Venmo vs. Cash App Fees: Costs, Features & Limits Compared
Venmo vs. Cash App: Which is cheaper? We compare instant transfer fees, credit card costs, investing features, and pros/cons to help you decide
In the battle of peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps, the two heavyweights in the US market are undoubtedly Venmo and Cash App. While Venmo acts as a social network for your finances, Cash App (owned by Block, formerly Square) positions itself as a more versatile financial tool for banking and investing.
For most users, the choice comes down to cost. Venmo vs Cash App fees are similar on the surface, but hidden costs in instant transfers and credit card usage can make a difference. This guide breaks down exactly which app will cost you less to use.
Fee Difference
The core functionality of sending money from a bank account is free on both platforms. However, when you want speed or need to use a credit card, the pricing models differ slightly.
| Transaction Type | Venmo Fees | Cash App Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Send (Bank/Balance) | Free | Free |
| Credit Card Funding | 3.00% | 3.00% |
| Instant Transfer (Cash Out) | 1.75% (Min $0.25, Max $25) | 0.50% - 1.75% (Min $0.25) |
| Standard Withdrawal (1-3 Days) | Free | Free |
| ATM Withdrawal | $2.50 (unless MoneyPass® ATM) | $2.50 (Reimbursable*) |
*Note: Cash App charges $2.50 per withdrawal (its own fee). Qualifying users with 'Green' status (e.g., $300+ in monthly qualifying direct deposits OR $500+ in qualifying Cash App Card/Pay spends) get unlimited free withdrawals at in-network ATMs (no Cash App fee).
Out-of-network ATMs still charge Cash App's $2.50 + any operator fee (typically $2–$3), with no reimbursement. As of November 5, 2025, Cash App ended reimbursements for out-of-network operator fees. Check the app for your eligibility and in-network locations.
Features Difference
This is where the apps truly separate. Venmo focuses on the "social" aspect of spending, while Cash App is built to be a mini-bank and investment brokerage in your pocket.
| Feature | Venmo | Cash App |
|---|---|---|
| Social Feed | Yes (Core Feature) | No (Private Only) |
| Cryptocurrency | Buy/Sell/Hold (Limited) | Buy/Sell/Send Bitcoin |
| Stock Investing | No | Yes (Commission Free) |
| Tax Filing | No | Yes (Cash App Taxes) |
| Debit Card Boosts | Yes | Yes (Instant Discounts) |
Pros and Cons
Before making a decision, consider the strengths and weaknesses of each platform regarding user experience and utility.
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Venmo |
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| Cash App |
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Which One is Best? (Scenario Basis)
Scenario A: Splitting Rent or Dinner
Winner: Venmo.
Venmo was built for this. The ability to calculate split costs and add notes/emojis makes it the socially acceptable way to pay friends back. Since most people already have it, you rarely have to ask someone to download a new app.
Scenario B: Financial Management & Investing
Winner: Cash App.
If you want to buy $5 worth of Apple stock, purchase Bitcoin, or file your taxes for free, Cash App is superior. It functions more like a "neobank" than just a payment app.
Scenario C: Privacy
Winner: Cash App.
Cash App transactions are private between the sender and receiver by default. Venmo defaults to public transactions (which you must manually change to private), meaning anyone can see who you are paying if you aren't careful.
FAQs
Which app is cheaper for Instant Transfers?
Cash App is potentially cheaper. Venmo charges a flat 1.75%. Cash App charges a variable fee between 0.5% and 1.75%. However, for most users, the difference is negligible.
Can I send money from Venmo to Cash App?
No directly. There is no button to send funds between the two apps. You must transfer the money from Venmo to your linked bank account, wait for it to clear, and then add it to Cash App (or vice versa).
Is Cash App safer than Venmo?
Both apps use encryption and fraud detection. However, Cash App includes a "Security Lock" feature that requires a PIN to move money, which is a strong safety feature. Venmo offers similar PIN protections in settings.