What you need to start a Cash App account

To create a Cash App account, you need a smartphone with either iOS or Android, a valid email address or phone number, and a way to verify your identity. Cash App is Square's mobile payment app — it lets you send money to other people, receive payments, and link a bank account or debit card. The whole setup takes about five minutes.

You do not need to be a certain age, but Cash App's terms of service say you must be at least 18 years old to use the app. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can set up an account and manage it on your behalf.

Cash App is free to read. Sending money to other Cash App users is free. If you want to send money to someone who does not use Cash App, or if you want to cash out to your bank account, Cash App charges a small fee — usually 1.5% for bank transfers, though this can vary.

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 need to enter your name, date of birth, email address or phone number, and create a password.
  • Cash App will send a verification code to your email or phone — you must enter this code to confirm your account is real.
  • Once verified, you can add a bank account or debit card, set a Cash Tag (your Cash App username), and start sending money to friends.
  • If you want to receive money from people who do not have your bank details, you share your Cash Tag instead of your account number.

Step-by-step: downloading and opening 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. Once it is installed, tap "Open" to launch the app for the first time.

When you open Cash App, you will see a screen that says "Sign up." Tap that button. Do not tap "Log in" — that is for people who already have an account.

Entering your personal information

Cash App will ask for your first name, last name, date of birth, and email address or phone number. Use the name that matches your bank account or ID — Cash App checks this later when you link a bank account, and mismatches can cause problems. Your date of birth must show you are at least 18 years old.

You can use either an email address or a phone number, but not both at this stage. If you choose email, Cash App will send a verification code to that email. If you choose a phone number, it will send a code by text message. Pick whichever one you check more often, because you will need to enter that code within a few minutes.

Next, create a password. Cash App requires at least 8 characters, and it is stronger if you mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write this password down somewhere safe — you will need it every time you log in.

Verifying your account with a code

After you submit your information, Cash App sends a verification code to your email or phone. Open your email or text messages and look for a message from Cash App. The code is usually six digits.

Go back to the Cash App and enter this code in the box that appears. You have a limited time to do this — usually 10 to 15 minutes. If the code expires, you can ask Cash App to send a new one. Once you enter the correct code, your account is verified and you can move forward.

Adding a bank account or debit card

Cash App will now ask you to link a bank account or debit card. This is optional at first — you can skip this step and add it later. But you will need a linked account if you want to send money to people outside of Cash App or if you want to cash out your balance to your bank.

To add a bank account, tap "Add Bank Account" and enter your routing number and account number. You can find these on a check, or log into your bank's website and look for account details. Cash App will make two small deposits to your account — usually within one to two business days — and you will need to confirm the amounts to prove you own the account.

To add a debit card instead, tap "Add Card" and enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). This is faster than a bank account and does not require the two-deposit verification step.

Setting your Cash Tag and profile

A Cash Tag is your Cash App username — it starts with a dollar sign and is how other people find you to send money. For example, your Cash Tag might be $priya.desai or $priya123. You can only set this once, so choose something you are comfortable sharing. Avoid using passwords, full account numbers, or sensitive information.

Tap the profile icon (usually at the bottom right of the app), then tap "Cash Tag" and enter the name you want. Cash App will tell you if it is already taken. Once you set it, you can share it with friends instead of giving them your bank details.

Understanding Cash App's security features

Cash App lets you turn on two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security. This means that even if someone gets your password, they cannot log in without a code sent to your phone. To turn this on, go to Settings, tap "Security," and toggle on "Two-Factor Authentication."

Cash App also lets you set a PIN — a four-digit code you enter before sending money. This prevents someone from sending your money if they gain access to your phone. You can set this in Settings under "Security" as well.

Keep your password and PIN private. Do not share them with anyone, including Cash App employees. Cash App will never ask you for your password or PIN by email or text message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Cash App without a bank account?

Yes. You can receive money and hold it in your Cash App balance without linking a bank account. However, you will need a bank account or debit card if you want to send money to people outside of Cash App or withdraw your balance to your bank.

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. Follow the link or enter the code, then create a new password. Make sure you have access to the email or phone number you used when you signed up.

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

Cash App uses encryption to protect your information, and you can turn on two-factor authentication and a PIN for extra security. However, like any app that connects to your bank, there is some risk. Only link a bank account you trust, and monitor your account regularly for unauthorized transactions.

Can I have more than one Cash App account?

Cash App's terms say each person should have only one account. Creating multiple accounts with the same identity may violate their terms and could result in your accounts being closed. If you need a separate account for business purposes, Cash App offers a separate product called Cash for Business.

How long does it take to verify my account?

The email or text verification usually happens when ready. If you add a bank account, the two small deposits that verify ownership can take one to two business days to appear. You do not have to wait for these deposits to use Cash App — you can send money to other Cash App users right away.