Last Updated on September 23, 2023
This guide is for all the Venmo users out there who want to add money to their Venmo accounts but don’t have a bank account. On Venmo, only people who have been approved for a Venmo Mastercard Debit Card can add money from their bank accounts directly to their Venmo balance. That’s to say that you can only add money to your Venmo balance (aside from receiving money from others on Venmo) with a Venmo debit card. You have to sign up for it, connect your bank account to the card, and then transfer money from your bank account to your Venmo account. But that can take time. Let’s not even mention the fact that people without a bank account can’t use this method.
You can also use a credit or debit card, as well as a bank account, to add money to your Venmo balance.
But what if you need to add money directly to your Venmo balance and you don’t have a bank account or don’t want to link it to your Venmo account?
Now, here’s the good news: You don’t actually need to add money to your Venmo balance in order to use Venmo. And a bank account isn’t the only option available to add money to your Venmo balance.
How to add money to Venmo without bank account
No stories, here’s a list of methods to add money to Venmo without a bank account directly:
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Venmo direct deposit
The good ol’ direct deposits. You can arrange for your paychecks to be deposited directly into your Venmo account. But remember that you need to be approved for this service by completing the required identity verification steps necessary to use this service. Don’t worry, we’d teach you how to get verified later on, for now let’s just continue with the direct deposit ‘saga’. Here’s how to set up direct deposits:
- Open the Venmo app
- Go to the You tab
- Select Direct Deposit from the Settings menu
- Show the Account Number and note down the account information and routing number provided
- Use these details to fill out your employer’s direct deposit form
- If you need Venmo’s partner bank information, you can find it on their customer support website at help.venmo.com
It may take up to 2 pay cycles for the changes to take effect and for funds to start depositing into your Venmo account.
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Ask a friend
You can give someone, particularly a friend or family member, cash and have them send you money on Venmo. This will immediately reflect in your Venmo balance. However, be cautious and only do this with people you completely trust, as there is a risk of scams.
As experts, we’d be blunt. This method isn’t as reliable or effective as you might think. Sure asking a friend may seem convenient, but what if you are unable to get someone who uses Venmo? Will you keep waiting?
What if you are in an emergency, will you keep looking for someone to transfer money to your Venmo?
Therefore, we don’t really trust this idea, and also, won’t recommend it, just use any of the other methods to add money to your Venmo. Or you visit any bank in the US, and request an account opening, it is as simple as that.
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Cash a cheque service
This option is only available if you have a Venmo debit card or have set up direct deposit. Let’s get started on the steps needed to cash a cheque using Venmo:
- Go to the You tab
- Select Manage Balance
- Choose Cash a Cheque
- Enter the amount and take photos of the front and back of the cheque
- Select how quickly you want access to the funds (faster options may have fees)
- Wait for the request to be processed, which can take up to 1.5 hours but usually just a few minutes
- If approved, you’ll be asked to write “VOID” on the cheque and provide photos of the voided cheque
- A summary page will show the details of your cheque cashing
The funds will be available in 10 days or even sooner, depending on the chosen option.
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Venmo debit card reloads
While reloads don’t actually add money to your Venmo balance in the actual sense of things, they’re a viable way to make transactions instantly when you don’t have sufficient money in your Venmo balance.
To put it succinctly, Venmo debit card reloads are a useful feature that allows you to add money to your Venmo card for purchases, even when your Venmo balance is low. Here’s a more realistic explanation of how it works:
Imagine you have no money in your Venmo balance, but you want to buy something that costs $35. With the reloads feature, Venmo will take $35 from your bank account and add it to your Venmo balance. This will cover the cost of the purchase. After the transaction is complete, your Venmo balance will be reduced to $0, as the $35 purchase amount has been deducted.
The purpose of reloads is to prevent your transactions from being declined and to avoid overdraft fees. Reloads will only be activated if your Venmo card purchase exceeds your Venmo balance. So, when you enable reloads, the system will automatically use funds from your bank account to complete the transaction when needed.
How long does it take to fund money on Venmo?
When it comes to sending money on Venmo, the timing depends on the situation. Let’s break it down:
Instant transfers
If you’re sending money from one account to another, it should reach your Venmo account right away. Venmo uses instant transfer technology (whatever that means) for funds transfer, which means the funds are transferred within minutes.
Add funds to your Venmo balance
However, if you’re trying to add money to your Venmo balance from a bank account, credit card, or debit card, it may take a bit longer. This process usually takes 2 to 3 business days. So, you’ll have to wait a couple of days for the money to show up in your Venmo balance.
Cashing a Cheque with Venmo
If you’re using Venmo’s “Cash a Check” service, the time it takes for the funds to be available can vary. It might take up to 10 days, but sometimes it can be as quick as a few minutes. It depends on the option you choose during the process.
Once the money is in your Venmo account, you’re free to spend it as you wish.
Why don’t I see the option to add money in my Venmo app?
If you don’t see the option to add money in your Venmo app, it’s because the feature is only available to users who have applied for and received a Venmo Debit Card. Only those with a Venmo debit card can manually add money to their Venmo balance.
Can I add money to my Venmo account at a store?
A capital “NO”. The only possible way to add money to your Venmo account is via the Venmo app and not possible through a store like Walmart. There is virtually no way to add physical cash to your Venmo account. Except maybe you ask a friend to help you out and you give them the cash. But as we said previously, that method is not reliable so it’s out the window.
Conclusion—add money to Venmo without bank account
Some of the methods might be a ‘chore’, others a little too much with the terms and conditions attached, or not reliable at all.
But since we’re an ‘advocate’ for the lazy folks. So we’d go out and say – put in some of the ‘legwork’, open a bank account, link it to your Venmo, then sit back on a couch and relax while the Venmo app does the rest of the magic.
Resources
- Adding Money to Your Venmo Balance. Venmo
- Venmo Debit Card Reloads. Venmo
- Cash a Check FAQ. Venmo
Read also: places to load Venmo card
