Venmo is a popular app for conveniently and securely transfer of money from one person to another. Whether you are splitting the cost of items or sending your friend money for movie tickets, Venmo makes transferring money easy. But an important question remains: how old do you have to be to use Venmo? This article will fill you in on the details regarding the age limit for using Venmo, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
How old do you have to be to use Venmo?
On the Venmo platform, it is not available for people under 18 years of age, does not require a credit check, and is also relatively easy to sign up and start using on the spot. Unfortunately, this means that minors can not create an account to start using Venmo.
What are Venmo’s requirements?
Here are four main core list requirements for using Venmo:
- You must have a physical home address in the United States that is connected to your bank account
- You must also be at least 18 years old
- You must have a U.S. cellphone number that can send and receive text messages.
- You must have a supported mobile device with internet access that can download the Venmo app updated version of 7.38.2 or newer from the Google Play Store or Apple Play Store.
To sign up for Venmo, you’ll need to provide your full name, date of birth, and email address, and create a password. You’ll also need to agree to Venmo’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. After you sign up, you can link your bank account or debit card to start using Venmo.
Can you have Venmo under 18?
You cannot have a Venmo account if you are under 18 years old as we already said because Venmo is regulated by the same laws as other financial institutions, and those laws prohibit minors from having their accounts.
But if you have a parent or guardian who is willing to sign up for an account and let you use their Venmo card, then that would work. Just keep in mind that anyone who allows you to use their account will be responsible for any transactions that you make.
Why Minors Can’t Have a Venmo Account
When it comes to financial decisions and transactions, minors are poor at it. They cannot open a bank account or get a credit card in their name. And when it comes to peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, they’re also at a disadvantage.
While some may argue that minors should be able to have a Venmo account to avoid carrying cash, the reality is that there are many risks associated with allowing minors to access financial accounts. For one, there is the risk of fraud. If a minor’s Venmo account is hacked, the hacker could potentially access the funds in the account and use them for their purposes.
What happens if you create Venmo under 18?
A few things could happen if you create a Venmo account under the age of 18, that is you will not be able to verify your identity because if you send $300 or more in one week, your identity verification will be needed by providing your SSN (social security number) or government issued ID card.
How to Get a Venmo Card When You’re Under 18?
As mentioned in the first part of this article, minors are not able to use Venmo because they are not legally allowed to enter into contracts. But what happens if there’s an emergency and the minor needs money? Well, something can be done in the case of an emergency, but we do not recommend letting your minor kid have access to your Venmo app as they are still learning how to manage money.
We recommend that you give them a regular prepaid or debit card with a limit that you can control if you want them to have access to any financial app like Venmo. When it comes to financial emergencies, we all know minors typically have a harder time than adults. This is because they often don’t have access to traditional financial resources, like credit cards or loans.
However, if the minor needs to have a Venmo card and you are the parent or guardian then you have to create an account with your information and request a card.
To get a Venmo card for a minor under 18 follow the quick guide below:
1. Download the Venmo app for iOS or Android devices.
2. Open the Venmo app and sign up with a very secure password.
3. The next step is to verify your email address.
4. Add a bank account and verify. That’s it.
Now you have to request for Venmo card, which will take a couple of days to get to the mailing address you provided.
Are there other Venmo alternatives for minors under 18?
For minors under the age of 18, there are few other Venmo alternatives. One option is Zelle, which is a peer-to-peer payment service that’s offered by major banks. Another option is Cash App, which is a mobile payment service developed by Square and also a Step banking app for teens.
Finally, there’s also the option of using a prepaid debit card, which can be reloaded with funds from your bank account. However, some prepaid debit cards come with fees that are quite high. So, you have to shop around to see what is best for you.
FAQ
Can a 13-year-old have Venmo?
A 13-year-old cannot have Venmo because the minimum age requirement is 18. This is because Venmo is a financial service that requires users to be of legal age. Financial services are heavily regulated and require users to be of legal age to protect them from fraud and other financial crimes.
Do you have to be 18 to get a Venmo card?
You are required to be 18 years or older to sign up for a Venmo account. When you sign up for Venmo, you’ll be asked to provide your information.
We recommend that you wait until you’re a bit older before signing up if you are not at the required age limit. This is because Venmo is designed for people who are 18 and older.
Can I get a Venmo debit card specifically for my child?
No, you cannot get a Venmo debit card for your child separately with their name on it. The card must be in the name of the account holder, and you can only have one active debit card associated with your Venmo account.
What Happens If Venmo Finds Out You’re Under 18?
If you’re caught using the app while you are under 18, your account will be suspended. You won’t be able to access your money or send or receive payments. If you have money in your account, Venmo may hold it.
Conclusion
18 years is the minimum age to use Venmo, though users between 13 and 17 may be able to access the service with parental permission. Make sure to read through Venmo’s Terms of Service before signing up to ensure you are familiar with its policies. Additionally, make sure you understand how Venmo works as well as its associated fees and potential scams.
