Venmo is a popular peer-to-peer payment app that allows you to easily send and receive money from friends and family. To send or receive payments on Venmo, you need to have a payment method linked to your account. One of the most convenient ways to do this is by adding your debit card.
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Steps to Add a Debit Card to Venmo
Adding a debit card to Venmo only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps:
1. Open the Venmo App and Log Into Your Account
- Open the latest version of the Venmo app on your iPhone or Android phone
- Log into your Venmo account using your username and password
2. Tap the Profile Icon in the Top Right
- At the bottom right corner of the screen, tap the profile icon (person silhouette)
- This will open up your Venmo profile
3. Select “Payment Methods”
- Under the “Account” section, choose “Payment Methods”
- This is where you can view any current cards and add new ones
4. Tap “Add New Card”
- Tap the blue “Add New Card” button
- A popup will appear prompting you to add the card details
5. Enter Your Debit Card Information
- Enter the 16-digit card number
- Enter the expiration date on the card
- Enter the 3-digit CVV security code on the back of the card
- Enter your billing address zip code
6. Tap “Add Card”
- Double check that all the card details are correct
- Tap the “Add Card” button to link your debit card
It may take 1-2 business days for Venmo to verify your card. Once verified, you’ll be able to select the debit card as a payment option when sending or receiving payments.
Tips for Adding a Debit Card Successfully
Here are some tips to ensure your debit card is added and verified properly:
- Enter the correct card details – Make sure you enter the right card number, expiration date, CVV code, and billing zip code to avoid issues.
- Use a supported card network – Venmo accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover debit and credit cards.
- Check card limits – Some debit card banks and credit unions have daily spending or weekly Venmo limits that may affect payments.
- Know your bank’s policies – Certain banks may decline Venmo connection requests for debit cards, so check bank rules first.
- Use your own legit card – Only add debit cards that are legally yours to avoid account issues or bans. Do not add someone else’s card.
Linking Your Bank Account and Debit Card on Venmo
In addition to adding your debit card, you can also link your bank account directly to Venmo either instead of or in addition to your card.
Here’s an overview of how to link a bank account:
1. Tap “Link a Bank Account”
In Payment Methods, tap “Link a Bank Account” next to your debit card
2. Search for Your Bank
Search for your bank’s name and select it when it appears
3. Enter Your Account Login Details
Enter your online banking username and password so Venmo can connect it
4. Review the Link
Check the details and confirm you want to link your bank account
It takes 2-3 business days for the bank account link to process. Once connected, you can use your bank account balance to send Venmo payments.
The main benefit of linking both a debit card and bank account is that it gives you flexible payment options to choose between.
Verifying Your Debit Card
After entering your brand new debit card information and tapping “Add Card”, Venmo will verify your card to make sure it’s valid.
Here is the verification process when adding a card:
- 1-2 Business Days Wait – It takes 1-2 business days for Venmo to verify your card with your bank.
- Two Small Deposits – Venmo will make two small random deposits between $0.01 and $0.99 into your checking account.
- Enter Deposit Amounts – Open the Venmo app and enter these two small deposit amounts to verify ownership of debit card.
Once the two amounts are entered correctly, your debit card will be successfully verified and ready to use for Venmo payments.
If over a week passes and your amounts are still not showing up from Venmo’s deposits, try contacting your bank to confirm that nothing is blocking the verification transactions. Extremely rarely, some strict banks do not allow Venmo verification deposits.
Using Your Debit Card in Venmo
After your debit card is successfully linked and verified on your Venmo account, you can start using it to send money, receive money, and make purchases with Venmo:
- Send Money – Select your debit card as the payment method when sending peer-to-peer Venmo payments.
- Receive Money – Any money you receive via Venmo will be instantly available to cash out or spend from your debit card balance.
- Pay at Checkout – Choose “Pay with Venmo” at checkout when shopping online and pick your debit card to pay.
- Get Cash at ATMs – Withdraw physical cash from your Venmo balance using your linked debit card at ATMs.
The process is quick, easy, and convenient with your debit card connected to your Venmo account. It opens up all that Venmo has to offer!
Removing a Debit Card From Venmo
If you ever need to remove a linked debit card from your Venmo account, follow these steps:
- Go to your “Payment Methods” in your Venmo profile
- Tap the trash can icon next to the card you want to remove
- Confirm you want to remove the card
Your debit card will immediately be disconnected and can no longer be selected for Venmo payments.
If you change your mind, you can always add back the same debit card or connect a brand new debit card later on.
Troubleshooting Venmo Debit Card Issues
Sometimes issues can pop up when trying to add, verify, or use a debit card with Venmo. Here is how to troubleshoot common problems:
Card Not Being Accepted? – Double check you entered the right card number, expiration date, and CVV code without any typos. Enter your billing zip code exactly as it appears on your card’s statement.
Verification Deposits Not Showing Up? – Give it the full 1-2 business days to receive the micro-deposits from Venmo into your checking account, delays can happen. Check your bank account instead of just your Venmo app.
Card Declined When Sending Money? – Your linked debit card itself may have been disabled, expired, reported lost/stolen, or has insufficient funds. Contact your bank for assistance.
Payment Failed Error? – Close and reopen the Venmo app, then try your payment again. Re-enter your card details if issues continue.
Account Frozen Due to Issues? – If your Venmo account has been temporarily frozen, you will have to contact Venmo support directly to resolve any compliance or risk issues.
Be sure to reach out to Venmo’s customer service through the app if your card problems remain unresolved or account limitations are imposed.
Venmo Debit Card Payment Security
Venmo uses encryption and other security measures to protect your debit card information, transactions, and privacy.
Here are some of the key ways Venmo keeps your debit card secure:
- Encrypted card data storage
- Secure bank-grade networks for payments
- Automated fraud monitoring systems
- FDIC pass-through insurance for balances
- No public transaction details shown
- Strong password requirements
While considered generally safe to use, you should still practice smart security habits like using unique account passwords, being wary of scam attempts, and monitoring closely for unauthorized charges.
As long as you protect your Venmo account access and details, adding and utilizing your debit card on Venmo carries very little risk overall.
Conclusion
Adding your debit card is an easy way to set up a payment method for sending, receiving, and spending money with your Venmo account.
Just open your Venmo app, tap “Payment Methods”, select “Add New Card”, enter your debit card particulars accurately, and verify through two small deposits.
