How to Unlock Borrow on Cash App: Step-by-Step Guide & Requirements

A lot of people using Cash App want to try the Borrow feature but can't find it anywhere in the app. This lending option lets some users borrow small amounts—usually between $20 and $200—with a flat 5% fee and a four-week payback window.

To unlock Borrow on Cash App, you’ll need to meet certain requirements: regular direct deposits, steady app usage, and you’ve gotta live somewhere in the U.S. where the feature’s available. If you qualify, you’ll see Borrow in the Banking or Money section of your app.

If you’re wondering what you need and how to actually get access, here’s a straightforward guide. I’ll walk you through the steps, plus a few troubleshooting ideas if things aren’t working out.

How to Unlock Borrow on Cash App

Cash App Borrow isn’t for everyone—it’s only for users who meet certain requirements. If you’re eligible, you can borrow up to $200, and the process is pretty simple.

Eligibility Criteria for Cash App Borrow

Cash App only lets certain users borrow, and there are a few boxes you need to check first. You have to be 18 or older, and your Cash Card should be activated and linked.

Here’s what they look for:

• Regular deposits into your Cash App account

  
  

• Frequent use of Cash App services

  
  

• Decent credit history

  
  

• You live in a state where Borrow is allowed

How much you can borrow depends on your deposit history. If you’re depositing around $1,000 every month, you might get the full $200.

If you’re not making regular deposits or don’t use the app much, Borrow likely won’t show up for you. Cash App pays close attention to how active you are.

Steps to Access and Unlock the Borrow Feature

Want to see if you have access? Just open your app and look for Borrow—it’s either there or it’s not.

Here’s how to check and use it:

1. Open Cash App on your phone

   
   

2. Tap the balance tab or the bank icon (bottom-left)

   
   

3. Scan for the “Borrow” option

   
   

4. If you see it, tap “Get Started” or “Unlock”

Choose how much you want to borrow—anything from $20 to $200

If you don’t see Borrow, you’re not eligible yet. Try making more regular deposits and using the app more often.

When you get approved, the money lands in your Cash App balance right away.

Choosing Borrow Amounts and Repayment Options

You can borrow anywhere from $20 up to $200, but the exact amount depends on how you use Cash App and your deposit habits.

Repayment is pretty flexible:

• Autopay: Set up automatic payments (either the full amount or in chunks)

  
  

• Manual payments: Pay through the app before it’s due

  
  

• Mail payments: Send a check to the address on your loan statement

You get four weeks to pay it back. There’s no penalty if you pay early.

If you miss payments, Cash App might take what you owe from your balance or your linked debit card.

Understanding Cash App Borrow Fees and Terms

Borrowing through Cash App comes with a flat 5% fee, no matter how much you take out. You have to pay that plus what you borrowed within four weeks.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Interest rate: Flat 5% fee

  
  

• Late fees: 1.25% each week after your due date

  
  

• Prepayment penalty: None

If you don’t pay on time, late fees stack up weekly until you’re square. Cash App might also freeze your account if you keep missing payments.

They sometimes check your credit during the application, which can ding your score a bit. Missed or late payments might get reported to credit bureaus.

Cash App Borrow is meant for short-term needs—think emergencies or small bills. You can’t use it for school expenses.

Troubleshooting and Alternative Borrowing Options

Not everyone gets access to Borrow, and it’s often because of state rules, account activity, or credit. If you can’t borrow through Cash App, there are other ways to get quick cash.

Common Reasons the Borrow Feature Isn't Available

Cash App has its own rules for Borrow eligibility. Poor credit history can keep you out, but account activity matters a lot too.

If you rarely deposit money or don’t send payments much, you’re probably not eligible.

Sometimes technical stuff gets in the way:

• Outdated version of Cash App

  
  

• Cache issues on your phone

  
  

• You haven’t finished verifying your account

Try updating the app first. Clearing the cache or reinstalling can help if the feature’s missing.

If you haven’t verified your identity, you’ll be limited on what you can do—including Borrow.

State and Eligibility Restrictions

Cash App Borrow isn’t everywhere. Some states just don’t allow it, and Cash App won’t accept applications from those places.

Even if you’re in a supported state, they check:

• How often you use your account

  
  

• Your payment history

  
  

• How often you deposit

  
  

• Your Cash Card activity

You need to stay active over time. Just having an account isn’t enough.

Cash App tracks direct deposits and purchases with your Cash Card. If you’re using the app regularly, your odds go up.

They don’t publish the exact requirements, so you’ll have to wait for the feature to show up if you’re eligible. It just kind of appears when you meet their criteria.

Alternatives to Cash App Borrow for Fast Funds

When Cash App borrowing isn't available, you've got a handful of other options for getting quick cash. Plenty of apps out there offer short-term loans with similar features.

Popular alternatives include:

• PayPal Working Capital for business users

  
  

• Chime instant loans for eligible members

  
  

• Traditional payday loan apps

  
  

• Credit union small-dollar loans

If you have a credit card, you might consider a cash advance—just be aware, the fees usually run higher than what Cash App charges. It's worth checking your cash advance limit on your latest statement before deciding.

Online lenders offer personal loans that go beyond Cash App's $20–$200 limit, and you can usually pay them back over a longer period. Of course, these lenders will check your credit, so approval isn't always guaranteed.

Credit unions often give out small-dollar loans with lower fees than most payday lenders. You can usually apply right through their websites or apps if you're a member.

Some folks get creative and patch together several small loans from different apps when Cash App borrow isn't an option. It’s not always ideal, but sometimes you just need to make it work.