Cash App Launches ‘Pools’ with Apple Pay & Google Pay Support, Targets Next-Gen Social Payments
Cash App is making a major move in the peer-to-peer payment space with the introduction of a new feature called Pools, aimed at simplifying group payments. The launch marks the platform’s first major update to its P2P functionality in nearly two years and allows contributions from non-Cash App users via Apple Pay and Google Pay — a first for the app.
Designed to streamline shared expenses like group dinners or trips, Pools enables users to create a collective fund and share links with others, even those not on Cash App. By enabling out-of-network participation, the feature significantly widens Cash App’s reach and potential user base.
This launch comes at a pivotal time, as Cash App looks to regain ground against rivals like Venmo, which has seen robust growth under PayPal’s leadership. While Venmo continues to surge with debit card usage and online checkout, Cash App’s new offering aims to reignite user growth and engagement by doubling down on its social-first payment roots.
“We want Cash App to be the go-to financial platform for the next generation,” said Owen Jennings, Head of Business at Block. “By integrating with Apple and Google’s payment systems, we’re expanding the network and increasing the app’s virality.”
Jennings also emphasized that Pools isn’t designed for profit but rather to increase network participation. Each non-user who contributes is seen as a potential new user, aligning with Cash App’s long-term growth goals.
Internally, the development was rapid—moving from concept to live feature in just a few months—thanks to high-speed, quality-focused processes and internal AI tools like Block’s own Goose assistant.
CEO Jack Dorsey echoed this strategic pivot, noting that returning to peer-to-peer innovation is critical to Cash App’s future. “Growing the network is our foundation,” Dorsey stated. “We have to continuously deepen user engagement, starting with what made us successful in the first place.”
Currently, Pools is being rolled out to a limited number of users, with a broader release expected soon. Built-in tools such as contribution tracking, goal setting, and banking integration are included to enhance the user experience. The ultimate goal? To make money management more collaborative and social — or as Jennings puts it, “more multiplayer.”
