What you need to create a Cash App account

You can create a Cash App account in about five minutes using your phone. You need a US phone number, a valid email address, and either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Cash App is available on iPhone through the Apple App Store and on Android through Google Play.

Cash App does not require a bank account to sign up, but you will need one eventually if you want to move money in or out. You can link a debit card, credit card, or bank account later — the app lets you start with just your phone number and email.

You must be at least 13 years old to create an account, though some features (like sending money) require you to be 18 or older. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can set up a Cash App for Minors account with spending limits.

Key Takeaways

  • Download Cash App from your phone's app store, enter your phone number and email, and create a PIN or use biometric login within minutes.
  • You do not need a bank account to sign up, but linking one later lets you move money between Cash App and your checking account.
  • Cash App charges no fee to send money to other Cash App users, but charges 1.5% to 2% when you send money to people without the app using their debit card.
  • Your Cash Tag is a unique username you create during setup; other users send you money using your Cash Tag instead of your phone number or email.
  • Verify your identity with your full name, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number to unlock higher sending and receiving limits.

Download and open the app

Go to the Apple App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and search for "Cash App." The app is made by Block, Inc., the same company that owns Square. Tap Install or Get, wait for the download to finish, then tap Open.

When you open Cash App for the first time, you will see a screen asking you to sign up. Tap the button that says "Sign Up" or "Create Account" — do not tap "Log In" unless you already have an account.

Enter your phone number and email

Cash App will ask for your phone number first. Type the 10-digit number where you receive text messages and calls. Cash App will send you a verification code by text message — check your messages and enter that code into the app.

Next, enter your email address. This is the email you will use to log in if you ever switch phones or lose access to your phone number. Use an email you check regularly, because Cash App sends receipts and security alerts there.

Create a strong password — at least 8 characters, with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager. You will need this password every time you log in on a new device.

Create your Cash Tag and set up security

Cash App will ask you to create a Cash Tag, which is a unique username starting with a dollar sign (for example, $JennySmith). This is how other people send you money — they do not need your phone number or email. Choose something you are comfortable sharing publicly, because your Cash Tag appears on your profile.

You can change your Cash Tag later, but only once every 30 days. If someone else has already taken the Cash Tag you want, the app will tell you and suggest alternatives.

Next, set up a PIN or enable biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition). A PIN is a four-digit number you enter every time you send money or check your balance. Biometric login is faster and just as secure — your phone stores your fingerprint or face data, not Cash App.

Link a bank account or debit card

To move money into or out of Cash App, you need to connect a payment method. Tap the banking icon (usually at the bottom of the screen) and select "Add a Bank Account" or "Add a Card." Cash App accepts debit cards, credit cards, and direct links to checking or savings accounts.

If you link a bank account, Cash App can pull money directly from your checking account when you request a transfer. This is called an ACH transfer and usually takes one to three business days. If you link only a debit card, Cash App treats it as a card payment, which is faster but may carry a small fee depending on your card issuer.

Cash App will ask you to verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into the bank account you are linking. Check your bank statement in one to two business days, then return to Cash App and enter those amounts to confirm you own the account.

Verify your identity to raise your limits

When you first create an account, Cash App sets low limits on how much you can send and receive each week. To raise these limits, you need to verify your identity by providing your full legal name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or ITIN.

Tap your profile icon, select "Personal," then "Full Name" and "Date of Birth." Enter the information exactly as it appears on your government ID. Cash App verifies this information instantly against public records — you do not need to upload a photo of your ID.

Once verified, your weekly sending limit typically increases to several thousand dollars, depending on your account history and activity. Receiving limits are usually higher than sending limits.

What happens after you finish setup

Your account is now active and ready to use. You can receive money from other Cash App users immediately — they just need your Cash Tag. You can also request money from friends by tapping the "Request" button and entering their Cash Tag or phone number.

To send money, tap the "Pay" button, enter the recipient's Cash Tag or phone number, and the amount. If the person uses Cash App, the money arrives instantly and free. If you send money to someone without Cash App using their debit card, Cash App charges 1.5% to 2% of the amount.

Cash App also offers optional features like direct deposit (so your paycheck can go straight into Cash App), a Cash Card (a debit card linked to your Cash App balance), and Bitcoin buying. You do not need to set these up right away — explore them when you are ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bank account to create a Cash App account?

No. You can sign up with just a phone number and email. However, you will need to link a bank account or debit card eventually if you want to transfer money between Cash App and your bank, or to cash out your balance.

What if I forget my password?

Tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen. Cash App will send a reset link to your email address. Click the link, create a new password, and log in. Keep your email address current so you can always recover your account.

Can I use Cash App without a Social Security number?

Yes, you can create an account and receive money using just a phone number and email. However, you cannot verify your identity or raise your sending and receiving limits without providing your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have an ITIN, Cash App accepts it in place of an SSN.

How long does it take to verify my bank account?

Cash App deposits two small amounts into your bank account, which usually appear within one to three business days. Once you see them, return to Cash App and enter the amounts to complete verification. After that, transfers between Cash App and your bank take one to three business days.

Is Cash App safe to use?

Cash App uses encryption to protect your data and offers fraud protection if someone sends you money fraudulently. However, Cash App transfers are usually permanent — if you send money to the wrong person, you cannot reverse it. Always double-check the recipient's Cash Tag before you send.