Move money from your bank into your Venmo balance so payments draw from the balance instead of your card.
Venmo only lets verified users hold a balance. In the app, open the Me tab, tap the gear icon, then look for Identity Verification and provide the requested details if you haven't already.
In Settings, tap Payment Methods, then Add bank or card. Sign in through your bank for instant linking, or use manual verification with two small test deposits.
Go to the Me tab, tap your balance (or the Manage button next to it), then choose Add Money and From bank account. The wording shifts slightly between app versions but stays under the balance area.
Type how much to transfer, pick the linked bank account, review, and confirm. Bank transfers into a Venmo balance typically arrive in 3 to 5 business days and cannot be canceled once submitted.
Money friends send you lands in your balance instantly, and Venmo also supports direct deposit of a paycheck. If you just want to pay someone today, you can skip the balance entirely and let the payment pull from your linked bank or card.