How to Use Cash App to Send and Receive Money

Cash App is a free money transfer and financial services app made by Block (formerly Square). It's one of the most popular payment apps in the US, especially for younger adults and people who want a simple alternative to a traditional bank account.

Getting started is straightforward. Download Cash App from the App Store or Google Play, create an account with your phone number or email, and choose a $Cashtag — a unique username like $JohnSmith — that others use to send you money. Pick a $Cashtag you'll remember, because you can only change it twice.

To send money, tap the dollar sign icon on the home screen, type the amount, tap Pay, and enter a $Cashtag, phone number, or email address. To request money from someone, use the same screen but tap Request instead. Standard transfers to your linked bank account are free and arrive in 1–3 business days. Instant transfers cost a fee (typically 0.5%–1.75%).

One of Cash App's standout features is the Cash Card — a free Visa debit card linked to your Cash App balance. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, at ATMs, and in stores. The card comes with "Boosts," which are instant discounts at specific restaurants and stores like Chipotle, DoorDash, and Target. You activate Boosts in the app before you pay.

Cash App also supports direct deposit. You can have your paycheck, government benefits, or tax refund deposited directly into Cash App, often up to two days earlier than a traditional bank. This makes it a genuine alternative for people without a traditional checking account.

Cash App also offers the ability to buy fractional shares of stocks and Bitcoin in small amounts. These investments carry real financial risk — the value can go up or down — and are separate from the payment features. You don't have to use them to use the rest of Cash App.

As with any payment app, never send Cash App payments to strangers. Scammers frequently pose as Cash App representatives asking for your login info or promising free money. Cash App will never ask for your PIN or sign-in code.