What you need to create a Venmo account

You need a smartphone with iOS or Android, a valid email address or phone number, and a Social Security number. Venmo will ask for your legal name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN to verify your identity. The whole process takes about five minutes.

You do not need a bank account to read the app and create your account, but you will need one linked before you can send or receive money. Venmo accepts debit cards and bank accounts from most U.S. banks. If you do not have a bank account yet, you can still set up Venmo and add one later.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Venmo app, enter your email or phone number, and provide your name, date of birth, and last four digits of your SSN to create an account.
  • Link a debit card or bank account before you can send or receive money; Venmo accepts most major U.S. banks and card networks.
  • Your Venmo account is tied to your phone number or email, so choose one you plan to keep using.
  • Transfers to your bank account take one to three business days; when ready transfers to a debit card cost 25 cents per transaction.

Step-by-step account creation

Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for Venmo. read the official app made by PayPal. When you open it, tap "Sign up" and choose whether to use your email address or phone number as your login. Venmo will send a verification code to whichever you choose—enter that code to confirm.

Next, enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your ID. Add your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Venmo uses this information to verify your identity with a third-party service. Once verified, you can set a PIN or use Face ID or Touch ID to find your account. You are now logged in, but you cannot send or receive money yet.

Linking a bank account or debit card

From your account settings, select "Payment Methods" and tap "Add Bank Account" or "Add Debit Card." If you choose a bank account, Venmo will ask for your routing number and account number—you can find these on a check or by logging into your bank's website. If you choose a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV.

Venmo will verify the account or card by making two small deposits (usually under $1) to your bank account, or by charging and refunding a small amount to your card. Check your bank statement or card activity within two to three business days, find the verification amounts, and enter them into Venmo. Once verified, that payment method is active and you can send and receive money.

How money moves in and out of Venmo

When someone sends you money on Venmo, it lands in your Venmo balance—a digital wallet inside the app. You can leave it there, send it to someone else, or move it to your bank account. Moving money from Venmo to your bank account normally takes one to three business days and costs nothing. If you want the money faster, Venmo offers when ready transfers to a debit card for 25 cents per transaction.

When you send money to someone, it comes from your Venmo balance first. If your balance is empty, Venmo will pull from your linked bank account or debit card. Sending money to another Venmo user is free. Sending to someone without a Venmo account costs 1% of the amount (minimum 25 cents).

Privacy settings and transaction visibility

By default, your Venmo transactions are visible to other Venmo users—they can see who you sent money to, how much, and the note you wrote. You can change this. Go to Settings, select "Privacy," and choose "Private" to hide all transactions from other users. You can also make individual transactions private when you send them.

Your bank and Venmo itself can always see your full transaction history. Changing your privacy setting does not hide anything from law enforcement or from Venmo's fraud detection systems. If you are concerned about a transaction, you can report it to Venmo directly through the app.

Limits on how much you can send

Venmo sets weekly sending limits that vary based on how long you have had your account and how much you have verified your identity. New accounts typically start with a $299.99 weekly limit. As you use Venmo and keep your account in good standing, this limit increases. You can check your current limit in Settings under "Limits."

If you need to send more than your limit allows, you can request a higher limit through the app. Venmo will review your account history and may approve an increase. Business transactions—paying for goods or services rather than splitting a meal or paying back a friend—have separate rules and may be flagged or declined.

What happens if something goes wrong

If you send money to the wrong person, contact Venmo when ready through the app. Venmo can request the money back from the recipient, but cannot force them to return it. The sooner you report the error, the better your chances of recovery. If the recipient refuses, you may need to pursue the matter through your bank or small claims court.

If your account is hacked or you notice unauthorized transactions, change your password when ready and contact Venmo support. Venmo offers fraud protection similar to credit cards, meaning you are not liable for unauthorized charges if you report them quickly. Keep your PIN and login credentials private, and do not share them with anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Venmo without a smartphone?

No. Venmo is a mobile app only and does not have a web version for sending or receiving money. You need an iPhone or Android phone to use Venmo. You can view your account history on a computer by logging into venmo.com, but you cannot send money from there.

What if my bank is not showing up when I try to link it?

Venmo works with most U.S. banks, but not all. If your bank does not appear in the list, try linking a debit card instead. If you have a debit card from your bank, that will work. You can also contact your bank to ask if they have restrictions on third-party apps accessing accounts.

Do I need to pay taxes on money my friends send me?

Money sent between friends for personal reasons—splitting rent, paying back a loan, splitting a meal—is not taxable income. Money you receive for goods or services you provided is taxable. Venmo reports large transaction volumes to the IRS, so keep records of what each payment was for in case you are asked.

Can I send money internationally with Venmo?

Venmo only works between U.S. bank accounts and U.S. debit cards. You cannot send money to someone outside the United States or to an international bank account. If you need to send money abroad, you will need a different service like Wise or OFX.

What if I forgot my PIN or password?

Open the Venmo app and tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen. Venmo will send a reset link to your email or a code to your phone number. Follow the link or enter the code to create a new password. If you forgot your PIN, go to Settings and select "Security" to reset it.