How to Make International Remittances via Venmo and Easily Transfer Funds Across Borders Using an International Card

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Many people mistakenly believe they can use Venmo for international remittances, but in reality, Venmo only supports services within the US. When using Venmo, you may encounter the following common misconceptions:

• Venmo is only for US users, and it cannot facilitate cross-border transfers.
• Registration and transfers require a US bank account and valid US identification.
• Many users with international ties are confused about its international remittance capabilities.

You need to understand these limitations to better choose the right cross-border transfer tool for your needs.

Key Points

• Venmo only supports US-based users and cannot be used for international remittances. When using Venmo, ensure both you and the recipient are in the US or specific regions.
• Registering a Venmo account requires a US bank account and valid identification; ensure you have the necessary documents to complete identity verification smoothly.
• Although Venmo supports various international cards, they can only be used within the US and cannot facilitate true cross-border transfers.
• For international remittances, consider using platforms like Wise, which focus on cross-border transfers with transparent fees and fast delivery.
• When choosing an international remittance tool, pay attention to the platform’s security and compliance to ensure safe and smooth transfers.

Possibility of International Transfers via Venmo

Service Scope

When considering international remittances through Venmo, you first need to understand Venmo’s service scope. Venmo’s official policy clearly states that only users in the US and certain regions (such as Puerto Rico and Guam) can use its services. If you or the recipient are not in these regions, the Venmo account cannot be logged into or used normally. The table below summarizes Venmo’s geographic service scope:

You can see that Venmo’s service scope is very limited compared to other international payment platforms. Many mainstream payment platforms support global transactions, but Venmo is restricted to the US financial system and does not support international transactions.

International Transfer Restrictions

If you attempt to use Venmo for international remittances, you will encounter multiple restrictions. Venmo does not support international transfers due to regulatory policies and compliance laws. These regulations aim to prevent money laundering and fraud. All Venmo transactions must be completed within the US, and the system automatically detects the geographic location of accounts and devices.

Common restricted scenarios include:

• When you try to send money to family in China/Mainland China or other countries, Venmo cannot complete the transaction.
• When shopping at international merchants, Venmo cannot be used as a payment method.
• When you are outside the US, you cannot access or operate your Venmo account.

Even if you hold an international card, it can only be used for transfers within the US via Venmo, not for true cross-border remittances. If you need to transfer money to China/Mainland China or other countries, consider using platforms that support international remittances, such as Wise or other mainstream electronic transfer tools.

Tip: International remittances via Venmo are not feasible due to technical and policy limitations. You should understand the platform’s rules in advance to avoid delays in fund transfers due to restrictions.

International Card Support

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Supported Card Types

When registering a Venmo account, you may wonder which international cards can be linked. Venmo supports various international cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, UnionPay, and JCB. These card types cover most regions globally, making it convenient for payments and collections within the US. The table below shows the main international card types supported by Venmo and their descriptions:

You need to note that, although these international cards can be added to Venmo, the prerequisite is that you have a US-based Venmo account. Only after registering and verifying your identity in the US can you successfully link these international cards.

Adding Process

To add an international card to your Venmo account, follow these steps:

1. Open the Venmo app and log into your account.
2. Go to “Settings” and select “Add Bank or Credit Card.”
3. Enter your international card information, including card number, expiration date, and security code.
4. The system will automatically verify the card information, and upon successful verification, the card will be linked.

During the process of adding an international card, you may encounter some common issues:

• Connection issues: Unstable networks may prevent information submission.
• Card issuer rejection: The bank may block transactions due to account freezes or suspicious activities.
• Payment limits: Weekly payment limit is $299.99, and exceeding this may cause failures.
• Incomplete account information: Incomplete account setup or incorrect information may lead to rejection.
• Account lock: Multiple login failures or unverified accounts may be locked.
• Suspicious activity: Large transactions in a short period may be flagged by the system.
• High-risk transactions: Transactions involving high-risk businesses may be rejected.

Tip: When using Venmo for international remittances, ensure your account information is complete to avoid transfer failures due to operational errors.

Transfer Process

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Account Registration

To use Venmo for transfers, you first need to register a US-based account. The registration process is crucial, as you can only link an international card and perform subsequent operations after identity verification. You need to prepare relevant documents to complete identity verification. The table below lists common verification requirements and acceptable document types for registering a Venmo account:

You need to fill in your personal information in the Venmo app and upload the above documents for verification. The system will complete the review in a short time. You must ensure all information is accurate and valid; otherwise, the account may be rejected or locked.

Tip: When registering, prepare all documents in advance to avoid delays due to incomplete materials.

Linking an International Card

After completing account registration, you can start linking an international card. Venmo supports various international card types, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, UnionPay, and JCB. You need to ensure the card is a valid international credit or debit card and that the issuing bank allows electronic payments in the US.

The linking process is as follows:

1. Log into your Venmo account.
2. Go to the “Settings” page and select the “Add Bank or Credit Card” option.
3. Enter the card number, expiration date, security code, and other information.
4. Wait for the system to automatically verify the card information.
5. Upon successful verification, the international card will be linked.

During the linking process, you may encounter issues such as bank rejections, incorrect information, or payment limits. You need to carefully verify the card information and ensure the card is in good standing. If issues arise, contact the card-issuing bank or Venmo customer service for assistance.

Note: You can only link international cards belonging to you, and the account information must match the card information.

Transfer Operation

After completing account registration and linking an international card, you can start the transfer process. You need to note that Venmo only supports transfers between US-based accounts and cannot facilitate true cross-border remittances. If you attempt to transfer money to accounts in China/Mainland China or other countries, the system will automatically reject the operation.

The transfer process is as follows:

• Open the Venmo app and select the “Pay” function.
• Enter the recipient’s US phone number or email address.
• Enter the transfer amount (in USD) and select the linked international card as the payment method.
• Add a note (optional), verify the information, and submit the transfer request.
• The system will complete the transfer in seconds, and the recipient will receive a notification.

When transferring, you must ensure the recipient has a US-based Venmo account. You cannot transfer directly to accounts in China/Mainland China or other countries. If you need to send money to licensed Hong Kong bank accounts or accounts in China/Mainland China, consider using other international remittance tools.

Tip: When transferring via Venmo, verify the recipient’s information to avoid transaction failures due to mismatched account locations.

When using Venmo for international remittances, you can only complete fund transfers within the US. You need to choose the appropriate remittance method based on your needs to ensure fund safety and compliance.

Fees and Restrictions

Transaction Fees

When using an international card for transfers via Venmo, no additional transaction fees are charged. Venmo does not support international transactions, so even if you link an international card, the system will not charge international transfer fees. If you attempt international transactions through other platforms like PayPal, you may encounter the following fees:

• PayPal charges 2.5%-3% for currency conversion.
• International transactions may incur additional service fees, leading to higher overall costs.
• Exchange rate fluctuations may affect the actual amount received.

When using Venmo for international remittances, pay attention to the platform’s fee policies to avoid increased costs due to improper choices.

Amount Limits

Venmo imposes clear limits on transfer amounts for each user. Before completing identity verification, you can transfer up to $299.99 per week. After verification, the weekly transfer limit increases to $2,999.99. The maximum amount per transaction is also limited, typically not exceeding $2,999.99. You need to plan fund transfers reasonably to avoid failures due to exceeding limits.

Tip: Before large transfers, check your account status and limits to ensure smooth transactions.

Risk Warnings

When using an international card for Venmo transfers, you may encounter the following risks:

• Unauthorized transaction risks are high, so account security requires extra attention.
• Disputes can be complex, and refunds are challenging.
• Venmo’s refund policy does not directly support international card refunds, increasing the difficulty of recourse in case of fraud.

You also need to note that Venmo does not support direct international transfers, and all fund transfers must be completed within the US. If you need to send money to China/Mainland China or other countries, consider using more professional international remittance platforms.

Alternative Solutions

Wise

If you need to make true international remittances, Wise is a more suitable choice. Wise specializes in cross-border transfers and supports multiple currency conversions. You can use Wise to transfer funds from the US to China/Mainland China or other countries. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees and a transparent fee structure. The table below shows Wise’s main advantages and disadvantages:

Wise’s transfer fees typically range from USD 10 to USD 35, depending on the remittance amount and currency. Over 60% of transfers are instant, and nearly all payments are completed within 24 hours. If you choose SWIFT payments, it may take 3 to 5 days. You can also order a Wise multi-currency card for spending in over 150 countries and holding over 40 currencies simultaneously. Wise supports automatic recurring payments and receiving funds in 9 local foreign currencies. You can easily manage multi-currency accounts with Wise, ideal for frequent cross-border fund transfers.

Tip: Venmo does not support international transfers; you can use Wise’s currency conversion tool for global remittances with low fees and fast delivery.

Other Electronic Remittance Tools

You can also choose other electronic remittance platforms to meet international transfer needs. These tools typically offer the following advantages:

• You can track transfer progress in real time for a worry-free experience.
• Transactions are fast, with some platforms completing transfers in minutes.
• Fees are lower than traditional banks, suitable for large or frequent remittances.
• Platforms use advanced encryption and fraud detection technologies to ensure fund safety.
• User interfaces are friendly, suitable for users of different ages and technical levels.

Common international remittance tools also support multi-currency accounts, simplifying cross-border transfer processes. You can transfer funds directly to the recipient’s bank account, such as licensed Hong Kong banks, or receive funds flexibly via digital wallets. These platforms are often integrated with bank APIs and payment gateways, improving transfer efficiency. When choosing a platform, pay attention to security and compliance. Platforms like Payoneer conduct regular audits and have risk committees to ensure fund safety. Apple Pay uses two-factor authentication and encryption technology to secure transactions. Refer to the table below for the security features of various platforms:

When making international remittances, choose reputable service providers to ensure fund safety and compliance, effectively preventing fraud and financial losses.

When using Venmo with an international card in the US, you can choose Mastercard, Visa, or American Express prepaid cards and ensure sufficient USD funds in the card. Note that prepaid cards may have transaction restrictions or additional fees. When selecting international remittance tools, pay attention to platform compliance requirements, such as FATF Recommendation 16 and anti-money laundering measures. You should also conduct regular risk assessments, implement customer due diligence, and maintain monitoring systems to ensure fund safety and information accuracy.

FAQ

Can Venmo be used to send money directly to accounts in China/Mainland China?

You cannot use Venmo to send money directly to accounts in China/Mainland China. Venmo only supports transfers between US-based accounts.

Can I link a bank card from a licensed Hong Kong bank to Venmo?

You can only link US-based bank accounts or credit cards. Bank cards from licensed Hong Kong banks cannot be directly linked to Venmo.

Are there additional fees for using an international card for Venmo transfers?

When using an international card for Venmo transfers, Venmo does not charge additional transaction fees. However, the card-issuing bank may charge international transaction fees.

What documents are required to register a Venmo account?

You need to provide US identification, proof of address, and a Social Security Number. The system will require you to upload relevant documents for verification.

Can I log into my Venmo account from China/Mainland China?

You cannot log into or operate a Venmo account from China/Mainland China. Venmo only allows access for users in the US and certain regions.

After exploring the limitations of Venmo, you might be frustrated with high remittance fees, platform reliability issues, and the hassle of geographic restrictions that often result in delayed transfers and added security concerns. These common pain points can complicate cross-border transactions significantly. Fortunately, there’s a superior alternative tailored to address these challenges. BiyaPay emerges as an innovative cross-border financial platform, designed for users like you seeking effortless international remittances. Whether sending money to mainland Hong Kong, or most countries worldwide, BiyaPay supports same-day transfers for swift arrivals.

What sets BiyaPay apart is its cost-effectiveness and efficiency: remittance fees as low as 0.5%, with zero fees for contract listings, helping you cut down on expenses. It also enables seamless conversions between various fiat currencies and digital assets, streamlining your financial management. Registration is quick, taking just minutes to get started. Uniquely, BiyaPay allows you to engage in US and Hong Kong stocks on a single platform, without needing overseas accounts, making investments more accessible.

To enhance your remittance process, BiyaPay offers a real-time exchange rate query tool, enabling you to capture the best conversion opportunities and minimize losses from fluctuations. The platform prioritizes security and compliance, utilizing advanced encryption and monitoring systems to safeguard every transaction. Ideal for daily remittances or investment needs, BiyaPay stands as your dependable ally.

Take the step today—register with BiyaPay and unlock a seamless cross-border financial experience. Join millions of users enjoying low rates and rapid arrivals, free from Venmo-like territorial constraints. Empower your financial flows to be more liberated and effective.