How To Set Up Venmo

To set up Venmo, download the official app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store, create an account with your email address, and verify your phone number and email. For a detailed walkthrough of the initial sign-up screens, set up Venmo account with confidence. Once your account is active, you can link a bank account or debit card to start sending and receiving money immediately. If you ever decide the app isn't for you, you can permanently delete Venmo account in just a few steps.

Before you set up Venmo: Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you meet Venmo's mandatory requirements. You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your state) and physically located in the United States. You also need a U.S.-based cell phone number that can receive text messages and is not already linked to another Venmo account. Your device must be compatible: Venmo requires Apple iOS 17 or Android Lollipop (API 26) or higher, and the app itself must be version 7.38.2 or newer. Having these prerequisites ready ensures a smooth setup process.

How to set up Venmo by creating your account

Follow these steps to download the app and create your personal Venmo account:

1. Download the official Venmo app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
2. Open the app and choose to sign up with your email address, Facebook, or Google.
3. If you sign up with email, enter your full name, email address, and U.S. phone number.
4. Create a secure password that is 8 to 20 characters long and includes at least one number or symbol.
5. Verify your phone number by entering the code Venmo sends via text message.
6. Verify your email address by tapping the verification link Venmo sends to your inbox.

Once your phone and email are verified, your account is active and ready for the next steps.

How to link a bank account or card to Venmo

To send and receive money, you need to link a payment method. Here is the exact navigation path and the separate processes for each option.

Add a bank account

1. Go to the "Me" tab, then tap "Wallet" (or go to "Settings" then "Payment Methods").
2. Tap "Add a bank or card" and select "Bank."
3. Choose instant verification by logging in with your online banking credentials, or manual verification by entering your routing and account numbers.
4. If you choose manual verification, confirm the micro-deposits Venmo sends to your bank account. This process takes at least one full business day.

Add a debit or credit card

1. Tap "Add a bank or card" and select "Card."
2. Enter your card number, expiration date, and security code.

Note that sending money using a credit card incurs a 3% fee. Using a linked bank account or a debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo typically has no fee. You can also choose a unique Venmo handle for your account, which makes it easier for others to find and pay you without needing your phone number or email.

Understanding identity verification on Venmo

You do not need to complete full identity verification to start sending and receiving money. Venmo only requires you to provide your legal name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number for certain features, transactions, or to unlock and use your Venmo balance. For basic payments using a linked bank account or card, identity verification is not necessary.

How to find and add friends on Venmo

Adding friends makes sending and requesting money faster. Here is how to build your contact list:

1. Sync your phone contacts: When you first set up your account, Venmo will ask to access your contacts. Allow this to automatically find friends who are already on Venmo.
2. Search for users: Tap the search icon and enter a friend's name, username, or phone number.
3. Manually add contacts: If you cannot find someone, you can invite them to join Venmo directly from the app.

Once added, these contacts will appear in your list when you make payments or requests.

How to make your first Venmo payment

Once your account is set up and you have added friends, sending money is straightforward:

1. Tap the "Pay or Request" button at the top of the main screen.
2. Select the contact you want to pay from your friends list or search for them.
3. Enter the amount you want to send.
4. Add a note describing what the payment is for (e.g., "dinner" or "rent").
5. Choose your payment method: your Venmo balance, linked bank account, or linked card.
6. Tap "Pay" to send the money.

The recipient will receive a notification, and the funds will be available in their Venmo account instantly. You can now send and receive money with confidence.