Cash App was one of the must-have deal-hunting tools of 2020. There were even frequent huge deals, such as:

Cash App Sign-Up

  • Sign-up link (make at least a $5 transfer after signing up, and get $10)
  • Or scan the QR code to sign up

Testing Use in China

I’m sure many readers are interested in whether Cash App can be used outside the United States. The answer is yes. Cash App’s official terms even explain using a Cash debit card overseas.

For each foreign currency transaction, the Bank may assess a foreign currency conversion fee and will retain this amount as compensation for its services. Square will not charge you any fees for foreign currency transaction.

And there are no foreign transaction fees for overseas spending.

I specifically tried it myself. Since Cash App has a 10% off Starbucks offer, I used Starbucks for the test. It really worked, and it even showed Starbucks (xingbake).

Because my account had not been ID-verified yet (it requires a valid driver’s license), this charge was declined. The purchase was ¥29, and the exchange rate matched Google’s live rate.

The posted merchant category was accurate; it showed Bar (a dining category), but because it was xingbake, the Starbucks 10% off offer could not be triggered.

Therefore, Cash debit can be used in China, and some smaller deals should definitely work too:

The only issue that needs to be solved is the anti-fraud mechanism. You need to:

  • Have the account verified with ID
  • Contact support and say you are traveling

V/M Posting Issues in China

V/M posting issues with Chinese merchants are very common. For example, hotel charges often show up as kaiyue for Hyatt Hotels. Although the name is not quite right, the category is correct.

AMEX credit cards don’t have this concern; they basically show up correctly. Previously, card-linked cash-back apps (Drop, Spend, etc.) linked to an AMEX credit card could trigger cash back on Starbucks purchases in China.

Cash App Sign-Up

  • Sign-up link (make at least a $5 transfer after signing up, and get $10)
  • Or scan the QR code to sign up