Is US residency required to open Venmo

Is US residency required to open Venmo?

You do not need to be a permanent resident or citizen, but you must physically live in the United States and have a US phone number that can receive SMS. If you already meet all other requirements, you can open Venmo without needing a green card or long-term residency status.

Detailed explanation

Venmo checks a few very specific things. None of them require formal US residency, but all of them require you to actually be inside the US and reachable.

• Physical presence in the US: Venmo will not work from abroad, even with a VPN. The app checks your location and typical device signals. Students on valid visas count as “living in the US” for this purpose.
• US phone number (not VoIP): You need a regular mobile number from a carrier like T‑Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, or similar. App-based numbers often fail verification.
• US bank account: Required only if you want to add money or transfer money out. Any checking account from a US bank or credit union is fine.
• Identity verification: Venmo must verify who you are. It usually asks for your legal name, date of birth, and the last digits of your SSN or ITIN. If you don’t have either yet, Venmo may ask you to upload a passport and visa instead. This is normal for many new international students.
• Address inside the US: You can use your dorm, apartment, or temporary housing. It doesn’t have to be permanent.

If you already meet all the requirements

• Download the app while you are in the US.
• Register using your US phone number.
• Add your US address and legal name exactly as on your documents.
• Complete identity verification when prompted.
• Link your US bank account if you want to move money in or out.

Once these are done, your account should work normally, and you won’t need any additional residency status.