If you’re new to Cash App you might be wondering if you can use Plaid² to link your bank details securely. This guide has you covered.
And because Cash App can’t be used internationally³ outside of payments to the UK, we’ll also look at how you can save on overseas payments, with a Wise Account.
Can you use Cash App with Plaid?
Yes. You can use Cash App with Plaid. When you use Plaid to add your bank details to Cash App or any other app, your information is securely transmitted and verified. To do this, Plaid uses advanced encryption technology and multi-factor authentication. Plaid’s processes are subject to third party reviews and audits - and a whole range of other top of the line approaches to keeping customers and their information safe.
Plaid is super popular because of the security it adds into linking financial information to apps. Usually it’s also very easy to use, as you’re simply prompted by the app to select your financial institution, enter your log in details and password. Plaid then checks, encrypts and securely shares your information automatically.
The bad news is that the process to use Cash App with Plaid is a little more involved - but it’s not too tricky once you understand it. On to that, next.
Is Cash App worth it?
New to Cash App? If you’re wondering about whether Cash App is worth bothering with - or what the Cash App fees are, it’s good to know that Cash App is a super popular option because of its flexibility, features - and low costs.
In fact, for many services there are no fees at all. All that said, Cash App isn’t your only option when sending money domestically within the US.
Here are a few comparisons to help you decide if it’s the right one for you.
- Cash App vs Zelle
- Cash App vs Venmo
- Cash App vs PayPal
- All you need to know about Cash App alternatives
What bank does Cash App use for Plaid?
Cash App uses Lincoln Savings Bank as its main bank to connect with Plaid.
When you sign up for some products with Cash App, the services you’re provided will come via Lincoln Savings Bank, an FDIC insured institution⁴. That allows Cash App to offer safe and legally compliant services and products to customers.
Low-cost money transfers overseas and in the US with Wise
Cash App is great for local payments with no fuss. However, it’s extremely limited for international payments, offering transfers to other Cash App users in the UK only. If you want a more flexible option which lets you send money in the US and internationally with just an email address, check out the Wise Account.
You can create a Wise personal account for free, to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and make payments within the US and to 80+ other countries, with the mid-market rate and low transaction fees⁸, every time.
And if you love Cash App for the Cash App Card, you may also want to know that, for a one time fee⁸, you can even order a Wise international debit card. Spend with your Wise card in 150+ countries, and use the auto convert features to automatically convert currency at the best rate whenever you spend.
It takes just a couple of minutes to open a Wise Account. Why not try today?
Get a Wise Account today
This is how you use Plaid with Cash App (Step-by-step)
So we mentioned that using Plaid with Cash App isn’t as straight forward as we might like. But it’s not too tricky, really. Here’s what to do, according to the Cash App customer service team⁵:
- Log into Cash App
- Head to the Banking Tab
- Get your account and routing numbers which are listed there
- Use these details to link your account with Plaid using their manual process
Cash App does note that occasionally, services won’t allow manual linking. In this case this may not be a possibility - but it’s best to get in touch with Cash App customer service to double check your options if you run into problems.
How to make Cash App compatible with the Plaid app?
OK, so it may look at first like Cash App is not compatible with Plaid. However, the two apps can be used together - you just need to follow a manual linking process instead of the normal automatic Plaid set up.
The basic issue here is that Plaid will usually link accounts using an online log in and ID for the specific account. As Cash App doesn’t use specific online log in and ID information in the same way a bank does, you won’t find it with a search on Plaid, and you’ll need to add Cash App manually instead, using the steps outlined in this guide.
How to link your Cash App account without Plaid?
The Cash App support team suggest that if an app is asking you to use Plaid and you’re still struggling, you use this manual process instead⁶:
- Log into Cash App
- Tap the Money tab
- Press Cash Out and choose an amount
- Select Standard
- Type cashapp in the search field
- Press Add Manually
- Enter your routing and account numbers
Is Plaid safe to use with Cash App?
One of Plaid’s main selling points is that it is an extra layer of security when using apps which require sensitive personal data including your bank account information. It’s good to know that Plaid is safe to use with Cash App, and in fact can offer reassurance that you’re taking all the security steps you can to keep your data, and your money, safe.
What to do if you have issues using Cash App with Plaid?
The best thing to do if you’re having problems using Cash App with Plaid is to get in touch with Cash App’s customer service team who are on hand to help with issues. The easiest option to get personal help is probably to start an in app chat with Cash App support - here’s how⁷:
- Log into Cash App
- Tap the profile icon in Cash App
- Select Support
- Select Start a Chat and send a message
Alternatively, you can talk to the Cash App team by phone on 1 (800) 969-1940. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 7:00pm EST.
Finally, as a digital first product, Cash App has a huge social media presence as you might expect. You can also get in touch with support that way - here are some options:
- Instagram: @CashApp
- Twitter: @CashApp @CashSupport
- Tiktok: @CashApp
- Twitch: twitch.tv/CashApp
- Reddit: u/CashAppAndi
- Facebook: SquareCash
Bottom line
You can use Cash App with Plaid, but because of the way Cash App accounts are set up, you’ll probably not be able to link your account details using Plaid’s automatic processes. That means you need to follow the manual process - but while this sounds tricky, it’s really not. You’ll just need to find your Cash App routing and account numbers and use these for linking instead of entering your account ID and password. Use this guide to get started - and get in touch with Cash App support if you need any help.
Don’t forget, if you’re looking to send money overseas with just an email address, Cash App may not be able to help you, but Wise can. Open a Wise Account for free today to see how easy it is.
Learn more about Wise
All sources checked on 22 September 2022
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
