How to Add Money to Venmo: Step-by-Step Guide (with Photos)

Venmo is quickly becoming a widely-used payment option to pay for all types of purchases, from retail to food. You can also use this peer-to-peer app to send money to friends and family to pay for goods and services.

Venmo is gaining in popularity and becoming more popular than traditional payment methods, partly due to its ease of use and acceptance in more places than ever. However, users might want to know how to add money to their Venmo account. 

Venmo will default to using the balance in your app first. However, if you need to cover larger purchases, you can add a bank account to help pay for any money that is still due. 

There are two ways to add money to your Venmo account. First, you can add money using a bank account or a credit or debit card. In this article, we’ll look at how to add money using both methods as well as by using a Venmo card.  

Before we start, however, it should be noted that you don’t need to have money in your Venmo account to make purchases. Your linked bank account or credit or debit card will cover any payments you make if you don’t have enough money in your Venmo wallet. In addition, you may only be able to add a bank account once you apply for and get a Venmo Debit Card. 

Let’s break down exactly how to add money to your Venmo balance using a bank account or bank card!

Method #1: Using a Bank Account

To add money using your bank account, you must first link an account and then add money to the app. 

To add money using a bank account.

1. Open the Venmo app. 
2. Go to the Me tab. 
3. While in the Wallet section, select Manage Balance.
4. Tap Next.
5. Select the bank account you want to use. 
6. Ensure the transfer information is correct, and tap Add now.

Once you’ve started the transfer process, you cannot cancel the action. 

Method #2: Using a Debit or Credit Card

Adding a debit or credit card to your Venmo account will help you pay for purchases through the app. Venmo will instead use your card for payment. 

To add your debit or credit card and add funds to Venmo: 

1. Open the Venmo app. 
2. Go to Settings. 
3. Select Payment Methods. 
4. Select Add bank or card.
5. Choose to add a debit or credit card. 
6. Enter your card information to continue. 

Credit cards may incur a 3% fee from Venmo. 

For more information about how to add money to Venmo check out the video below.

Method #3: Using a Venmo Card

You also have the option to get a Venmo Debit Card. These cards will use auto-reload to add money in $10 increments if your balance doesn’t cover a Venmo purchase. Any leftover money remains in your account until you need it for another purchase. 

What is a Venmo Debit Card?

A Venmo Debit Card is a debit card, just like having a Mastercard®. That’s because it works like a Mastercard, and you can use it whenever Mastercard is accepted. However, it’s not an actual credit card. Instead, it works like any other debit card. Venmo will use your balance to pay for any purchase made with the debit card. 

How Long Until Money Appears in My Venmo Account?

Once you’ve transferred money from your payment source, it can take 3-5 business days for the funds to appear in Venmo. Weekends and holidays do affect transfer times. You can always check the status of your transfer under the Me tab in the Venmo app. 

Why Can’t I Add Money to My Venmo Account?

If you don’t see the option to add money, you will have to apply for and receive a Venmo Debit Card. Only users with a Venmo card can add money to their balance. 

The image featured at the top of this post is ©rafapress/Shutterstock.com.