Cash App’s Borrow feature lets eligible users take out a small loan directly within the app, starting at $20. The feature isn’t available to everyone, and you won’t find it in your app unless Cash App has already determined you qualify. Here’s how to check if you’re eligible, how to request a loan, and what it costs.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
Cash App doesn’t publish a specific checklist of eligibility requirements. The Borrow feature appears automatically for users who meet internal criteria, which likely include factors like how long you’ve had your account, how frequently you receive direct deposits, and your overall account activity. You can’t apply for access or request to be added.
To see if you qualify, open Cash App and tap the Money tab on the home screen. If you’re eligible, you’ll see a “Borrow” option with an available amount displayed at the top of your screen. If it’s not there, the feature isn’t available to you yet. Cash App periodically reevaluates accounts, so checking back after increasing your account activity (particularly direct deposits) may help over time.
Steps to Borrow Money
If the Borrow option appears in your app, the process takes just a few minutes:
- Open Cash App and go to the Money tab on the home screen.
- Tap “Borrow.” Your available borrowing amount will be displayed.
- Select a preset amount or tap the option to enter a custom amount. The minimum loan is $20.
- Tap “Next.”
- Choose your repayment schedule from the options provided.
- Follow the remaining prompts to confirm and accept the loan.
Once approved, the borrowed funds are added to your Cash App balance immediately. From there you can spend them with your Cash Card, send them to another user, or transfer the money to your linked bank account.
How Much You Can Borrow
The minimum loan amount is $20. Your maximum depends on factors Cash App evaluates internally, and the company doesn’t disclose exactly how that ceiling is calculated. Most users report maximum offers in the range of a few hundred dollars, making this a tool for covering small, short-term expenses rather than large financial needs.
Your borrowing limit isn’t fixed. Cash App periodically reassesses it, which means it can go up or down based on your account activity and repayment history. Paying back loans on time and maintaining regular deposits may help increase your limit over time.
Fees and Interest
Borrowing from Cash App involves a few potential costs depending on how quickly you repay:
- Initial fee: A one-time setup fee is charged when you take out the loan. The amount is based on your loan size and is disclosed before you accept, so you’ll see exactly what you’re paying before committing.
- $5 Outstanding Balance Fee: If your payment is more than 3 calendar days overdue, Cash App may charge a one-time $5 fee. This only applies if you selected a payment schedule different from the one Cash App originally recommended during the application process.
- Weekly interest on late balances: If your payment is more than 7 calendar days overdue, interest kicks in at 1.25% per week on your outstanding balance. This interest is non-compounding, meaning it’s calculated on the original amount owed rather than growing on top of itself. On a $100 overdue balance, that works out to $1.25 per week.
The key takeaway: if you repay on time, you only pay the upfront fee. The additional charges only apply when you miss your scheduled payments.
Repayment Details
During the borrowing process, Cash App presents repayment schedule options for you to choose from. Pay attention to the recommended schedule, since choosing a different one can trigger the $5 late fee if you fall behind. Your repayment is automatically deducted from your Cash App balance on the scheduled date.
If your Cash App balance doesn’t have enough funds when a payment is due, the payment may be pulled from your linked bank account or debit card. Keeping sufficient funds in your account or linked payment method helps you avoid missed payments and the interest charges that follow.
You can also repay your loan early without penalty. If you want to get ahead of your schedule, go to the Money tab, tap Borrow, and follow the prompts to make an early payment.
What to Do If Borrow Isn’t Available
If you don’t see the Borrow option, there’s no way to force it to appear. Cash App controls access entirely on their end. A few things that may improve your chances of eventually getting access: set up direct deposit to your Cash App account, use the app regularly for transactions, keep your account in good standing, and make sure your identity is fully verified within the app.
There’s no guarantee these steps will unlock the feature, but they align with the kind of account activity Cash App likely evaluates. Avoid downloading third-party apps or clicking links that claim to unlock Cash App Borrow for you, as these are scams unrelated to Cash App’s actual system.