You can link a credit card to Cash App, but Cash App treats it differently than a debit card
Cash App lets you add a credit card to your account, but the app will not let you use it the same way you use a debit card. You can use a linked credit card to send money to other Cash App users, but you cannot use it to pay bills, buy Bitcoin, or make purchases at stores. Cash App also charges a fee when you send money using a credit card — currently 3% of the amount you send — while transfers from a debit card or bank account cost nothing.
The reason for this difference is how credit card networks work. When you use a debit card or bank account, the money moves directly from your account. When you use a credit card, Cash App has to pay a processing fee to Visa or Mastercard, and the app passes that cost to you.
Key Takeaways
- You can link a credit card to Cash App by going to the profile icon, selecting Cash Card settings, and adding the card details manually or by taking a photo of it.
- Cash App charges a 3% fee when you send money to another person using a linked credit card, but charges nothing for transfers from a debit card or bank account.
- A linked credit card cannot be used to pay bills, buy Bitcoin, or make in-store purchases — only to send money to other Cash App users.
- If you want to use Cash App for everyday purchases, you need a Cash Card (the debit card Cash App issues), not a credit card linked to your account.
How to add a credit card to your Cash App account
Open Cash App and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select "Cash Card" or "Cards" depending on your version of the app. Tap "Add Card" and choose whether to enter the card details manually or photograph the card with your phone's camera.
If you type the details in, you will need the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). If you use the camera, make sure the numbers are clearly visible and the photo is in focus. After you enter or photograph the card, Cash App will ask you to confirm the billing zip code associated with the card.
Once the card is added, it appears in your Cash App wallet. You can have multiple cards linked at once, and you can delete any card by tapping it and selecting "Remove Card."
What you can and cannot do with a linked credit card
A linked credit card in Cash App has narrow uses. You can send money to another Cash App user, and that is essentially it. You cannot use it to pay bills through Cash App's bill pay feature, buy Bitcoin, or make purchases at stores or online using Cash App Pay.
If you want to use Cash App for those purposes, you need to link a debit card or bank account instead. The Cash Card — Cash App's own debit card — also works for all of these functions and charges no fees for transfers.
The restriction exists because credit card networks impose higher fees on Cash App for each transaction. Rather than absorb that cost, Cash App limits credit card use to peer-to-peer transfers and charges you the 3% fee to cover the network's cost.
Understanding the 3% fee on credit card transfers
When you send money from a linked credit card, Cash App deducts 3% from the amount you send. If you send $100, the recipient receives $97 and Cash App keeps $3. This fee appears in your transaction history so you can see exactly how much was charged.
This fee applies only to credit cards. Transfers from a debit card, bank account, or Cash Card cost nothing. If you send money frequently, using a debit card or bank account instead of a credit card will save you money over time.
The 3% fee is not negotiable and applies to all credit cards, regardless of the issuer or card type. Some people use a credit card in Cash App only when they need to build rewards points on the transfer, accepting the 3% fee as the cost of earning those points.
Why you might want to use a credit card in Cash App anyway
Even though a credit card costs more to use in Cash App, there are situations where it makes sense. If your credit card offers cash back or rewards points on all purchases, you might earn enough rewards to offset the 3% fee. For example, a card that gives 2% cash back would net you a loss of 1% after the fee, but some cards offer higher rewards.
Another reason is if you do not have a debit card or bank account linked yet and need to send money to someone right away. A credit card is faster to set up than connecting a bank account, which can take a few business days to verify.
A third reason is if you are trying to avoid using your bank account for online transactions and prefer the extra layer of protection a credit card offers. Credit cards have stronger fraud protections than debit cards in most cases.
How to remove a credit card from Cash App
Open Cash App and tap the profile icon. Select "Cash Card" or "Cards." Find the credit card you want to remove and tap it. Select "Remove Card" and confirm the removal. The card is deleted from your account when ready and cannot be used for future transfers.
Removing a card does not affect any transfers you already made with it. If you want to use Cash App again after removing your only card, you will need to add a debit card, bank account, or the Cash Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy Bitcoin on Cash App?
No. Cash App only allows you to buy Bitcoin using a debit card, bank account, or Cash Card. Credit cards cannot be used for Bitcoin purchases, even if the card is linked to your account.
Does Cash App report credit card transfers to the credit card company?
Yes. When you use a credit card in Cash App, the transaction appears on your credit card statement just like any other purchase. The merchant name shows as Cash App, and the amount reflects what the recipient received after the 3% fee.
What happens if my linked credit card expires?
Cash App will not automatically remove an expired card, but you will not be able to use it for transfers. If you try to send money with an expired card, the transfer will fail. You can update the card details or remove it and add a new one.
Can I use a credit card to pay someone through Cash App if they do not have Cash App?
No. Credit cards in Cash App only work for sending money to other Cash App users. If the person you want to pay does not have a Cash App account, you cannot use Cash App at all, regardless of which payment method you choose.
Is it safe to link my credit card to Cash App?
Cash App uses encryption to protect your card details, and you can delete the card from your account at any time. However, linking any card to any app carries some risk. Only link a card you monitor regularly, and check your credit card statement often for unauthorized charges.