How to Set Up Your Venmo Account

Follow these steps to go from zero to sending payments in under 5 minutes.

Download the Venmo App
Complete the free application form on this page to get started with Venmo right away.
Create Your Account
Sign up with your phone number or email address. Choose a unique @username — this is how people will find and pay you.
Link a Payment Method
Add a US bank account or debit card (both free to use). A credit card works but Venmo charges 3% when you pay with it — use a debit card instead.
Enable Security Settings
Turn on two-factor authentication immediately (Settings → Security → Two-Factor). Set your transactions to Private to protect your payment history.
Verify Your Identity (Recommended)
Takes 2 minutes. Provide your name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of SSN. This unlocks the $60,000 weekly sending limit from the default $299.99 limit.

Not sure Venmo is right for you? See our comparison of the best payment apps to find the one that matches your needs — whether it's Zelle for direct bank transfers, Cash App for crypto, or Wise for international payments.