Elizabeth
July 27, 2021
The "cash" in Cash App might suggest that it is only for people with cash, but this couldn't be further from the truth. It's actually an easy way to make payments online or just about anywhere without having to worry about carrying around cash all day long.
All you need is a smartphone and internet connection (which most of us already have). With Cash App, users get access to a digital wallet which they can load up with their preferred currency like dollars or euros, then spend it. However, there is one more thing you’ll need to send or receive money via Cash App: a SSN.
Let us clarify, though, that in order to send and receive without limits you need a SSN. You’re still able to use the app even if you don’t have a SSN or choose not to provide it when signing up. Here’s what to know about social security numbers when it comes to financial apps and how to use Cash App without a SSN.
What’s a SSN?
SSN stands for social security number. It’s a nine-digit number that all American citizens are given (usually shortly after birth if they’re born in the US) and that immigrant residents are eligible to receive under certain circ*mstances.
What’s the point of a SSN? The government uses it to track your lifelong earnings and to establish your benefits for social security. It’s also a way to identify yourself when filling out official documents or when applying for certain products such as a credit card or opening a bank account.
Basically, it’s perhaps the most important identification number in the US aside from your passport number. If you don’t have a SSN, you’ll need to apply for one. This requires that you prove evidence of US citizenship or immigration status.
The government notes, regarding these types of proof, that “if you are not a US citizen, we must see your current US immigration document(s) and foreign passport with biographical information or photograph.” Read more about how to apply for a SSN here.
Does Cash App Ask for a SSN?
Unfortunately, yes. But, they do so with good intentions. In order to keep the app safe and free from fraud and scams, they verify every user’s identity. Like most financial institutions, they do this by requesting your SSN.
Now, it’s important to clarify that you’re able to download Cash App and create an account without a SSN. However, you’ll be classified as an unverified user. To become a verified user, you’ll need to provide a SSN.
As an unverified user, you’re still able to send and receive cash via the app. However, there is a limit to how much you’re able to send, so do keep that in mind. The limit for sending is up to $250 in a seven-day period and the limit for receiving is $1,000 in that same time period.
How Can I Use a Cash App without SSN?
Cash App is a great way to pay your friends (and get paid in return, too!), but for those of you without a SSN, it can be frustrating. Not to worry! Here are some tips on how to use Cash App without a SSN.
Follow these steps when creating your Cash App account:
- Download the app and create an account with your email address.
- Connect your debit card information (*more on that below for those who aren’t able to open a bank account with a SSN)
- Head over to the Send Money tab and select "I don't have a SSN."
- Enter the phone number of the person receiving the money.
- Select “Pay” or “Request.”
- Wait for the verification code to get sent to the receiver.
- Tell the receiver to enter this code into the verification box.
- Once they do, the transaction is complete!
If you’re unable to complete the transaction, check to make sure that you haven’t met the sending or receiving limit for the seven-day period. This is what seems to be the reason in most cases for those with unverified accounts.
Advanced tip: How can you get more cash?
After you know how to use cash app without an SSN, there's one suggestion we want to make here, which can earn you a lot more cash: building your credit! A good credit can bring you tons of benefits and make your life easier! For example, take a look at how much cash you can get from car insurance if you have a great credit score:
Yes. More than $1500 is saved by an excellent credit score! Ok I got it. So where should I start?
If you are thinking of start setting up your credit now or you want your credit score boosted in shortly, definitely try rent reporting. Since you can't report your rent by yourself, choose rent reporting services wisely. Here at Cheese, our rent reporting service can report both your up to 2 years of rental history and your future ongoing rent, with very affordable price!
More exciting news? Cheese Credit Builder Loan is also coming soon! With Cheese, money-saving and credit-building can be attained at the same time. Sounds good?
We'll be with you soon!
As an expert in the field of banking and finance, it's clear that the article delves into the intersection of financial technology and personal identification, particularly focusing on the Cash App and the role of Social Security Numbers (SSN). The information provided is well-versed, and I can offer a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed.
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Cash App Overview: The article explains that Cash App is a convenient tool for making online payments or transactions without the need for physical cash. Users can load their digital wallets with preferred currencies like dollars or euros and make transactions using a smartphone and an internet connection.
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Social Security Number (SSN): The article defines SSN as a nine-digit number given to American citizens, typically shortly after birth, and to eligible immigrant residents under certain circ*mstances. It serves as a key identifier for tracking lifelong earnings, establishing social security benefits, and is essential for various official and financial transactions, such as applying for credit cards or opening bank accounts.
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Purpose of SSN: The primary purpose of an SSN is to track individuals' lifelong earnings, establish social security benefits, and serve as a means of identification for official and financial purposes. It is considered one of the most crucial identification numbers in the U.S.
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Cash App and SSN: The article addresses the necessity of providing an SSN when using Cash App, emphasizing that while it is possible to create an account without an SSN, users will be classified as unverified. Verification is required for security reasons, aiming to prevent fraud and scams within the app.
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Using Cash App without SSN: The article provides a step-by-step guide for users without an SSN on how to create and use a Cash App account. It involves downloading the app, creating an account with an email address, connecting debit card information, and opting for the "I don't have an SSN" option during the process.
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Transaction Limits for Unverified Users: Unverified users on Cash App have transaction limits, allowing them to send up to $250 and receive up to $1,000 in a seven-day period. The article encourages users to be aware of these limits and suggests checking transaction limits if a transaction is unsuccessful.
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Advanced Tip: Building Credit: The article concludes with an advanced tip, suggesting that users focus on building their credit for financial benefits. It briefly mentions the impact of a good credit score on car insurance savings and introduces the concept of rent reporting as a means to build credit.
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Cheese Credit Builder Loan: The article hints at an upcoming product called the Cheese Credit Builder Loan, which seems to be associated with building credit while saving money.
In summary, the article expertly navigates through the functionalities of Cash App, the significance of SSN, the verification process, and provides practical tips for users without an SSN, all while introducing advanced concepts related to credit building and a forthcoming financial product.
