With payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal becoming more popular, it’s easier than ever to send and receive money instantly. But while these apps offer convenience, keeping large sums in them might not be the best financial choice.
Doing so could mean missing out on interest from a high-yield savings account and even come with some risks.
“I’m definitely the one that is always harping about high-yield savings accounts,”
— Connor Tomasko, Freelance Software Consultant, Chicago.
Connor grew up cautious about credit cards, but as she learned more about personal finance, she noticed that many people form risky habits with payment apps. While she appreciates the apps’ ease—just knowing someone’s username allows you to send money—she quickly realized that holding funds there isn’t ideal. Now, she makes it a habit to transfer her balance to her bank immediately and encourages her friends to do the same.
Why Funds in Payment Apps May Be Risky
With the rise of payment apps, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued guidance to help users avoid common pitfalls. For example, funds stored in apps like Venmo or Cash App don’t always come with the same deposit insurance as a bank account.
“Popular digital payment apps are increasingly used as substitutes for a traditional bank or credit union account, but lack the same protections to ensure that funds are safe”
— CFPB Director Rohit Chopra.
The CFPB estimates that transaction volume on payment apps reached around $893 billion in 2022 and could grow to $1.6 trillion by 2027. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that over 75% of U.S. adults have used a payment app, with a striking 85% of 18- to 29-year-olds reporting that they’ve used services like PayPal, Venmo, Apple Cash, Google Pay, or Zelle.
For Connor, the appeal of payment apps is clear.
“They’re great for quick, no-strings transactions, like paying someone for a coffee on a one-time meet-up,” she explains. “There’s an ease to it when you don’t have to exchange personal details like phone numbers.”
Funds in Payment Apps Often Lack Insurance
“While it may feel convenient to keep a little extra money in your payment app for everyday transactions,”
— Courtney Alev, consumer advocate at Credit Karm
Funds stored in payment apps are typically not protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC insures bank deposits up to $250,000 if a bank fails, and credit unions offer similar protection. But money in payment apps usually lacks this security until it’s transferred to a bank or credit union.
However, some apps, like PayPal and Cash App, offer FDIC-insured high-yield savings options through partnerships with banks. These options provide a safer way to store your money while still benefiting from app convenience.
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