Is Cash App Available in the UK?
Uncover Cash App's current availability in the UK, understand its limitations for British users, and explore suitable payment alternatives.
Cash App has gained considerable recognition as a mobile payment service within the United States. Many individuals seeking similar financial tools often inquire about its presence and functionality in other regions. As of recent developments, Cash App’s full suite of services is primarily designed for and available to users within the United States.
Current Availability Status
Cash App launched in the United Kingdom in 2018 but has since ceased operations there. The company announced in July 2024 that it would close its UK operations, with an official closure date of September 15, 2024. This strategic shift reflects a prioritization of the US market by Cash App’s parent company, Block.
UK residents cannot sign up for new Cash App accounts or access core functionalities. Existing UK customers have been informed about the shutdown, and their accounts are being transitioned out of service. The platform is no longer a viable option for UK financial activities.
Core Features Not Accessible in the UK
Due to Cash App’s withdrawal from the UK market, several key functionalities are unavailable to UK residents. UK users cannot create new accounts or obtain a Cash Card. This card, which functions as a debit card linked to the Cash App balance, is a core feature for US users but is not supported for UK residents.
UK users cannot access investing features like purchasing stocks or Bitcoin. Direct deposit, which allows users to receive paychecks, is also unavailable. Linking UK bank accounts or debit cards for full service is absent, as the platform no longer supports UK financial services.
Alternatives for UK Users
Several alternative mobile payment and money transfer services are available for UK residents. These platforms offer features for peer-to-peer payments, international transfers, and digital financial management. Wise, formerly TransferWise, is a prominent option for international money transfers, allowing users to send and receive money across numerous countries with competitive exchange rates and transparent fees. It also offers multi-currency accounts and debit cards for global spending.
PayPal remains a widely recognized service for sending and receiving money, both domestically and internationally. Users can link bank accounts or cards, and it supports online purchases as well as peer-to-peer payments, though international transfers may incur fees. Revolut is another popular choice in the UK, functioning as an all-in-one finance app that provides peer-to-peer payments, international transfers in multiple currencies, and budgeting tools.
Many traditional UK banks, such as Monzo and Starling Bank, offer integrated mobile banking apps with peer-to-peer payment features. These often include functionalities like “Nearby Friends” or “Nearby Payments” to send money to contacts directly through the app. Services like Western Union and MoneyGram also provide international money transfer capabilities, often with options for cash pickup in addition to bank transfers.