How to add money to Venmo without a bank account

In the digital age, mobile payment apps like Venmo have transformed how you send, receive, and manage money. Whether you're splitting dinner with friends or paying your share of rent, Venmo offers a fast, easy, and user-friendly solution.

Traditionally, most people think using Venmo requires linking a bank account. And while that's the standard method, it's not the only way. 

In fact, more people are now looking for ways to use Venmo without tying it to a bank, especially those who prefer cash-based lifestyles or are currently unbanked.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about how to add money to Venmo without a bank account, exploring both official and practical workarounds.

Can you use Venmo without a bank account?

Venmo was initially designed to connect directly with a user's bank account or debit card.

This setup allows people to withdraw money, fund their Venmo balance, and transfer funds between their accounts. 

However, this doesn't mean you're locked out of Venmo if you don't have a bank account. Let's break it down:

Here are some Venmo features that require a bank account:

• Transferring money from your Venmo balance to your bank.

• Adding funds to your Venmo balance via the traditional "Add Money" function.

• Setting up direct deposit from an employer into your bank (unless you use Venmo Direct Deposit with the Venmo Card).

With that said, here's what you can do without a bank account:

• Receive money from other Venmo users.

• Pay others using your Venmo balance.

• Shop using your Venmo balance with an approved prepaid card or Venmo debit card.

• Add money using alternative methods such as prepaid cards or reload networks.

Let's explore the different ways to fund your Venmo account without ever linking it to a bank.

Ways to add money to Venmo without a bank account

Many people often wonder how to add cash to Venmo without a bank account. Luckily, there are multiple ways to make that happen, such as using a Venmo debit card, prepaid card, or reload networks. 

Each method varies in terms of fees, convenience, and availability, so you can choose what works best for you.

Let's explore each in detail:

Use a Venmo debit card to deposit cash

One easy and secure way to get money into your Venmo account is to use the Venmo Debit Card. The card is directly connected to your Venmo balance¹ and can be used like any other debit card to make in-store purchases or online transactions.

The Venmo Debit Card, which is a MasterCard², is free to request. When you activate your card, it allows you:

• To spend your Venmo balance at any place where MasterCard is accepted.

• To get cash back from ATMs.

• To receive exclusive features, such as the ability to fund your Venmo account in stores in person.

What it means is that you don't need a bank account to fund Venmo – all you need is your Venmo card and some cash.

"Add Cash" facility at partner retailers

Venmo has partnered with various major retailers, making it easy to add cash. Here's how you could do it:

• Open the Venmo app and tap on the "Me" tab (your profile).

• Tap "Manage Balance".

• Select "Add Money", then "Add Cash".

• Venmo will ask you to make a special barcode.

• Take your phone (with the barcode) and cash to a partner store.

• A cashier will scan your barcode and accept your cash. The money will appear in your Venmo balance shortly.

And if you're wondering, 'where can I load my Venmo card,' there are various participating stores you can use to deposit cash, such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, 7-Eleven, Rite Aid, Dollar General, and Family Dollar. 

Fees and Limits

There is a service fee of $3.74³ per deposit, depending on the retailer.

• Minimum deposit: $20

• Maximum per transfer: $500

• There are also daily and weekly limits (typically around $1,000 per day and $3000 per week³).

This is one of the most convenient options to add paper money to Venmo.  

Receive money from other Venmo users

Another easy way to top up your Venmo balance is to receive funds from friends, family, or other Venmo users.

When someone sends you money through Venmo, it's automatically added to your in-app balance. You won't need a bank account connected to hold or spend this money. 

You can:

• Pay others with your Venmo balance.

• Spend with Venmo Debit Card.

• Purchase items online where Venmo is an accepted payment (such as in the PayPal checkout flow⁴).

Here's how other users can send you money:

• Launch the Venmo app.

• Tap "Pay or Request."

• Enter your username, phone number, or scan your Venmo QR code.

• Enter the amount and, optionally, a brief note.

• Tap "Pay" to send the money.

You'll get a notification once the money is sent, and the funds will appear in your balance instantly.

Add money via prepaid cards

Even if you don't have a standard bank account, you can transfer money onto your Venmo balance by linking a prepaid debit card.

Venmo lets you add prepaid cards to your account if they're issued by major card networks. To add a prepaid card, follow the steps below:

• Open the Venmo app.

• Go to Settings > Payment Methods.

• Tap "Add Bank or Card."

• Choose "Card" and enter (or scan) your prepaid card information.

Once you add it, the card can be used for:

• Sending money to friends on Venmo.

• Making payments with Venmo.

• Fund money into your Venmo balance (when the card permits it).

Supported prepaid card brands

Venmo typically accepts prepaid cards from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover.

The card must be: 

• Issued in your name.

• Activated to make online payments (contact the card issuer).

• Capable of making transfers.

Here are the potential fees and limitations you should know:

• Some cards might not support transfers to and from Venmo.
• There may be loading fees by the prepaid card issuer.
• There might be Venmo spending limits on prepaid card use.

Not all prepaid cards work, but many popular reloadable cards (such as Netspend or Bluebird) are often accepted.

Using cash reload networks

Another indirect but effective means to reload Venmo without a bank account is to use cash reload networks, such as Green Dot or MoneyPak.

These networks allow you to deposit cash into electronic funds, which can be added to your Venmo account through a partner prepaid card.

Here's a step-by-step overview:

1. Go to a participating retail outlet (such as CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart).
2. Buy a Green Dot MoneyPak card (typically $5.95⁵).
3. Load it with the cash you'd like to add.
4. Use the MoneyPak to fund a prepaid debit card that you've already linked to Venmo.
5. Transfer money from the prepaid card into your Venmo account (if allowed by the card).

Although the method isn't the most direct, it comes in handy when:

• You already have a prepaid card.
• You have to deposit more than a tiny amount of cash.
• You'd rather be in person.

Some caveats and important things you should consider include:

• Fees: Reload cards typically have a flat fee per transaction.
• Wait Time: Money takes minutes to hours to show up in your prepaid card or Venmo.
• Compatibility: Not all prepaid cards support reloading from MoneyPak or Green Dot.
• Security: Buy reload cards from legitimate stores to prevent scams.

This process might be more convenient if you pair it with the prepaid card option above.

Setting up Venmo without a bank account

You don't need a bank account to open and use Venmo. In fact, if you have only a debit card or prepaid card, you can get started with just a few simple steps.

Here's how to set up Venmo without a bank account:

1. Download the Venmo app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up using your phone number, email, and create a strong password.
3. Once you have set up your profile, proceed to Settings > Payment Methods.
4. Tap "Add Bank or Card," then "Card."
5. Fill in the information for your prepaid or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).
6. Venmo will verify your card, and once it's accepted, you can start receiving and sending money.

No bank? Fret not. As long as your card is valid and registered in your name, you're good to go.

KYC (Know Your Customer) Requirements

To meet federal laws and regulations, Venmo needs to confirm your identity. Without a bank account or not, you'll have to undergo a KYC, which usually includes:

• Your official full name
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax ID
• A government-issued photo ID 

The process allows for features such as sending a high amount of money or using the Venmo debit card.

Limitations to be aware of

As a potential Venmo user, here are a few limitations to know:

• Without a bank account, you can't cash out from Venmo to a bank.
• You might have spending limits until you're fully verified as a person.
• Some features, like instant transfers, might not work with prepaid cards.
• Not all prepaid cards qualify, particularly those that don't allow online transfers.

For typical day-to-day use, such as receiving payments, paying friends back, or using your Venmo card to shop, you can spend Venmo to the limit – no bank necessary.

Conclusion

There you have it! Now you know the answer to the query: Do you need a bank account for Venmo? 

Venmo is becoming more flexible and inclusive, especially for users who prefer cash or don't have access to a traditional bank. Whether you use a Venmo prepaid card, debit card, or get money from friends, you now have multiple ways to use the platform without needing a bank account.

As interest grows in how to deposit cash into Venmo and manage digital money in a cash-first world, it's reassuring to know that tools like Venmo are adapting.

Always check fees, limits, and compatibility with your chosen method. With a little planning, you can enjoy the full benefits of Venmo – and that too without a bank account.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of July 16, 2025

1. https://venmo.com/about/debitcard/

2. https://help.venmo.com/cs/articles/venmo-debit-card-faq-vhel146

3. https://help.venmo.com/cs/articles/add-cash-in-stores-vhel337

4. https://developer.paypal.com/docs/checkout/pay-with-venmo/

5. https://www.moneypak.com/help#:~:text=Just%20purchase%20a%20MoneyPak%20at,embossed%20with%20the%20cardholder's%20name.

6. https://venmo.com/send-receive/start/

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.