Venmo won’t let me add my debit card, what do I do? We’ve all been there. It can be frustrating when you’re trying to set up your Venmo account and hit a roadblock. But not to worry, we’re here to help you navigate through this issue and get you back on track with your digital payments.
So, why won’t Venmo let me add my debit card? You’ll find out soon enough. In this article, we’ll explore some simple and practical steps you can take to resolve this problem. Whether it’s understanding the possible reasons behind the issue or exploring alternative options to link your debit card, we’ve got you covered.
Venmo won’t let me add my debit card: What to do
Here’s a list of the most common problems or errors encountered by users when they try adding a debit card to their Venmo account, the causes of these errors, and possible solutions to these problems.
-
“Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later.”
But you’re sure you entered the correct card details, and your debit card is valid.
Cause: Sometimes the problem isn’t you, Venmo’s servers might just be down at that moment.
Solution: Give it some time and try again later.
-
“Invalid card information. Please double-check and try again.”
Cause: Maybe you accidentally entered your card number as your phone number, or perhaps you entered the wrong expiration date.
Solution: Double-check your card details and try it again.
-
“This card has already been added to another Venmo account.”
Cause: It seems your debit card might have been added to another Venmo account or is currently used by more than one Venmo account.
Solution: I’d be honest with you, sometimes even logging into your alternate Venmo account and removing the card won’t resolve this (keep in mind it’s against Venmo’s terms of service to have more than one account). So the best thing to do in this case is to contact Venmo support to resolve this for you.
-
“Your Card is expired.”
If your card has reached its expiration month, it won’t work on your Venmo account. For example, if your card expired in May and you’re trying to add it in June, Venmo won’t accept it.
Cause: Card expiration means that your card has reached its validity period, and you need a new one.
Solution: Check your email for any notifications from your card issuer. They might have already sent you a replacement card. You can also look at your card itself as it usually has the expiration date printed on it.
-
“This card can’t be used on Venmo.”
Venmo won’t let me add my debit card, but your the is still valid and you even used it for transactions a couple of days ago.
Cause: This one is kind of rare. But if your account was compromised in a data breach, your card issuer might issue you a new card. This usually results in your current card being disabled while you wait for the new one to be sent to you.
Solution: Keep an eye on your mail for the arrival of your new card. However, I’d recommend you reach out to your card issuer/bank to know why you can’t use your card online instead of just waiting around.
-
“You can’t use this card on Venmo.”
Here’s another iteration of the “You can’t use this card on Venmo,” error. This error could be due to issues with your card. For example, there might be a problem with the card itself or certain details associated with it.
Cause: The error can occur when there are issues related to your card that prevent it from being used on Venmo. This could include recent changes in your address or ZIP code.¹
Solution: In this situation, it’s best to reach out to your card issuer or bank to confirm if there are any problems with your card. They will be able to provide more information and help you understand why the card is not working on Venmo. They might need to update certain details or provide you with a new card if necessary.
-
“Too many cards added.”
Cause: Did you know Venmo has a limit on the number of debit and credit cards you can add to your account within a rolling six-month period (timeframe)?² If you’ve already added four cards in the past six months, you won’t be able to add another one immediately.
Solution: If you’ve reached the maximum number of cards allowed, you’ll have to wait for a few months before you can add a new card. Even if you remove the fourth card from your account, there will still be a waiting period before you can replace it with another card.
-
“The zip code is wrong.”
Venmo won’t let me add my debit card! Well, let’s say you tried to add a debit card and Venmo keeps giving you an error ” The zip code is wrong”. And funny enough, the $0.00 test charge shows up on your bank account. Yet the app keeps saying the wrong zip and won’t add it. What do you do in this case?
Cause: A common reason for this is if you’re using one of those prepaid debit card type banks, like GreenDot or NetSpend, or Chime.
Solution: Get a proper debit card with a ‘real’ bank.
-
“Bad request.”
You’ve received payments for a job through Venmo, now you’re trying to add a debit card so you can use the instant transfer feature. But you keep getting the error “Bad request”.
Cause: Sometimes Venmo’s fraud prevention algorithms will automatically flag accounts that have been used to receive ‘formal’ payments, as opposed to the casual ‘informal’ type of payments Venmo is known for. Thereby restricting such payments from being withdrawn until after some time.
Solution: Don’t get paid for work through Venmo. It’s against the terms of service. If you’re caught, any money in your account is gone. Use the 1 to 3 business days transfer feature instead of the instant transfer.
-
“Bad request” error after entering card expiry date
Trying to add a debit card, but when you input the expiration date as ‘xx/xx’, it gives you the “Bad request” error.
Cause: You might be using an outdated Venmo app or an incompatible browser on your device.
Solution: Update your app to the latest version, go back to the main menu, and add your card. This time be careful, or else it might give you the “invalid exp date” error. This is because it will automatically add in the “/”. So, you have to type in your exp date as “xx/xxxx” instead of “xx/xx”.
-
Card is blocked/deactivated
Cause: Your card may get blocked or deactivated for various reasons, such as suspicious transactions, entering incorrect account details multiple times, unusual spending patterns, or technical errors from your bank.
Solution: If your card has been blocked or deactivated, you won’t be able to add it to your Venmo account. Contact your bank to resolve the issue and find out the reason behind the block or deactivation.
Why is my debit card getting declined on Venmo?
Problem: A debit card has been added but you’re unable to make payments from it in your Venmo account.
Cause: Venmo may have blocked your card in error or because of a policy violation. This could be the reason your payments aren’t going through.
Solution: To be able to use your card without any problems, you need to make sure that your card is active and not blocked. You can unblock your card by going to Account Settings> Privacy and following the instructions to unblock your card.
Some troubleshooting tips
Now that you know the most common reasons why your card is being rejected by Venmo, and solutions to some of these problems. It’s time to explore some troubleshooting tips that might make Venmo finally accept your debit card:
1. Update the Venmo app
Make sure you’re using the most up-to-date version of the app. Go to your app store, find Venmo, and hit that update button. Fingers crossed, this might do the trick.
2. Double-check your card details
It’s easy to get tangled up in a web of numbers and expiration dates. Scrutinize every digit of your card details. One wrong number can ruin the entire thing.
3. Reach out to Venmo support
If all else fails, don’t be shy to contact Venmo’s support team. They might be able to shed some light on the situation or solve your problems behind the scenes. Just remember to keep your cool, and explain to them as best as you can.
Can I use my debit card on Venmo?
Yes, you can. But remember, Venmo has its preferences when it comes to debit cards, and not all cards are created equal in its eyes. Here are some factors that might be causing your debit card to be rejected by Venmo:
1. Network compatibility
Venmo prefers cards that are on the same wavelength. If your debit card is issued by a bank that doesn’t get along with Venmo, it might be time to have “the talk” with your bank. Ask them if they support Venmo transactions and if there are any specific requirements for adding your card.
2. International affairs
This is often overlooked, but Venmo’s security algorithm prefers cards that have never left the country. So, if you’ve been jet-setting around the globe, your card might be tainted with the stench of international transactions thus causing it to be rejected by Venmo.
3. The right card type
While Venmo usually accepts both credit and debit cards, it occasionally plays favorites. So, check with Venmo’s documentation or support to confirm if your card type is compatible.
What else can I do if I’m unable to add my debit card?
If all else fails, don’t worry, you’re not out of options yet. Here are a few alternative solutions that might just make Venmo weak in the knees:
1. Link your bank account
If Venmo refuses to accept your debit card, you can try linking your bank account instead. This option allows you to transfer funds directly from your bank to Venmo, eliminating the need for a card altogether. Just be prepared for a more long-term commitment with this method.
Meanwhile, you can fund Venmo from a bank account instantly.
2. Leverage on social media
Use social media to gather your friends, family, and even distant acquaintances, and bombard Venmo’s support team with requests to add your debit card. Who knows? Maybe calling them out on social media might just do the trick for you.
Read also: no OTP, no problem shopping on 2D sites
FAQs
Why does Venmo freeze when I try to add a card?
To ensure maximum security, Venmo may freeze your account, reverse certain payments, or ask for specific documents if it notices any suspicious activity that goes against its rules or common credit card policies.
Why isn’t Venmo letting me add my bank?
If you’re having trouble adding your joint bank account to Venmo, this might be because Venmo is not allowing that particular bank account to be added. Try adding the debit card associated with the account or ask the other account holder to contact Venmo and switch ownership of the bank account on Venmo.
Read also: how I funded Venmo balance with no bank
Final thoughts—Venmo won’t let me add my debit card
While Venmo’s refusal to accept your debit card may be a fickle thing, armed with troubleshooting tips and alternative solutions, you are well-prepared to overcome its whimsical barriers.
Now, go forth and conquer that Venmo obstacle. Happy Venmo-ing.
Disclaimer: Policies and procedures evolve, so it’s best to always refer to Venmo’s official documentation and consult their support team for the most up-to-date and reliable information.
Read also: all you should know about Venmo virtual card
Resources
We will send more information to your email. Don't miss out.
