Cash App doesn't offer its own credit card, but it does offer a debit card
Cash App, owned by Block (formerly Square), provides a Cash Card — a debit card linked directly to your Cash App balance. It is not a credit card. The Cash Card draws money from whatever you have loaded into your Cash App account, the same way a traditional debit card works with a checking account.
If you are looking for a way to build credit or borrow money through Cash App, that is not what the Cash Card does. If you want a card you can use to make purchases with money you already have in the app, the Cash Card is the tool Cash App provides.
Key Takeaways
- The Cash Card is a debit card that spends money from your Cash App balance, not a credit card that lets you borrow.
- You can order a physical Cash Card or use a virtual card number when ready after opening a Cash App account.
- The Cash Card works at any merchant that accepts Visa, both online and in stores.
- Cash App does not report your Cash Card activity to credit bureaus, so using it will not build your credit score.
- Cash App offers a separate product called Cash App Investing that lets you buy stocks and Bitcoin, but this is different from the Cash Card.
How the Cash Card works and what it can do
The Cash Card is a Visa debit card. When you use it, the money comes straight out of your Cash App balance. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted — grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers. There is no separate billing cycle or monthly statement because you are spending your own money, not borrowing.
Cash App lets you order a physical card that arrives by mail, usually within 5 to 7 business days. You can also use a virtual card number right away if you want to shop online before the physical card arrives. The virtual number appears in the app and works the same way as the physical card.
You can set spending limits on your Cash Card through the app settings if you want to control how much you can spend in a single transaction. You can also lock or unlock the card from the app if it is lost or stolen.
What the Cash Card does not do
The Cash Card will not let you spend money you do not have. Because it is a debit card, you can only use it up to your current Cash App balance. If your balance is $50, you can spend up to $50. Once that money is gone, the card declines.
The Cash Card does not build credit. Cash App does not report your spending to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), so using the Cash Card will not raise or lower your credit score. If building credit is your goal, you would need a traditional credit card from a bank or credit card company.
Cash App also does not offer overdraft protection or the ability to go negative. You cannot spend more than you have loaded into the app.
Fees and costs associated with the Cash Card
There is no fee to order the Cash Card itself. Cash App does not charge you to use it for purchases at stores or online. You do not pay a monthly fee to hold the card.
However, Cash App does charge fees in other situations. If you use an out-of-network ATM (an ATM that is not part of the Cash App network), you may be charged a fee by the ATM operator. Cash App also charges a fee if you want to transfer money from your Cash App balance to your bank account when ready rather than waiting for a standard transfer, which usually takes 1 to 3 business days.
Some Cash App features, like the ability to buy stocks or Bitcoin, have their own pricing structures. These are separate from the Cash Card itself.
How to order a Cash Card
Open the Cash App on your phone and tap the profile icon in the top left corner. Scroll down and select "Cash Card." If you have not ordered one before, you will see an option to order. The app will ask you to confirm your address and may ask you to verify your identity.
Once you confirm, the physical card ships to the address you provided. You can start using the virtual card number when ready while you wait for the physical card to arrive. When the physical card arrives, you may need to set up it in the app before you can use it in stores.
If you already have a Cash Card and need a replacement, you can order a new one through the same menu. Cash App will send it to your address on file.
Cash Card features and customization
The Cash Card comes with a few optional features. You can choose a custom design when you order — Cash App offers several colors and patterns. This is purely visual and does not change how the card works.
You can also turn on Boosts through the app, which are discounts at certain merchants. For example, a Boost might give you $1 off a coffee purchase or 10% back at a specific restaurant. Boosts are optional and change regularly. The discount is applied automatically when you use your Cash Card at that merchant.
Cash App also offers Cash Card rewards in some cases — a small percentage of cash back on certain purchases. The exact rewards vary and are not may provide on all transactions.
Alternatives if you need a credit card instead
If you need to build credit or borrow money, the Cash Card is not the right tool. A traditional credit card from a bank, credit union, or credit card company will report your activity to credit bureaus and help you build a credit history if you pay on time.
If you have limited credit history or a low credit score, you might look at a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit but reports to credit bureaus. Some banks and online lenders offer these. Credit unions sometimes have more flexible approval than large banks.
If you need short-term cash, some lenders offer personal loans or lines of credit. These are different from credit cards but also report to credit bureaus. Be cautious of payday loans or other high-cost borrowing — these often charge very high interest rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Cash Card to withdraw cash from an ATM?
Yes. You can use your Cash Card at any ATM that accepts Visa. If the ATM is part of the Cash App network, there is no fee. If it is an out-of-network ATM, the ATM operator may charge you a fee. Check the app to see which ATMs are in the Cash App network near you.
What happens if my Cash Card is lost or stolen?
Open the Cash App and go to your Cash Card settings. You can lock the card when ready from the app, which stops anyone from using it. You can then order a replacement card. If fraudulent charges appear, contact Cash App support through the app to report them.
Can I use my Cash Card internationally?
Yes, the Cash Card works in most countries where Visa is accepted. However, Cash App may charge a foreign transaction fee, and your bank or the merchant may also charge fees. Check the app for current international fees before traveling.
Does Cash App offer a credit line or buy now, pay later option?
Cash App does not currently offer a credit line or buy now, pay later service. The Cash Card is a debit card only. If you need to borrow money or split a purchase over time, you would need to use a different service or credit card.
Can I link my Cash Card to another app or service?
Your Cash Card is a Visa debit card, so you can use the card number anywhere Visa is accepted. You can link it to other apps, subscription services, or online retailers just like any other debit card. The money will still come from your Cash App balance.