Venmo Credit Card review

Now Venmo can be used for more than just person-to-person payments. The popular mobile app has added a Visa credit card that gives users cash back rewards in the purchase categories where they spend the most money.

The new Venmo Credit Card is also set apart by its personalized QR code, unique to every user. Just as with the app, cardholders can use their QR code to make purchases, split purchases or to send and receive payments. The Venmo Credit Card is available in five different designs, for some flair.

Earning cash back

As soon as you activate your Venmo Credit Card, you can start using it to earn rewards – no minimum purchase required. And you don’t even have to wait for the actual physical card to arrive in the mail. Start using the app’s QR code to shop online wherever Visa is accepted.

The Venmo card’s earning structure really sets it apart. It gives the 3-2-1 earning structure something extra by personalizing your rewards based on your actual spending that month. You’ll earn 3% cash back on your highest spending category, 2% on the next-highest category and 1% for all other purchases.

There are eight potential spending categories that include essentials like groceries, gas, bills and utilities and transportation, as well as some lower-budget areas like health and beauty, entertainment, dining and nightlife and travel.

Another benefit of this card is that the spending categories change from month to month, just as your spending habits are apt to change throughout the year. For example, if bills and utilities are your biggest budget-suck in one month, you’ll get 3% cash back in this category. And if in the next month, you throw down on dance clubs, you’ll get 3% cash back in dining and nightlife. It’s all about balance.

For the first year, you’ll get to enjoy no limits on how much you can spend and earn in any interest rate tier. After the first 12 months, however, you’ll be limited to earning cash back to $10,000 annually in the combined 2% and 3% categories. After that, you’ll only be able to earn 1% on purchases for the rest of the year.

Redeeming cash back

It’s easy to redeem your cash back – simply access it through the Venmo app. With each monthly statement, your cash back rewards will be automatically added to your account and ready to view and redeem.

And remember: There are no limits or restrictions on spending cash rewards. Use them to make more purchases, send money to friends, pay bills, book a getaway and more.

Card rates and fees

Right now, only certain Venmo Credit Card members are targeted to apply, and they must have pretty good credit and spending habits already.

Even when the card launches to the general public, creditworthiness will affect your introductory APR rates, which will then fluctuate with market rates after the first year.

You APR might be 15.24%, 21.24% or 24.24%, depending on credit standing.

The Venmo Credit Card’s fees are comparable to other cash back cards, and it doesn’t charge an annual fee. But there are a few fees to look out for:

• Minimum interest charge: No less than $2
• Cash advances: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
• No foreign transaction fees
• Late payment fee: Up to $40
• Returned payment fee: Up to $29

Card benefits

The Venmo card offers typical benefits for a cash back rewards card, plus an already familiar, easy-to-navigate app that makes using this card simple and intuitive.

• Personalized cash back rewards – Earn the most cash back for the category you spend the most in.
• Contactless – The card’s contactless design can be used with touch-free terminals for your safety.
• Unique QR code – Make purchases or payments, or give your code to friends to make payments to your account or credit card bill.
• Visa’s Zero Liability – You’re covered by Visa in case of fraud.

Customer experience

Since Venmo is already a popular mobile app, the mobile-first experience of the Venmo Credit Card makes it even more user-friendly, especially for the millennial and Gen Z set, who are already accustomed to doing everything on their smartphones.

How does the Venmo credit card compare to other cash back rewards cards?

Venmo isn’t the only cash back rewards credit card to choose from, and the competition is stiff.

So how does the Venmo Credit Card measure up?

PayPal Cash Back Mastercard	Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express	Citi Double Cash® Card
Rewards rate 2% cash back on every purchase	Rewards rate 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.	Rewards rate Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
Welcome bonus None	Welcome bonus Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms apply	Welcome bonus Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee $0	Annual fee $0	Annual fee $0
Other things to know Only PayPal accountholders can apply	Other things to know Long intro APR on new purchases and balance transfers Access to Pay it Plan it flexible payment tools	Other things to know Redeem rewards for check, statement credit, gift card or direct deposit

PayPal Cash Back Mastercard

With no annual fee or purchase restrictions, the PayPal Cash Back Mastercard is a great choice for people who value flexibility above all else. Cardholders will earn 2% cash back on all purchases, without being restricted to certain spending categories. With no points system to calculate or convert, and cash back that is instantly available, managing your rewards is pretty straightforward. This card also offers the same traditional card benefits available to all Mastercard holders, like identity theft protection and special chip technology for added security.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

This cash back card benefits bigger spenders. For the first $6,000 you spend each year, you will earn 3% cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (1% thereafter), which could especially benefit large families. Blue Cash Everyday cardholders can also earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases in each category, then 1%) and  1% cash back on other purchases.

Citi Double Cash® Card

Another cash back card with no annual fee or limits on rewards, the Citi Double Cash Reward offers “double” the rewards with up to 2% cash back. What “double” means is that cardholders get 1% cash back upon purchasing and the other 1% when they pay for the purchase. Another big draw is this card’s introductory offer of 0% APR for the first 18 months on balance transfers, then, 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable), which might be a good way to pay down debt while earning rewards.

Who should get the Venmo credit card?

• Existing Venmo app users
• Frequent travelers who will benefit from no foreign transaction fees
• People who have varying spending habits in different categories
• People who want to track their spending in real time
• People who frequently split purchases (with roommates, partners, spouses, friends, etc.)

How to use the Venmo credit card

• Pay for essentials like utilities, bills, groceries and gas to take advantage of harder to find earning categories
• Use it when you travel to save on foreign transaction fees
• Split bills or purchases with friends or family

Is the Venmo credit card worth it?

If you’re an active Venmo app user with spending habits that change from month to month, this could be a great cash back rewards card for you.

With no limits on spending categories, automatic cash back rewards that are easy to redeem and an already familiar platform, the new Venmo credit card is a great contender. And with its personalized QR code for added security – and contactless touch-free features for added safety – this card is clearly designed for the future.