# Why won't Cash App let me borrow?
If you’re finding that you **can’t borrow money using Cash App**, you’re not alone — many users encounter this and it usually comes down to eligibility, state‐regulation issues, feature rollout, or account specifics. Below is a detailed breakdown (runs long) of **why you might not be able to use the Borrow feature**, how it works in general, what you can do about it, and some cautionary notes.
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## 1. What is the Cash App “Borrow” Feature?
Before diving into the “why it’s not available for you” part, it’s helpful to understand what the Borrow feature is.
* Cash App’s Borrow is a short-term loan offering (closed-end credit) that is available to certain eligible users. ([Loanfolk][1])
* According to the loan agreement, it’s offered by a bank “on behalf of Cash App” (or via Cash App’s partner) and subject to verification of your personal/financial information. ([Cash App][2])
* Key terms often mentioned: You may borrow up to a limit (many users report $20 up to ~$200). ([Paul Ero][3])
* Typically, the loan must be repaid within about four weeks. ([Loanfolk][1])
* If you miss the payment, the loan contract allows Cash App to pull funds from your Cash App balance (or initiate repayment attempts) until it’s paid off. ([Cash App][2])
* Importantly: It is **not** universally available to all Cash App users; it is offered to select users under certain conditions. ([TechPluto - Latest Startup & Tech News][4])
So, when you don’t see the option, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing anything wrong — you might just not yet meet the criteria or your account might not be part of the rollout.
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## 2. Major Reasons Why You Can’t Borrow on Cash App
### 2.1 You don’t meet eligibility criteria
The most common reason is that you don’t (yet) meet Cash App’s internal eligibility requirements. These might include:
* **Account verification incomplete**: You likely need to have provided your full name, date of birth, last four of SSN/ITIN, address, etc. The loan agreement indicates that this information will be requested. ([Cash App][2])
* **Insufficient account usage or activity**: Many articles suggest Cash App looks for users who have a history of using the app — receiving deposits, using the Cash Card, making withdrawals, etc. ([HackMD][5])
* **Direct deposit and regular incoming funds**: Having regular direct deposits into your Cash App account seems to help eligibility. ([Paul Ero][3])
* **Activated Cash Card usage**: Some sources say that using your free Cash Card (which is a debit‐card linked to your Cash App account) helps. ([AiM Tutorials][6])
* **Good account standing**: Past negative balance, chargebacks, or frequent reversals may hurt eligibility. ([HackMD][5])
* **Credit history**: While Cash App’s service may not require as strict a credit check as a traditional bank loan, your behavior or credit/financial history may still influence eligibility. ([Loanfolk][1])
* **Regional/state availability**: The feature is only available in certain US states (and to eligible users within those states). If you’re in a state not supported, you won’t see the option. ([Paul Ero][3])
### 2.2 The feature is in limited rollout or pilot
* Cash App appears to be rolling out the Borrow feature in stages. Some users report they never saw it, others had it then lost it. ([Reddit][7])
* One article says: “The Borrow feature is an experimental loan program, and it’s **not available to all users**.” ([HackMD][5])
* Because of that, even if you meet many criteria, you might just not yet be included in the test group or the feature might have been paused or removed in your state.
### 2.3 State law / regulatory limitations
* The loan agreement explicitly states that **loans are not available in all states**. If you move to a state where the product is not offered, you cannot borrow subsequent loans. ([Cash App][2])
* There are lists of states mentioned in various guides as ones where the feature is offered; if you’re outside those states, that would explain it. ([AiM Tutorials][6])
* Some Reddit posts back this up: “It’s a location based thing. I looked it up, and per MY STATE LAW they can't do it here.” ([Reddit][8])
### 2.4 Technical/app version/visibility issues
* Sometimes the app version may be outdated and features don’t appear until you update. ([Cash App Refund][9])
* Some users report the Borrow option disappeared or moved in the UI, so it might be a visibility issue. ([Reddit][10])
* Occasional glitches: Some users tried and the Borrow button didn’t respond or load. ([Reddit][11])
### 2.5 Account or behavior issues
* If you have an outstanding unpaid loan from Cash App, you may not be eligible again until it's resolved. The loan agreement specifically notes that your ability to use features may be suspended until you satisfy your outstanding loan obligations. ([Cash App][2])
* If you had late payments or problems with previous borrowings, your limit or eligibility could be reduced. Reddit reports show users had borrow feature removed even after paying off early. ([Reddit][7])
* If you have negative balance history, frequent reversals, or you violate the Cash App terms of service, you might be barred from borrowing. ([CryptoCashApp][12])
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## 3. What to Check / Steps You Can Take
Since you’re wondering *why* you can’t borrow and *how* you might change that, here are steps you can go through; though be aware: there’s **no guaranteed method** to unlock the feature — eligibility is at Cash App’s discretion.
### 3.1 Verify your account completely
* Make sure your identity info is submitted: full legal name, date of birth, last four of SSN or ITIN (if required), address, etc. The loan agreement states these will be requested. ([Cash App][2])
* Make sure your app has asked for and you responded to any “verify your identity” prompts.
* If you haven’t linked a bank account or debit card or used the Cash Card, that could hinder.
### 3.2 Use the app more actively
* Receive regular direct deposits into your Cash App account (if possible). Some users say this improved eligibility. ([Paul Ero][3])
* Use the Cash Card (if you have one) for purchases, withdrawals, etc.
* Use peer-to-peer transfers, send and receive money, show positive recurring activity.
* Keep a stable, positive balance; avoid overdrafts or negative balances.
### 3.3 Update the app / check the UI
* Ensure you have the latest version of Cash App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
* Explore the app’s Navigation: Typically you might find “Borrow” under the Money tab, or Banking tab. Some guides say: Open Cash App → Money tab → Borrow. ([alfintechcomputer.com][13])
* If you don’t see it, try logging out and logging back in, or clearing app cache (Android) or reinstalling the app. Some users noted “Borrow option not showing up” got solved by reinstalling. ([Cash App Refund][9])
### 3.4 Check if your state is supported
* Look up whether your US state (if you’re in the US) allows the Borrow feature for Cash App. Some users report they are in the same household as someone else but because of state laws they don’t see the option. ([Reddit][8])
* The loan agreement says if you move to a non‐supported state, you cannot borrow new loans. ([Cash App][2])
### 3.5 Check for outstanding obligations
* If you previously borrowed and haven’t paid it off yet (or within the terms), pay that off. Because Cash App may block you from borrowing again until existing obligations are satisfied. ([Cash App][2])
* Check if you’ve had any adverse account activity (reversals, chargebacks, negative balance) that might cause your eligibility to be suspended.
### 3.6 Contact Cash App Support
* If you’ve gone through the above and still don’t see the feature, you can open a support request in the app. While some users have reported lukewarm responses, it may help to at least ask whether you’re eligible and, if not, why.
* Within the app: Tap your profile → Support → Borrow (if the option shows) or general support. Note: Some users report support for the borrow feature is limited and they receive only canned responses. ([Reddit][14])
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## 4. Why You Might Never Get It (or Why It Might Be Removed)
It’s also worth being realistic: there are reasons you might *never* see the Borrow feature, or it might appear then disappear. Here are some of those reasons:
* The feature is controlled by an algorithm and internal risk assessment; meeting all visible criteria doesn’t guarantee access. Many users with similar usage still don’t get it. ([Reddit][15])
* State/regulatory laws might change or Cash App might stop offering the feature in certain states.
* If you previously had the feature and then your account activity dropped, or you didn’t use it, you might lose eligibility. As one user wrote:
> “I had the borrow feature and it disappeared because I didn’t use it.” ([Reddit][16])
* If you default, pay late, or have a negative interaction with the feature, your limit might drop or the feature might be disabled for you.
* If your account gets flagged for fraud risk, or if your outstanding loan is unpaid, Cash App may suspend your borrowing until the issues are cleared.
* Some sources suggest that since it’s still being refined, the Borrow feature may be withdrawn or paused for maintenance/rollout changes, so even eligible users might temporarily lose access.
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## 5. Key Takeaways
* **You *can’t* force the Borrow feature to appear** — eligibility is at Cash App’s discretion, based on many factors.
* **Regular usage, deposits, and a verified account** help your chances.
* **Geography matters**: If your state is unsupported, you might simply not be eligible for now.
* **Outstanding obligations or account issues** will likely block you.
* **App version/technical glitches** might be thwarting you even if you’re eligible — always keep the app updated and check for UI changes.
* Borrowing is **not free money**: you’ll pay a fee and you must repay in time, otherwise extra charges or account actions can apply.
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## 6. Practical Example / Example Scenarios
### Scenario A: New user with low activity
* You just signed up for Cash App, you’ve only received a few transfers, you don’t use your Cash Card much, you don’t have direct deposits.
* Likely outcome: You won’t see the Borrow option — you haven’t met usage or history criteria.
### Scenario B: Regular user, but in unsupported state
* You’ve been using Cash App for months, you receive weekly deposits, you have an activated Cash Card, you have high usage — but you live in a state where Borrow isn’t offered yet (or it was offered then pulled).
* You may not see the feature. Or if you did previously, you might lose it.
### Scenario C: Had borrow feature, then lost it
* You were eligible, borrowed say $150, repaid it on time, but then you stopped using Cash App for a while (low deposits, few transactions). One day you open the app and the Borrow button is gone. Reddit users have reported this. (See: “I had the borrow feature and it disappeared because I didn’t use it.”) ([Reddit][16])
* Why? Probably because your account activity dropped and the algorithm removed you from the eligible pool.
### Scenario D: Outstanding loan/unpaid amounts
* Suppose you borrowed $100, didn’t repay it fully, or your repayment was late. The loan agreement says your ability to borrow again may be suspended until your outstanding balance is paid. ([Cash App][2])
* In that case you’ll see the Borrow option missing or greyed out until you clear your loan.
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## 7. What If You *Need* a Loan But Don’t Have Borrow on Cash App?
If your goal is to borrow and you can’t use Cash App for it, you might consider alternatives — but as always, with caution.
* Traditional personal loans from banks or credit unions.
* Online lending platforms or peer-to-peer lenders.
* Other fintech apps that provide small loans or “pay‐later” features.
* Work on building your financial profile: increase your incoming deposits, use Cash App (or your bank) actively, maintain good standing, improve your credit or usage history.
Note: Borrowing always carries risk. With Cash App’s Borrow, there are fees and you must repay within set terms. Failing to repay can lead to extra charges or account consequences. ([Loanfolk][1])
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## 8. Final Thoughts
In short: If **Cash App won’t let you borrow**, it likely means one (or more) of the following: you don’t meet the eligibility criteria; you’re in a state where Borrow isn’t offered; your account lacks sufficient activity or verification; you have outstanding issues; or it’s simply not offered to your account at this time.