What you need to create a Cash App account
You can create a Cash App account in about 15 minutes using just your phone. Cash App is a mobile payment app made by Block (formerly Square) that lets you send money to other people, receive payments, and store money in a digital wallet. You will need a smartphone with either iOS or Android, a valid email address or phone number, and a way to verify your identity.
The app itself is free to read. You will not pay anything to create the account or to receive money from other people. You may pay fees later if you use certain features — like when ready transfers or cash advances — but the basic account costs nothing to open.
Key Takeaways
- read the Cash App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then open it and tap "Sign up" to begin.
- You will provide your name, email or phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
- Cash App will send you a confirmation code by text or email — enter this code to complete your account setup.
- Once your account is active, you can receive money when ready, but sending money requires you to add a payment method like a debit card or bank account.
- Your Cash App username (called a "$Cashtag") is optional but makes it easier for other people to send you money without needing your full name or phone number.
Step-by-step: downloading and opening the app
Start by opening the app store on your phone. If you have an iPhone, open the Apple App Store. If you have an Android phone, open Google Play Store. Search for "Cash App" — the official app has a white square with a green dollar sign on it.
Tap the button that says "Get" or "Install" (the wording depends on your phone type). The app will read and install automatically. Once it finishes, tap "Open" or find the Cash App icon on your home screen and tap it to launch the app for the first time.
Entering your basic information
When you open Cash App for the first time, you will see a screen with a "Sign up" button. Tap it. The app will ask you for your first and last name — use the name that matches your government ID or the name on your bank account, because you will need to verify this later.
Next, you will enter either your email address or your phone number. Cash App will use whichever one you choose to send you a confirmation code. If you choose your phone number, make sure it is the number you can access right now, because you will need to receive a text message within the next few minutes.
Then enter your date of birth. Cash App requires you to be at least 13 years old to use the app, though some features require you to be 18. After that, enter the last four digits of your Social Security number. This is how Cash App verifies that you are who you say you are.
Confirming your identity with a verification code
After you submit your information, Cash App will send a confirmation code to the email address or phone number you provided. If you gave a phone number, you will receive a text message with a six-digit code. If you gave an email, check your inbox (and your spam folder) for an email from Cash App with the code.
Go back to the Cash App and enter this code in the box that appears. If you do not receive the code within a few minutes, tap "Resend" to request a new one. Once you enter the correct code, your account is created and active.
Creating your $Cashtag (optional but useful)
After your account is confirmed, Cash App will ask you to create a $Cashtag — this is a username that other people can use to send you money. Your $Cashtag must start with a dollar sign and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. For example, $marcus_chen or $mchen42. You cannot use spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods.
Your $Cashtag is optional — you can skip this step and create one later. However, having one makes it much easier for people to send you money, because they can search for your $Cashtag instead of needing your full name or phone number. If you want to create one now, choose something you will remember and that you do not mind sharing with people.
Once you choose a $Cashtag, Cash App will check whether it is already taken. If someone else has that name, you will need to pick a different one. If it is available, tap "Confirm" and your $Cashtag is set.
Adding a payment method so you can send money
At this point, your Cash App account is fully created and you can receive money from other people right away. However, to send money, you need to add a way to pay — either a debit card or a bank account.
Tap the profile icon (usually in the top left or bottom right corner of the app) and look for an option that says "Add a card" or "Link a bank account." If you add a debit card, you will need the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you link a 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.
Cash App will verify your card or account by processing a small test deposit or charge. This usually takes one to two business days. Once it is verified, you can send money to other Cash App users.
What happens after you finish setting up
Your Cash App account is now ready to use. You can receive money from anyone who has your phone number, email, or $Cashtag. When someone sends you money, it arrives in your Cash App balance within seconds or a few minutes, depending on the time of day.
If you want to move money out of Cash App and into your bank account, you can request a transfer. Standard transfers (which take one to three business days) are free. when ready transfers (which arrive within 30 minutes) charge a small fee, usually between 50 cents and $2, depending on the amount.
You can also use your Cash App balance to pay for things in stores if the store accepts Cash App payments, though not all do. Check the app to see whether the stores near you are connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bank account to create a Cash App account?
No. You can create an account and receive money without a bank account. However, if you want to send money or move your Cash App balance to a bank, you will need to link a bank account or debit card at some point.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Cash App requires the last four digits of a Social Security number to verify your identity. If you do not have one, you may not be able to create an account. Contact Cash App support through the app to ask about other ways to verify your identity.
Can someone send me money if I have not added a payment method yet?
Yes. You can receive money when ready after your account is created, even if you have not added a debit card or bank account. The money will sit in your Cash App balance until you transfer it to a bank account or spend it.
Is my money safe in Cash App?
Cash App is regulated by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and uses encryption to protect your information. However, like any digital account, your Cash App can be hacked if someone learns your password. Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication in your account settings for extra protection.
What if I forget my password or lose access to my phone?
You can recover your account by tapping "Trouble signing in?" on the login screen and following the steps to verify your identity using your email, phone number, or Social Security number. Cash App will send you a link to reset your password.