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Cash App Borrow is a feature of Cash App that provides eligible users with a quick, short-term loan of up to $200. Cash App charges a flat 5% fee for the loan that must be paid back over four weeks to avoid a 1.25% finance charge.
If you’re considering using Cash App Borrow, you should fully understand how it works and what it will cost you. Read on to find out what eligible Cash App users need to know about Borrow and how to access the feature if you decide it is the right option.
Can You Borrow Money From Cash App?
It depends — not everyone can borrow money from Cash App. Whether or not you can use the feature depends on several things, including your credit history and score, the state where you reside, how often you use Cash App and whether you have an activated Cash Card.
How To Borrow Money on Cash App
You will need to check the app to determine if Cash App Borrow is available to you. Follow the steps below to find out if you can borrow money from Cash App, and if so, how to do it.
Borrowing on Cash App
- Open Cash App.
- Tap on your Cash App balance located in the lower left corner.
- Go to the “Banking” header.
- Check for the word “Borrow.”
- If you see “Borrow,” you can take out a Cash App loan.
- Tap on “Borrow.”
- Tap “Unlock.”
- Cash App will tell you how much you’ll be able to borrow. Select an amount.
- Select your repayment plan.
- Read the user agreement.
- Accept your Cash App Borrow loan.
How Cash App Borrow Works
With Cash App Borrow, you can borrow up to $200. The minimum loan amount is $20. You have up to four weeks plus a grace period of one week to repay the loan plus a 5% flat fee.
If you have not repaid the loan in full by the grace period, you will be charged a 1.25% finance charge per week on the outstanding balance. If you are enrolled in automatic payments and do not pay off the Cash App Borrow loan by your due date, Cash App may deduct the loan balance from your Cash App balance or debit card. Cash App may also suspend you from the platform until the loan and any finance charges are paid in full.
This quick overview summarizes the Cash App Borrow loan terms:
- Loan amounts range from as little as $20 to $200.
- You will have four weeks to pay off your loan.
- A one-week grace period will apply if you cannot pay the money back in that four-week timeframe.
- If you miss the grace period, there will be a 1.25% finance charge.
Why Can’t I Borrow Money From Cash App?
Cash App Borrow is not currently available in all states. You also might not be eligible to borrow if you have poor credit or do not meet other Cash App requirement — Cash App notes how often you deposit money into your account and transfer money to other users. It also takes into account your credit history and whether you have a Cash Card, among other things.
Other Ways Can You Borrow Money if You’re Not Eligible for Cash App
If Cash App Borrow is not currently available to you, and you do not have an emergency fund from which to borrow or a family member who can make a quick loan to you, consider the following alternatives:
Cash Advances
You can get a cash advance on a credit card. Many cards have a 3% to 5% cash advance fee and a higher annual percentage rate for cash advances than purchases.
You might also consider using a cash advance app. Cash advance apps allow you to get a small advance on your next paycheck, much like a payday loan, without excessive fees. However, cash advance apps often have fees, so compare apps before getting an advance to determine your best option.
Personal Loans
Some personal loan providers have a quick approval process and can have funds to you in just a few business days or even the same business day if you are eligible. Those with poor credit might be eligible for a bad credit loan. Before borrowing, be aware of the loan APR and any origination or other fees.
Final Take
A Cash App Borrow loan is only a good deal if you have no cheaper alternative borrowing options and you need the money for an emergency. Just be sure to pay off the loan before the grace period ends.
Cash App Borrow is better than getting a payday loan, which can have up to a 400% APR, or even a bad credit personal loan with high APRs and origination fees. But you may be able to get a credit card cash advance for a 3% fee rather than Cash App’s 5% fee or use a cash advance app with a lower fee.
When considering any online lending options, evaluate the cost of borrowing money and the lender’s terms for repayment. Be sure to fully understand what you’re signing up for and whether you can afford to borrow.
Cash App FAQ
Here are quick answers to popular questions about Cash App Borrow.- Does Cash App Borrow help your credit?
- Cash App Borrow might help your credit, but if you miss payments, it’s more likely to hurt your credit score. According to the Cash App Borrow Loan Agreement, Cash App may report your account information to the credit bureaus, but it does not explicitly state that it reports on-time payments. However, it may report late or missed payments.
- What is the borrow limit on Cash App?
- If you’re eligible, you can borrow a maximum of $200 using Cash App Borrow.
- What states allow Cash App Borrow?
- The Cash App Borrow Loan Agreement indicates that loans are not available in all states, but it does not specify in which states a borrower must reside to be eligible for a loan. You can find out if you’re eligible in the app.
- How do you borrow money from Cash App on iPhone?
- Eligible iPhone Cash App users can determine if the Borrow feature is available to them by checking for the “Borrow” option under the “Banking” header of the app. If the “Borrow” option is available, tap it and follow the prompts.
- How do you borrow money from Cash App on Android?
- Android Cash App users can look under the “Banking” header of Cash App to determine if the Borrow option is available. It is not currently available to all Cash App users. If you have a “Borrow” option under the “Banking” header of the app, tap it and follow the prompts to complete the loan process.
- Is Cash App safe?
- Cash App uses fraud detection technology and encryption to secure your data and money and is PCI Data Security Standard Level 1 compliant. The app integrates with your smartphone’s screen lock, where PIN entry, Touch ID, passcode or facial recognition add an extra layer of protection if your phone is lost or stolen.
Cynthia Bowman contributed to the reporting for this article.
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