Adding a credit card to Cash App takes about two minutes
You can add a credit card to your Cash App account through the app itself. Open Cash App, tap the profile icon in the top left corner, select "Cash Card," then "Add Card." You'll enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV. Cash App will verify the card with a small temporary charge (usually under $1) that appears and disappears within a few days. Once verified, your credit card is linked and ready to use for payments.
The card you add becomes a payment method in your Cash App wallet. You can use it to send money to other Cash App users, pay for goods and services through Cash App's merchant network, or withdraw cash at ATMs if you have a Cash Card (Cash App's debit card). Your credit card information stays encrypted on Cash App's servers.
Key Takeaways
- You add a credit card through the Cash App profile menu by entering your card number, expiration date, and CVV.
- Cash App verifies new cards with a small temporary charge that reverses within a few days.
- Once added, your credit card becomes a payment method for sending money and making purchases through Cash App.
- You can add multiple credit cards to the same Cash App account and switch between them when sending money.
- Cash App does not charge a fee to add or store a credit card, though your card issuer may charge cash advance fees if you use it to withdraw money.
Step-by-step: Adding your first credit card
Start by opening the Cash App on your phone. Tap the profile icon (it looks like a circle with your initials or photo) in the top left corner of the home screen. This opens your account menu.
From the menu, select "Cash Card" or "Cards" depending on your app version. You'll see an option to add a new card. Tap "Add Card" and choose whether you're adding a debit card or credit card. Select credit card.
Enter your card number (the 16 digits on the front), expiration date (month and year), and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). Double-check these details before confirming. Cash App will then process a small verification charge—usually between 25 cents and $1—to your card. This charge is temporary and will reverse automatically within three to five business days. You don't need to do anything; it happens in the background.
Once the charge reverses, your card is verified and active. You can now use it to send money through Cash App.
What happens if the verification charge doesn't reverse
In rare cases, the temporary verification charge may not reverse on its own. If more than a week has passed and the charge is still showing on your statement, contact Cash App support through the app. Tap your profile icon, scroll down to "Support," and select "Contact Us." Describe the issue and provide your card details. Cash App's support team can manually reverse the charge.
You can also contact your credit card issuer directly. Call the number on the back of your card and explain that a verification charge from Cash App (Square, Inc.) has not reversed. Your card issuer can investigate and may reverse the charge on their end if Cash App does not.
Using your credit card for different Cash App transactions
Once your credit card is added, you can use it to send money to other Cash App users. When you initiate a payment, Cash App will show you all linked payment methods. Select your credit card from the list before confirming the transaction. The recipient receives the money from your Cash App balance, not directly from your card—Cash App pulls the funds from your linked card to cover the payment.
You can also use your credit card to load money into your Cash App balance. Tap the balance icon at the bottom of the home screen, select "Add Cash," choose your credit card as the payment method, enter the amount, and confirm. Cash App charges a 1.5% fee for credit card transfers, so this method costs more than using a debit card (which has no fee).
If you have a Cash Card (Cash App's debit card), you cannot use a linked credit card to withdraw cash at ATMs. ATM withdrawals pull from your Cash App balance only. However, you can use your credit card to add funds to that balance first, then withdraw.
Adding multiple credit cards and switching between them
You can add more than one credit card to your Cash App account. Repeat the same process: profile icon, "Cash Card," "Add Card," and enter the new card's details. Each card goes through the same verification process. Once all cards are verified, they all appear in your payment methods list.
When you send money or add cash, Cash App shows all your linked cards. Select whichever card you want to use for that specific transaction. You don't have to set a default card—you choose which one to use each time. This is useful if you want to use different cards for different purposes or if one card has a lower balance available.
Removing a credit card from Cash App
If you no longer want to use a credit card with Cash App, you can remove it. Open your profile, go to "Cash Card," find the card you want to delete, and tap it. Select "Remove Card" or the trash icon. The card is when ready unlinked from your account. You can add it back later if you change your mind—you'll need to go through the verification process again.
Removing a card does not affect any past transactions. Money you already sent or received stays in your Cash App balance. The card removal only stops Cash App from using that card for future payments.
Fees and credit card considerations
Cash App does not charge you to add or store a credit card. However, there are two situations where costs explore. First, if you use your credit card to add cash to your Cash App balance, Cash App charges 1.5% of the amount transferred. A $100 transfer costs $1.50. Second, your credit card issuer may charge a cash advance fee if you use your Cash App balance to withdraw money at an ATM. Check your card's terms to see if this applies.
Using a credit card with Cash App also means the transaction counts as a purchase on your card (not a cash advance), so it builds your purchase history and may earn rewards if your card offers them. However, some credit card issuers classify Cash App transfers as cash advances, which carry higher interest rates and fees. Contact your card issuer before linking if you're unsure how they treat Cash App transactions.
Troubleshooting: Why your credit card won't add
If Cash App rejects your credit card, the most common reasons are a typo in the card number, expiration date, or CVV. Double-check all three details against the physical card. Make sure you're entering the expiration date in the correct format (usually MM/YY).
Your card may also be declined if it's expired, reported lost or stolen, or flagged by your card issuer for suspicious activity. Contact your credit card company to confirm the card is active and in good standing. They may need to approve Cash App as a merchant before the card will link.
If the card details are correct and your issuer confirms the card is active, try removing the card and adding it again. Close and reopen the Cash App, or restart your phone. If the problem persists, contact Cash App support through the app's help menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to withdraw money from an ATM through Cash App?
No. ATM withdrawals only work with your Cash App balance, not directly from a linked credit card. You can use your credit card to add funds to your Cash App balance first, then withdraw from an ATM using your Cash Card.
Does Cash App report credit card transactions to credit bureaus?
No. Cash App transactions do not appear on your credit report. Your credit card issuer may report the transaction to the card networks, but it shows as a purchase with Cash App (or Square, Inc.), not as a separate line item on your credit report.
What if I want to use a different credit card for each payment?
You can add multiple credit cards and select which one to use before each transaction. When you send money or add cash, Cash App shows all your linked cards. Pick the one you want for that specific payment.
Is it safe to add my credit card to Cash App?
Cash App encrypts your card information and does not store full card numbers on its servers. Your data is protected by the same security standards used by banks. However, only add a card if you trust the app and have reviewed Cash App's privacy policy.
Can I add a prepaid credit card to Cash App?
Yes. Most prepaid credit cards work with Cash App as long as they have a card number, expiration date, and CVV. Some prepaid cards may be declined if the issuer restricts third-party transfers. Try adding it; if it's rejected, contact the prepaid card company to ask if they support Cash App.