Money can be sent and received using Venmo’s mobile app, plus split payments can be made easily. This post will answer all your questions about using Venmo without Plaid if you are a Venmo user.
Plaid on Venmo is a popular payment method, but some users are concerned about its safety. It is not just Venmo that uses Plaid, but also Coinbase, Chime, Acorns, Sofi, and many others.
While linking or adding your bank account to Venmo, you will be prompted to use Plaid. Your online banking credentials, i.e. your username and password, are used for verifying your bank account immediately with Plaid.
When you link your bank account with Venmo, can you avoid using Plaid?
Can I use Venmo without Plaid?
Using manual verification, Yes, you can link your bank account to Venmo without Plaid. As a result, Venmo will make two micro-transfers: a withdrawal and an equal deposit, to verify your ownership. You will need to enter your routing number and account number.
The micro-transfer will only go through if you have at least two dollars in your bank account, and verification may take up to three business days.
You can also link your bank in Venmo with your debit card. The Venmo app enables you to add a bank-issued debit card.
With Venmo, you are not required to add a bank account altogether, so you can avoid the hassle of bank account verification. In some cases, Venmo will work without linking a bank account, but there are limitations.
Also Read: what bank is Venmo on plaid?
How to Use Venmo without Plaid? (3 Best Ways)
Instead of linking your bank account, you can use your debit card to make payments via Venmo [Works without Plaid]
Use manual verification with micro-transfers to add your bank account to Venmo [Works without Plaid]
It is possible to use Venmo without having a bank account or a bank debit card.
Instead of linking your bank account, link your debit card
In addition to adding a bank account to Venmo, you can also add a debit card from your bank. If you use Venmo, you don’t have to use Plaid. Just enter your debit card information to verify.
Venmo allows you to use bank debit cards the same way you can link a bank account, meaning that you can add money to your Venmo balance from the debit card, and you can transfer money from your Venmo account to the debit card.
Your bank balance is automatically updated when you add or withdraw money from your debit card.
If you use a debit card to withdraw money from Venmo, however, you cannot use ACH transfers. You can transfer money from Venmo to your bank account for free, but it takes 1-3 business days. If you use a debit card, you must opt for instant transfers, which are subject to 1.75% fees (maximum $25 per transaction).
You can use instant transfers and standard ACH transfers when you add a bank account, whether manually or through Plaid.
The steps below will help you add a debit card to the Venmo app:
- You will need to log into the Venmo app
- Choosing the single-person icon will take you to the “You” tab
- In the top right corner, tap on Settings (gear icon).
- The next step is to tap “Payment Methods”
- In the next step, tap “Add bank or card” and choose “Card”.
- Type or use your phone’s camera to enter your card information.
Use manual verification with micro transfers to add a bank account to Venmo
In order to add your bank account to Venmo, you need Plaid only if you want to verify it online immediately.
You can also use Venmo’s manual verification feature to link a bank account without using Plaid. Identify your bank account by entering your routing number and account number.
During verification, Venmo will make two small withdrawals and deposits to verify the bank account. In order for the micro transfers to go through, your bank account must have at least $2. It usually takes 1-3 business days for this verification to be completed. In most cases, it takes one business day.
The following points should be taken into consideration if you choose manual verification:
- Make sure the routing or bank account number is entered correctly
- Ensure that the bank account you add is valid for electronic/ACH transactions, such as a checking account. The savings account will not work, so do not add it
- To avoid overdraft fees, make sure your bank account has a minimum balance (at least $2) to fund the micro-transfer
- Ensure that the bank account is active and that it is not held or frozen
- Funds have not been held or the transaction limit has not been exceeded on the account.
In Venmo, you can add a bank account and manually verify your ownership by using micro transfers. By doing this, you will not need Plaid to use Venmo.
Using Venmo without adding a bank account or debit card
Venmo even allows you to use it without linking your bank account, so you don’t have to worry about completing the bank verification process. This means that Venmo can be used without both Plaid and a bank account.
In spite of this, there are a number of limitations to consider, but they aren’t deal breakers.
There are only three basic requirements for using Venmo, including being 18 years or older, being physically located in the US, and having a US cellphone number.
You can still use it without adding a bank account, but you will be limited in some ways. If your bank account isn’t linked to Venmo, you can’t move funds between Venmo and your bank account. In addition, you cannot exceed your Venmo balance when making a purchase. As long as you haven’t added a credit or debit card as a payment method (Venmo lost connection with bank plaid).
You can, however, use your Venmo balance as cash at an ATM by applying for a Venmo debit card. Venmo also offers cashback when you buy from an eligible merchant, such as Walmart.
If you use the Venmo debit card within the U.S. and in some U.S. territories, you can withdraw funds at no cost. Merchants that bear Mastercard, Maestro, or PULSE acceptance marks may also offer cashback with purchase at no cost at their Point of Sale devices.
Payment methods other than linked bank accounts, such as debit cards associated with bank accounts, will not be accepted
- Venmo allows you to add money from your bank account or debit card. Venmo still allows you to receive funds from friends to fund your account.
- You can withdraw your Venmo balance online [to your linked bank account or debit card]. If you have a Venmo Debit Card, you can withdraw your Venmo balance in cash at an ATM.
- You cannot pay more than the balance in your Venmo account unless you have added another payment method, such as a credit card.
It is an option, but not a convenient one. Venmo has full access if you manually add your bank account without Plaid. Alternatively, you can add your bank debit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to turn off Plaid on Venmo?
By removing your bank account first and then adding it with manual verification, you can turn off the Venmo bank account linked to Plaid at any time.
Conclusion
Venmo can be used without Plaid in a couple of ways. When you want to avoid using Plaid, manual verification is the easiest way to link your bank account in Venmo. Don’t forget to enter your routing number and account number correctly and wait patiently until the verification is complete.