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Can You Use a Credit Card on Venmo?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, you can fund Venmo payments with a credit card, but be aware that these transactions incur a standard processing fee.
Should You Venmo With A Credit Card?
Using a credit card on Venmo has both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Benefits
Earn rewards: You can accumulate credit card points, miles, or cash back on payments.
Purchase protection: Some cards offer protection for eligible purchases made through the platform.
Payment flexibility: You can pay someone immediately even if you lack the funds in your bank or Venmo account.
Fraud liability: Credit cards typically offer robust protection and zero liability for fraudulent charges.
Costs
Transaction fee: Venmo charges a 3% fee for all payments sent from a credit card.
Cash advance classification: Your card issuer might treat the payment as a cash advance, which often comes with separate fees and a higher interest rate.
Interest charges: If you carry a balance on your credit card, the transaction will accrue interest.
How to Venmo With A Credit Card
Using a credit card on Venmo offers flexibility for your peer-to-peer payments. Follow this general guide to link your card and make transactions smoothly and securely.
Link Your Card to Venmo: Navigate to the "Payment Methods" section in your Venmo app settings. Tap "Add a bank or card" and follow the prompts to enter your credit card details securely.
Select the Right Card: Not all credit cards are created equal, especially when considering rewards and fees. If you're searching for a card that aligns with your spending, Kudos' Explore Cards tool can help you compare options.
Understand the Fee Structure: Venmo typically charges a standard fee for payments funded by a credit card. This is usually a percentage of the transaction total, so be sure to account for this additional cost.
Choose Your Funding Source: When making a payment, ensure your credit card is selected as the funding source. The app will display your default payment method, which you can tap to change before confirming the transaction.
Monitor Your Statements: Regularly review your credit card statements to track your Venmo transactions. This helps you stay on top of your spending and quickly spot any unauthorized charges.
Impact On Your Credit Score
While Venmo itself doesn't directly report to credit bureaus, how you use a linked credit card can influence your credit score. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Credit Utilization Ratio: Sending money with your credit card increases your balance, which can raise your credit utilization ratio. This ratio is a significant component of your overall credit score.
- Potential for Cash Advances: Some card issuers treat person-to-person payments as cash advances, which often have higher fees and interest rates. This can indirectly signal risk to lenders and affect your score.
- On-Time Payments: Ultimately, your payment history is paramount. Failing to pay off the credit card balance that includes your Venmo transactions will negatively impact your score.
Alternative Ways To Venmo
Using a Debit Card or Bank Account
To sidestep the standard 3% fee on credit card payments, you can link a debit card or bank account directly to your Venmo profile. This allows you to send money without any additional charges, making it a more economical choice for regular transactions. This method provides the same convenience as a credit card for sending funds but eliminates the processing fee, ensuring the full amount reaches the recipient.
Adjusting Privacy Settings
By default, Venmo transactions can appear on a public feed. For greater confidentiality, you can adjust your privacy settings for each payment or set a default for all future transactions. By selecting the "Private" option, you ensure that only you and the other party can view the transaction details. This adjustment offers a discreet way to manage your payments without broadcasting your financial activities.
Choose the Right Card to Venmo
With over 3,000 credit cards available in the U.S., picking the right one for your Venmo payments can feel overwhelming. Instead of guessing, you can use a personalized approach to find the perfect fit for your spending habits. The Kudos Explore Tool helps you compare thousands of cards, save your favorites, and get recommendations based on the perks you actually want, from maximizing rewards to minimizing fees.
For those wanting to maximize their credit card benefits, Kudos is the ultimate free tool for online shopping. Plus, we have a special offer of $20 after your first qualifying purchase when you sign-up for free using the code “GET20” and shop at a Boost-enabled store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fees does Venmo charge for credit card payments?
Venmo applies a 3% fee to all payments sent to other people when you fund the transaction with a credit card.
Will my credit card issuer treat a Venmo payment as a cash advance?
It's possible. Some issuers consider it a cash advance, which often comes with higher fees and immediate interest accrual.
Can I still earn credit card rewards on Venmo transactions?
Generally, yes. However, you should weigh the 3% fee against the rewards you'll earn to see if it's worthwhile.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
