What you need to set up Cash App

Cash App is a mobile payment app owned by Block, Inc. (formerly Square). To create an account, you need a smartphone with iOS or Android, a valid email address or phone number, and a way to verify your identity. The whole process takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing.

You do not need a bank account to read and create a Cash App profile. However, to send or receive money, you will eventually need to connect a debit card, bank account, or prepaid card. Cash App works with most U.S. banks and credit unions, though some smaller institutions may not be supported yet.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Cash App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then open it and tap "Sign up" to begin creating your account.
  • You will provide your legal first and last name, date of birth, email address or phone number, and create a password during setup.
  • Cash App will send a verification code to your email or phone — you must enter this code to confirm your identity before you can use the account.
  • Adding a debit card or bank account is a separate step that happens after your account is created, and you can do this when ready or wait until you need to send money.
  • Your Cash App username (called a "Cashtag") is optional but makes it easier for others to send you money without needing your full name or phone number.

read and open the app

Go to the Apple App Store if you use an iPhone, or Google Play Store if you use an Android phone. Search for "Cash App" — the official app has a white square with a green dollar sign. Tap "Get" or "Install," then wait for the read to finish. Open the app once it is installed.

When you open Cash App for the first time, you will see a screen with a green button that says "Sign up." Tap that button to start creating your account. Do not tap "Log in" — that is only for people who already have an account.

Enter your personal information

Cash App will ask for your legal first name and last name exactly as they appear on your government ID. Type these carefully — they must match what you use with your bank or card issuer later, or transfers may fail or be delayed.

Next, you will enter your date of birth. Cash App requires you to be at least 13 years old to use the service. After that, you will create a password. Make it at least 8 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #) — a strong password keeps your money safer.

You will then choose whether to verify your identity using your email address or your phone number. Pick whichever one you check more regularly, because Cash App will send a verification code to that address and you need to enter it within a few minutes.

Verify your identity with a code

Cash App sends a six-digit code to your email inbox or as a text message, depending on which you chose. Check your email or texts and find the message from Cash App. The code usually arrives within seconds, but can take a few minutes if your phone is slow or your email server is busy.

Open the Cash App and type the six-digit code into the box that appears. If you do not see the code after five minutes, tap "Resend code" and Cash App will send a new one. Once you enter the correct code, your account is created and verified.

Add a debit card or bank account

After verification, Cash App will ask if you want to add a payment method right away. You can skip this step and add one later — many people create the account first just to claim their Cashtag, then connect a card when they are ready to send money.

If you add a card now, tap "Add Card" and type in your debit card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. Cash App accepts most Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover debit cards issued by U.S. banks. If you want to link a bank account instead, tap "Add Bank Account" and follow the prompts — you will need your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or in your bank's app.

Cash App will verify your card or account by sending a small deposit (usually a few cents) to your bank. Check your bank statement in one to three business days, find the deposit amount, and enter it back into Cash App to confirm the connection. Once confirmed, you can send and receive money.

Create a Cashtag (optional but recommended)

A Cashtag is a username that makes it easier for people to send you money. Instead of giving out your full name and phone number, you can just say "send it to $myname" and they can find you when ready. Your Cashtag starts with a dollar sign and can include letters and numbers, but no spaces or special characters.

To create one, tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner), then tap "Cashtag." Type the username you want — Cash App will tell you when ready if someone else has already taken it. Once you claim a Cashtag, it is yours and no one else can use it. You can change it later, but only once every 30 days.

What happens after you finish setup

Your Cash App account is now ready to use. You can receive money from anyone who has your Cashtag, phone number, or email address — they do not need to send you anything first. If someone sends you money, it lands in your Cash App balance, which you can then transfer to your bank account, spend using the Cash Card (a debit card Cash App offers), or keep in the app.

To send money, tap the dollar sign at the bottom of the screen, enter the amount, and choose who to send it to. You can search by Cashtag, phone number, email, or name if they are in your contacts. The person you send to will get a notification, and the money moves when ready if both of you have verified accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bank account to use Cash App?

You do not need a bank account to create a Cash App account or to receive money. However, to send money or withdraw your balance to a real bank, you will need to connect either a debit card or a bank account at some point.

What if I forget my password?

Tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen. Cash App will send a reset link to your email or a code to your phone. Click the link or enter the code, then create a new password. Make sure you can access the email or phone number you used when you signed up.

Can I use Cash App if I do not have a smartphone?

Cash App only works on phones with iOS or Android. There is no web version or desktop app. If you do not have a smartphone, you cannot use Cash App, but other peer-to-peer payment services like Venmo or PayPal may have different options.

Is it safe to link my bank account to Cash App?

Cash App uses encryption to protect your information, and your bank account details are not shared with people you send money to. However, like any app with access to your money, it is important to use a strong password and enable Cash App's security features, such as a PIN or biometric login.

How long does it take to receive money someone sends me?

Money from other Cash App users arrives when ready once they hit send. If someone sends you money from their bank account or card, it may take one to three business days to appear in your Cash App balance.