Key Gotchas
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No Fraud Protection for P2P Transfers High Impact
Cash App explicitly states that P2P payments are not protected. If you send money to a scammer or make a mistake, the money is gone. There's no buyer protection or fraud guarantee.
"Transfers through Cash App are not protected in the case of fraud or theft, unlike payments made using a traditional credit or debit card. Since Cash App treats all money like cash, it's almost impossible to get the money back once it is transferred." -
Extremely Limited Customer Support High Impact
Cash App has minimal customer support options. When issues arise, reaching a human who can actually help is notoriously difficult. Most support is automated and unhelpful for complex problems.
"Cash App provided a customer support number on the Cash Card and in its terms of service, but that number led to a recorded message that instructed customers to contact the company through the app."Source: CFPB Enforcement Order (January 2025) -
Bitcoin Trading Risk Disclosure Gaps High Impact
Cash App allows Bitcoin purchases but the risks aren't clearly communicated. Crypto holdings aren't FDIC insured, and Cash App's liability for trading losses is extremely limited.
"Block employed weak security protocols for Cash App and put its users at risk."Source: CFPB Press Release (January 2025) -
Account Locks Without Warning Medium Impact
Cash App can lock or close your account at any time. Users report sudden account closures with balances held for extended periods, and the appeals process is opaque.
"Block will pay up to $120 million in refunds and other redress to consumers... whose accounts were locked for an extended period of time."Source: CFPB Enforcement Order (January 2025) -
Cash Card Liability Limits Medium Impact
The Cash Card has different liability protections than traditional debit cards. Unauthorized transaction protections are limited if you don't report quickly.
"Unauthorized transactions that are not routed through Visa are not protected by the Visa Zero Liability Protection policy. These types of transactions include point of sale, PIN, PINless or other debit transactions not processed by Visa."
⚖️ Regulatory Enforcement History
CFPB $175 Million Penalty (January 2025)
The CFPB ordered Block to pay $175 million after finding Cash App employed "weak security protocols" and investigations were "woefully incomplete."
State Regulators AML Settlement - $80 Million (January 2025)
In addition to CFPB penalties, state regulators ordered Block to pay $80 million for Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering law violations.
Terms of Service Misrepresentation
CFPB found Cash App's terms of service wrongly told customers their banks were responsible for investigating fraud, violating the Electronic Fund Transfer Act.
Score Breakdown
What This Means For You
Cash App prioritizes simplicity over consumer protection. The app is easy to use, but when something goes wrong, you're largely on your own. Treat every payment as final.
Know Who You're Paying: Only send money to people you know and trust. Verify $Cashtag names carefully before sending.
Tip: Don't store significant money in Cash App. Transfer to your bank immediately. And never buy Bitcoin with money you can't afford to lose entirely.