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Why Can’t I Borrow Money from Cash App? (Do This FIRST!)

To qualify for Cash App borrow, you must complete the loan agreement requirements before the borrow feature unlocks. This Cash App loan will allow you to access up to a $200 instant deposit into your account for users who can’t borrow money from Cash App.

📅 Repay Within4 Weeks
💰 Loan AmountUp to $200
💸 Receive FundsImmediately
🏦 Borrow Fee5% Flat Fee
Requirements18+ US Resident
How To UnlockCheck Eligibility Status

Why I can’t borrow money from Cash App is a common question in 2023.

You’re in the right place. I’ll show you how I unlocked it to borrow money on your iPhone (it works for Android too).

Trying to get a Cash App loan is easier than ever, and we’ve got all the details you’ll need to navigate this ultra-convenient borrowing feature and get the most out of it.

Yes, this Cash App Borrow feature is buzz-worthy and awesome.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Cash App borrow may require a credit check; however, there is a better alternative app called Albert with no credit checks, instant same-day $250 money deposits, and zero interest fees. Update: Albert offers a $150 sign-up bonus when you set up direct deposit.
Remember, we highly recommend Cash App borrow if you have good credit and don’t care about the credit inquiry. Otherwise, learn more about the alternatives below.

And yes, we’ll tell you everything we know, so keep reading for a full rundown of how to borrow money from Cash App.

Why Don’t I Have the Borrow Option on Cash App?

A screenshot of the Cash App borrow screen to help explain why some users don't have access to the feature

I was in the same situation not too long ago – I don’t have the borrow feature on Cash App, but that all changed when I figured out a few simple things Cash App is looking for when applying.

If you don’t have access, this is what you can expect to become eligible.

To qualify for this loan feature, Cash App users will need the following:

  • An active debit account linked to your bank account
  • Fully verified Cash App account
  • A frequently used account, including the Cash Card
  • Set up direct deposit with your Cash App account and have previous deposits totaling $1,000 [1]
  • Must have good credit (credit check is required, but we have options below for no credit checks)

Pretty simple stuff, but it helps to know in advance and make sure to cross your t’s and dot your i’s to avoid any potential roadblocks.

Check out their loan agreement if you’d like to throw yourself into the details. [2]

Albert is a better cash advance option that does not require a credit check and has same-day funding up to $250.

How to Borrow Money from Cash App Loan

How can I check to see if I’m eligible for the Cash App Borrow money feature?

A screenshot of where to find the borrow feature in the Cash App menu.

To check if you’re eligible, you can take the following steps:

Step 1. Open your Cash App and tap on the Money/Banking tab.

Cash App Screenshot with an arrow pointing to the banking money tab.

Step 2. Scroll down to see if the “Borrow” option is available.

Screenshot of the banking money screen in Cash App with enabled borrow money feature.

Step 3. Select the loan amount up to $200.

A screenshot of the Cash App borrow amount screen.

If you are eligible, you’ll be able to borrow up to $200 directly into your Cash App account.

Step 4. Accept the borrowing agreement to complete the instant application process.

Accept Borrow Agreement

Follow the prompts from there to start filling out your application for this feature. They will check if you’re eligible based on information in their system.

NOTE: If you don’t see the borrow money option under the banking tab, we suggest looking at a better alternative below. Otherwise, keep using your Cash App account and Cash Card as frequently as possible and wait until you get a notification that you are eligible.

🏆 Best Cash App Borrow Alternatives with No Credit Check

So, you’ve completed all of the Cash App loan feature requirements, but it still isn’t giving you access to borrow money online through the app.

It’s a bummer, yes, but there are great alternatives!

Here are some of our absolute favorite apps & websites for short-term loans similar to the Cash App borrow money option (some are even good for those with bad credit!).

1. 🥇 Albert – Instant $250 Cash with Quick Sign-Up Process (+$150 Sign-Up Bonus)

Albert would be the first app I would suggest as an alternative, especially if you have bad credit.

albert

They don’t do a credit check!

Plus, they have a $150 sign-up bonus when you set up a payroll direct deposit through your workplace.

  • No credit checks, no interest or hidden fees
  • Short-term loans borrow money up to a $250 limit
  • Free cash/bank account (no credit check or ChexSystems)
  • Automatically save and manage money in the app
  • Negotiate lower bills and manage all your subscriptions

This option doesn’t work if you’re looking into personal loans, as it’s only a $250 short-term loan feature, but it’s pretty handy if you just need to bridge the gap until payday.

You can get an answer immediately, the cash is deposited instantly, and it gets paid back within 4 weeks.

What is the Cash App Borrow Feature?

A screenshot of the Cash App borrow feature and available borrow amounts, including the minimum and maximum.

The Cash App Borrow feature is a cash advance option within the Cash App.

This is a flexible way to get emergency funds when you need them most. It can be used for anything from buying groceries and paying your rent on time to taking care of medical expenses or getting out of an unexpected bind.

The Cash App borrow limit is up to $200, and you should expect to pay it back within 1-2 months; it’s meant to be a short-term solution to borrow money until your next couple of paychecks can fill the gap.

At the current moment of writing this article, this Cash App borrow money feature is disabled for most users.

This may be temporary, however.

They launched the borrow money feature to a select number of users in 2020 with plans to expand; however, they haven’t expanded yet, so most users don’t have access to this Cash App loan (yet).

We’d still recommend checking to see if you have access to the borrow money feature because there are reports of some users having access yet, although it is uncommon.

If you don’t have a Cash App account, we recommend getting a free $20 Cash App referral code first.

What Does the Fee Structure Look Like?

The Cash App Borrow feature has a flat fee of 5% for your loan unless you are late with your payments, in which case that amount does increase.

This is still less interest than a typical payday loan, and if you pay it back on time, it doesn’t cost much in interest fees.

That Cash App borrow loan of $200 is a great option as an emergency fund.

Is Cash App Borrow Safe?

Yes, the Cash App Borrow feature is perfectly safe!

While the Cash App loan is built on borrowing money, it’s not the same kind of thing as a loan feature from a bank or even payday loans.

You complete the entire process right through Cash App, which is great because they have a ton of safety and security measures that make them a pretty safe bet on your hard-earned money.

Check out our deep dive on Cash App’s safety measures for more details about the steps they take to ensure their users’ safety.

How Does a Cash App Borrow Loan Work?

Cash App loans work similarly to a payday loan service but in a much more convenient form, allowing you to borrow money through their app.

You apply through the app, your funds arrive via the app, and you make payments to your balance through the app as well.

It is convenient at its best.

Can Anyone Apply to Get Money from Cash App?

Unfortunately, no.

Suppose you don’t have access to the feature in your Cash App mobile application (after following our qualification suggestions further below). In that case, you won’t be able to receive access until they decide to open the borrow money feature up to more candidates.

Of course, this may be possible, but no one knows if or when that will happen.

Our advice would be to go through the qualification steps so you’re ready to go (including setting up Cash App direct deposit, etc.) if they open it up at some point.

How Do You Qualify to Borrow from Cash App?

Setting up at least $300 in direct deposits every month to your Cash App account will help your chances of qualifying to borrow money through Cash App. Also, verify your identity and use the Cash Card and app as frequently as possible.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved?

Approval for Cash App Borrow is very quick! You can get approval within just a few minutes.

How Do You Repay a Cash App Loan?

You can repay a Cash App loan by paying the loan’s principal amount and any accrued interest.

If you want to repay your Cash App loans early, you can repay all outstanding balances on your account at once.

You also have the option to change repayment due dates for future scheduled installment payments from every two weeks, or twice a month, to once a week (every seven days), monthly (once per month), or biweekly (twice per week).

The most important thing is that if you don’t pay back what you owe in full and on time, then late fees will be applied to your balance until it’s repaid – this could range anywhere from $0.05-$49, depending on how long overdue.

If you don’t have enough balance in your app, add Cash App funds before making a payment.

For Cash App users to make a payment (within the Cash App), follow these steps:

  • Tap the “Payments” tab on your cash app home screen.
  • Select an existing payment to view or edit, then tap “Send.” Your list of payments will be shown on the next page.
  • When you are ready to make a new payment, enter how much money you want to send and select what date it should come out by tapping “Next,” followed by tapping “Make Payment” at the bottom of that same screen.

How to Get a Cash App Borrow Limit Increase?

The hard limit for the Cash App loan feature is $200, and there are no exceptions to that rule.

If you need more funds, ask a close family member or friend to apply and loan you the money; otherwise, checking with your bank or a payday loan establishment with higher limits would be worth your time.

If you go this route, you can request money through the app to make it easier & quicker.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved to Borrow Money?

Approval is nearly instant!

You simply open the Cash App, apply through the app itself and find an answer right after applying.

No waiting is necessary.

Cash App Borrow FAQs

My Cash App Borrow Ended or Gone – What Should I Do?

If you had access to the Cash App borrow feature, but your borrow agreement has ended or is now gone, you will need to wait until they open up enrollment again. They are testing the borrow feature in phases, and this can cause the feature to be available and unavailable frequently. You might look at Cash App alternatives for another more reliable option.

Does Cash App Borrow Build Credit?

Cash App borrow does not build credit because, as stated in the terms and conditions of the borrowing agreement, they will only report to your credit if you default on your payments.

How Can I Borrow $200 from Cash App?

Since $200 is the maximum anyone can borrow, most new borrowers will only have access to $20 or $50 to start. The amount will increase (up to $200) with each successful loan you take and pay back.

How to Unlock Borrow on Cash App?

How to get Cash App borrow is determined by Cash App; as they continue to test this new feature, they will roll out the borrow options to more users, but they have not revealed what criteria they use to determine which users are qualified or not. We know they pick users who frequently use the app and Cash Card.

What Cash App States are Eligible?

We know that Texas, California, Michigan, and Iowa are on the list of accepted states. There are probably more accepted states, and we will add them to the list as we discover more.

Why Don’t I Have Cash App Borrow?

How to unlock Cash App borrow is determined by Cash App as a selected group of people to test the new borrow feature. If you have not been selected, you can increase your chances by frequently using the app, including the Cash App Card, setting up a direct deposit with your employer, and receiving $1,000 or more over three months.

Resources

  1. Cash App Help Page
  2. Borrow Loan Agreement

Jimmy has been interested in technology and smartphone apps for some time now.  These interests have helped OnDemandly.com come to life.  Through personal experience working for DoorDash and Uber for over a decade, this blog's helpful guides have become popular pieces for many of our long-time visitors to understand the on-demand landscape.