What funding source is used to pay for purchases with participating online merchants?
If you haven't selected a preferred payment method for in-store and online purchases with Venmo, you may be prompted to select one during your next checkout flow. You can also update this in Settings > Payment Methods at any time.
If you have access to a Venmo balance and you select your Venmo balance as your preferred payment method, you will need to also select a merchant backup payment method. If you’re on the old version of the Venmo app (with the ☰ icon in the top right):
- Tap the "☰" icon at the top of the app.
- Tap "Settings" at the bottom of this menu.
- Under "Buying," tap "Backup Payment."
- Tap on the payment method you would like to use, or tap "Add bank or card" to enter a new payment method.
If you’re on the new version of the Venmo app (without the ☰ icon):
- Go to the “You” tab by selecting the single person icon
- Tap the Settings gear in the top right and then “Buying”
- Tap “Backup Payment”
- Tap on the payment method you would like to use, or tap "Add bank or card" to enter a new payment method
You may be able to change the pre-selected payment method during checkout by tapping on the one shown at the bottom of the screen.
In some instances, you can select a payment method for a specific merchant by going to Settings -> Connected Merchants. From there you can select each individual merchant to view or change your preferred payment method.
It’s worth noting that some merchants may default to using your Venmo balance (if you have access to a Venmo balance) or your backup payment method, rather than your preferred payment method.
There is no way to change the payment method once you complete the transaction. We recommend checking the payment method every time you make a purchase.
Can I use different payment methods when I’m purchasing in merchant apps and websites, and when I’m sending money to friends from the Venmo app or on Venmo.com ?
Yes, you can set different default payment methods for online purchases and payments to friends. You’ll be prompted to set up these payment methods when you make an online purchase for the first time.
How do I change my payment method for online purchases?
We are currently rolling out a new payment experience, so depending on the merchant you are transacting with, you may be presented with the opportunity to choose your payment method at the time of your purchase.
If you aren't prompted to select a payment method at checkout, the backup payment method you’ve set for purchasing through Venmo will be charged if your Venmo balance cannot cover your purchase amount.
To change your backup payment method for online purchases, navigate to "Settings" in the app. Under the "Buying" heading, tap "Backup Payment." There, you can choose your preferred default or add a new bank account or card.
My payment method isn’t showing up for a particular merchant
If a payment method is visible in the Payment Methods section of the Venmo app, but it doesn’t appear during checkout with a particular merchant, this indicates that merchant is not able to process payments from that payment method. This can be due to network restrictions or merchant requirements.