Quick answer: Cash App is not a bank. It relies on two FDIC‑insured partners—Lincoln Savings Bank (Iowa) for routing & direct‑deposit accounts and Sutton Bank (Ohio) for issuing the Cash Card debit card. These partnerships let Cash App offer banking‑like features while remaining a fintech company.
1. Why Cash App Needs Bank Partners
Cash App, owned by Block Inc. (formerly Square), operates under a Banking‑as‑a‑Service (BaaS) model. Regulations require a chartered bank to:
- Hold customer deposits in segregated, FDIC‑insured accounts
- Issue debit cards on the Visa or Mastercard rails
- Provide routing numbers recognized by the U.S. banking system
Instead of seeking its own charter, Cash App contracts with established regional banks, gaining agility while users gain FDIC protection up to $250,000 per depositor.
2. Meet the Banks Behind Cash App
2.1 Lincoln Savings Bank (LSB)
- Founded: 1902, Cedar Falls, Iowa
- Role for Cash App: Provides the ABA routing number and deposit accounts you see under “Account & Routing” inside the app.
- FDIC insurance: Yes (Certificate #19758).
- Why LSB? The bank specializes in BaaS programs, also supporting fintechs such as M1 Finance.
2.2 Sutton Bank
- Founded: 1878, Attica, Ohio
- Role for Cash App: Issues and services the Cash Card prepaid debit card, plus dispute handling and cardholder agreements.
- Card network: Visa.
- FDIC insurance: Yes (Certificate #5963).
- Why Sutton? Deep experience with prepaid programs and instant‑issue debit cards.
3. How to Check Which Bank Your Cash App Account Uses
- Open Cash App and tap the “Banking” tab (🏦 icon).
- Under Balance, choose View Account Details.
- The screen shows your routing and account numbers, followed by a note such as “Account services provided by Lincoln Savings Bank.”
- For your Cash Card, open Card Settings ➜ Card Information; the terms read “Card issued by Sutton Bank.”
Because Cash App separates deposit and card functions, you may see both banks referenced in different parts of the app—even on the same day.
4. Is Your Money FDIC‑Insured?
Yes—but only once it reaches the partner bank.
- Transfers you initiate after 5 p.m. ET may sit in transit and remain uninsured until the next business day.
- Crypto balances, fractional‑share equities, or funds lent out via Afterpay’s Pay Over Time feature launched in March 2025 are not FDIC‑insured.
Tip: For larger balances, move excess funds to an interest‑bearing savings account to stay within the $250k FDIC limit.
5. Direct Deposit, Payroll, and Government Payments
Employers and agencies need a routing number tied to a chartered bank. Use the Lincoln Savings Bank details shown in‑app. Most payroll processors already whitelist that routing number; if yours flags it:
- Confirm the number hasn’t changed.
- Explain that Cash App uses LSB as its banking partner.
- Provide LSB’s FDIC certificate (#19758) if compliance asks.
Deposits typically arrive up to two days early, but the exact timing depends on when the sender releases funds.
Related: How to Send and Receive Money Using Cash App (Complete Guide)
6. Cash Card & Spending Limits
Because Sutton Bank issues the Cash Card, its limits apply:
| Limit | Amount (default) |
|---|---|
| POS purchases | $7,000 per day |
| ATM withdrawals | $1,000 per day |
| Reloads (via debit) | $1,000 per week |
Verifying your ID in Cash App can raise these caps. International use is still restricted to the U.S. and select UK merchants.
Related: How to Get and Use a Cash App Card in 2025 – Step-by-Step Guide
7. Changes in 2025: What’s New?
| Update | Impact |
|---|---|
| Afterpay “Pay Over Time” rolled out inside Cash App (Mar 17 2025). | No change to banking partners; pay‑in‑4 balances are managed by Block’s consumer‑lending arm. |
| Cash App Pay × Domino’s (May 8 2025). | Expands merchant acceptance; bank relationships unchanged. |
| Atlanta Dream jersey partnership (Jun 2025). | Marketing move only—doesn’t affect FDIC coverage or routing numbers. |
Bottom line: Sutton Bank and Lincoln Savings Bank remain the only U.S. banks behind Cash App in 2025.
8. Cash App vs. Other Fintechs
| Fintech | Deposit Bank(s) | Card Issuer | FDIC Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash App | Lincoln Savings Bank | Sutton Bank | Up to $250k |
| Venmo | Wells Fargo Bank N.A. | Synchrony Bank | Up to $250k |
| SoFi Money | SoFi Bank N.A. (own charter) | SoFi Bank | Up to $2 million via sweep |
Cash App’s dual‑bank approach keeps costs low but means customer service may route you to different entities depending on the issue.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I pick which bank Cash App uses?
No. Routing numbers are assigned automatically.
Q2. Why does my employer see different routing numbers for coworkers?
Cash App occasionally rotates routing pools at Lincoln Savings Bank to balance load; functionality remains identical.
Q3. Are my Cash App bitcoin holdings FDIC‑insured?
No. FDIC insurance covers only fiat deposits held at the partner bank.
Q4. Does Cash App plan to get its own bank charter?
Block Inc. has hinted at long‑term plans but, as of July 2025, relies exclusively on Sutton Bank and Lincoln Savings Bank.
Q5. What happens if one of the partner banks fails?
FDIC would step in to protect insured funds and transfer accounts to another institution, limiting disruption.
10. Key Takeaways
- Lincoln Savings Bank handles direct‑deposit accounts and routing numbers.
- Sutton Bank issues the Cash Card and manages cardholder services.
- Your eligible balance is FDIC‑insured up to $250,000.
- Neither partnership changed in 2025—so the info you share with your employer or benefits provider is still valid.
- Stay informed: Fintech relationships evolve, so re‑check your account details whenever Cash App pushes a major update.
Next Steps for Readers
- Open Cash App now and copy your Account & Routing numbers into your payroll portal.
- Order a Cash Card if you want fee‑free ATM withdrawals (with $300+ in monthly direct deposits).
- Bookmark this article; we update it whenever Cash App adds or changes banking partners.
