate payment networks that do not connect to each other. You cannot send money from your Venmo account straight into your Cash App account. Instead, you move money out of Venmo into your bank account first, then move it from your bank account into Cash App. This takes two separate steps and usually takes one to three business days total.

The reason for this setup is that both apps sit on top of the banking system rather than replacing it. Neither one holds your actual money in a way the other can access directly. Think of each app as a separate door into your bank account — you have to go back through your bank to switch doors.

Key Takeaways

• Money moves from Venmo to your bank account first, then from your bank account to Cash App — there is no direct path between the two apps.
• You need a bank account linked to both Venmo and Cash App for this to work, or you can use a debit card as your destination in Cash App.
• The whole process usually takes one to three business days because each transfer takes time to settle.
• Venmo transfers to your bank account are free if you choose the standard transfer speed, but when ready transfers cost a small fee.
• Cash App does not charge to receive money from a linked bank account, but some banks may charge you a fee on their end.

Step 1: Move money from Venmo to your bank account

Open the Venmo app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) at the bottom right. Select "Transfer Money." You will see two options: "Transfer to Bank" and "when ready Transfer." Choose "Transfer to Bank" for a free transfer that takes one to two business days. If you need the money faster, "when ready Transfer" moves it in minutes but charges a small fee (usually between 25 cents and $1.75, depending on the amount).

Tap "Transfer to Bank" and enter the amount you want to move. Venmo will show you which bank account is linked and when the money will arrive. Confirm the transfer. The money leaves your Venmo balance when ready but does not show up in your bank account right away — it settles overnight or the next business day.

If you have not linked a bank account to Venmo yet, you will need to do that first. Go to the menu, select "Settings," then "Payment Methods," and choose "Add Bank Account." You will need your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.

Step 2: Move money from your bank account to Cash App

Once the money has landed in your bank account, open Cash App and tap the bank icon at the bottom of the screen. Select "Add Cash" (not "Request"). Enter the amount you want to move into Cash App. Cash App will ask you to confirm the bank account you want to pull from.

If you have not linked your bank account to Cash App yet, you will need to do that first. Tap the bank icon, select "Link Bank Account," and enter your routing number and account number. Cash App may ask you to verify the account by checking your bank statement for two small deposits that appear within a few days — you will enter those amounts back into Cash App to confirm you own the account.

After you confirm the transfer, the money moves from your bank account into your Cash App balance. This usually takes one to two business days. Once it is in Cash App, you can send it to other people, use it to pay bills, or leave it sitting in your Cash App balance.

Why the transfer takes time

Bank transfers do not happen when ready because the banking system processes them in batches. When you tell Venmo to send money to your bank, Venmo collects all the transfer requests from all its users and sends them to the banking network at set times during the day. Your bank then receives that batch and processes it, which adds another delay. The same thing happens when you move money from your bank into Cash App.

when ready transfers skip some of these steps, which is why they cost money. Venmo pays a fee to move your money through a faster network, and it passes that cost to you. Standard transfers are free because Venmo can batch them with thousands of others and negotiate a better rate with the banking network.

What to do if your bank account is not linked to both apps

If you have Venmo linked to your bank but not Cash App, you can still move the money — you just need an extra step. Transfer from Venmo to your bank account as usual. Then, instead of linking your bank account to Cash App, you can add a debit card to Cash App and transfer money from your bank account to that debit card using your bank's bill pay or transfer feature. This is slower and more complicated, so linking your bank account directly to Cash App is easier if you plan to do this more than once.

If you have neither app linked to a bank account, you will need to set that up before you can move money between them. Both Venmo and Cash App require a real bank account or debit card to function — they cannot move money if there is nowhere for it to come from or go to.

Fees and what they depend on

Venmo charges nothing for a standard transfer to your bank account. An when ready transfer costs a fee that varies based on the amount — typically 25 cents to $1.75. Venmo shows you the exact fee before you confirm the transfer, so you know what you are paying.

Cash App does not charge you to receive money from a linked bank account. However, your bank might charge you a fee for incoming transfers, depending on your account type and your bank's policies. Check with your bank if you are unsure. Some banks charge nothing for transfers, while others charge a small fee for each one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from Cash App back to Venmo?

Yes, using the same two-step process in reverse. Move money from Cash App to your bank account, then from your bank account to Venmo. Cash App transfers to your bank are free and take one to two business days. Venmo accepts transfers from linked bank accounts with no fee.

What if the money does not show up after two business days?

Contact the app that sent the money first. Venmo can tell you if the transfer left their system. If it did, contact your bank — the money may have been delayed on their end or sent to the wrong account. Keep your transfer confirmation number handy when you call.

Can I transfer money if I only have a debit card linked, not a bank account?

Venmo can send money to a debit card, but it is slower and may cost more. Cash App can receive money from a debit card, but the process is different — you would typically use your bank's bill pay feature to send money to a Cash App card rather than using the app itself. Linking a real bank account is faster and cheaper.

Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?

Yes. Venmo limits transfers to your bank account based on your account history and verification level — new accounts may have lower limits. Cash App also has limits on how much you can add per week. Both apps show your current limit in their transfer screens. The limits increase as you use the apps longer and verify more information.

What happens if I transfer money but then change my mind?

If the transfer has not settled yet, contact the sending app right away — Venmo or Cash App may be able to cancel it before it leaves their system. Once the money reaches your bank account, you cannot undo it through the app. You would need to contact your bank to reverse the transaction, and they may not be able to help if the money has already moved again.