How to Get a New Venmo Card Guide

Understanding Venmo Card Basics and What It Offers

Venmo is a mobile payment service owned by PayPal that lets people send money to friends and family through their smartphones. The Venmo Card is a physical debit card connected to your Venmo account that you can use to spend money from your Venmo balance anywhere that accepts Mastercard. Unlike peer-to-peer transfers between Venmo users, the Venmo Card lets you make purchases at stores, restaurants, online retailers, and ATMs.

How to Delete Your Chegg Account Guide →

The Venmo Card works by drawing directly from your Venmo balance. When you make a purchase, the amount is deducted from the funds in your account. As of 2024, Venmo reports having over 80 million users, though not all of them have the physical card. The card comes with several features including real-time purchase notifications, the ability to set spending limits, and PIN protection for security. You can also use it for contactless payments by tapping your card at compatible payment terminals.

One important thing to understand is that the Venmo Card is different from a traditional bank account or credit card. You cannot carry a negative balance, and you can only spend what you have loaded into your Venmo account. There are no monthly fees for having the card, and Venmo does not charge transaction fees when you use the card at merchants. However, some ATMs may charge fees for cash withdrawals, which vary by the ATM operator.

The card is issued by The Bancorp Bank or MetaBank, depending on your account setup. These are real banks that handle the card issuance and the technical processing of transactions. Venmo handles the user interface and customer experience through their app. This partnership arrangement means your card is backed by established banking infrastructure while maintaining Venmo's user-friendly platform.

Practical Takeaway: Before you request a Venmo Card, understand that it's a debit card tied to your Venmo balance, not a credit card. You can only spend money you've already transferred into Venmo, and it works anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Step-by-Step Process for Ordering Your Venmo Card

To get a new Venmo Card, you first need to have a Venmo account. If you don't have one, you'll need to set it up through the Venmo app available on iOS and Android devices. The account creation process requires your name, email address, phone number, and a password. You'll also need to link a bank account or debit card to your Venmo account, which Venmo uses to verify your identity and allow you to transfer money into your Venmo balance.

Get Your Free IHG Rewards Account Online Guide →

Once your account is set up and verified, you can order the card directly through the Venmo app. Open the app and navigate to the card section, usually found in the menu or settings area. Look for an option that says "Order Card" or similar wording. Venmo will display information about the card, including whether you're already able to order one or if there are any account restrictions preventing you from doing so. The company periodically limits card orders based on account age, verification status, and other factors, so not all users can order immediately.

When you select the option to order the card, you'll be asked to confirm your mailing address. This is the address where Venmo will send your physical card. Make sure this address is accurate and current, as the card cannot be redirected once it's mailed. You'll also confirm your card design preference if Venmo offers multiple options. Once you submit your order, Venmo typically sends a confirmation through the app.

The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though this can vary depending on your location and current processing times. Venmo sends the card via standard mail, not overnight shipping. You'll receive a notification when your card ships, and you can track its status through the Venmo app. The card comes in a regular envelope with protective packaging. When it arrives, you should not use it until you've activated it through the app, which involves confirming the last four digits of the card number.

Practical Takeaway: Order your card through the Venmo app by finding the card section and confirming your mailing address. The physical card typically takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive, and you must activate it in the app before using it for purchases.

Identity Verification and Account Requirements

Venmo requires identity verification before you can order a card. This is a legal requirement under federal banking regulations designed to prevent fraud and money laundering. When you create your Venmo account, you'll provide your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), date of birth, and address. Venmo uses this information to verify your identity through third-party verification services.

Free Guide to Chevy Silverado Model Year Information →

Your Venmo account must be in good standing to order a card. This means your account should not have any unresolved disputes, violations of Venmo's terms of service, or security concerns. If your account has been flagged for unusual activity or if there are pending issues, Venmo may restrict your ability to order a card until those matters are resolved. You may be asked to provide additional documentation if there are questions about your identity or account activity.

For users under 18, Venmo does not currently offer physical cards. The Venmo Card is only available to users who are 18 years or older. If you're under 18, you can still use Venmo to send and receive money from other users through the app, but you cannot order the physical debit card.

If you previously had a Venmo Card that was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order a replacement through the app. Venmo does not charge a fee for the first replacement card. If you need multiple replacement cards or replacements beyond the first one, Venmo may charge a fee, though these fees and policies can change. You can also deactivate or freeze your current card through the app if you believe it's been compromised, which prevents anyone from using it until you reactivate it or receive a replacement.

Practical Takeaway: Your account must be verified with your Social Security number and personal information, and you must be 18 or older. Keep your account in good standing and free from disputes to avoid any restrictions on ordering or using your card.

Activating and Setting Up Your New Card

Once your Venmo Card arrives at your home, you'll need to activate it before you can use it for any purchases. Activation is simple and happens entirely through the Venmo app. Open the app and navigate to the card section. You'll see an option to activate your new card. Venmo will ask you to enter the last four digits of the card number, which you can find on the front of the card. This confirms that you received the correct card and have it in your possession.

How to Set Up Your Facebook Business Page →

After entering the last four digits, your card is immediately active and ready to use. You don't need to call Venmo or visit a website to complete activation. The entire process takes less than a minute. Once activated, your card can be used for in-store purchases, online shopping, and ATM withdrawals. Venmo recommends that you set a PIN for your card, which you'll need if you want to withdraw cash from an ATM.

To set your PIN, go to the card settings in the Venmo app. You can create a four-digit PIN of your choice. This PIN is separate from your Venmo login password and is used specifically for ATM withdrawals and chip-based purchases at some merchants. If you forget your PIN, you can reset it through the app at any time. Keep your PIN private and don't share it with anyone, including Venmo customer service representatives.

Once your card is activated, you should transfer money from your linked bank account into your Venmo balance before making purchases. You can do this through the app by selecting "Add Money" and choosing how much you want to transfer from your linked bank account. Transfers to your Venmo balance typically take 1 to 3 business days. Some bank accounts are eligible for instant transfers, which appear in your Venmo balance within minutes, though Venmo charges a small percentage fee for instant transfers.

Practical Takeaway: Activate your card in the app by confirming the last four digits, set a PIN for ATM use, and transfer money to your Venmo balance before you start making purchases with your card.

Using Your Venmo Card for Everyday Purchases and Cash