Have you downloaded Cash App? It’s an online payment app that’s become well-known for its cool social vibes and, most recently, for the ability to invest. However, at its core, it’s just an easy-to-use app that lets you make payments quickly straight from your phone to just about anywhere without having to worry about carrying around cash all day long.
With Cash App, users get access to a digital wallet which they can load up with their preferred currency like dollars, pesos, euros, or yen and then spend it. However, it’s not the only app that lets you do things like this. With so many choices, though, which one’s the best for you?
To help you make the right choice, we’ve taken a look at some of the best Cash App alternatives. Here’s what to know before downloading an online payment app to use.
The Best Alternatives to Cash App
For starters, it helps to understand why someone might not want to or can’t use Cash App. There is a social security number restriction. While you’re able to download Cash App and create an account without a SSN, you’ll be classified as an unverified user. To become a verified user, you’ll need to provide a SSN. As an unverified user, there are restrictions on how much you can transfer in a given period of time.
So, if you don’t have a SSN and are looking for a good online payment app to use, you’ll obviously be looking for a few options. The best alternative to Cash App for most people is going to be PayPal. However, other popular (and fee-free) options include N26, Revolut, and Payoneer (the last of which actually is paid, too).
PayPal
The great thing about PayPal as an online payment app is that it’s so diverse. Not only is it widely available in numerous countries around the world, but it’s also super easy to set up. You can create an account online or via the PayPal mobile app with just an email. You’ll connect a card or a bank account and then you can send and receive money easily.
With PayPal, there are no fees for sending money, but there are fees for receiving money. What about the SSN issue? That largely only applies if you’re using the account for business purposes.
If you sell and use PayPal to collect payments from clients, you’ll eventually have to add an SSN or EIN. This is only a requirement if you sell over $20,000 per year on the platform and record 200 transactions annually (whichever happens first).
N26
N26 is Europe’s most famous mobile bank. It’s widely used in over 24 markets both inside and outside of Europe and allows you to have full control over your finances straight from your phone. Downloading the app is easy, and so is setting up an account.
Similar to Cash App, N26 allows you to add funds to your account via an external bank transfer (ACH), direct deposit, or debit card transfer.
N26 also notes that, “If you’re an avid Venmo, Paypal, or Cash App user, we’ve made it convenient for you to add money to your N26 card instantly. You can send and receive money to your N26 account with ease using your favorite payment app.” So, it’s all connected!
Revolut
Revolut is gaining more and more popularity as a way for international travelers to avoid costly currency conversion fees. With a Revolut card, you can load cash onto it and then pay in the local currency (not all are available, but most major ones are).
Likewise, Revolut is also gaining popularity as a Cash App alternative simply due to the fact that the mobile app is loaded with cool features. You can access budgeting tools, expense tracking tools, and even use the app to split payments.
Payoneer
When it comes to Payoneer vs. PayPal vs. Cash App, it’s important to note that Payoneeer is a great option for people without US bank accounts in most cases.
The platform is supported in over 150 currencies. Opening an account means you get access to a debit card which you can use to directly withdraw funds from various ATMs around the world. On top of that, you can send and receive funds domestically and internationally with little fees (compared to international bank wire transfers, for example).
Wise (Formerly TransferWise)
Savvy expats around the world are wising up to the benefits of Wise (formerly called TransferWise), a platform for sending and receiving payments, mostly internationally.
According to Wise, you can transfer money or spend abroad 6x cheaper than old-school banks. With no hidden fees (their transfer calculator is super helpful) and real exchange rates, it’s a great alternative to Cash App if you deal a lot in different currencies.
Plus, if you need a physical debit card, Wise will send you one for just $9 USD. It works in over 200 countries (for both payments and withdrawals) and allows you to spend with Apple and Google Pay.
Just Looking for a Great Online Bank?
Online payment apps are great if you frequently send money back and forth internationally or if you are a freelancer and need to get paid easily in different currencies and from different clients. However, if you’re just in need of a great online bank, Cheese is a great option for you.
When you download the Cheese Mobile Banking app from the App Store or the Google Play Store, you’re able to create an account within minutes and start using your digital debit card immediately after. What if you’re an international student or immigrant? Cheese is actually built for you! It’s why you’re able to apply with an established US address, passport, and valid visa.
Plus, as soon as you sign up, you’ll be able to start enjoying perks such as 10% cashback at select stores, up to a 3% deposit bonus, and access your paychecks up to two days early. Similarly to N26 and Revolut, you’ll also be able to get both a virtual and a physical debit card to use.
And, that’s on top of all of the other perks, such as:
❌ No Monthly Fee 🧀️ $5 cash bonus
❌ No ATM Fee 🧀️ Up to 10% cashback with every purchase/transaction
❌ No Overdraft Fee 🧀️ Potential Double Cheese Cashback
❌ No Insufficient Fund Fee 🧀️ Up to 3% Saving Bonus
❌ No Minimum Balance Requirement 🧀️ Early Paycheck
Get Cheese for free today and set up your account in minutes. Then, enjoy all of the great benefits.
