The Quick Answer
If you have cash and need to put it into your Cash App account, you’re in luck. The short answer is yes, you can load your Cash App Card with paper money at thousands of stores across the country. This process is called a paper money deposit, and it’s made to be simple and quick.
Instead of needing a regular bank, your local convenience store or grocery store works as your deposit location. This makes it really convenient for anyone who gets paid in cash or just needs to turn physical money into digital money quickly. Here are the main stores where you can add cash money to your Cash App card.
Stores That Accept Cash Deposits
- Walmart (at the customer service desk or certain checkout lanes)
- 7-Eleven (a very popular choice for a
711 Cash App deposit) - Walgreens
- CVS
- Rite Aid
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar
- Speedway
- Thorntons
- GoMart
Important note: Not every store location may offer this service. We always recommend using the map feature in your app to check if a store near you participates before you go. This simple check makes sure the store is an active reload location and saves you a trip.
Step-by-Step In-Store Guide
Knowing where to go is the first step. The next is understanding exactly how the process works once you’re in the store. It’s a simple process that involves creating a special barcode in your app for the cashier to scan. We’ll walk you through every step, from finding the barcode on your phone to getting confirmation that your money is safely in your account.
Finding Your Deposit Barcode
This barcode is your key to making a paper money deposit. It’s a one-time-use code that tells the store’s system exactly where to send the money. Here’s where to find that Cash App barcode to load money.
- Open Cash App: Launch the app and tap the Money tab, which is the bank icon on the bottom-left of the home screen.
- Select “Paper Money”: Below your Cash App balance, you should see an option labeled “Paper Money”. Tap on it. If this option is missing, don’t worry; we explain why this might happen in our troubleshooting section.
- Find a Location (Recommended): Before creating a barcode, tap “Map” on the Paper Money screen. This will show you all the nearby partner stores where you can make a deposit. This confirms the location is active and ready to accept your deposit.
- Generate the Barcode: Once you’re ready to make the deposit, tap “Show Barcode”. A special QR code and barcode will appear on your screen. This is what you will show the cashier. Note that this barcode usually expires after a short time for security reasons.
At the Store
With the barcode ready on your phone, you’re prepared to complete the transaction. The interaction with the cashier is simple and usually takes less than a minute.
- Tell the Cashier: Go to a checkout counter or service desk and tell the cashier, “I’d like to add paper money to my Cash App account.” Most cashiers at participating locations know this process.
- Scan Your Barcode: The cashier will ask to see your phone. Let them scan the barcode directly from your screen. Their register will recognize it as a Cash App deposit.
- Hand Over the Cash: Give the cashier the amount of cash you want to deposit. Remember to also give them the small fee for the service (usually $1). For example, if you want to add $50, you will give the cashier $51.
- Get a Receipt: Always ask for and keep your receipt. This is your proof of the transaction. Hold onto it until you see the money reflected in your Cash App balance, which is usually instant but can sometimes take a few minutes.
A Look at Top Stores
While many stores offer paper money deposits, the experience can be slightly different between them. Things like store hours, staff knowledge, and where you complete the transaction can influence your choice. Here’s a closer look at what to expect at the most popular reload locations.
Comparing Your Options
This table breaks down the key differences between loading your card at major chains like Walmart, 7-Eleven, and pharmacy giants Walgreens and CVS. Understanding these differences can help you pick the most convenient option for your situation.
| Feature | Walmart | 7-Eleven | Walgreens / CVS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Fee | $1 (Confirm in-app) | $1 (Confirm in-app) | $1 (Confirm in-app) |
| Availability | Customer Service Desk or select checkouts. Desk hours may be more limited than store hours. | Most locations are open 24/7, making this a huge advantage for off-hours deposits. | At any checkout register during normal store hours. |
| User Experience | Can sometimes involve a longer wait, especially if you have to go to the Customer Service Desk. | Generally very fast and efficient. Cashiers are typically well-versed in the process, ideal for a quick 711 Cash App deposit. |
Simple and integrated into the regular checkout process, similar to buying any other item. |
| Best For | Loading cash while you’re already doing a larger shopping trip. | Quick, late-night, or early-morning deposits due to 24/7 availability. |
Great convenience, as these stores are widespread in nearly every neighborhood. |
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with a simple process, things can occasionally go wrong. A missing feature in the app or a delay in your deposit can be stressful. We’ve put together solutions to the most common issues users face, turning potential frustration into a solvable problem. This section is your guide for when things don’t go as planned.
The “Paper Money” Option is Missing
You open the app, go to the Money tab, but the “Paper Money” option is nowhere to be found. This is a common problem, especially for new users. It almost always means a basic requirement for your account has not been met.
Possible Causes:
- Your Cash App Card is not yet activated. The paper money deposit feature is connected directly to the Cash App Card.
- Your app is outdated. An older version may not support the feature or may contain bugs that have since been fixed.
- You haven’t verified your identity on Cash App. To unlock most features beyond basic peer-to-peer payments, Cash App requires identity verification.
Solution Steps:
- Activate Your Card: If you have received your physical Cash App Card in the mail, make sure you have followed the steps in the app to activate it. The “Paper Money” option will not appear until the card is active.
- Update the App: Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and check for any available updates for Cash App. Installing the latest version often resolves feature-related issues.
- Verify Your Identity: This is the most common reason for the
Cash App paper money option not showing. To do this, you will likely need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. This is a standard anti-fraud and regulatory requirement that unlocks higher limits and key features, including paper money deposits.
My Cash Deposit Is Not Showing
You completed the transaction, the cashier handed you a receipt, but you’re refreshing your balance and the money isn’t there. It’s natural to feel worried, but there are logical steps to take.
Immediate Actions:
- Don’t Panic: While many deposits are instant, network delays can happen. Give it at least 10 minutes. Close the app completely and reopen it to force a refresh of your balance.
- Check Your Receipt: This piece of paper is your single most important tool. Confirm that the transaction details are correct, including the date, time, and amount. The receipt proves you handed over the cash.
If It’s Still Missing:
- Check Cash App Status: Before contacting support, visit the official Cash App Status page at status.cash.app. This page reports any system-wide outages or known issues. If there is a problem affecting deposits, it will be listed there.
- Contact Support: If the status page shows no issues and the funds for your
Cash App paper money deposit not showing uphave not appeared after an hour, it’s time to contact support. You can do this directly through the app. Navigate to your profile, select “Support,” and start a chat. Be prepared to provide a clear photo of your receipt to the support agent. They can use the transaction details to trace the deposit and resolve the issue.
The ATM Question
A frequent point of confusion for new cardholders is the role of an ATM. Since you can get cash out at an ATM, it seems logical that you might be able to put cash in. However, this is a critical misunderstanding of how ATMs work with prepaid debit cards like the Cash App Card. So, can you add money to Cash App card at ATM?
Loading vs. Withdrawing
The answer is a definite no. You cannot load cash onto your Cash App Card at an ATM. ATMs are built to give out cash from an account, not to accept cash deposits for third-party financial apps. The machinery and software are not designed for that function.
When you use your Cash App Card at an ATM, it acts as a standard debit card, giving you access to the money already in your Cash App balance. It’s a one-way street: money can come out, but it cannot go in. Attempting to do so will not work and could potentially cause issues with the ATM.
For maximum clarity, here is a simple breakdown of what you can and cannot do at an ATM with your Cash App Card:
- DO: Use an ATM to withdraw cash from your available Cash App balance.
- DO: Use an ATM to check your Cash App balance (some ATMs may charge a fee for this).
- DON’T: Try to insert
paper moneyinto an ATM to fund your Cash App account. This is not a supported feature. To add cash, you must visit a participating store as outlined in this guide.
Strategic Comparison of Methods
Adding cash in-store is a great option, but it’s not the only way to fund your Cash App account. Understanding the full range of loading methods allows you to choose the best one based on your immediate needs, whether it’s speed, cost, or convenience. Digital methods are often faster and cheaper, but they require a link to an existing bank account.
Choosing the Right Method
This table provides a strategic comparison of the three primary ways to add money to your Cash App: in-store cash deposits, transfers from a linked debit card, and transfers from a linked bank account. This will also clarify how to add money to Cash App with debit card versus other options.
| Method | Speed | Fees | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Store Cash Deposit | Instant to a few minutes | $1 store fee (typical) | Physical cash, smartphone with barcode, nearby participating store. | Users who are paid in cash (e.g., service industry, gig workers) and need to digitize their money; users without a traditional bank account. |
| Linked Debit Card | Instant | Free (Standard) or a 0.5%-1.75% fee (Instant Deposit). Standard deposits from a debit card are instant and free. The fee applies to cashing out to a bank, not loading from a debit card. | A valid debit card from another bank account. | Quick, fee-free top-ups from your primary bank account. This is the fastest and most common digital method. |
| Linked Bank Account (ACH) | 1-3 Business Days | Free | A valid US bank account (routing and account numbers). | Larger, planned transfers where speed is not the primary concern and you want to avoid any possibility of fees. Good for scheduling regular additions to your balance. |
Understanding Limits and Fees
To use the paper money deposit feature effectively, it’s essential to be aware of the rules. Cash App and its retail partners have set specific limits and fees to ensure security and compliance. Knowing these numbers beforehand can prevent a failed transaction at the register. These limits apply specifically to paper money deposits and are separate from other limits on your account.
Paper Money Deposit Limits
These Cash App deposit limits are based on a rolling time frame, not a calendar week or month. This means the clock on your limit starts from the moment of your first deposit. All users must have a verified account to access these limits.
- Per Transaction: You can deposit a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $500 in a single transaction.
- Rolling 7-Day Limit: You can load up to $1,000 in any 7-day period.
- Rolling 30-Day Limit: You can load up to $4,000 in any 30-day period.
It’s an important note that these Cash App paper money limits are subject to change. For the most current information, you can always check the “Paper Money” section within your app, which will display the current limits.
Associated Fees
The fee structure for paper money deposits is simple and clear.
- Store Fee: Participating stores charge a small fee to process the transaction. This fee is almost always $1. This fee is collected by the store for providing the service and is not charged by Cash App itself.
- Example: If you wish to add $100 to your Cash App balance, you will need to have $101 in cash to give to the cashier. The store will keep the $1 fee, and the full $100 will be deposited into your account. Always factor this small fee into your transaction total.
Conclusion: The Smart Way to Load
Navigating the world of digital finance when you’re used to handling cash can seem complex, but loading your Cash App Card is designed to be a bridge between those two worlds. With a vast network of retail partners, the process is as convenient as a quick trip to your local corner store. By understanding the simple steps, knowing the key locations, and being prepared for the rules, you can manage your money with greater flexibility.
Key Takeaways
- For Cash: Use the in-app map to find a participating store like 7-Eleven, Walmart, or Walgreens. These are your go-to
reload locations. - For Speed: For instant, fee-free transfers, a linked debit card is your best option. For larger, planned transfers, use a linked bank account.
- At the ATM: Remember the golden rule: you can withdraw money, but you cannot deposit cash at an ATM.
- Be Prepared: Before you head to the store, have your deposit barcode ready on your phone and be aware of the small store fee and the
Cash App deposit limits.
By mastering these options, you transform your Cash App from just a payment app into a powerful and versatile financial tool. You can seamlessly move money from your hand to your digital balance, giving you control and convenience no matter how you earn or spend.
