You can remove your bank account from Venmo in the app settings, and it takes about two minutes
Open the Venmo app, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner, then tap "Settings." From there, select "Payment Methods," find the bank account you want to remove, and tap the trash icon or "Remove" button next to it. Venmo will ask you to confirm — tap yes, and the account is gone. You can remove a bank account at any time, even if you have a pending transfer to or from it.
The account stays removed unless you add it back later. If you remove your only bank account, you can still use Venmo to send money to friends (they'll receive it as a Venmo balance instead of a bank transfer), but you won't be able to transfer money out to a bank account until you add one again.
Key Takeaways
- Removing a bank account takes two minutes and happens entirely in the Venmo app under Settings > Payment Methods.
- You can remove a bank account even if a transfer is pending, and the account stays removed unless you add it back.
- Removing your only bank account means you can still send money to friends, but you cannot move money out of Venmo to a bank until you add a new one.
- Venmo does not charge a fee to remove a bank account, and the removal is when ready.
Why you might want to remove a bank account
The most common reason is switching banks. If you close an old checking account and open a new one, you should remove the old account from Venmo so you do not accidentally try to transfer money to a closed account.
Another reason is security. If you feel your account has been compromised or you want to reduce the number of places your bank details are stored, removing the account limits what someone could do if they gained access to your Venmo login. You can always add it back later.
Some people remove their bank account temporarily if they are not using Venmo for a while, or if they want to use only the Venmo balance feature (sending money that stays in the Venmo app rather than going to a bank).
What happens to pending transfers when you remove an account
If you have a transfer in progress — money you sent to your bank that has not arrived yet — removing the bank account does not stop that transfer. Venmo will complete the transfer to the account you originally chose, even though you have now removed it from your list. The money will arrive as scheduled.
If you remove an account and then realize you made a mistake, you can add it back when ready. There is no waiting period or penalty. Just go back to Settings > Payment Methods and tap "Add a Bank Account."
The difference between removing an account and unlinking it
Venmo uses the words "remove" and "unlink" to mean the same thing — they both disconnect your bank account from Venmo. You may see either word in the app depending on which version you have, but the result is identical. The account is no longer connected to your Venmo profile.
This is different from closing your entire Venmo account, which is a separate process. Removing a bank account just means that one account is no longer linked; your Venmo profile and transaction history stay intact.
Adding a bank account back after you remove it
If you removed a bank account and want to use it again, go to Settings > Payment Methods and tap "Add a Bank Account." You will need to enter the routing number and account number again — Venmo does not remember these details after you remove an account.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is the number of your checking or savings account. Both appear on the bottom left of a paper check, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website or calling the bank directly.
Venmo will verify the account by making two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account. You will need to confirm the amounts in the Venmo app within 10 days. This verification step is the same whether you are adding an account for the first time or re-adding one you previously removed.
Removing a debit card instead of a bank account
If you added a debit card to Venmo instead of a bank account, the removal process is the same: Settings > Payment Methods, find the card, tap the trash icon, and confirm. Debit cards and bank accounts are both listed under "Payment Methods," so look for whichever one you added.
Removing a debit card works the same way as removing a bank account — pending transfers still go through, and you can add the card back anytime. The main difference is that a debit card does not require verification deposits; it is linked when ready once you enter the card number.
Troubleshooting if the remove button does not appear
If you cannot find a remove or trash icon next to your bank account, the most common reason is that Venmo is in the middle of processing a transfer to or from that account. Wait a few hours and check again — once the transfer completes, the remove option will reappear.
Another possibility is that you are looking at an old version of the Venmo app. Update the app from your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) and try again. If you still cannot remove the account after updating, contact Venmo support through the app by tapping the three lines, then "Help," then "Contact Us."
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Venmo charge a fee to remove a bank account?
No. Removing a bank account is free and takes effect when ready. Venmo does not charge for adding or removing payment methods.
Will removing my bank account affect my Venmo transaction history?
No. Your past transactions stay in your Venmo history whether the bank account is still linked or not. Removing an account only stops future transfers to that account.
What if I remove my bank account but still have money in my Venmo balance?
The money stays in your Venmo balance. You can still send it to friends, or you can add a different bank account and transfer the balance out to that new account.
Can I remove a bank account if I have a pending payment to a friend?
Yes. Removing a bank account does not affect payments you have sent to other Venmo users. Those payments go through normally. The removal only affects transfers between your Venmo account and your bank.
How long does it take for a removed bank account to stop showing up in Venmo?
The account disappears from your Payment Methods list when ready after you confirm the removal. You will not see it as an option for future transfers right away.