Your go-to payment app may not always work abroad. What to use instead

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.