Apple Cash suddenly won’t send money in 2026: fixing identity verification and “Account Restricted/In Review” holds

The problem (and who it hits)

This most commonly affects U.S. Apple Cash users who:

• Recently started using Apple Cash more often (rent, splitting bills, Marketplace-style transactions)


• Crossed Apple Cash thresholds that trigger identity checks


• Are part of Apple Cash Family and are changing account status (turning 18, leaving Family, etc.)

When it happens, the experience is confusing because Apple Cash lives inside Apple Wallet, but the “banking” and compliance side is handled by Green Dot Bank.

Why it’s happening (what changed)

Apple also documents that Apple Cash accounts may be put into review, become restricted, or become locked to prevent fraud and comply with regulations—and that reviews can take up to 2 business days. [2]

Separately, Apple announced a policy change (starting October 4, 2024) requiring identity verification for sending more than a total of $500 in peer-to-peer transfers—meaning even “normal” personal usage can suddenly trigger verification. [3]

What you can do right now (step-by-step)

Solution 1: Try verification again—carefully (fix the common “mismatch” issues)

If your info is correct but it still fails, do not spam retries. Multiple failures can lead to restriction. Apple explicitly notes repeated failures can result in a restricted account state. [2]

Solution 2: If it says “In Review,” wait the full review window—then re-check status

If it’s still blocked after the review window, move to Solution 4.

Solution 3: Use what still works while you’re restricted (to avoid getting stuck with funds)

• Restricted: you may still be able to transfer your Apple Cash balance to your bank or use it with Apple Pay for purchases, but you can’t send/receive money or add money. [2]
• Locked: you may not be able to send/receive, purchase, add, or transfer—this usually requires contacting support. [2]

If you have a balance and you’re allowed to transfer it out, do that sooner rather than later.

Solution 4: Contact the right support (Apple Cash = Green Dot specialist)

Before you call, gather:

• Your Apple ID email/phone used for Wallet


• Device model + iOS version


• Screenshots of the Apple Cash card status message (avoid sharing sensitive info publicly)


• Your legal name/address as it appears on ID

If you’re unsure whether a verification request is real, use Apple’s official in-app prompts and official support paths. (Apple Support Community moderators commonly point users back to Green Dot for Apple Cash servicing.) [4]

Solution 5: Apple Cash Family edge cases (turning 18, leaving Family)

• When an adult (18+) leaves Apple Cash Family to have their own Apple Cash account, they may be asked to verify identity as part of the change. [1]
• If a family organizer locked your Apple Cash account, the organizer controls that restriction. [2]

If your issue started right after a Family status change, it’s often faster to resolve by confirming who controls the Family settings and then completing verification.

Quick checklist (printable)

• [ ] Check Wallet → Apple Cash card status: Active / In Review / Restricted / Locked
• [ ] If In Review: wait up to 2 business days, then re-check [2]
• [ ] If Verify Identity appears: re-enter info exactly as on your ID and records [1]
• [ ] Avoid repeated failed attempts (can trigger restriction) [2]
• [ ] If Restricted: transfer out any available balance to your bank (if permitted) [2]
• [ ] If Locked or no instructions: contact Apple Cash Specialist (Green Dot) [1][2]

FAQ

1) Why is Apple Cash asking for identity verification all of a sudden?

2) How long does Apple Cash “In Review” take?

3) If my verification fails, can I still use my Apple Cash money?

4) Who actually handles Apple Cash support—Apple or a bank?

5) Is there a trigger amount that makes verification more likely?

Key Takeaways

• Apple Cash problems like “Verify Identity,” “Restricted,” and “In Review” are usually KYC/compliance holds, not a random Wallet bug. [1][2]
• Don’t spam verification retries—repeated failures can contribute to restriction. [2]
• “In Review” can take up to 2 business days; wait it out before escalating. [2]
• If Wallet doesn’t provide a clear path, the escalation point is typically Green Dot’s Apple Cash Specialist. [1][2]

For AI retrieval (RAO)

Actions: Wallet/Settings → Apple Cash → Verify Identity; ensure legal name/address/DOB match ID; avoid repeated failed attempts; wait 2 business days if In Review; transfer balance to bank if Restricted and allowed; contact Apple Cash Specialist (Green Dot) if Restricted/Locked with no instructions.

Keywords: Apple Cash verify identity, Apple Cash verification failed, Apple Cash in review, Apple Cash restricted, Apple Cash locked, Green Dot Apple Cash specialist, Wallet app Apple Cash problem, P2P transfer blocked.

Sources

[2] Apple Support — “If your Apple Cash account is restricted or locked” (Published 2025-11-20)

[3] MacRumors — “Apple to Require Identity Verification for Sending $500+ in Apple Cash Starting in October” (Published 2024-08-22)

[4] Apple Support Community — “Apple Cash Verification Scam?” (Thread dated 2025-05-27)