Turning on your new Cash App Card is a quick and easy process that gives you spending power. Whether you just got the sleek, customizable card in the mail or are planning to get one, you are in the right place. This guide gives you clear, step-by-step instructions for a smooth setup experience.
For those in a hurry, here is the basic process to cash app enable cash card:
Quick Steps to Turn On Your Card
- Open Cash App and tap the Card Tab.
- Tap the picture of your Cash Card.
- Select Turn On Cash Card.
- Scan the QR code on the package.
- If you don’t have the QR code, choose “Use CVV Instead” and enter the card details.
Your card will be ready to use right away. This guide will explain these steps in detail, covering everything from start to finish. We will show you how to order a free Cash App card online, give you a detailed look at how to turn on your Cash App card with and without the QR code, and offer expert help for any problems you might face.
Before You Turn On Your Card
Before you can turn on a card, you need to have one. If you haven’t ordered your Cash Card yet, the process is free, easy, and done completely within the Cash App.
Card Requirements
To get a Cash Card, you must meet a few basic requirements set by Cash App. First, you need to be 18 years old or older and have a verified account. Verification often means providing your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The Cash Card is currently available to people living in the United States and the United Kingdom. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can sponsor your account, allowing you to get a card with their permission.
Ordering Your Card
The process to order a free Cash App card online begins right in the app. The entire process takes only a few minutes.
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Tap the Card Tab: Open Cash App. On the main screen, look at the bottom navigation bar. The Card Tab is usually the second icon from the left, shaped like a credit card. Tap it to begin.
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Press “Get Free Cash Card”: Once you are on the Card Tab, you will see a clear button labeled “Get Free Cash Card.” Pressing this starts the ordering and customization process.
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Customize Your Card: This is where you can make your card personal. Cash App offers many options. You can choose a standard color, pick a premium metal design (for a fee), or even select a glow-in-the-dark version. The next step allows you to add your unique signature or $Cashtag. You can even draw a custom design directly onto the card image in the app. We found the drawing tool to work surprisingly well, allowing for a truly personal touch on your card design. This makes your card uniquely yours.
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Confirm Your Mailing Address: The app will ask you to confirm the mailing address where your new card will be sent. It is important to double-check this information for accuracy. An incorrect address is the most common reason for delivery delays.
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Finish and Wait: After confirming your design and address, you will complete the order. The app will give you an estimated delivery time. Your card is now on its way.
Card Delivery Time
After you order your Cash Card, the standard delivery time is usually 7 to 10 business days. It may arrive sooner depending on where you live. The card arrives in a plain white envelope, so be sure to check your mail carefully. The package inside contains your card and the very important QR code needed for setup.
Setting Up with QR Code
The main and most efficient way to cash app enable cash card is by using the unique QR code that comes with it. This method is designed to be fast and secure.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these few items to make sure the process goes smoothly:
- Your smartphone with the latest version of Cash App installed and logged in.
- The new Cash Card you received in the mail.
- The paper mailer or package the card was attached to. This contains the setup QR code.
A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to turn on your Cash App card using the QR code.
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Find Your Setup QR Code: Unpack your new Cash Card. The QR code is printed on the paper document that came with your card. It’s a square, black-and-white, pixelated code that your phone’s camera will scan to securely identify your specific card.
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Open Cash App and Go to the Card Tab: On your phone, launch the Cash App. Tap the Card Tab icon at the bottom of the screen (the small card-shaped icon). This section of the app manages everything related to your Cash Card.
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Tap “Turn On Cash Card”: Because the system knows a card has been mailed to you, you should see an image of your Cash Card with a button below it that says “Turn On Cash Card.” If you don’t see this option, wait a few moments or restart the app. Tap this button to continue.
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Give Camera Permission: The app will now need to use your phone’s camera to scan the code. A pop-up will appear asking for permission to access your camera. Tap “OK” or “Allow.” This permission is only needed for the setup process.
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Scan the QR Code: Your phone’s camera view will now appear on the screen. Position the QR code from the mailer within the frame shown on your screen. For a successful scan, make sure you are in a well-lit area and hold your hand steady. Hold the phone a few inches away from the code and let the camera focus. In our test, the app recognized the QR code almost instantly once it was centered in the frame. You’ll see a confirmation on screen as soon as it registers.
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Confirmation: Once the scan is successful, the app will process the setup. A success screen will appear, often with a celebratory animation. The message will confirm, “Your Cash Card is ready to use.” At this point, the setup is complete. Your card is now turned on and linked to your Cash App balance, ready for both online and in-store purchases.
No QR Code?
It is a common situation: in the excitement of receiving your new card, you might lose or throw away the mailer with the QR code. Don’t worry. You can still turn on your Cash App card without the QR code.
When to Use This Method
You will need to use the manual setup method in a few common situations:
- You accidentally threw away the mailer with the QR code.
- The QR code was smudged, torn, or otherwise damaged and cannot be read.
- You received the card but the package was missing.
Manual Setup with CVV
This process is just as secure and almost as fast as the QR code method. It directly addresses the need to turn on Cash App card without QR code by using the information on the card itself.
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Follow the Initial Steps: Open your Cash App and go to the Card Tab, just as you would for the QR code method. Tap the “Turn On Cash Card” button.
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Find the Manual Option: The app will open your camera, expecting to scan a QR code. Look at the bottom of the camera screen. You will see a text link that says “Missing QR Code?” or “Use CVV Instead.” Tap this option.
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Enter Card Details: The app will now show a screen asking you to manually enter your new card’s information. You do not need the full card number. You will be asked to enter the CVV code and the card’s expiration date.
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Enter CVV and Expiration Date: The CVV is the three-digit security code found on the back of your Cash Card. The expiration date is printed on the front. Carefully type these numbers into the correct fields.
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Turn On: After entering the correct information, tap the “Turn On” or “Confirm” button. The app will verify the details, and you will receive an on-screen confirmation that your card is ready and available for use.
For clarity, here is a simple comparison of the two setup methods.
| Feature | QR Code Setup | Manual (CVV) Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Instant | Very Fast (requires typing) |
| Requirements | Mailer with QR Code | Physical Cash Card only |
| Best For | Users who have the original mailer | Users who have lost or damaged the mailer |
Troubleshooting Setup
Even with a simple process, problems can sometimes happen. If your Cash Card setup fails, there are several straightforward steps you can take to fix the problem before needing to contact support.
Common Errors and Solutions
Here are some of the most common setup problems and how to fix them.
Problem: “Setup Failed. Please Try Again.”
- Solution 1: Check Your Internet Connection. A weak or unstable connection is a frequent cause. Try switching from Wi-Fi to your cellular data, or vice versa, and attempt the setup again.
- Solution 2: Update Your Cash App. An outdated version of the app can cause compatibility issues with new features. Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and check if an update is available for Cash App.
- Solution 3: Re-enter Information Carefully. If you are using the manual CVV method, a simple typo can cause failure. Double-check that you have entered the CVV and expiration date correctly.
Problem: The App Doesn’t Show a “Turn On Card” Option.
- Solution 1: Wait a Day. Sometimes, there is a slight delay between the card’s delivery and the setup prompt appearing in the app. If your card arrived a bit early, the system might not have caught up. Try again in a few hours or the next day.
- Solution 2: Check Your Account Status. A restricted or unverified account may not be able to turn on a card. Navigate to your profile in the app to make sure your account is fully verified and in good standing.
Problem: The Camera Won’t Scan the QR Code.
- Solution 1: Clean Your Camera Lens. A smudge or fingerprint on your phone’s camera lens can easily prevent it from focusing properly. Wipe the lens with a soft, clean cloth.
- Solution 2: Improve Lighting. Poor lighting can make it difficult for the camera to read the QR code. Move to a well-lit area, avoiding any glare on the paper.
- Solution 3: Use the Manual Method. If the QR code simply will not scan after a few tries, don’t get frustrated. The manual CVV method is a reliable backup. Simply tap the “Use CVV Instead” option and continue.
When to Contact Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps above and still cannot turn on your card, it is time to contact Cash App Support.
How to Contact Support Safely:
The most secure way to get help is directly through the app. To do this, tap your profile icon in the top-right corner, scroll down to “Support,” and follow the prompts to start a chat.
You can also visit the official help website at cash.app/help.
A critical security note: Be extremely careful of searching for a Cash App phone number online. The internet is filled with fake websites listing false support numbers. Scammers use these numbers to try to gain access to your account. Official Cash App support is started through the app or official website. They will never ask for your PIN or sign-in code, nor will they ever ask you to send them a payment to fix an issue.
Beyond Setup
Now that you know how to turn on your Cash App card, you can explore the powerful features that come with it. Setting up the card is just the beginning.
Unlock Instant Savings
One of the best perks of the Cash Card is access to Boosts. Boosts are instant discounts and cashback offers at specific merchants, from coffee shops and restaurants to grocery stores. To use them, simply tap the Card Tab, select “Add Boost,” and choose an offer. The discount is applied automatically when you use your Cash Card at that merchant. For example, you might find a Boost for 10% off your purchase at a local cafe or $1 off any single transaction.
Add to Mobile Wallets
For fast, contactless payments, you can add your newly turned on Cash Card to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Open your phone’s wallet app, tap the option to add a new card, and follow the on-screen instructions. You can either scan the physical card or enter the details manually. This allows you to pay with your phone wherever contactless payments are accepted.
Know Your Limits
To manage your money effectively, it is important to understand your card’s limits. For a verified account, the standard Cash Card spending limit is typically $7,000 per transaction and per day. The weekly spending limit is $10,000, and the monthly limit is $25,000. For ATM withdrawals, the limit is generally $1,000 per transaction, per day, and per week. These limits can be checked at any time within the app on the Card Tab.
Use Your Card Anywhere
Your turned on Cash Card works just like any other Visa debit card. You can use it for online purchases by entering the card number, expiration date, and CVV. You can also use it in physical stores by swiping, inserting the chip, or tapping to pay. The funds are drawn directly from your Cash App balance, not a linked bank account.
Security First
Keeping your money safe is extremely important. Cash App provides several built-in security features to protect your card and your account.
Instantly Turn Off Your Card
If you lose your card or are unsure of its location, you can instantly turn it off from the app. Go to the Card Tab and tap the image of your card. You will see a toggle switch to “Turn On Card.” Toggling this off immediately turns off the card, preventing any new transactions. This is an incredibly useful feature. If you lose your wallet, you can instantly turn the card off from your phone, and re-enable it just as easily once you find it.
Report a Lost Card
If you are certain your card is lost or has been stolen, you should report it immediately. In the Card Tab, you will find an option for “Card Problems” or “Report Lost/Stolen.” Following these steps will permanently turn off the card and allow you to order a new one right away.
General Security Reminders
Follow these best practices to keep your account secure:
- ✅ Turn on the Security Lock. Require your PIN, Face ID, or Touch ID for all payments and transfers.
- ✅ Turn on notifications. Get an instant alert for every transaction so you are always aware of account activity.
- ✅ Never share your PIN or sign-in code. Cash App employees will never ask for this information.
- ✅ Be aware of phishing scams. Be suspicious of unsolicited emails or texts claiming to be from Cash App. And as a final reminder, never trust a random Cash App phone number found through a web search.
Conclusion
As we’ve shown, the process to cash app enable cash card is straightforward, whether you use the QR code or the manual CVV method. By following the steps in this guide, you can turn on your card in minutes and troubleshoot any common issues that may arise. You’re now ready to use your card for purchases, unlock instant savings with Boosts, and manage your money on the go. Remember to keep your account secure to enjoy all the benefits of your Cash Card with peace of mind.
