4 Ways You Can Use Cash App Without a Bank Account

Written By Adrian Volenik

With so many people already using Cash App, it’s no wonder you’re interested in one as well. Cash App is a mobile payments app but also a digital bank account itself. 

So, if you’re wondering whether you need a bank account for Cash App, here’s the answer.

You don’t need a bank account to open and use a Cash App account. You can send and receive money as well as deposit cash. However, you’ll only be able to withdraw cash at ATMs as you don’t have another bank account or card connected.

Now that we have that answered, let’s see what we can and can’t do without a linked bank account. 

How to Add Funds to Cash App Without a Bank Account

The way people usually add money to Cash App is to transfer funds from their connected bank account. However, what else is at our disposal?

We can always add that money to your Cash App balance at retail stores like Walmart, 7-Eleven, or Dollar General. Cash Deposits are nowadays supported only at:

  • Dollar General
  • Family Dollar
  • 7-Eleven
  • Walmart (Customer Service Desk/ Money Centers)
  • GoMart
  • Walgreens
  • Duane Reede
  • KwikTrip
  • StopNGo
  • H-E-B
  • Rite Aid
  • Speedway
  • Kum & Go
  • Sheetz

To deposit cash, tell the cashier that you’d like to add cash to your Cash App with a barcode. This is crucial. They need to scan your Cash App barcode. 

If the cashier still doesn’t understand how to proceed, offer them the details on your smartphone by tapping the “?” on your Cash App map. 

READ ALSO: Can You Transfer Money From Gift Card to Cash App? (Solution)

After the barcode has been scanned and the money exchanged hands, the funds will automatically be transmitted to your Cash App balance. 

Sometimes, cashiers demand to swipe or insert your Cash Card to do the cash deposit. This isn’t the way to accomplish that, and you should instruct them to rather scan the Cash App’s barcode.

You can find the barcode if you open the “Banking” tab in Cash App and select “Paper Money”. Here, you can use the search bar to enter an address or find a location near you via GPS. 

Once you tap on the location, you get presented with a barcode, and you can see the terms and conditions, including how much it will cost you to deposit cash at this location. 

So, how much is this going to cost you? Typically, you’ll have to pay a $1 fee for cash deposits to your Cash Card at retail stores. Honestly, it could be worse because some other digital banks charge $3-5 for cash deposits at retail stores, if not more.

However, this solely depends on the location. For that reason, it’s best to check beforehand in the app. 

There are also limits as to how much you can deposit at retail stores and other eligible locations:

  1. Up to $1,000 per rolling 7 days 
  2. $4,000 per rolling 30 days 
  3. A min of $5 and a maximum of $500 per deposit

How to Request Funds From Someone on Cash App (No Bank Account Needed)

sending and receiving money cash app

You can alternatively request money from other Cash App users. To do this:

  1. Tap the $ for the Cash App home screen
  2. Enter the cash you want to receive
  3. Tap “Request” to search for a $Cashtag, email address, or a phone number
  4. Add an optional note 
  5. Tap “Request” again to complete the action

We need to mention that unless you have verified your Cash App account, you can only send and receive up to $1,000 within a 30-day period. 

READ NEXT: 5 Ways to Put Money on SmarTrip Card (Online and Offline)

How to Enable Direct Deposits (Without a Linked Bank Account)

direct deposit

Another method of funding your Cash App account without a bank account is by enabling direct deposits. The app lets you deposit everything from paychecks and tax returns to payments from side hustles, for instance. 

In order to facilitate direct deposits, you need to know your account and routing numbers

Direct deposits are generally available up to two days earlier than with traditional banks. The first deposit takes a couple of pay cycles to come through. Until then, you’ll keep receiving them the old way.

To set up direct deposits, you first need to order, get and activate your Cash Card. You will then instantly see your new account and routing numbers. To find and copy them, do the following:

  1. Tap the “Banking tab” 
  2. Below your balance, tap the routing and account number 
  3. Copy your account and routing numbers

To set everything up with payroll login directly:

  1. First, tap the “Banking tab” 
  2. Select “Direct Deposit”
  3. Tap “Get Started”
  4. Find your employer and follow the instructions

You can alternatively get a direct deposit form that you can give or email to your payer:

  1. Tap the “Banking tab” 
  2. Tap “Direct Deposit”
  3. Select “Get Direct Deposit Form”
  4. Fill out your employer’s info
  5. Enter the amount you want to deposit from each paycheck
  6. Sign
  7. Select “Email Form” 
  8. Enter the recipient’s address 
  9. Tap “Send”

To visit the completed direct deposit form again, tap “Get Direct Deposit Form” from the “Banking tab” and select “View Previous Form”.

How to Verify Your Account

ssn illustration

To increase limits and get some other perks, you will have to give the app the following details:

  1. Your full name 
  2. Date of birth 
  3. The last 4 digits of your SSN

Only people above 18 can have a verified account. The company may also ask you for additional information if they still can’t verify you. In addition, they may ask you to take a selfie and a photo of your driver’s license or state ID card. 

Apart from having higher limits, the company will ask you to verify your identity when you:

  1. Order a Cash Card
  2. Try to buy and sell Bitcoin
  3. Try investing in stocks

After you’ve verified your account and you have some funds in it, you can start paying for stuff but also sending and receiving money without limits. Apart from that, you can also start investing in stocks and Bitcoin. 

About Cash Card

Cash Card is Cash App’s Visa debit card that’s connected to your account. You can use it to pay online or in-store, withdraw cash at ATMs, and do everything else other debit cards can do. 

There are also no fees that you have to pay to get it or use it, except an ATM fee of $2.50 if you don’t receive at least $300 in direct deposits per month.  

Additionally, you can customize your Cash Card with custom designs, colors, and materials.

Lastly, there are Boosts that help you save money at gas stations, coffee shops, restaurants, etc. 

If this article was useful to you, check out more written by me and our team:

About the Author

Chief Editor at TopMobileBanks

Adrian is a fintech expert who has tested hundreds of financial apps, cards, and accounts. His love for testing digital banks, payment apps, and financial products, in general, is unmatched.

How many digital banking accounts can one man have?

Not enough, if you ask Adrian. As his wallet will soon explode if he doesn’t cut back on the number of cards.

On the plus side, they have enabled him to create awesome How-To Guides that you can read on our site.

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