Cash App has introduced its largest product expansion to date, unveiling new Bitcoin spending tools and Lightning-enabled USD payments alongside broader updates across banking, credit, and peer-to-peer features. The release marks the company’s first bundled “Cash App Release” and reflects growing demand for faster, low-cost digital payments.
The update arrives as more Americans shift toward flexible, multi-source incomes. Over 126 million earners now combine hourly work, gig shifts, creator payouts, and peer-to-peer transfers, creating financial habits that differ sharply from traditional banking expectations. Cash App says the new features are designed to match this changing economic reality.
Lightning USD Payments Aim to Bring BTC Speed to Dollar Transfers
The standout upgrade focuses on Bitcoin and Lightning Network integration. Cash App will now allow eligible customers to pay Lightning invoices using U.S. dollars, enabling fast, low-cost transactions without requiring users to hold Bitcoin.
The feature, rolling out later this month, uses Lightning’s settlement layer while preserving USD balances. Cash App says this approach lowers friction for customers unfamiliar with BTC while supporting everyday crypto-powered payments.
Lightning payments with Bitcoin also remain available, enabling instant BTC transactions with zero fees for eligible users.
Local Bitcoin Spending Expands Through New Merchant Map
Cash App has also launched a Bitcoin Map designed to help customers find local merchants that accept BTC. The feature highlights participating Square businesses and select external retailers that support Lightning or Bitcoin payments.
Users can browse the map, get directions, and pay directly through Cash App over Lightning. The tool aims to bridge the gap between Bitcoin ownership and real-world spending, a long-standing challenge for BTC adoption.
The company also confirmed that support for sending and receiving stablecoins is coming soon, offering users an additional on-chain transfer option.
Cash App Green Introduces More Flexible Banking Benefits
Beyond Bitcoin features, Cash App is rolling out “Cash App Green,” a redesigned benefits program that removes strict reliance on direct-deposit thresholds. Nearly 40% of Cash App customers do not receive income via direct deposit, highlighting limits of traditional qualification models.
Users can now earn Green status by spending $500 per month through the Cash App Card or Cash App Pay, or by depositing $300 in qualifying monthly deposits. Over 8 million customers will gain access to benefits such as higher savings yields, no in-network ATM fees, overdraft coverage, and priority support.
Credit Access Expands With Real-Time Behavior Analysis
Cash App continues to grow Borrow, its alternative credit feature that uses real-time financial behavior rather than traditional credit scores. First-time borrowers can access up to $500, and Borrow is now available in 48 states.
More than 70% of Borrow users have credit scores below 580, yet repayment rates exceed 97%, according to Cash App. Afterpay tools are also now integrated directly into the app, removing the need for a separate login.
Moneybot Brings AI-Assisted Navigation to Personal Finance
The platform is also launching Moneybot, an AI-powered assistant that answers questions, analyzes spending habits, and offers tailored suggestions based on customer activity. It can surface account details, break down expenses, and estimate potential savings.
Moneybot is initially available to select users and will expand over time as Cash App shifts toward a more automated interface.
Peer-to-Peer and Group Features Continue to Evolve
Cash App’s peer-to-peer roots remain central to the update. New enhancements to Pools, the app’s group money-collection tool, include contributor comments and better coordination features. Since its August release, 1.7 million customers have used Pools, with nearly one-fifth engaging a new contact for the first time.
Teen Banking Tools Gain Higher Savings Rates and More Controls
Teen customers aged 13–17 can now earn up to 3.5% APY on Savings balances — one of the highest rates available to U.S. teens. Additional parental controls allow guardians to restrict features, set spending caps, approve contacts, and receive activity notifications.
Security Remains a Core Layer of the Platform
Cash App continues to emphasize fraud prevention as payment scams rise across digital platforms. The company’s machine learning–driven payment warning system has blocked more than $2 billion in potential scams since 2020. Instant card locking, biometric authentication, and expanded reimbursement policies remain part of its broader safety strategy.
Cash App reports reimbursing more than $8 million to over 80,000 affected customers in 2024.
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