Getting your Cash App Card is a simple goal, and you’ve come to the right place to make it happen. The whole process is easy, fast, and done right on the cash card app on your phone. In this guide, we will show you every step of the cash card application, from checking things before you apply to turning on your new card.
The Cash App Card is great because it’s convenient and personal. It’s a card you can customize that connects right to your Cash App money, letting you spend your funds anywhere Visa is accepted. Even better, you can start using a digital version of the card for online shopping almost right away after your application gets approved. Let’s learn how you can get yours.
What is a Cash App Card?
Before you apply, it’s important to understand what the Cash App Card is and how it works. Think of it as a direct connection to your Cash App account. It is a free, customizable debit card that links right to your Cash App money. It is not a separate bank account, and it’s not a credit card. When you use the card, money comes from what you have in your Cash App, just like a regular debit card takes money from a checking account. Understanding this difference is important for managing your money well.
A Debit Card, Not Credit
A common confusion is whether this is a cash app credit card. To be clear, the standard Cash App Card is a Visa debit card. The cash card application process does not need a credit check, and using the card will not change your credit score or help you build credit history. It is made for spending the money you already have. This makes it very different from regular credit cards and cash management systems that focus on borrowing. If you’re looking for a way to spend your existing money without getting into debt, this is the perfect tool.
Key Card Benefits
Understanding the advantages can help you decide if this card is right for you. We’ve found these to be the most important reasons users choose to apply for a cash card.
- Free to Order: There is no fee to order the standard black or white card. The application and shipping are completely free.
- Fully Customizable: This is where the card really shines. You can choose from different colors, add stamps, draw your own signature, or even write on it with a drawing tool.
- Instant Virtual Use: As soon as your application gets approved, the app gives you the virtual card number, expiration date, and CVV. You can use these details to order cash app card online and shop right away.
- Special Boosts: Cardholders get access to “Boosts,” which are instant discounts at specific stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. These offers change regularly and can save you money.
- ATM Withdrawals: You can use your physical card to get cash from any ATM. While fees may apply, it adds flexibility for accessing your funds.
- Better Security: If your card is ever lost or stolen, you can instantly lock it from within the cash card app, stopping any unauthorized use.
Pre-Application Checklist
To make sure your cash card application goes through without problems, we’ve put together an expert checklist based on common user issues. Completing these five steps before you start will save you time and prevent frustration. Think of this as your setup for a guaranteed successful application.
1. Verify Your Identity
This is the most important step. Cash App requires users to be verified to access many features, including ordering the card. We’ve seen applications get stuck here many times. To avoid delays, go to your profile and complete the verification steps before you even tap the ‘Card’ tab. This process usually requires you to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). Having this done beforehand makes the actual application smooth.
2. Confirm Your Information
The physical card will be sent to the address listed in your Cash App profile. An incorrect or old address is a main reason why cards never arrive. Before you begin the process to order cash app card, go to your profile settings and double-check that your personal details and mailing address are 100% correct. Make any needed changes to ensure your new card finds its way to you.
3. Meet Age Requirements
Cash App has specific age rules for card ownership. Users who are 18 years or older can complete the cash card apply process on their own. For younger users, there is a way forward. Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 can get a card, but it requires approval from a parent or legal guardian. The sponsor must approve the teen’s request through their own verified Cash App account, which then links the accounts and gives the parent oversight abilities.
4. Have Funds for Customization
While the standard card is free, some of the fancier customization options come with a small fee. For instance, premium colors, glow-in-the-dark designs, or the all-metal card have costs, usually around $5. To avoid having your design choice blocked by a zero balance, we recommend having at least $5-$10 in your Cash App account before you start the customization step. This ensures you can get the exact design you want without interruption.
5. Update Your Cash App
This is a simple but important technical tip. App developers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve how things work. An old version of the cash card app might have problems that interfere with the ordering process. Before you start, visit your phone’s app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and check for any pending updates for Cash App. Installing the latest version ensures you are using the most stable and secure platform.
How to Get a Cash App Card
Now that you’ve completed the pre-flight checklist, you’re ready for the main event. This section provides the complete, foolproof walkthrough of the entire cash card application process. Each step corresponds to a single action in the app. Follow along, and you’ll have your card ordered in minutes.
Step 1: Open and Tap
First, open the Cash App on your mobile device. On the main screen, you will see a row of icons at the bottom. Tap on the ‘Card’ tab, which looks like a small rectangular card. This is the central hub for everything related to your Cash App Card.
Step 2: Tap ‘Order Card’
Once you are on the Card tab, you will see a prominent button labeled ‘Order Cash Card’. If you have never ordered a card before, this button will be front and center. Tap it to begin the application and design process. If you don’t see this button, refer to our troubleshooting section later in this guide.
Step 3: Choose Your Style
The first design choice you’ll make is the base card. Cash App offers a standard black card and a standard white card completely free of charge. Select the one you prefer to move on to the next stage. This is just the starting point for making the card your own.
Step 4: Customize Your Card
This is the most engaging part of the process to order cash app card. Here, you can truly personalize your card and make it unique.
Show Your Style
The app will present you with a digital image of your chosen card. You can tap on it to add flair. You have the option to add pre-designed stamps or emojis. More creatively, you can use the ‘Draw’ tool to add a freehand signature or a small doodle. Take your time here! We’ve found that the drawing tool can be sensitive, so using a stylus might give you better precision than your fingertip. What you draw is exactly what gets printed on the final card.
Choose a Premium Design
If the standard options aren’t enough, you can browse through premium designs. This is where you’ll find options like the popular glow-in-the-dark card, various other colors, or even a sleek metal card. Be aware that these options have a one-time fee, which will be displayed clearly and taken from your Cash App balance upon confirmation.
Step 5: Confirm Your Address
After you’ve finalized your design, the app will display the mailing address it has on file for you. This is the address you confirmed during our pre-application checklist. Take one final look to ensure it is correct. If you spot an error or need to make a last-minute change, the app provides an option to edit it directly on this screen. An accurate address is critical for receiving your card.
Step 6: Reveal Your Details
Once you confirm your address and design, the cash card application is essentially complete. The app will then immediately generate and display your new virtual card details. This includes the 16-digit card number, the expiration date, and the 3-digit CVV code. This is a key benefit, as you don’t have to wait for the physical card to arrive to start using your balance for online shopping. This feature directly addresses the desire to order cash app card online and use it right away.
Step 7: Finalize Your Application
The last step is a final confirmation screen. The app will summarize your order and inform you that your physical card is now being prepared for shipment. You’ll also receive an estimated delivery window. At this point, you can close the screen and start using your virtual card details. Your new physical Cash App Card is officially on its way.
After You Apply
Completing your application is just the beginning. Knowing what to do when the card arrives and how to manage it will help you get the most out of it from day one. This section covers the important next steps.
Receiving and Activating
Your physical Cash App Card will typically arrive in the mail within 7-10 business days. It will come in a plain envelope with instructions for activation. The primary method of activation is quick and easy.
- Open the Cash App and navigate to the ‘Cash Card’ tab.
- Tap on the image of your Cash App Card.
- Select the option that says ‘Activate Cash Card’.
- Your phone’s camera will open. Use it to scan the QR code printed on the packaging that came with your card.
If for some reason you can’t scan the QR code or have thrown away the packaging, there’s an alternative. On the activation screen, choose the option to ‘Use CVV Instead’. You can then manually enter the card’s expiration date and the 3-digit CVV code from the back of the card to complete the activation.
How to Use Your Card
Once activated, your card is ready for use in multiple ways.
- Online: For online shopping, you don’t even need the physical card. Simply go to the ‘Cash Card’ tab in the app to view your full card number, expiration date, and CVV. You can copy and paste these details into any online checkout form.
- In-Store: The physical card works just like any other Visa debit card. You can swipe the magnetic stripe, insert the chip, or use the contactless tap-to-pay feature at compatible terminals.
- ATMs: To withdraw cash, you’ll first need to set a PIN. You can do this from the ‘Cash Card’ tab in the app. Once your PIN is set, you can use the card at any ATM that accepts Visa. Be aware that Cash App charges a small fee per withdrawal, and the ATM operator may charge an additional fee of their own.
Managing Your Card
The cash card app is your command center for managing everything related to your card.
- Locking/Unlocking: If you misplace your card or suspect it’s been stolen, you can instantly disable it. Go to the ‘Cash Card’ tab and toggle the ‘Lock Card’ switch on. This will block all transactions. If you find it, you can just as easily unlock it.
- Adding to Mobile Wallets: You can add your Cash App Card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for even easier tap-to-pay functionality with your phone. The option to do this is also found within the ‘Cash Card’ settings.
- Viewing Transactions: All of your card spending is tracked in the ‘Activity’ tab of the app, giving you a clear and up-to-date record of your purchases.
Troubleshooting Your Application
While the process is usually smooth, issues can sometimes arise. This section provides expert solutions for the most common problems users face during their cash card application.
Problem: Application Denied
This can be frustrating, but it’s usually due to a few specific reasons. Let’s walk through the most common ones.
- What to do:
- Check Identity Verification: The most frequent cause of denial is a failure to verify your identity. The information you entered (name, DOB, SSN) might not match official records, or the photo of your ID might have been unclear. Go back to your profile and retry the verification process carefully.
- Correct Personal Information: Ensure there are no typos in your name or address. A simple mismatch can trigger a denial.
- Wait and Retry: Occasionally, the issue is a temporary system glitch. If you’re certain your information is correct, wait a few hours and attempt the cash card apply process again.
Problem: No ‘Order Card’ Button
If you open the ‘Card’ tab and don’t see the option to order a card, it’s typically due to one of two things.
- What to do:
- Update the App: As mentioned in our checklist, an outdated app version is a common culprit. Go to your app store and ensure you have the latest version of Cash App installed.
- Check Account Status: Some brand-new or unverified accounts may not see the option immediately. The best solution is to first complete the identity verification process. Sometimes, using the app for a few peer-to-peer payments can also help enable all features.
Problem: Card Never Arrived
You waited the 10 business days, and your mailbox is still empty. Here’s how to handle it.
- What to do:
- Confirm the Mailing Address: Your first step should be to go back into the app and triple-check the mailing address you confirmed during the order.
- Be Patient: Delivery times can sometimes extend beyond the 10-day window due to postal service delays. It may be worth waiting an extra few days.
- Report and Re-order: If you’ve confirmed the address is correct and have waited a reasonable amount of time, you can report the card as lost in transit. In the ‘Cash Card’ tab, you will find an option for ‘Card Stolen or Lost’. Follow the prompts to report it and you will be guided to order a new cash app card.
Comparing the Cash Card
To help you understand its place in your wallet, here is a comparison of the Cash App Card against other common payment methods like traditional debit cards, credit cards and cash.
| Feature | Cash App Card | Traditional Debit Card | Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it’s Funded | Your Cash App Balance | Your Bank Checking Account | A Line of Credit (Borrowed Money) |
| Credit Check? | No | No | Yes |
| Builds Credit? | No | No | Yes |
| Best For… | Spending app funds, online shopping, discounts via Boosts | Everyday spending, direct access to a primary bank account | Large purchases, building credit history, travel rewards |
This table clearly shows that the Cash App Card is a unique tool designed for a specific purpose: to provide a flexible and convenient way to spend the money you already have in your app.
Your New Card Awaits
You now have all the information you need to confidently complete your cash card application. As we’ve covered, the process is designed for simplicity, from the pre-application checks that ensure a smooth experience to the step-by-step guide on how to get a cash app card directly within the app.
The real value begins once your application is approved. With instant access to a virtual card for online spending, exclusive Boost discounts, and a fully customizable physical card on its way, you’re just a few taps away from a more flexible way to use your money. Open your cash card app, head to the ‘Card’ tab, and get started today.
