Cash App offers a small loan feature called Borrow that lets eligible users take out short-term cash directly through the app. Not everyone sees the option, though. Borrow only appears for users who meet certain account criteria, and if you don’t qualify, there’s no application process to force your way in.
How to Find the Borrow Feature
If you’re eligible, the steps are simple. Open Cash App, tap the Money tab (the dollar sign icon at the bottom of the screen), then look for the word “Borrow.” Tap it, choose how much you want to borrow, and follow the prompts to accept the loan terms. The funds go straight into your Cash App balance, and you can spend them with your Cash Card or transfer them to your bank.
If you don’t see “Borrow” in the Money tab, you’re not currently eligible. There’s no hidden menu or workaround. Cash App determines eligibility automatically based on your account activity.
Who Qualifies for Cash App Borrow
Cash App doesn’t publish a detailed checklist of requirements, but eligibility is tied to how you use your account. Users who receive regular direct deposits into Cash App are far more likely to see the Borrow option. This makes sense: recurring income gives Cash App confidence you can repay.
Beyond direct deposits, factors like how long your account has been active, your transaction history, and your account standing all play a role. You need to be at least 18, have a verified account, and be located in a state where the feature is available. Cash App does not offer Borrow in every state due to varying lending regulations.
If you want to improve your chances of unlocking Borrow, the most reliable step is setting up direct deposit through Cash App. Over time, consistent deposits signal to the platform that you’re a lower-risk borrower.
How Much You Can Borrow
Cash App Borrow is designed for small, short-term loans. Loan amounts vary by user, and the app tells you your specific limit when you tap the Borrow option. Most users report limits ranging from $25 to $200, though some accounts qualify for higher amounts. You choose how much to borrow within your approved range, so you don’t have to take the full amount.
Fees and Interest
Cash App charges a one-time setup fee when you take out a loan. The fee is based on the amount you borrow and is disclosed before you accept the terms, so you’ll see exactly what you owe before committing.
If you repay on time, that flat fee is the only cost. But if you fall behind, additional charges kick in:
- 3 or more days overdue: A one-time $5 outstanding balance fee may apply if you selected a repayment schedule different from the one Cash App originally recommended during your application.
- 7 or more days overdue: Interest begins accruing at 1.25% per week (non-compounding) on your remaining balance. That rate applies every seven calendar days until you pay off the loan.
To put that weekly interest in perspective, 1.25% per week on a $100 balance adds $1.25 every seven days. That’s roughly 65% annualized, which is expensive. Paying on schedule is the only way to keep the cost limited to the initial flat fee.
Repayment
When you accept a loan, Cash App presents a repayment schedule. You can typically choose to repay in installments or as a lump sum by a set date. The app will automatically deduct payments from your Cash App balance on the scheduled dates, so make sure you have funds available.
You can also repay early at any time without penalty. Tap the Borrow section in the Money tab, and you’ll see your outstanding balance along with the option to make a payment. Paying early stops any potential interest from accruing and can help you stay in good standing for future borrowing.
What to Do If Borrow Isn’t Available
If the feature doesn’t appear in your app, you have a few options. First, make sure your app is updated to the latest version, since outdated software can hide newer features. Second, verify your identity if you haven’t already, as unverified accounts are excluded. Third, set up direct deposit and use the account regularly for a few weeks or months.
Be cautious of any third-party website or social media post claiming it can unlock Cash App Borrow for you. These are scams. Eligibility is determined internally by Cash App’s systems, and no external tool or trick can override it.