Venmo app facilitates convenient peer-to-peer money transactions for its users, enabling them to send and receive funds easily. With its user-friendly interface and quick processing time, Venmo has become a go-to app for many people when sending money to family and friends, splitting bills, or paying for purchases. However, one question frequently arises whether you can add a credit card to Venmo. This guide will explore the answer, its practical implications, and the steps to add a credit card to your Venmo account.
Can you pay Venmo with a credit card?
Yes, you can add a credit card to your Venmo account, and Venmo offers the option to add debit and credit cards to your payment methods. However, it is essential to note that Venmo charges a 3% fee for credit card transactions, which makes it less attractive than using a debit card or bank transfer.
How to Add a Credit Card to Venmo
The process of including a credit card to Venmo is straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open the Venmo app or log in to your account on venmo.com.
2. Tap on the three-bar icon on the top left corner of the screen to access the menu.
3. Select “Settings,” then “Payment Methods.”
4. Tap on “Add a bank or card.”
5. Choose “Card” from the pop-up.
6. Enter your card information, including the card number, expiration date, and security code.
7. Confirm your card by entering the code sent to your card’s billing address or by authenticating your Venmo account.
With your credit card added to your Venmo account, you can make fast and secure payments to friends and family members and even pay for goods and services from select merchants.
How to change the payment method on Venmo
You can change your Venmo payment method at any time. You will have to edit your payment method in order to change that in your account. This will update your payment method, which you will use to make new and future purchases or transfers. Follow these steps to change the payment method:
- login to your account and tab on the “Me” or tab on your picture.
- At the top right tab on the “Settings” gear
- Tap “Payment Method”
- You will see “Venmo Credit Card”, “Add a bank or Card” and “Preferred in-store payment method”.
- Change your preferred payment method from there.
Note that after changing the payment method, Venmo will use your preferred method any time you make a payment; once payment is sent, it cannot be changed to a different one.
Why Add a Credit Card to Venmo?
Adding a credit card to Venmo can have several benefits, depending on your needs and priorities. Here are some reasons why you may want to add a credit card to your Venmo account:
Earn rewards
Most credit card companies offer reward programs that allow you to earn points or cash back for every dollar spent. For instance, if you link your cashback credit card to Venmo, you’ll earn cashback on every transaction. Over time, this can add to significant savings, making it an excellent way to increase your credit card rewards earnings.
Convenience
Linking a credit card to your Venmo account can be a convenient option when you don’t have enough funds in your Venmo balance but still want to complete a transaction. Use your credit card to sort for the difference and avoid the inconvenience of transferring money from your bank account.
Build Credit
A credit card used responsibly can help you build your credit score. By adding your credit card to Venmo and using it for transactions, you can show a consistent payment history and improve your creditworthiness. However, this requires disciplined use of your credit card and paying your balance on time.
Safety and Security
A credit card to Venmo can add an extra layer of security to your transactions. Credit card companies have advanced fraud detection mechanisms to flag suspicious transactions in real-time. If you add your credit card to Venmo, you add a second security layer against fraudulent activities. Suppose you notice any suspicious activity on your credit card or Venmo account. In that case, you can easily contact your credit card company to report the situation, and the company can investigate and reverse the charges if necessary.
Better Budgeting
Using a credit card on Venmo can also help you keep track of your spending. Most credit cards have digital tools that allow you to monitor your spending and purchases. With Venmo, you can also view your transaction history, making it easy to see how much you’ve spent on which purchases. This knowledge can help you build a budget and prevent overspending.
Increased purchasing power
Lastly, using a credit card on Venmo can increase your purchasing power. In some cases, you may need to make a larger-than-usual purchase. With insufficient funds in your Venmo account, you can tap into your credit line to complete the transaction. This can be particularly useful in emergencies or unexpected expenses where you don’t have the cash to purchase.
Alternatives to Adding a Credit Card to Venmo
While adding a credit card to Venmo can be convenient, alternative payment methods may suit your needs better. Some of these include:
● Debit card: If you want to avoid the 3% fee charged for credit card transactions on Venmo, adding a debit card to your account is a practical option. Using your debit card allows you to make purchases or send money without incurring additional fees.
● Bank transfer: Linking your bank account to Venmo enables you to transfer money between your Venmo balance and your bank account. This option is free and valid for large transactions or when you want to withdraw money from Venmo.
● Venmo balance: If you frequently use Venmo to make transactions, funding your Venmo account with money from your bank account or a debit card can be a reliable option. This allows you to bypass credit card fees and have more control over your spending.
Why Won’t My Debit Card Work On Venmo?
Venmo offers a quick and convenient way to share funds with friends and family. However, it can be frustrating when payments fail, mainly when using a debit card. There can be several reasons why your debit card won’t work on Venmo, and some of the most common reasons are:
● Your bank or card issuer is declining the transaction: This is often the most common reason payments fail on Venmo. If your bank or card issuer declines the transaction outside of Venmo, it won’t work on Venmo either. This can happen if your account balance is low or some unusual activity on your account has set off a security flag.
● The payment attempt has triggered one of Venmo’s automated security flags: Venmo uses a computerized system to detect suspicious activity on accounts. If the system identifies any suspicious activity, it can temporarily hold payments from the account until the issue is resolved.
● Your card details are incorrect: If you have entered incorrect card details, such as the wrong card number, expiration date, or CVV code, your payment won’t go through.
If you’re having trouble adding your debit card to Venmo, contacting Venmo’s customer support team for assistance is best. They can help you troubleshoot the problem and add your card to the app so you can start making payments.
Conclusion
Adding a credit card to Venmo can be a convenient option for certain transactions. However, it is essential to remember that there is a 3% fee for credit card transactions. Depending on your priorities, a debit card, bank transfer, or Venmo balance may be a better alternative. By understanding how to add a credit card to Venmo and the associated fees, you can make informed decisions on using the app while maximizing its benefits.
