When signing up for Cash App, I realized I had to put in a SSN. I normally don’t like putting this confidential number anywhere, so was naturally wondering of there is anyway around it.
Perhaps a fake SSN for Cash App? Or is that illegal?
Fake SSN For Cash App
You should never use a fake SSN for Cash App or any other financial institution. There are numerous federal laws that regulate financial platforms such as Cash App and Venmo. It’s best not to enter any SSN if you are wary or don’t have one, as you can stilluse Cash App without a SSN.
This article looks at Cash App and the necessity for an SSN: why you need to supply it, what the number is used for, and what happens when you use Cash App without one.
Do You Need An SSN for Cash App?
Anybody can make a Cash App account and use the money transfer service with or without an SSN. However, your profile will be restricted without a valid SSN, and your account status will remain ‘unverified.’
What Is A SSN?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a numerical identifier assigned to each U.S. citizen and other residents for tracking income and determining benefits.
These numbers were created in 1936 as part of The New Deal to provide for retirement and disability benefits.
While the original intention of the SSN was to track earnings and provide benefits, the numbers are now used for additional (and far more complex) purposes, such as identifying individuals for tax purposes, tracking credit reports, and verifying online identity.
Individuals in the U.S. are asked to provide their SSNs in order to obtain credit, open bank accounts, receive government benefits, make major purchases, and access digital money transfer systems.
Read: Can You Block Someone On Zelle?
What Can You Do With Cash App?
Cash App is a peer-to-peer money transfer system developed by Block Inc. It allows users to send and receive money and functions like a bank account by giving users a debit card (Cash card) which allows them to make purchases using the funds in their Cash App account.
The app also allows users to invest money in stocks and to buy and sell bitcoin.
Anyone can open a Cash App account. However, if you are interested in accessing every app feature, you’ll need to verify your identity. To do this, you have to provide your date of birth, an SSN, and sometimes a driver’s license.
Cash App state that:
Once your ID is verified, your Cash App account will be more secure and you’ll be able to apply for a Cash Card, buy and sell Bitcoin, or invest in stocks. You will also be eligible for an increase in sending limits.
Why Does Cash App Ask For A Social Security Number (SSN)?
Cash App will ask for an SSN as part of their account safety procedure: a secure Cash Card, a secure mobile device and email, and finally, the SSN for a secure identity.
Cash App also urges participants to keep their identity safe, to never share the SSN or offer it to anyone outside of Cash App to use. And importantly, Cash App Support will never ask for an SSN while offering support.
SSNs are issued by the Social Security Administration, and to get one, you must file Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration.
Other reasons you may need an SSN to include:
- To open a bank account or other financial account
- To apply for a federal loan
- To apply for unemployment
- As an identifier on tax returns
- To get a driver’s license
- To obtain a passport
- When enrolling in Medicare
Basically, it’s one of the most important identification numbers in the US aside from a passport number.
Can You Use A Fake SSN For Cash App?
Submitting a fake SSN for Cash App identification (or for any identification purposes) is not recommended. The federal government has applicable laws regulating all financial platforms, including Cash App.
This means that submitting false IDs can result in problems extending beyond any financial platform you hope to use.
Cash App will require you to verify your account so that the app remains as secure and free of scams as possible.
As with all financial institutions, Federal law requires Cash App to request an SSN. Although it’s impossible to avoid scams completely, the added security helps secure your identity and transactions.
How Do You Sign Up For Cash App Without A SSN?
Cash App requests your personal information under the USA Patriot Act. Your SSN is the most important detail used to verify your identity.
You can still send and receive cash via the app as an unverified user. However, it’s important to remember that there is a limit to how much you can send. The limit for sending is up to $250 over a seven-day period, and the limit for receiving is $1,000 over one month.
To open a Cash App account, you’ll need to follow the following steps:
- Download the app and create an account with an active email address.
- Connect your debit card information
- Find the Send Money tab and select “I don’t have an SSN.”
- Enter the phone number of the person you are sending the money to
- Select “Pay” or “Request.”
- Wait for the verification code to be sent to the receiver.
- Let the receiver know they need to enter this code into the verification box.
- Once they submit the code, the transaction is complete!
If you cannot complete the transaction, check that you haven’t met the sending or receiving limits for the seven-day period. This is the most common issue with unverified Cash App accounts.
What Can Cash App Do Without An SSN?
Without a valid social security number, you can still create an account on Cash App and send and receive limited amounts of money.
The maximum amount you can send or receive in a week is $250, and the maximum amount over one calendar month is $1000.
You will be able to add or link a credit card or debit card to make transactions, and you can use the card to pay at online stores.
In contrast, verified Cash App users can send up to $7,500 a week and receive unlimited money over any time period, buy and sell bitcoin, and invest in stocks.
Summary
Part of making a Cash App account is selecting how you will verify your identity. You can omit this part of the process and still access the app – but with restrictions.
If you choose to verify your account and gain access to every feature of the app, you’ll have to supply your SSN.