Venmo lets you pay friends, make purchases, and complete online checkouts using your Venmo balance instead of a debit or credit card. However, many users don’t see the balance option or think something is wrong with their account.
Here’s a complete guide showing how to use your Venmo balance, how to switch from card payments, and how to fix issues like Add Money or Manage button missing.
How to Use Venmo Balance for Sending Money to Friends
Using your balance for peer-to-peer payments is quick — as long as your balance feature is enabled.
Follow these steps:
- Open Venmo and go to the Pay/Request screen.
- Enter the recipient’s username, phone number, or scan their QR code.
- Type the amount you want to send.
- Before tapping Pay, look at the bottom of the screen where your funding source is shown (bank or card icon).
- Tap the payment method.
- Choose Venmo Balance from the list.
- Confirm the payment — Venmo will now send money directly from your balance.
This ensures no card or bank is charged unless your balance is empty.
How to Use Venmo Balance for Purchases
Venmo supports balance payments for both in-store and online purchases.
1. In Stores
You can use your balance at participating merchants.
Here’s how:
- Open Venmo
- Tap Scan
- Show or scan the merchant’s Venmo QR code
- Select Venmo Balance as the payment method
- Complete the purchase
If your balance is selected, no card will be charged.
2. Online & In Apps
When a website or app supports Venmo:
- Choose Venmo during checkout
- You’ll be redirected to the Venmo app for confirmation
- Make sure Venmo Balance is selected as the payment source
- Approve the payment
Venmo will automatically use your balance before using any backup method.
If You Don’t See the Venmo Balance Option
If your Venmo balance doesn’t show up, it’s usually because your account isn’t verified yet or the balance feature is disabled.
Here are the two main fixes:
1. Verify Your Identity
Venmo requires identity verification to unlock the ability to use your balance as a payment method.
To verify:
- Go to the Me tab
- Tap Settings (gear icon)
- Look for Identity Verification
- Provide required information such as:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Last 4 digits of SSN
Once approved, the Venmo balance feature will automatically activate.
2. Check Your Venmo Wallet
After verifying your identity:
- Go to the Me tab
- Tap Wallet
- Your Venmo Balance will appear at the top
- Make sure it shows a positive balance or add funds if needed
If the balance appears here, you can use it during payments.
Add Money Button Missing?
Many users also struggle because the Add Money or Manage button doesn’t appear in the Wallet section.
This is almost always due to:
- Using an outdated Venmo app
- Identity not verified
- Wallet not loaded properly
- VPN or poor connection
- Temporary account restrictions
Quick Fixes
- Update the Venmo app
- Log out → log in
- Reinstall the app
- Turn off VPN
- Verify your identity
Get here: “Venmo Add Money button missing in Wallet section due to outdated app or unverified identity.”
When Venmo Still Won’t Let You Use Your Balance
If the balance still won’t appear as a payment method:
- Double-check identity verification status
- Confirm your balance isn’t $0
- Make sure you’re not using a Venmo Business profile
- Contact Venmo Support if your account may be restricted
Some accounts receive automated reviews that temporarily remove balance features until cleared.
Final Thoughts
Using your Venmo balance instead of a card is simple once your balance feature is enabled. Just select Venmo Balance as your payment method before finalizing a payment or purchase.
If the balance option or the “Add Money” button is missing, verifying your identity and updating the app usually resolves the issue immediately.
