1
Open the Venmo app
Launch the Venmo app on your phone and sign in if needed. Use the app for the best control over pending payments — web can be limited.
Quick summary
If a Venmo payment is still Pending because the recipient hasn't claimed it (sent to an unregistered phone/email) you may be able to cancel it. If the payment is already completed, instant, or the recipient is another Venmo user who accepted the payment, you usually cannot cancel — you'll need to request a refund from the recipient or contact Venmo support.
Step-by-step: Cancel a pending Venmo payment
2
Tap the Activity tab
At the bottom of the screen, tap Activity (clock icon). This shows all recent transactions — completed, pending, and requests.
3
Find the pending transaction
Look for the transaction labeled Pending. Pending payments are often greyed out and may show a note like "Pending — Recipient has not claimed."
4
Open the payment details
Tap the pending entry to open the details page. Here you will see information about recipient, date, and the payment method.
5
Look for a "Cancel" option
If the payment is cancelable (for example, sent to an email/phone that hasn't been claimed), there will usually be a Cancel or Cancel Payment button. Tap it and confirm.
6
Check your balance / bank
After canceling, confirm the funds returned to your Venmo balance or original payment method. Bank refunds can take 3–5 business days depending on your bank.
Tip: If you don't see a cancel button, the payment
may already be completed or accepted. In that case, politely ask the
recipient for a refund or contact Venmo Support.
Important: You cannot cancel payments that are
already marked as "Paid" or to users who already received the money.
Venmo processes many peer-to-peer transactions instantly.
When a payment is unclaimable vs. non-cancelable
- Unclaimed (cancelable): Sent to an email/phone not yet tied to a Venmo account — you may cancel.
- Accepted / Completed (non-cancelable): Recipient accepted the payment or it's an instant Venmo-to-Venmo transfer — you can't cancel.
If unsure: Reach out to the recipient first — often
they'll refund quickly. If you suspect fraud, contact Venmo
immediately and consider contacting your bank if payment originated
from a bank account or card.
FAQ
Can I cancel any Venmo payment?
No. You can typically only cancel payments that are still pending because the recipient hasn't claimed them. Payments that are completed, accepted, or instant transfers cannot be canceled.
How long does a refund take after cancellation?
Canceled funds usually return immediately to your Venmo balance. If the payment came from your bank or card, it may take 3–5 business days for the bank to show the refund.
What if I suspect fraud?
Contact Venmo Support from the app (Menu → Get Help → Contact Us) and consider contacting your bank or card issuer. Do not share sensitive account details in public messages.