What Real People Actually Recommend to Other Real People: Venmo

Just in time for the weekend—a recommendation for how to live it up without paying for your friends and acquaintances to live it up, too.

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From our very own, Lili Welch:

I would consider myself to be on the stingier side when it comes to putting my credit card down for a dinner of 6 people or more. I especially don’t want to foot the bill when most of the people at my table are strangers; that would totally ruin my night. So, if you’re like me, I would highly recommend downloading the app, Venmo.

Through this app, you can pay and charge your friends—and your friends of friends—for the meal that you bought. Venmo is linked to your bank account, and while many people might be reading this and think “sketchy,” I have never felt more secure with a money transferring app. Venmo sends me email updates when I sign in through an unknown device, and it will send a code to my phone as a second form of verification.

The best part about this app is connectivity. Let’s say you don’t have your friend’s boyfriend’s account. Not a problem because on Venmo, you can search his name or connect with him via Facebook. Another hypothetical: you only have a phone number. Venmo is able to identify a person by their number.

In summary, download Venmo so you don’t have to worry about cash, splitting the bill on the spot, or feeling broke because there is a chance you won’t be paid back. It’s easy, it’s safe, and it’s free.

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