Send and receive money on Cash App: Step by step

Whether you’re paying friends back for your share of lunch, contributing to a group gift, or sending money to family, Cash App makes transferring money as simple as sending a text message. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from sending your first payment to managing your money safely.

BY CASH APP TEAMMay 1, 2026
5MIN READ TIME

THE GIST OF IT

  • Send and receive money instantly using a phone number, email, or $cashtag.
  • Sending money is free when you use your Cash App balance, bank account, or debit card.
  • Security features include 24/7 fraud detection, encryption, and real-time alerts.
  • Move money in and out of Cash App with instant transfers, standard transfers, direct deposit, and paper money deposits.

How to send money with Cash App

Send money to anyone on Cash App using their $cashtag, phone number, or email. Money moves instantly between Cash App accounts.

Step by step

  1. Open Cash App and go to the payment screen (the $ symbol).
  2. Enter the amount you want to send (minimum $1) and hit pay.
  3. Search for the recipient by name, $cashtag, phone number, or email. 
  4. Add a note of what the payment is for.
  5. Tap Pay to send. The money moves instantly.

How to receive money on Cash App

Anyone can send you money using your $cashtag, phone number, or email. Here's how to make sure people can find you.

Ways people can pay you

  • $cashtag. Your unique identifier that starts with $. Share it with anyone who wants to send you money.
  • Phone number or email. The same contact info you used to sign up for Cash App.
  • Payment link. A unique link found in your profile that you can share through text or email.

How to request money

  1. Open Cash App and go to the payment screen (the $ symbol).
  2. Enter the amount you're requesting (minimum $1) and hit Request.
  3. Add a note describing what the request is for.
  4. Choose whether to send a link or request through the app.
    1. If requesting through the app, search for the person by name, $cashtag, phone number, or email.
    2. If sending a link, a link will be generated that you can send via text or DMs
  5. Tap Request.

If you request money from someone who doesn't have Cash App, they'll be able to pay you through a payment link with Apple Pay or Google Pay.

How to accept pending payments

Some payments arrive marked as "Pending" and need your approval. Review your privacy settings in Account Settings to make sure you allow people to request money from you.

  1. Open Cash App and tap the Activity tab.
  2. Find the payment marked as Pending.
  3. Tap the payment, then tap Accept.

What to do if a payment isn't showing up

If you're expecting money that hasn't arrived:

  1. Check identity verification. Look for verification prompts in your profile. Completing verification often resolves receiving limit issues.
  2. Confirm payment details. Make sure the sender used the correct $cashtag, phone number, or email. Small typos can send payments to the wrong person.
  3. Try basic troubleshooting. Update Cash App to the latest version, check your internet connection, or sign out and back in.
  4. Ask the sender to check their end. The issue may be with their bank account, debit card, or Cash App balance.

How to add money to Cash App

Managing the flow of money into and out of your Cash balance gives you more control over your finances. Understanding your options helps you choose the most convenient and cost-effective method for your specific needs.

From your bank, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

  1. Open Cash App and tap the Money tab.
  2. Select Add money and enter the amount.
  3. Confirm your transfer. Money appears in your balance instantly.

With paper money

Deposit cash at participating stores.

Find a location:

  1. In Cash App, tap the Money tab.
  2. Select Deposit paper money.
  3. Enter your ZIP code to find nearby locations (including Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS).

Make your deposit:

  1. Show your deposit barcode to the cashier or swipe your Cash App Card.
  2. Hand them the cash and get a receipt.
  3. Once the store processes the transaction, the money is available in your Cash App balance.

How to withdraw money from Cash App

To withdraw money, you'll need a linked bank account. With your bank account connected, you can access two withdrawal options designed to match your timing needs and fee preferences. 

Standard transfers are completely free and deliver funds to your bank account within a few business days, making them good for routine transfers when you're not in a hurry. 

On the other hand, instant transfers are immediate but come with a small fee, so you may want to limit their use to moments when you need your money fast.

Link your bank account

  1. In Cash App, tap the Profile icon.
  2. Under Account & settings, select Linked bank accounts.
  3. Tap Link bank (you may need to link a debit card first).
  4. Follow the prompts.

Make a transfer

  1. In Cash App, tap the Money tab.
  2. Select Withdraw.
  3. Enter the amount.
  4. Choose Standard (free, 1–3 business days) or Instant (fee applies, arrives in minutes).
  5. Select your linked bank account.

Cash App fees

The majority of everyday Cash App transactions won't cost you a thing. Here's what costs money and what doesn't.

Fee-free services

Sending money (from Cash App balance, bank account, or debit card): Free

Receiving money: Free

Standard transfers to your bank (1–3 business days): Free

Cash App fees

Credit card payments: 3% of transaction amount

Instant transfers to your bank: 0.5%–1.75% (minimum $0.25)

Paper money deposits: $1 per deposit (free with $300+/month direct deposit1)

Get started with Cash App

Cash App lets you manage your money your way, right from the palm of your hand. Whether you're splitting dinner with friends, paying your share of the rent, or sending money to family, you can do it all from one app, with the security, flexibility, and convenience you need. Signup for Cash App today.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to send money on Cash App?

Someone sent me money but I don't have Cash App yet

Can I send money without verifying my identity?

Can I cancel a payment if I send it to the wrong person?

Can I receive money without linking a bank account?

Is my $cashtag private?

How do I check if my account is verified?

How long does it take to receive money?