Does Venmo Work in Puerto Rico? What to Know
Find out if Venmo is a viable payment solution in Puerto Rico. This guide clarifies its operations, requirements, and user experience for island residents.
Venmo, a popular mobile payment service, is available for use in Puerto Rico. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico falls within Venmo’s operational scope, allowing residents to access its services. This means individuals residing in Puerto Rico can send and receive money through the platform, similar to users in the mainland U.S.
Venmo’s Presence and Functionality in Puerto Rico
Venmo’s services are accessible to residents in Puerto Rico, consistent with its availability across other U.S. territories. Core functionalities include peer-to-peer payments, allowing users to send and receive money from friends, family, and other individuals. The platform also supports payments to businesses, including in-app, online, and in-store transactions where Venmo is accepted.
Users in Puerto Rico should be aware of specific considerations. Standard Venmo fees apply to various transactions like instant transfers or certain types of withdrawals. Venmo Debit and Credit Cards are available to eligible users. Using the debit card at local ATMs in Puerto Rico might incur higher withdrawal fees.
Setting Up and Maintaining a Venmo Account in Puerto Rico
Establishing a Venmo account in Puerto Rico requires specific eligibility criteria, reflecting the platform’s U.S.-centric operational model. Applicants must be physically located within the United States or its territories and be at least 18 years of age. A U.S.-based mobile phone number capable of sending and receiving text messages is a requirement for account verification and security.
Identity verification is a mandatory step for full account functionality, including accessing a Venmo balance and increasing transaction limits. This process involves providing personal details such as a legal name, date of birth, and a U.S. physical street address. Users are also required to provide their Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for identity confirmation. If automated verification is unsuccessful, Venmo may request supporting documents like a U.S. passport, driver’s license, or recent utility bills to confirm identity and address.
Navigating Venmo Transactions and Features in Puerto Rico
Once a Venmo account is set up and verified, users in Puerto Rico can engage in financial transactions. Sending money involves selecting a recipient, entering the desired amount, and optionally adding a note. Funds can be sent from a linked bank account, debit card, or the Venmo balance. Receiving money is straightforward, with incoming payments appearing in the Venmo balance.
Users have options for transferring funds out of their Venmo account. Standard bank transfers take one to three business days to reach a linked U.S. bank account. Instant transfers are available for a small fee, delivering funds within minutes. The Venmo Debit Card, linked to the account balance, allows purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted. This card can also be used for ATM withdrawals, though local ATM fees may apply in Puerto Rico. For transactional issues, users can seek resolution through the Venmo app’s support features or by contacting customer service.