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Key takeaways
- Venmo alternatives like Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal offer different fee structures, sending limits, and security features that may better fit your needs.
- Zelle and Pay Anyone offer completely free transfers, while some other apps charge fees for instant deposits or credit card transactions.
- When choosing an alternative, consider three main factors: fees, sending limits, and data security.
- You don’t have to choose just one app; using multiple payment apps simultaneously could help you get the best features for different situations.
If you’ve ever sent money to friends or family, you’ve probably used Venmo® at least once. But Venmo isn’t your only option for transferring money – there are several alternatives that offer lower fees, higher limits, or better security features. Below, we’ve reviewed the top seven payment apps to help you find the right fit.
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.
What to look for in a Venmo alternative
When choosing a Venmo alternative, focus on three key factors:
- Fees for transactions and instant transfers
- Sending and receiving limits
- Security features that protect your data
These factors can help you determine which app works best for your specific needs. Here’s a closer look at each one.
Fees
While many apps are free to download, some charge for specific transactions. Common fees include:
- Instant transfer fees: Usually 0.5% – 1.75% to get money in your bank account immediately
- Credit card fees: Typically 3% when sending money via credit card
- Standard transfer fees: Often free when using a linked bank account or debit card
Sending limits
Every app sets daily and weekly limits on how much you can send. If you’re splitting a dinner bill, the basic limits should work fine. But if you’re paying your share of rent, you may need an app with higher limits or one that lets you increase your sending capacity after you verify your identity.
Data security
Security features protect both your money and personal information. Look for apps that use encryption, offer two-factor authentication, and have strong fraud protection. These features help ensure only you can access your account and authorize transactions.
7 Best Venmo alternatives
Now that you know what to look for in a payment app, check out our picks for the top seven options.
1. 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 with some banks |
Unlike other apps, Zelle transfers funds directly between bank accounts, so money is available almost immediately. To use Zelle, link your bank account through your banking app or download the standalone Zelle app if your bank doesn’t support it.
Fees
Zelle doesn’t charge fees for sending or receiving money, making it a popular Venmo alternative for users who prioritize speed and cost-effectiveness.
Sending limits
Zelle doesn’t dictate sending limits on linked banks or credit unions. Instead, each specific institution sets these limits, and some may allow higher limits for certain customers. Check with your bank to see your limits before using Zelle to send larger amounts.
Data security
Zelle uses encryption and multifactor authentication to verify your identity. Since it doesn’t hold funds and only facilitates transfers, you’d have to contact your bank directly if fraud occurs.
2. 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 lets you send money to anyone with zero fees, whether they’re a Chime member or not. All you need is their phone number or email address (or $ChimeSign® if they’re a Chime user), and they’ll get a link to retrieve their funds.
Pay Anyone is a built-in feature within Chime, a one-stop hub for checking and savings accounts. You can make unlimited transactions and cancel transfers while they’re still pending, even if the recipient isn’t a Chime member.
Fees
Pay Anyone is completely free to use. There are no fees for sending or receiving money, whether you’re transferring to another Chime member or anyone else.
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 runs regular system-wide security tests to protect user data. All funds are covered by FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, and per account ownership category.
3. Cash App®
Best for: Offering a debit card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Standard transfers are free | Charges a fee for sending money with a credit card |
| Comes with a debit card | Instant transfers cost 0.5% to 1.75% |
| Lets you invest in stocks and Bitcoin | Has sending and receiving limits |
Cash App lets you send and receive money quickly and easily. You can also use it to invest in stocks and Bitcoin, and it offers a debit card to withdraw cash or make purchases.
Fees
Cash App is free for standard transfers using a debit card or linked bank account. You’ll pay a 3% fee if you send money using a credit card, and instant transfers to your bank cost 0.5% – 1.75%.
Sending limits
Cash App has monthly sending and receiving limits. You can send or receive up to $1,000 per month. Users can increase their limits by verifying their identity.
Data security
Cash App protects your data with encryption and lets you set up two-factor authentication. Your unique $cashtag adds a layer of privacy by hiding your personal information from other users.
4. 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 lets you send and receive money securely through both mobile and desktop. It offers buyer and seller protection programs and supports cryptocurrency transactions, making it more than just a peer-to-peer payment tool.
Fees
PayPal is free when you send money to friends and family using your PayPal balance or linked bank account. You’ll pay a 2.9% fee plus a fixed fee if you use a credit or debit card. Instant transfers to your bank cost 1.75% of the transfer amount.
Sending limits
For verified users, there’s virtually no limit on the total amount you can send. However, single transactions are limited to $10,000 or $60,000, as determined by Paypal. Unverified users are limited to up to $4,000 per transaction.
Data security
PayPal offers two-step verification and buyer and seller protection programs that help resolve disputes. If unauthorized transactions occur, you’re covered by their protection policies.
5. 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 generations |
As part of Apple Pay, Apple Cash lets Apple users send money through the Messages app. When someone sends you money, it’s stored in your Apple Cash balance, where you can spend it using Apple Pay or transfer it to your bank.
Fees
Apple Cash is free for standard transfers. If you want to transfer money instantly to your debit card, you’ll pay a 1.5% fee with a $0.25 minimum and $15 maximum.
Sending limits
You can send or receive a minimum of $1 per message and a maximum of $10,000 per message. You’re also limited to $10,000 maximum per week. The maximum amount you can hold in your Apple Cash balance is $20,000.
Data security
Apple Cash uses end-to-end encryption and requires Touch ID or Face ID to authorize every transaction. Your Apple ID’s two-factor authentication adds another security layer before you can make payments.
6. Google Pay®
Best for: Integration with Google services
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless integration with other Google services | Not available in all countries |
| Strong security | Low customer support rating on Trustpilot |
| No buyer protection |
Google Pay is a versatile option for both iPhone and Android users that links multiple payment methods. You can send money to anyone with a debit card or linked bank account at no cost.
Fees
Google Pay doesn’t charge any fees for sending or receiving money when you use a linked debit card or bank account. This makes it one of the most cost-effective options for everyday transactions.
Sending limits
You can keep a Google Pay balance up to $25,000 if your identity is verified, but unverified accounts are limited to $1,000. When transferring money out, the weekly limit is 30 withdrawals and $1,000. For everyday purchases, you can spend up to $2,000 per purchase or up to $2,500 per day.
Data security
Google Pay uses biometric authentication like fingerprint or face recognition to ensure only you can access the app. It also lets you use virtual account numbers to protect your actual card information.
7. Meta PayTM
Best for: Social media purchases
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Integration with Instagram and certain apps | Domestic transfers only |
| Streamlined social media purchases | Meta account required |
| Real-time customer support |
Meta Pay, formerly known as Facebook Pay, works seamlessly across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and participating online stores. If you’re already active on Meta’s platforms, you can send money through Messenger using your linked debit card or PayPal account.
Fees
There are no fees to use Meta Pay for sending money to friends and family. 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:
| 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 |
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 and block unauthorized activity before it happens. You can set up a secure PIN or use biometrics, and your transaction history stays private unless you choose to share it.
Finding the right payment app for your needs
Each of these Venmo alternatives offers something different. Here’s how to match your needs with the right app:
- For instant, fee-free transfers: Choose Zelle or Pay Anyone
- For high sending limits: Try PayPal or Meta Pay
- For Apple users: Apple Cash integrates seamlessly with your devices
- For investing features: Cash App lets you buy stocks and Bitcoin
- For cross-platform use: Google Pay works on both iPhone and Android
You don’t have to pick just one payment app. Many people use multiple apps to take advantage of different features for different situations. Just make sure you’re staying safe by only sending money to people you know and trust.
FAQs
What's the safest alternative to Venmo?
Zelle is very secure because it’s integrated directly into banking apps, and Pay Anyone offers FDIC insurance through partner banks. Most major apps use encryption and two-factor authentication to protect your data.
Why are people switching from Venmo?
People often switch to a different app from Venmo to avoid instant transfer fees, get higher sending limits, or gain more privacy than Venmo’s social feed offers.
Can I use multiple payment apps at the same time?
Yes, you can use as many apps as you want and choose the best one for each situation – like Zelle for rent and Pay Anyone or Cash App for splitting dinner bills.
Do these apps work with my bank?
Most apps like PayPal, Google Pay, and Cash App work with nearly any U.S. bank account or debit card, while Zelle is directly integrated into hundreds of banking apps.
Are there any completely free alternatives to Venmo?
Yes, Zelle and Pay Anyone offer completely free transfers with no fees for sending, receiving, or instant deposits.