Can I use Cash App for EDD direct deposit? Or does it have to be traditional bank account?
Hey everyone! I just got approved for unemployment benefits and I'm trying to set up direct deposit. I don't have a traditional bank account (had some issues with Wells Fargo last year and closed my account). I mainly use my Cash App for everything these days. Has anyone successfully used Cash App for EDD direct deposit payments? Or does the system only accept traditional banks like Chase, BofA, etc.? The direct deposit form just asks for routing and account numbers, which Cash App provides, but I'm nervous about any potential issues or delays if I use it instead of a 'real' bank. Thanks for any advice!!
16 comments
Ian Armstrong
dont use cashapp!! big mistake!! my friend tried this and his payment got rejected then took 3 weeks to fix
0 coins
Molly Chambers
•Oh no seriously?? That's exactly what I'm worried about. Did your friend eventually get it to work with Cash App or did they have to open a regular bank account?
0 coins
Eli Butler
EDD requires a valid checking or savings account from an established financial institution for direct deposit. While Cash App does provide routing and account numbers, many users have reported problems with EDD payments being rejected or delayed when using non-traditional banking platforms. Based on my experience helping others with this issue, I strongly recommend opening a basic checking account with a traditional bank or credit union instead. Even many online banks like Chime or Capital One work better with EDD systems than cash apps. If you absolutely cannot get a traditional account, you can always opt for the EDD Debit Card (Money Network) option instead of direct deposit.
0 coins
Molly Chambers
•Thanks for the detailed explanation! I guess I should look into a no-fee checking account then. Would credit unions be easier to get approved for than regular banks? I've had some issues in the past with ChexSystems.
0 coins
Marcus Patterson
I used Chime for my EDD payments and it worked fine. Not sure about Cash App specifically but some of these newer banking apps DO work. Just my experience though.
0 coins
Eli Butler
•You're right that some online banks like Chime generally work well with EDD. The issue is specifically with payment apps that added banking features later (like Cash App, Venmo, PayPal) - they tend to have more complications with government direct deposits. Credit unions are often more forgiving with ChexSystems issues than traditional banks.
0 coins
Lydia Bailey
I TRIED THIS EXACT THING in January and it was a NIGHTMARE!!!! Cash App rejected my first payment and then EDD froze my entire claim thinking it was fraud or something!!! Had to call EDD like 50 times before someone helped me fix it. DO NOT DO THIS!!!!! Just get the EDD debit card if you don't have a regular bank!!!!
0 coins
Molly Chambers
•Wow that sounds horrible! Definitely don't want my claim frozen. How long did it take to resolve everything after they thought it was fraud?
0 coins
Mateo Warren
I've been helping people navigate EDD issues for years, and non-traditional bank accounts cause more problems than they're worth. The EDD system was designed to work with traditional banking institutions, and while they haven't explicitly banned services like Cash App, their verification systems often flag these transactions for additional review, causing delays. If you're having trouble getting approved for a traditional bank, try a community credit union - they typically have easier approval requirements and lower fees. Alternatively, many Credit Unions offer second-chance banking programs for people with ChexSystems issues. If all else fails, the EDD Debit Card (Money Network) is a perfectly good option. You'll receive a debit card in the mail and your benefits will be loaded directly onto it.
0 coins
Sofia Price
•this is good advice. my brother has bad credit and got a 2nd chance account at Golden 1 and they accept his unemployment direct deposit just fine. took like 20 min to open account
0 coins
Alice Coleman
Have you tried calling EDD to ask them directly? I was stuck trying to reach someone at EDD for days to resolve my direct deposit issue. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a rep in less than 20 minutes who confirmed Cash App isn't recommended for direct deposit. They have a video showing how their service works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Definitely worth it to get a definitive answer from EDD themselves.
0 coins
Molly Chambers
•That's a good idea - probably best to hear it directly from EDD. I didn't know there was a service to help get through to them! I'll check out the link, thanks!
0 coins
Owen Jenkins
Somewhat related but I had my unemployment going to my Netspend card for a while which is similar to Cash App in some ways. It worked but sometimes payments would be delayed by 1-2 days compared to my friends who had regular banks. Just something to consider if you need the money right away each time.
0 coins
Ian Armstrong
•netspend is different tho cuz its actual prepaid bank account with fdic. cashapp is just app that added banking features
0 coins
Mateo Warren
Just to follow up - I checked with an EDD representative today and they officially recommend against using Cash App, Venmo, or similar payment apps for unemployment direct deposit. They specifically mentioned that these can trigger their fraud detection systems and cause payment delays or holds on your account. Best options in order of reliability: 1) Traditional bank accounts, 2) Credit union accounts, 3) Online banks with FDIC insurance (Chime, Ally, etc.), or 4) EDD Debit Card if none of the above are options.
0 coins
Molly Chambers
•Thank you so much for checking on this! I'll go with option #2 and try a local credit union. I appreciate everyone's help - you probably saved me from a huge headache!
0 coins