Why Can't I Activate My Cash App Card? (7+ Reasons)

Lindsay Hayes

If you keep running into an error when you try to activate your Cash app card, this could be due to a couple of reasons. You may be using the wrong QR code, or be connected to a VPN.

I recently faced this problem and figured out that it was due to the QR code I was using. I manually included my card's details and managed to work around the cash app card activation issue.

I have run through the reasons why you may be having trouble, and how to fix the issue.

Contents

Why Can't I Activate My Cash App Card?

There are many reasons why you may not be able to activate your Cash app card. Usually, it happens if the Cash app servers are down. Visit the Cash app system status page to find out whether this is what you're dealing with.

You can also contact the Cash app customer support team and ask them when the problem will be solved.

With that out of the way, let's take a look at some other reasons why the Cash app card error could appear.

Paying with Contactless Debit Card

1. Card Glitch

You might not be able to activate your Cash app card due to a card glitch. This is quite common, and the only way to get around it is to deactivate, then re-activate your card.

Here's how:

2. Faulty QR Code

Along with your Cash app card's packing, you'll get a QR code that you'll need to activate it. However, it may have come damaged, or the QR reader you're using may not be able to read it (your device's camera may be broken). To work around this, enter your card details manually into the app.

3. Security Reasons

The Cash app doesn't allow users to activate their cards if they're suspected of fraud. This may be the cause of your problem. You'll need to wait till the app team sorts things out. You can reach out to them and clear things up.

4. False Information

Unless you have approval from your legal guardian, Cash app requires you to be over 18 years of age before you sign up for an account. If you lie about your age, your card will be disabled.

5. Not Verified Account

There are a couple of benefits to verifying your Cash app account, but the most important is being able to activate your Cash app card. Rule this out before moving on to other reasons why your Cash app card fails.

Before I show you how to verify your account, you will have to upload some private data onto the app.

Here's what you do:

6. Outdated Cash App

Just like any other app, Cash app needs to be regularly updated, or you'll keep getting pop-up messages. Just remember that you need a stable internet connection first.

Regardless of whether you own an Android or iPhone, you can update Cash app by heading to your respective app store, and looking for the Cash app application. There should be an update button next to it if there is indeed an update pending.

Cash App Digital Transaction Mobile App

7. Outdated OS

You might not be able to go through with the Cash app card activation because your OS is buggy. Updating it will help.

On Androids:

On iPhones:

Now check whether you can activate Cash card without any issues.

8. VPN Running

If you have a VPN running, your connection will be tunneled abroad, and your IP will be hidden. So, the Cash app servers won't be able to connect to you properly. You can take care of this by turning your VPN off.

9. System Problem

Last but not least, there could be a bug on Cash app's end that they're unaware of. Contact Cash app support immediately and tell them about it/ Hopefully, they'll start working on a fix soon.

Also, if an app glitch is an issue, there will be others talking about it online. See what they are saying on social media platforms like Twitter.

How to Activate Cash App Card?

There are two ways to activate Cash card. One is through the QR code that you receive with your card, while the other is by manually entering your card's details into the app.

Let's take a look at them.

Method 1: QR Code Option

Method 2: Manual Method

Activate the cash app card after you've included the CVV number and other relevant details. You should be able to withdraw cash and use the card now.

Man Holding a Debit Card

Is There a Way to Activate the Cash App Card Without Logging In?

Unfortunately, you can't. Cash app won't allow users to do this in the future either.

How Do You Fix Cash App Can't Link Card At This Time Error?

Many users get a "cash app can't link card at this time" error when trying to activate it. This is not due to anything serious. Cash app servers may just be down, so you will have to wait for them to be back up again.

It could also be due to a system glitch. Restart the Cash app application, or your phone to take care of this.

I've discussed how you can fix the error in-depth in one of my other articles.

Read more resources

Final Thoughts

There are many reasons why the activate cash app card error could pop up. Usually, it's caused by the activation QR code (that you've got with your card) not working. You can still activate Cash app card without QR codes, but you'll have to try the manual method and include your card details in the app.

When users don't verify their account, they will be unable to activate the cash app card. Cash app disables cards when you lie about your age - you need to be over 18 if you don't have a joint account.

Lindsay Hayes

Author
Hi, I’m Lindsay, a techie from Kansas City. That’s right; I’m a born and bred Midwesterner. I learned to take electronics apart at my dad’s GameStop way back when, and I haven’t stopped since. I spend most of my time checking out new gadgets.
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