Can a Child Have a Cash App Account?

Cash App is a widely used mobile payment service that facilitates sending, receiving, and managing money through a smartphone application. It has gained popularity for its ease of use in peer-to-peer transactions. Many individuals wonder about the accessibility of this platform for younger users, particularly regarding age restrictions for account holders.

Understanding Age Requirements

Cash App permits individuals as young as 13 years old to create an account. For users between the ages of 13 and 17, access to the platform’s expanded features in the United States requires a “sponsored account.” This sponsorship means a parent or legal guardian must approve and oversee the minor’s account. The rationale behind this age restriction is primarily rooted in legal agreements and financial regulations, as minors typically cannot enter into binding contracts without adult consent.

Individuals under 13 cannot open a standard Cash App account or obtain a Cash App Card. Providing false information to bypass age requirements can lead to account blocking or restriction. The sponsored account structure ensures compliance with regulations, allowing teens to engage with digital financial tools under responsible adult supervision. This framework helps protect both the minor and the platform.

Account Features for Minors

A sponsored Cash App account for minors (13-17) offers various functionalities with limitations compared to a standard adult account. Teens with sponsored accounts can send, receive, and request money, with specific transaction limits. They can send and receive up to $1,000 within a 30-day period. The account also allows for adding cash to the balance, with a limit of $7,500 per 30 days, and cashing out or withdrawing up to $25,000 per week.

Minors can obtain a physical Cash App Card, which functions as a Visa debit card linked to their account balance. This card enables purchases in stores or online and ATM withdrawals. Sponsored accounts can utilize features like direct deposit for allowance payments or earnings, and access “Boosts,” which are instant rewards at participating retailers. However, certain features remain restricted for minors, including:
Investing in stocks or Bitcoin (unless specifically enabled by the sponsor)
Borrowing services
Check deposits
Cross-border payments
Purchases at establishments like liquor stores, casinos, car rentals, or dating services

Setting Up an Account for a Minor

Setting up a Cash App account for a minor requires active parent or legal guardian involvement. The parent or guardian must first possess their own verified Cash App account. This involves linking a bank account and completing identity verification within the app.

Once the parent’s account is verified, they can initiate the setup for their teen. The process generally begins with the teen downloading the Cash App and entering their information. When the teen attempts to use features like ordering a Cash Card or sending a payment, the app prompts them to enter a parent or guardian’s email, phone number, or $Cashtag username for sponsorship. The parent receives a notification in their Cash App to review and approve the request. Upon approval, the teen’s account becomes active under the parent’s supervision, and the teen can then order their customizable Cash App Card.

Parental Supervision and Control

Parents and legal guardians sponsoring a minor’s Cash App account have significant tools for ongoing oversight. As the legal owner of the sponsored account, the parent can track all transactional activity in real-time and review monthly statements. This visibility allows parents to monitor their child’s spending habits and financial interactions. Parents can receive notifications for significant activities.

The sponsoring adult can manage specific features and set spending limits on the minor’s account. They can enable or disable access to features like investing in Bitcoin or stocks, and control Cash Card spending permissions. The parent can freeze or close the minor’s account and disable their Cash Card at any time. This level of control allows parents to guide their children in developing financial literacy and responsible money management skills within a secure, supervised environment.