If you’ve ever virtually sent money to friends or family members, chances are you’ve used Venmo® at least once. However, there are many Venmo alternatives.
Whether you’re looking for lower fees, higher payment limits, or enhanced data security, several other payment apps like Venmo can offer you the same convenience and reliability. Below are our top picks, reviewed based on usability, spending limits, fees, and data security.
Now, let’s learn about some of the best Venmo alternatives in 2023.
Note: This article is not an endorsement by Chime of any of the referenced companies. Chime is not affiliated with or sponsored or endorsed by any of the third-party brands mentioned here, which are referenced for informational purposes only.
Zelle®
Best for: Quickly sending money in real time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Instant transfers | Credit card transfers unavailable |
| Secure transactions | Only supports U.S. bank accounts |
| No receiving limits |
Unlike other payment apps, Zelle transfers funds directly among bank accounts, meaning the money is available to the recipient almost immediately. The same goes for sending money – instantly withdrawn from your account.
Unlike other some Venmo alternatives that require a fee for instant transfers, Zelle transfers are instant and free, which is where much of its appeal comes from.1,2
To use Zelle, you link your bank account to the app. If your bank doesn’t support Zelle, you can download the Zelle app and link it to your bank account. Then you can send money to others who have linked their bank account to the app.
It’s important to note that some financial institutions may have slightly different processes for using Zelle, so it’s always a good idea to check with your institution for specific instructions. Zelle is only available to users with a U.S. bank account, so international users may need to consider alternative payment options.
Sending limits
Zelle doesn’t dictate sending limits on linked banks or credit unions. Instead, each specific institution will place these limits; some may allow higher limits for certain customers. Check with your bank to see your limits before using Zelle to send larger amounts of money.
If your bank or credit union doesn’t support Zelle and you still use the Zelle app, there’s a weekly sending limit of $500.³
Data security
Zelle uses encryption technology to protect your data and multifactor authentication to verify user identities. Additionally, users must link their account to the app, providing an added security layer.
That said, Zelle only facilitates money transfers between accounts at other institutions – they don’t offer accounts for holding funds. You’d need to contact your bank in cases of fraud or scam activity.
Zelle doesn’t charge fees for sending or receiving money, making it a popular Venmo alternative for users who prioritize speed and cost-effectiveness.4
Cash App®
Best for: Android users
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free money transfers | Not FDIC-insured unless you have a Cash Card5 |
| Offers stock and Bitcoin investing | Accepted transactions can’t be canceled |
| Debit card offered | Fees for instant transfers |
Cash App is a popular payment app that allows users to send and receive money quickly and easily. The app is free for debit card and bank account transfers, but there are fees for certain transactions, like sending money using a credit card. Cash App also offers a debit card to withdraw cash or make purchases.
Sending limits
Cash App has daily and weekly sending limits. You can send a maximum of $250 a week and receive up to $1,000 per month.6 Users can increase their sending limits by verifying their identity and linking a bank account.
Data security
Cash App uses encryption technology to protect user data and transactions. When you use the app, you receive a “$Cashtag,” a unique identifier. The app also allows users to set up two-factor authentication for added security. Overall, Cash App is a user-friendly and secure payment app that offers a variety of features and benefits to consider if you’re looking for a Venmo alternative.
PayPal®
Best for: App and desktop access
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Secure transfers | Currency conversion fees for international payments |
| Buyer and seller protection | Fees for instant transfers |
| Supports buying and selling of crypto | Linked bank account required to avoid fees |
PayPal is a popular payment app that allows users to send and receive money securely. The app charges fees for certain transactions, like a 2.9% fee plus a fixed fee for sending money using a credit or debit card.8 Users can avoid these fees by sending money from their PayPal balance or linked bank account.
PayPal also offers daily and weekly sending limits, which vary depending on the user’s account and transaction history.
Sending limits
PayPal offers daily and weekly sending limits to its users. The exact limits vary depending on the user’s account and transaction history. For unverified accounts, there are usually lower limits compared to verified accounts.
For verified PayPal users, there’s no limit on the total amount you send. For a single transaction, unverified users are limited to up to $60,000, but in some cases, the limit is $10,000.8
If you need to increase your sending limits, you can request a limit increase by providing additional information and verifying your account. This may include adding and confirming a bank account, linking a credit or debit card, or providing other personal information.
Data security
PayPal uses encryption technology to protect user data and transactions. The app also offers two-factor authentication, which requires users to enter a code sent to their phone and their password. PayPal also offers buyer and seller protection programs, which help protect users in case of unauthorized transactions or disputes.
Apple Cash®
Best for: Apple users
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless integration with Apple services | Only available for Apple users |
| Easy to use | May not be compatible with older iPhone generations9 |
| Cashback rewards | Funds can only be transferred between Apple devices |
As a part of the integrated Apple Pay app on Apple devices, Apple Cash is an easy way to send money to family or friends on your Apple devices. It’s mostly free to use, though an instant transfer to a debit card comes with a 1.5% fee, subject to a $0.25 minimum and $15 maximum.
Apple Pay integrates seamlessly with your Apple devices, and you can send and receive via the Messages app. You’ll need to add your debit, credit, or prepaid card to the Wallet app on an Apple-compatible device.
When someone sends you money, the app stores it as “Apple Cash.” You can keep the funds there and spend them by selecting Apple Pay as your payment method or you can transfer the money to your bank account.
If you want to transfer money instantly, you can do so for a 1.5% fee. The minimum fee is $0.25, and the maximum is $15.10
Sending limits
With Apple Cash, you can receive or send a minimum of $1 per message and a maximum of $10,000 per message. You’re also limited to sending or receiving a $10,000 maximum for a week. The maximum amount you can hold in your Apple Cash balance is $20,000.11
Data security
Apple Cash uses end-to-end encryption and requires Touch ID or Face ID to authorize transactions. Additionally, all transactions are monitored for fraud and unauthorized activity. it requires two-factor authentication with your Apple ID to make payments.
Apple Cash is a safe and convenient alternative to Venmo for Apple users. Its seamless integration with Apple devices makes it easy to use, and its security features provide peace of mind when sending or receiving money.
Google Pay®
Best for: Cashback rewards
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless integration with other Google services | Not available in all countries |
| Strong security | Low customer support rating on Trust Pilot12 |
| Cashback rewards | No buyer protection13 |
Available for both iPhone and Android users, Google Pay is another popular Venmo alternative. The app is free to use and does not charge any fees for transactions using a debit card or bank account, and you can link up to 5 payment methods to your account.14 You can only send money to friends with a debit card or linked bank account.15
Sending limits
Google Pay’s sending limits are structured as weekly rolling limits, and transactions count toward your weekly limit. If you add money to your account on a Wednesday at 9 a.m., that transaction doesn’t count against your limit starting at 9:01 a.m. on the following Wednesday.9
Google Pay’s sending limits vary depending on your account. If you haven’t completed identity verification, you have a maximum sending limit of $500. You have a $5,000 sending limit if you have verified your identity.
There’s also a lifetime total limit of $5,000 if you haven’t verified your identity, so it’s best to do so to get the most out of the app. The total amount allowed to be held in Google Pay is $25,000.16
Google Pay also limits users to 30 withdrawals per week. Verified users can withdraw up to $20,000, and unverified users can withdraw up to $700.16
Data security
Google Pay uses multiple layers of security to protect user data and transactions. The app uses encryption technology to keep your data safe. It also offers biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or face recognition, to ensure that only you can access the app and pay someone.
Google Pay also sends fraud alerts whenever you send money to someone who isn’t on your contact list and uses a Virtual Account number to secure your payment information.17
Meta PayTM
Best for: Large purchases
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Integration with Instagram and certain apps | Debit card required to send and receive payments |
| Streamlined social media purchases | Domestic transfers only |
| Real-time customer support | Facebook account and Messenger app required |
If you use Facebook’s Messenger app, you can use Meta Pay (formerly Facebook Pay) as an alternative to Venmo. Avid Facebook users may enjoy this option since it integrates seamlessly with the Facebook app and all of Meta’s platforms, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and participating online stores.
To use Meta Pay, simply enter your payment method and account information to start sending and receiving money. If you send money to friends via Messenger, you’ll have to use a debit card, or you can link your PayPal account. Credit and debit cards are the only accepted payment methods for purchases at third-party online stores. You can also add multiple payment methods.18
There are no fees to use Meta Pay but keep in mind that PayPal may charge fees for certain transactions if you use that as your payment method.
Sending limits
Transaction limits for Meta Pay depend on the type of payment method you use, making them pretty straightforward and as follows:19
| Payment method | Limit per transaction | Limit per 30-Day period |
|---|---|---|
| Visa debit card | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Mastercard debit card | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| PayPal | $3,000 | $5,000 |
Note that your limits may vary depending on your financial institution, so check with them for any additional limits.
Data security
Meta Pay encrypts all payment data and uses anti-fraud technology to detect unauthorized activity, alert users, and block it before fraud can occur. Meta Pay may also proactively disable your account if warranted to protect your account further.
Meta Pay offers a secure PIN that you can require as a security measure when sending or receiving money. You can also use biometrics as an added layer of security. Your payment history is kept private and not viewable on your News Feed or anywhere else unless you share it.
Chime® Pay Anyone
Best for: Fee-free payments
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24/7 customer support | No social media integration |
| No fees for members or non-members | |
| Instant transfers for members |
Chime’s Pay Anyone feature is another Venmo alternative to consider for a simple and secure way to send money to family and friends with zero fees.
Pay Anyone is an appealing payment feature within Chime, a one-stop hub for checking and savings accounts. As a built-in Chime tool, users can send money to anyone and receive money from other Pay Anyone users instantly.*
In addition to fee-free transactions, you can also make unlimited transactions with Pay Anyone. You can also cancel transfers if needed while they’re still pending, even if the recipient isn’t a Chime member.
If you want to pay someone who isn’t a Chime member, all you’ll need is their phone number or email address. Recipients get a link where they can retrieve their funds.
Sending limits
With Chime, you can send and receive an unlimited amount of transactions per month. Your personal sending limits are automatically determined based on your account history.
Data security
Chime implements safety measures like periodic system-wide security tests to ensure the protection of users’ data. All funds in Chime accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
Chime also offers 24/7 support if you ever have questions and need to talk to a real human.
Which Venmo alternative is right for you?
By exploring the Venmo competitors above, you can find an app that meets your needs and helps you manage your finances more effectively. These apps offer convenient and hassle-free solutions for splitting expenses with friends, paying bills, or simply sending money to family.
Choose a secure and reliable platform that fits your specific requirements. Avoid common P2P scams and chase your financial goals.
FAQs about Venmo alternatives
Still have questions about Venmo alternatives? Find answers below.
What can I use instead of Venmo?
Popular Venmo alternatives to send and receive money from your friends and family easily include PayPal, Cash App, Zelle, and Chime Pay Anyone, along with other options.
Is Zelle safer than Venmo?
Both Zelle and Venmo offer security features such as two-factor authentication and encryption. However, Zelle directly integrates with financial institutions, providing an extra layer of protection for your transactions.
What is the best app for sending money?
The best app for sending money depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include PayPal, Cash App, Chime Pay Anyone, and Zelle, among others, each with unique features and benefits. Be sure to compare these Venmo alternatives and choose the one that best suits your requirements.