The Ultimate Guide to Venmoing Large Amounts
So you need to send or receive a large amount of money via Venmo. Maybe it’s to split the cost of a vacation rental with friends, or to pay back a loan to a family member. Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand Venmo’s transaction limits and how to work within them.
First, let’s cover the basics:
- Venmo’s maximum transaction amount is $4,999.99.
- Venmo may limit your account or require additional verification if you frequently send or receive large amounts.
- Venmo charges a 3% fee for credit card transactions.
So what can you do if you need to Venmo more than $4,999.99?
Splitting Payments
One option is to split the payment into multiple transactions. For example, if you need to Venmo someone $10,000, you could send two separate transactions of $5,000. Just make sure to include a note in each transaction’s description explaining that it’s part of a larger payment.
Sending Requests
Another option is to send a payment request instead of a direct payment. This can be especially useful for loans or owed debts, as it can help ensure that the recipient pays you back promptly.
To send a request, simply open the Venmo app and tap “Request” on the bottom menu bar. Enter the amount you’re requesting and the username or phone number of the recipient. You can also add a note explaining what the request is for.
Using Venmo for Peer-to-Peer Loans
If you’re borrowing or lending money from/to someone you know well and trust, Venmo can be a great option for peer-to-peer loans. Just make sure to draft a written agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the loan, including payment dates and interest rates.
When it’s time to make a payment, you can use Venmo like you would for any other transaction.
The Pros and Cons of Venmo’s Payment Limits
Venmo’s transaction limits exist to protect users from fraud and unauthorized transactions. By capping the maximum amount that can be sent or received in a single transaction, Venmo helps ensure that users’ funds are safe and secure.
However, these limits can also be frustrating for users who need to send or receive larger amounts. In addition to the $4,999.99 maximum transaction amount, Venmo also limits how much money you can send and receive in a given week.
The weekly limits are as follows:
- $4,999.99 for sending (increased to $19,999.99 for approved business accounts)
- $6,999.99 for receiving (increased to $50,000 for approved business accounts)
While these limits may seem low to some users, it’s important to remember that they are in place for a reason. Unauthorized transactions and fraud are real risks, and Venmo’s limits help protect both the sender and the receiver.
Exploring Alternative Payment Methods for Large Transactions
If you need to send or receive a larger amount of money than Venmo’s limits allow, there are several alternative payment methods you can consider. Here are a few popular options:
Wire Transfers
Wire transfers are a fast, secure way to transfer funds from one bank account to another. They are often used for large transactions, such as real estate purchases or business acquisitions.
However, wire transfers can be expensive, with fees ranging from $15 to $50 or more. In addition, it can take up to several days for the funds to be available in the recipient’s account.
Cashier’s Checks
Cashier’s checks are checks issued by a bank, and they are guaranteed to be legitimate. They are often used for large purchases, such as buying a car or paying for a down payment on a house.
However, cashier’s checks can be inconvenient to obtain, as you must physically visit a bank branch to request one. In addition, they can be lost or stolen, just like ordinary checks.
PayPal
PayPal is another popular payment app that can be used for larger transactions. PayPal’s transaction limits vary depending on factors like the user’s account age and history of payments.
However, PayPal also charges fees for certain types of transactions, and some users have reported issues with fraudulent transactions or frozen accounts.
Venmo Vs. Other Payment Apps: How Much Can You Send?
If Venmo’s transaction limits are too low for your needs, you may be wondering how other payment apps compare. Here’s a quick overview of the transaction limits for some popular payment apps:
| Payment App | Maximum Transaction Amount | Maximum Weekly Sending Limit | Maximum Weekly Receiving Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venmo | $4,999.99 | $4,999.99 (increased to $19,999.99 for approved business accounts) | $6,999.99 (increased to $50,000 for approved business accounts) |
| Cash App | $7,500 | $7,500 | $17,500 |
| Google Pay | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Zelle | Varies by bank and recipient enrollment | Varies by bank and recipient enrollment | Varies by bank and recipient enrollment |
It’s important to note that these limits may change over time based on the app’s policies and user feedback. It’s also important to consider factors like fees, processing times, and security measures when choosing a payment app.
Staying Safe While Venmoing Large Amounts
Whenever you’re sending or receiving a large amount of money, it’s important to take some basic safety precautions:
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Venmo offers two-factor authentication, which can add an extra layer of security to your account. By requiring a unique code in addition to your password, two-factor authentication helps prevent unauthorized access to your account.
Choose Strong Passwords
When you create a Venmo account, make sure to choose a strong, unique password that you don’t use for other accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information, like your name or birthdate, in your password.
Double-Check Transaction Details
Before you hit “send,” make sure to double-check the transaction details, including the recipient’s username and the amount of money being sent. This can help prevent accidental or fraudulent transactions.
Be Wary of Scams
Scammers may use Venmo to trick users into sending them money. Some common Venmo scams to watch out for include:
- Requests for “gift card payments” or other non-traditional payment methods.
- Requests from strangers or people you don’t know well.
- Requests for payment before goods or services have been delivered.
- Requests that seem too good to be true (e.g. “earn $500 by clicking this link”).
If you receive a suspicious Venmo request, be wary and report it to Venmo’s support team if necessary.
Conclusion
Venmo’s transaction limits can be frustrating for users who need to send or receive larger amounts of money. However, by understanding how to work within the limits and taking basic safety precautions, you can Venmo large amounts with confidence.
Remember to always double-check transaction details and be wary of scams. And if Venmo’s limits just aren’t cutting it for your needs, consider exploring alternative payment methods or other payment apps that may offer higher limits.
By staying informed and safe, you can navigate the world of large payments with ease.
