Can international students in the US link PayPal to Cash App?

International students in the US can link PayPal to Cash App, but only in an indirect way. The two apps do not connect directly. Money can be moved between them, but it must go through a US bank account that both apps accept.

How it actually works

You cannot press a button in PayPal to link Cash App, and Cash App does not allow PayPal as a connected funding source. What does work is adding the same US bank account to both apps and moving money through that bank.

If a student already has everything required — a US SSN or ITIN if needed for Cash App, a US bank account, an approved PayPal account, and identity verification completed — then transfers normally work without issues.

What you need

• A US bank account: This is the bridge between PayPal and Cash App. Banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and many credit unions work fine.
• Routing and account number: These are the numbers that let PayPal and Cash App send or receive money. They are different from a debit card number.
• Verified PayPal account: PayPal usually asks for ID and sometimes a SSN or ITIN. International students can often verify with passport plus US address.
• Cash App identity verification: Cash App almost always requires a SSN for full access. Without it, you cannot add a bank account in many cases.

How to move money step by step

• Add the same US bank account to PayPal.
• Add that bank account to Cash App.
• Transfer money from PayPal to the bank account.
• Wait for it to arrive, then add the money from the bank into Cash App.

Small warnings

• Name mismatch: If your legal name is written differently in PayPal, Cash App, or your bank, transfers may fail or accounts may lock.
• VPN use: PayPal and Cash App sometimes freeze accounts if they detect VPNs or logins from unusual locations.
• Visa status: Normal F1 status is fine. These apps do not check your immigration status, only your identity.

If you already meet all requirements

Then you can add your bank to both apps and transfer normally. The process is usually smooth as long as the names match and verification is completed.