Free, Facile, and and Favorable: Introducing Venmo

By Julianna Mirabile

     Are you ever in the desperate situation where you and your friends don’t want to make the waiter split the bill five ways and leave it to one person to pay? Or if you have to split the Uber bill with your friend? Or in general, owing someone money, but not having the cash on you? No need to worry. The upcoming app, Venmo, is here to solve all those issues.

     Venmo is an app that allows someone to pay and request money from friends. It syncs up to the contacts on your phone, automatically adds everyone you know, and after adding your credit and debit cards safely and securely into the app, you’re ready to use it. This convenient app can be used for sharing rent, splitting bills, paying someone for tasks or jobs, and anything else one could think of. The money is quickly transferred within two business days from the Venmo app to your bank account. Junior, Hailey Griffin, states that, “I always use Venmo to pay back my friends when we go out to eat. I never have to bring my money with me.”  Besides paying people, there is a social aspect. When paying someone, there is an area to write a simple comment about what the money is for. This comment is allowed to be seen by your friends in the app. Therefore, the app can be seen as both entertaining and serious.

     Some people might not approve of this app because they don’t see it as trustworthy. Sophomore, Julie Thomas, explains that, “I’d rather just bring cash with me so I don’t risk any hacks into my bank account.” However, if you are a PayPal user, there is no reason to be opposed to using Venmo. It uses the same security networks, and is said to be the daughter of PayPal. It allows its users to set up a pin passcode before entering the app to provide more security. Also, if there is a mishappening (given it is above $50) and Venmo is contacted within two days, they will take care of it.

     This amazing, reliable app skyrocketed this year and is used by millions. It’s convenience, simplicity, and versatility is what makes it a fan favorite. If you haven’t already downloaded this free app, you should definitely consider adding it to your homescreen the next time your wallet is running low.