Updated April 24, 2026, 10:03 a.m. ET
Apps like Cash App, Venmo, PayPal and Zelle are now routine for making payments and transferring money in the United States, but the State Department is reminding Americans not to depend too heavily on peer-to-peer options when traveling abroad.
“Our consular sections around the world have seen many Americans run into problems accessing money abroad due to relying on apps. Some common cash transfer apps in the United States do NOT work abroad,” the department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs posted on X, without naming any specific ones.
“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” the State Department told USA TODAY by email. “Americans should not rely solely on any single payment method when abroad.”
Here’s what travelers should know.
Cash App’s app may only be used to add funds or make payments and withdrawals within the United States and the United Kingdom.
However, its Visa-affiliated Cash App Card can be used in most countries – with the exception of 27 listed on its website, including Iran, North Korea and Russia.
“When you use your Cash App Card in a supported country or with an international online merchant, there will be a 3% international use fee,” according to Cash App’s website. Users who qualify for Cash App Green benefits, by spending or depositing certain amounts each month, get international fees waived.
There is also a $2.50 fee for withdrawals at non-network ATMs, along with any fees charged by ATM operators.
As of late March, Venmo users can send and receive money in 90 global markets through their parent company, PayPal, with no foreign transaction fees.
Another option is to use a Venmo debit card to make payments or withdraw money from ATMs abroad. There are no foreign transaction fees for purchases, but there is a $2.50 fee for international ATM withdrawals, as well as any applicable fees charged by ATM operators.
PayPal can be used to send money in more than 110 countries, but there is a 5% fee for international personal transactions, capped at $4.99.
PayPal also offers a debit card with a 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases and a $2.50 fee for international ATM withdrawals, along with any fees charged by ATM operators.
Both debit cards are accepted anywhere MasterCard is accepted.
Zelle’s website says that in order to use Zelle, the sender and recipient “must have U.S bank accounts.”
The State Department’s Bureau of Consular affairs advises, “If you are traveling outside of the United States make sure you have access to a credit or debit card that works internationally (and have a back-up plan!)”
To save money, travelers should check if their cards charge foreign transaction fees and minimize accruing fees when possible.
Some places don’t take credit or debit cards at all. For instance, cash is still king at food stalls and small businesses in Japan. No matter the destination, travelers should carry some cash in the local currency in case of emergency.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
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