Venmo is an app you can download on your smartphone. A Venmo account has quickly become one of the most popular ways to send and receive money, similar to a PayPal account. But can you use Venmo without a bank account linked to it or going through bank verification? There are some solutions when it comes to Venmo and using it without a bank account; continue reading to learn more about receiving and sending money through Venmo.
Getting a Venmo Debit Card
Venmo has its own debit card called a Venmo debit card or simply Venmo card. The convenient thing is that it doesn’t require getting a bank account. Here is how you can get a Venmo debit card:
- Sign up for a Venmo account after downloading the app.
- From here, head to the Settings menu.
- Under Settings, you should see Debit Card Application.
- You will have to fill out an application with some information like your name, residency information, and social security number, along with a government-issued ID.
Once you submit your application, you will find out about approval, and if everything looks good, you will get the debit card mailed to your address in a few weeks. Although there is a debit card option, there is also a credit card option available with a Venmo card, called the Venmo Mastercard debit card.
How to Load or Use a Venmo Card Without a Bank Account?
Once you have your Venmo account and debit card, you can load it with funds, and you’ll be able to use it anywhere else that a debit card is accepted. Although you can have a linked bank to your Venmo account, there are different ways to load your Venmo card without it. Here are some options to add to your Venmo balance without a bank account:
Direct Deposits
Just like having direct deposit set up for a bank account, you can have a direct deposit set up with a Venmo account. You will have to provide your employer with the same information as you would with your bank account—a routing and account number. Once you have direct deposit set up, your paychecks can be deposited into your Venmo account and you can use your Venmo debit card to access those funds.
Depositing/Cashing a Check
Another feature of the Venmo app is the ability to cash a check. To do this, you will need to take a picture of the front and back of the check (a mobile deposit). And then fill in the check amount. From here, your mobile check deposit will be completed. You can then use your Venmo debit card for in-person or online transactions.
Deposit or Withdraw Money at an ATM
You can use your Venmo debit card at an ATM to deposit or withdraw money without having a bank account. Any ATM that accepts Mastercard, PULSE, Cirrus, or MoneyPass should accept a Venmo debit card. Keep in mind that not all ATMs that accept a Venmo debit card are free. Anything other than a Moneypass ATM will come with a fee ranging from $2.50 to $3.00.
Receiving Money From Another Person
Another simple way to have money in your Venmo account is to receive the funds from another person. All they have to do is get your Venmo information, which can be your username, phone number, and email address. Or you can request money from the other Venmo user. From here, all they have to do is send the amount to your Venmo account for use with your card.
Other Ways To Receive Money Safely
Although Venmo can be convenient with a bank account linked and a Venmo debit card, you won’t be able to access your Venmo funds without those options. Here are some alternatives to Venmo to consider (some can be used without a bank account altogether):
Use a Built-in Bank Transfer Service
If you have a bank account, you may use a built-in money transfer service to receive or send money. Many financial institutions offer some kind of service like this with a checking account online. For example, with one major bank, Chase, customers can use Zelle from their cell phone or computer to instantly transfer or receive money (no need to wait a few business days with this) from their bank account.
Wire Transfers
Another option you can consider when sending or receiving money with or without a bank account is a wire transfer. A wire transfer allows for a fairly easy transfer of funds nationally and internationally. One thing to keep in mind is that when applying for online loan options like a payday loan online, wire transfer scams are extremely common.
Money Orders
Money orders make it possible to send and receive money without bank accounts. You can get a money order at a financial institution like a bank or credit union, retailers, grocery stores, and the United States post office. When working with retailers and some banks, there may be a fee that the person sending the money will have to pay. Be prepared to pick up the Money order with a driver’s license or state ID. The flexible thing is that money orders don’t have an expiration date.
Use a Prepaid Debit Card
Another way you can receive money from someone without a bank account is to have them load your funds onto a prepaid debit card. With this, there is no need to have a debit card linked to a checking or savings account. You can use a card you already have or get a new one from any major retailer, gas station, etc. You can easily add money onto a prepaid debit card, and it will be safe.
Personal Checks
One way to receive money is to have someone write you a personal check. You may need a bank account for check deposits; however, cashing a check can also work! This can be a relatively safe payment option as long as you know the party paying you. As depositing a bad check can have many consequences! Be prepared with a government-issued photo ID.
Get Money via Cash
Perhaps the easiest way to get the money you need is to get it in cash. This will only work if you can meet up with the other party/person.
The Bottom Line To Get Money From Venmo
A Venmo account is an easy way to receive or send money. Having a bank account linked to your Venmo can definitely make it easier to use the app. But, with a Venmo debit card, you should be able to receive and send money without linking your bank account. If you want to avoid the Venmo app, there are many ways to receive or send money safely.
References:
Using Your Venmo Debit Card
Venmo Debit Card FAQ
Venmo
