In a bold move aimed at reshaping the future of peer-to-peer finance, Cash App has unveiled a game-changing feature that opens the platform to Apple Pay and Google Pay users — even if they’re not existing Cash App members. With the launch of “Pools,” a new social-focused group payment tool, the Block-owned platform is stepping beyond its traditional user base to embrace a more open and viral payment ecosystem.
For the first time ever, Cash App is allowing out-of-network contributions, enabling anyone to send money to a shared pool via Apple Pay or Google Pay — no app download required. This marks a major strategic shift for a company that has, until now, focused heavily on its closed-loop user experience.
What Is “Pools” and Why It Matters
Cash App introduces ‘Pools,’ a tool designed to simplify group spending by allowing users to collectively fund things like dinners, trips, or shared presents. What makes this innovation especially noteworthy is its ability to accept payments from outside the app — something competitors like Venmo and Zelle have yet to fully embrace.
By sharing a Pool link, organizers can receive funds from anyone using Apple Pay or Google Pay, eliminating the friction of asking friends to download the app just to chip in. This open-invitation approach adds a social and practical edge to Cash App’s functionality, positioning it as more than just a P2P money tool — but a community-first financial experience.
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A Strategic Reset After Slowing Growth
The launch of Pools comes at a pivotal time. Parent company Block reported underwhelming Q1 results earlier this year, citing stagnation in Cash App’s user growth. As rival Venmo, under PayPal’s umbrella, continues to thrive with 20%+ year-over-year revenue growth, the pressure is on for Cash App to recapture its early momentum.
“Money is fundamentally social in nature,” said Owen Jennings, Head of Business at Cash App. “This is more than a product launch. It’s a cultural and strategic reset. We’re getting back to the roots of why people loved Cash App in the first place.”
Why This Move Matters for the Fintech Landscape
With over 70 million annual users, Cash App has long been a popular choice among younger, mobile-savvy users. But with the payment space getting crowded — from Venmo to Apple Cash to Zelle — staying relevant means innovating at speed.
Opening the door to Apple Pay and Google Pay not only simplifies group payments but also serves as a growth hack: every non-user who contributes to a Pool becomes a lead. It’s not just a product update — it’s a clever, indirect form of user acquisition.
“Each person who pays into a Pool, even without the app, is a potential new user,” Jennings added. “This is how Cash App grows — virally, socially, and now, more openly.”
Built Fast, Built Smart — Powered by AI
Another fascinating aspect of this launch is the speed of development. According to Jennings, the idea for Pools went from concept to rollout in just a few months. Internal development was accelerated by AI tools, including the company’s own open-source assistant, Goose.
“The pace of shipping new features has changed dramatically,” Jennings said. “This reflects not just a new Cash App — but a new Block.”
Final Thoughts: Will This Be a Game Changer?
As digital payments evolve, consumers want flexibility, speed, and social integration. By embracing Apple Pay and Google Pay, Cash App is removing the barriers that once limited its network — a smart pivot in an ultra-competitive fintech market.
Whether this will be enough to outpace Venmo remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Cash App is no longer playing defense.
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