Does Venmo’s one-time security check help enhance the security of Venmo users? No one likes the idea of sharing their private information with anyone, so verification processes can be a concern for some.
The Venmo One Time Security Check verifies the identity of its users to comply with federal regulations to provide information such as their name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. It is required to remove transaction limits, like sending a high amount in a week.
To make payments using your Venmo balance, you must complete the verification process. Venmo explains that it’s mandatory under federal law to gather information from everyone using the app despite how sensitive this may be.
Also, you may be unable to make Venmo transactions without verifying your identity.
But how do you complete the verification process? What documents and information do you need? And is it safe to give away your sensitive information? Read below to find out.
How Long Does the Venmo Security Check Take?
Typically, you’ll need just a couple of minutes to complete the identity verification process. However, the Venmo team confirms that the reviewing process is prolonged in some cases.
For instance, if you change your name or address, and the National Database doesn’t have this new information, Venmo will ask you to complete your identity verification by sending new documentation. You may have to wait for about two to three working days before the team can finish reviewing the document.
Is Venmo Identity Verification Safe?
People often ask this question. The short answer is Venmo Identity Verification is safe. For example, it’s common for Venmo to email all its users to verify their identities. This is because verifying your account on Venmo enables its team to enhance the safety level of your account.
Why Is the Security Check Important?
You’ll have to verify your identity on Venmo if you want to continue using the app to carry out your transactions.
However, note that even when you can’t complete your verification, you can still use a linked bank account, credit card, or debit card to complete your transactions with other Venmo users. For example, you can send money to a bank account. But you shouldn’t expect to be able to make payments with the money in your Venmo wallet.
How Can I Complete My Identity Verification on Venmo?
To complete your verification process, you may be requested to upload some of your basic details, such as your full name, SSN (Social Security Number), date of birth, ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number), and address. In addition, in some cases, you may be asked for your driver’s license or U.S. passport if it’s necessary to process your identity verification.
Additionally, a tribal I.D. card, SSN/ITIN assignment letter, driver’s license, or U.S. passport are some documents that Venmo might need for this verification. Therefore, you may want to ensure you have these available before commencing this documentation.
Now that you know the information Venmo might ask you to provide, you can successfully verify your identity. Here’s how to go about it:
- Visit the Venmo app on your phone, and open it.
- Click on the three stacked lines on your screen’s top left corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- Swipe down carefully, and click on the “Security” section.
- Choose “Identity Verification.”
- Click on the “Next” button displayed on the information page.
- Input your information, such as your address, Social Security Number, date of birth, and full legal name.
- Once you’re done filling in the requested information, you may want to crosscheck again.
- Click “Next,” and follow the prompt on other instructions.
As you plan to complete your identity verification, consider the following points. For one, Venmo may contact you to request more information if the information you supplied isn’t enough to process your identity verification.
Moreover, if there’s a need for additional information and Venmo contacts you, your verification may not be completed as fast as it should be. You may have to wait for three business days to finalize the verification.
What if I Mistyped My Name During the Documentation?
You’ve got nothing to worry about if there’s an error in your documentation. The Venmo team is always available to help you get things right, and they’ll contact you to receive the correct information. Venmo should resolve this within a week.
Will I Need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Or a Social Security Number (SSN) To Process My Verification?
Completing your identity verification may be challenging and impossible if you don’t have ITIN or SSN. Nevertheless, Venmo won’t stop you from using the app, even if you can’t verify your account, but your transactions might be limited.
With your debit card, credit card, bank account, or any of your preferred payment methods, you’ll still be capable of making transfers to other users.
What Can I Do if I Don’t Have an SSN?
A social security number will help speed up your identification verification because it’s an effortless way to protect your account from fraud. Nevertheless, there are other options that you can use in place of your SSN to help complete your verification.
Documentation, such as a DHS card, a tribal I.D. card, a driver’s license, a U.S. passport, and a tax I.D. number, might help fill in the gap. But the verification process may not be as quick as you expect.
How Safe Is It to Give My SSN to Venmo?
You don’t need to panic about giving your SSN to Venmo because this is done to help protect your account from scammers. However, you must confirm the request’s source to ensure that it isn’t a fraudulent request from a dubious email address.
If you aren’t sure of the source’s credibility, you might want to reach out to the support team at Venmo.
Final Thoughts
If you want to use Venmo, identity verification is a process you must complete. Even better, you don’t need to worry about giving away your information because Venmo uses this data to protect your account from potential scammers.
But if you can’t get your account verified, you can continue using your Venmo. The only downside might be that you’ll be unable to perform transactions as flexibly as you’d want. Other than that, you’ll still be a happy Venmo user.
