In this article:

1. Giving on Desktop
2. Giving on Mobile
3. Venmo availability on forms
4. Venmo refunds

To use Venmo™ as a payment option on ActBlue, you must first download and log in to Venmo on your mobile device. All transactions occur within the Venmo app on your mobile device, but you can start the donation process on desktop.

Giving on Desktop

First, select “Venmo” as the payment method.

After selecting your payment method and donation amount, click “Pay with Venmo.” Venmo does not currently support recurring contributions. If you attempt to make a recurring donation, you will not see Venmo as a payment option. 

A QR code will populate. Use the camera on your mobile device to scan the QR code and open Venmo.

Once in Venmo, select “Agree and Complete.”

Head back to desktop to finish your purchase. 

If you were logged in to an ActBlue Express account, you should see a Thank You page indicating that your donation was successfully processed. If you do not have an ActBlue Express account, complete the transaction on desktop. Fill in any additional information required by campaign finance law, like place of employment.

Donations are not visible in your Venmo feed. All Venmo donations are business transactions and, therefore, private. Visit Venmo’s help center to learn more. Contributions will appear in your Venmo account as donations to “ActBlue – Political Contributions,” “ActBlue – Charities,” or “ActBlue Civics Inc,” depending on the type of group you gave to. Even though the name of the specific group you gave to does not show up here, your donation will still go directly to the campaign or organization listed on the contribution form. The name of the specific group you supported will appear on your ActBlue receipt, which automatically goes to your email address after donating. 

If you are an ActBlue Express user and made the donation while logged in, you will see the donation and the specific group you gave to in your contribution history.

Giving on Mobile

First, select “Venmo” as the payment method.

After selecting your payment method and donation amount, click “Pay with Venmo.” Venmo does not currently support recurring contributions. If you attempt to make a recurring donation, you will not see Venmo as a payment option. 

Your Venmo app will open, and you can complete your donation.

If logged in to an ActBlue Express account, you should see a Thank You page indicating your donation was successfully processed. If you do not have an ActBlue Express account, complete the transaction on the form and fill in additional information required by campaign finance law, like place of employment.

You will receive a confirmation email from both Venmo and ActBlue.

Donations are not visible in your Venmo feed. All Venmo donations are business transactions and, therefore, private. Visit Venmo’s help center to learn more. Contributions will appear in your Venmo account as donations to “ActBlue – Political Contributions,” “ActBlue – Charities,” or “ActBlue Civics Inc,” depending on the type of group you gave to. Even though the name of the specific group you gave to does not show up here, your donation will still go directly to the campaign or organization listed on the contribution form. The name of the specific group you supported will appear on your ActBlue receipt, which automatically goes to your email address after donating. 

If you are an ActBlue Express user and made the donation while logged in, you will see the donation and the specific group you gave to in your contribution history.

Venmo Availability on forms

Make sure that Venmo is downloaded on your mobile device and you are logged in to your Venmo account. If Venmo still does not appear as an option, click “reset the form” at the bottom of the page. If you are trying to make a recurring donation, you will not see Venmo as an option, as you can only make one-time donations using Venmo. If you are starting your donation on mobile, Venmo only works with the default browser for the device (Safari on Apple devices and Chrome on Android devices).

We cannot offer Venmo for some groups that use ActBlue due to specific state campaign finance laws outside our control. Unfortunately, this is not up to us or the groups that use our platform.

Venmo refunds

When we issue a refund for a donation made via Venmo™, the money transfers back into your Venmo balance, not your bank account. Just like when you donate, you'll receive confirmation emails from ActBlue and Venmo. Venmo does not allow us to issue refunds for contributions older than 90 days. 

Our Customer Service Team is here to help. Contact us with any questions about using ActBlue.

Venmo is a service of PayPal, Inc., a licensed provider of money transfer services (NMLS ID: 910457). All money transmission is provided by PayPal, Inc. pursuant to PayPal, Inc.’s licenses. © 2021 PayPal, Inc