Cash App, just like any other service, has Terms of Service (TOS) in place that govern the way customers use the platform while keeping it safe for everyone.
If you go against these terms, there's a great chance that your Cash App account can get restricted or closed in the worst case, depending on the term you've violated.
If this happened to you, there's not much you can do other than take the required steps to appeal Cash App's decision, and if you don't know how to get started, this guide compiles everything you need from the possible reasons to the steps you need to take.
Why Did Cash App Close My Account for Violation Of Terms of Service?
The Terms of Service are there as a guide for every user to properly use the platform. Going against these terms means getting your account at risk of suspension and, in the worst case, closure.
If you're wondering why Cash App closed your account for violating their TOS, here are some possible reasons that may have led them to take such action against your account.
1. Your Account Was Involved in Fraudulent Activities or Suspicious Transactions
This is probably one of the main reasons why Cash App closes accounts—because they were involved in something "out of the ordinary," as Cash App always says.
The term "out of the ordinary" here means just a lot, and it includes your account being involved in:
- Scams or unauthorized transactions.
- Multiple attempts to transfer large amounts of money from unknown sources.
- Accessing your account from different devices in a short period.
2. Your Account Was Used for a Prohibited Activity
While Cash App is a payment service with the main purpose of making payments, it doesn't authorize the use of the app to make prohibited payments.
That said, Cash App prohibits the use of the app for stuff like gambling, money laundering, drug trafficking, or funding illegal activities.
For sure, these are transactions considered as "out of the ordinary" as well, but I insist on emphasizing them separately for your better understanding.
3. You're Using More than One Cash App Account With the Same Details
This is something most of us aren't aware of. Of course, Cash App won't stop you from creating a second account, but you'll be violating their TOS if you use the same details you used to create your first account for creating your second or other Cash App accounts.
They consider this identity theft (even if you are creating the second account with your real name) and will close the account to enforce their TOS.
4. You Couldn't Complete Your Account Verification
Cash App is one of the few payment services that let you start sending payments without having to verify your account, and while using your account without verification doesn't go against their TOS, things can get complicated when you try using a service that isn't available for restricted accounts.
Also, if you try verifying your identity with fake documents (name, date of birth, or SNN) and Cash App finds this out, your account runs the risk of getting closed, and you won't be able to do much since it is a restricted account.
Restricted here doesn't mean the account is flagged—it is just how Cash App refers to unverified accounts in their Terms of Service.
What To Do If Your Cash App Account Is Closed for Violation Of Terms of Service
When Cash App closes your account for violating their Terms of Service, there's not much you can do other than appeal their decision. While you'll see the appeal as a simple process, doing it the wrong way will not change the situation of your account.
In fact, the process is basically the same as that you need to follow when looking to get unbanned from Cash App.
That said, here are the steps you need to take when Cash App closes your account for violating the Terms of Service:
Step 1: Get Your Money Out of Cash App
Cash App lets you withdraw your money from your closed Cash App account. So the first thing you'll want to do is to withdraw funds from your balance if there's any you have left on it.
The process is typically the same as cashing out from an unrestricted Cash App account, and if you've had to cash out from the platform before, you should probably know how this works with you choosing your deposit speed: standard or instant deposit.
To cash out money from your closed Cash App:
- Select the Money tab on your Cash App home screen.
- Select Cash Out.
- Select an amount and deposit speed.
- Confirm the transaction using biometrics or your PIN.
Cashing out your money from your closed Cash App is a crucial step to take since it ensures your funds remain secure and with you regardless of Cash App's final decision on your account.
Also, don't forget to sell any stock or bitcoin you have on Cash App and cash the proceeds out as well.
Step 2: Identify the Violation in Question
The next thing that you'll want to do is to identify the violation in question. Of course, you'll need to go through Cash App's Terms of Service in a whole section by section so you can better understand what you've violated. This will be a powerful asset for the next step.
If the TOS is too long for you to go through at the moment, you can still check the aforementioned reasons why Cash App closes accounts to identify the one that reflects your case, since it is a summary of Cash App's TOS.
Step 3: Appeal Cash App's Decision
Finally, after you've withdrawn your money from Cash App and identified the term you've violated, it is time to appeal Cash App's decision.
You can do so by contacting support as follows:
- Tap the profile icon on your Cash App home screen
- Tap "Support".
- Tap "Start a Chat" and submit your appeal.
Now this appeal isn't just like any other, for example, when requesting to access an old Cash App account. You are in violation, and you need to make your appeal even more convincing to draw their attention to your case.
That being said, in your appeal, make sure you mention:
- You've gone through the TOS and identified the term you've violated while highlighting it in your appeal.
- What made you violate the TOS.
- Plead for their pardon and reinstatement of your account while promising to never go against their TOS.
Don't make it look long. Let it be short, concise, and brief.
Step 4: Wait for Your Appeal to Be Considered
After submitting your appeal request for your closed account, Cash App will take time to review it and determine whether it is eligible for their approval. This can take up to 30 days according to Cash App, so the best you can do at this stage is to wait for them to get back to you.
If your appeal gets approved, Cash App will reopen your account giving you access to all of its services as before.
I understand that not everyone gets that luck to get their appeals approved, and if this is the case for you, you may want to follow the next step.,
Step 5: Open a New Cash App Account
If Cash App did not approve your appeal, the only solution you'll be left with is to open a new Cash App account. You won't be using the same details as those you used for creating your first Cash App account, no. You'll need a new phone number, email, and even a debit card. This way, you won't be frauding your identity or going against their TOS.
Final Thoughts
Cash App's TOS are there to govern the way we use the service for our financial needs while making sure everyone is safe and sound when using the platform. Violating these terms can lead to the closure of your account, and if that happens to you, there's still a way out, which is appealing their decision.
This guide compiles the steps you need to take when your Cash App account gets closed for violating the Terms of Service, including what you can do in case your appeal request doesn't get approved.