For a personal project, I decided to enhance the Venmo app by adding a new feature. My goal was to allow users to split their payments across multiple payment methods in a single transaction, while also giving them the flexibility to use as much or as little of their Venmo balance as they wanted.
To ensure the new feature aligned seamlessly with the existing app, I focused on maintaining Venmo’s familiar brand style and user experience. I aimed to make the integration as intuitive and consistent as possible, so users wouldn’t feel like they were using something new or out of place.
Project Overview
ROLE: UX/UI Designer, Product Designer
TIME FRAME: 6 weeks
TOOLS: Figma, Whimsical
Venmo has become a popular app for fast, secure, and convenient payments
Venmo is one of the most popular peer-to-peer payment apps, known for its seamless transactions and social-friendly design. But one thing it doesn’t offer is the ability to split a payment across multiple payment sources in a single transaction. That’s where my idea came in—I wanted to enhance Venmo by adding a feature that gives users more flexibility in how they pay, including better control over how much of their Venmo balance they use.
Project Goals
New feature aligns with existing app
Intuitive and easy design
Payment flexibility
What do other payment apps offer?
I wanted to explore other payment apps and the features they offer, so I focused on analyzing Cash App, PayPal, and Zelle, as they’re some of the most popular alternatives. Below are some of the key findings for each app.
All payment apps share the same goal—quick and efficient money transfers. However, each approaches that differently, which made me think about what Venmo lacks and could truly benefit from.
View full Competitive Analysis here
What do users think?
It was also important to know what users thought of Venmo. I interviewed both long-time Venmo users and newer ones, and feedback was pretty consistent across the board. People shared similar reasons for using Venmo, what they liked and disliked about it, and their thoughts on a multiple payment feature. Here are the key insights I gathered:
All participants think Venmo is easy to use and very convenient
The majority of participants thought it would be useful to have the option to choose multiple payment methods in a single transaction
All participants said they use Venmo because that’s what everyone they know uses
Most participants disklike the social media feed on Venmo
These insights helped me understand Venmo users and their habits. Since most participants supported the multiple payment feature idea, I decided to move forward with it.
Mapping user insights for clearer direction
To make sense of my user interview insights, I created an affinity map to identify common patterns and pain points. Grouping similar responses helped me visualize key themes, such as the need for more payment flexibility and how users prioritize convenience when using Venmo. This process clarified user expectations and reinforced the demand for a multiple payment method feature, guiding my next steps in the design process.
I created a user persona to better understand the typical Venmo user and their needs. By synthesizing insights from my research, I developed a profile that represents common behaviors, frustrations, and goals. This helped me stay user-focused throughout the design process, ensuring the new feature aligns with real user expectations and enhances their overall experience.
Bringing the user to life
ELIZABETH SMITH
Age: 26
Occupation: University Student
Tech Savviness: Regular app user
Background
Elizabeth is an outgoing college sophomore who uses Venmo regularly to pay for rent, group activities, and to share costs with friends. She appreciates how easy Venmo is to use, and enjoys the convenience of sending payments to others. Elizabeth feels in control over her funds, but desires greater flexibility in managing payments. She values tools that make managing her finances smoother and more efficient, fitting well into her busy and social lifestyle.
Goals
Payment Flexibility: Choose or combine payment sources
Efficiency: Make payments quickly without delays or errors
“I just want to pay my way without the hassle—whether it’s rent, dinner with friends, or last-minute plans, having options makes life so much easier.”
Pain Points
Limited payment options: Unable to select or combine Venmo balance for a transaction
Social feed: Feels the payment feed is unnecessary and dislikes seeing others’ activity
Needs
Payment flexibility: Need the ability to combine different payment methods
User-friendly interface: Simple and easy process for peer payments
Reliability: Dependable, secure app
Payment confirmation: Needs more confirmation that the transaction went through
Motivations
Quick Payments: A fast and easy pay to pay others
Financial Control: Feels in control of her funds
Popular Service: Many friends and others use the Venmo, making it a convenient service
To visualize how users would interact with the new multiple payment feature, I created a user flow outlining each step of the process. The flow begins when a user initiates a payment and reaches the payment selection screen. Instead of choosing just one method, they are given the option to split their transaction across multiple funding sources, such as their Venmo balance, a linked bank account, or a credit/debit card.
Multiple payment transaction flow
ENTER REASON
SELECT PAY
CONFIRMATION PAGE
REVIEW PAYMENT
CHOOSE PAYEE
SELECT PAYMENT METHOD(S)
ENTER AMOUNT FOR EACH METHOD SELECTED
PAY/REQUEST TAB
HOME
END / HOME
Using my user flow as a guide, I designed low-fidelity wireframes with a focus on seamlessly integrating the new feature into Venmo’s existing interface. I introduced a toggle that allows users to enable or disable the multiple payment option as needed. Once activated, users can select their preferred payment methods and allocate specific amounts to each. A balance tracker at the bottom updates in real time, showing how much remains to be paid. Once the balance reaches $0, users can proceed to complete the transaction.
Bringing the feature to life
I conducted user testing on my mid-fidelity wireframes, which revealed areas that needed further clarification and refinement.
Using the feedback from user testing, I refined my wireframes and developed high-fidelity designs. I selected a typeface similar to Venmo’s and matched the app’s colors to ensure a seamless look and feel.
Inspired by a participant’s suggestion, I designed a custom icon to accompany the toggle, aiming to visually represent the feature. However, I wanted to test its effectiveness, so I conducted A/B testing to compare the icon with a text label and determine which provided better clarity for users.
I also asked users whether they would find it helpful if frequently used payment methods appeared in the dropdown by default.
Some participants felt that listing the multiple payment methods used in this section was unnecessary.
Labeling this section as “Debit Cards” wasn’t the best approach, as a few participants mentioned they might also use credit cards or gift cards.
One participant felt the words “Split Payment Method” could be clearer, and another suggesting an icon instead. Additionally, it was recommended to change “Pending” to “Remaining” for better clarity.
John Doe
100.00
50.00
0.00
$
$
Payment Method
Pending
Split Payment Method
Review
$
Venmo Balance
Current Balance: $150.00
Visa Debit
Debit ****9999
Bank Accounts
Debit Cards
50.00
$
Wallet
Completed
2025
2025
2024
John Doe
Jan 13
-$100
-$50 Venmo Balance
-$50 Visa Debit
-$5 Venmo Balance
-$9 Visa Debit
Transactions
Create a group
John Doe
@john_doe
20 friends
Emily Smith
+$40
Jan 13
Lauren Brown
+$10
Jan 13
Thomas Johnson
-$14
Jan 13
Home
Cards
Crypto
Pay/Request
Me
John Doe
100.00
$
$
Payment Method
Split Payment Method
Review
Venmo Balance
Current Balance: $50.00
Debit Cards
Bank Accounts
Toggle with icon
Toggle with text
Dropdown Default
I gained a lot of interesting, valuable feedback on my testing. Below are the key takeaways that shaped the final version of my project.
Final Usability Testing Results & Wireframes
All participants thought the icon clearly conveyed the meaning
Opinions were split on whether having a frequently used payment method appear in the dropdown by default would be helpful
Opinions were split on whether users preferred an icon or text next to the toggle
All participants found the “Payment Successful” screen useful
Since feedback was split on both the icon/text and the frequently used payment method dropdown, I had to make the final decision. I chose to combine the icon and text next to the toggle, allowing users to become familiar with the feature. Over time, the text would be removed, leaving the icon as the sole indicator. I also placed the icon next to transactions with multiple payments in the profile section, replacing the need to list each amount individually.
I decided to implement the frequently used payment method dropdown default, as it adds convenience by reducing the number of clicks needed to complete a transaction. This choice aligns with Venmo’s existing experience, where a default payment method is already pre-selected.
Before finalizing a payment, users are presented with a payment review screen that clearly displays how the payment is being split.
Additionally, since Venmo currently lacks a "Payment Successful" screen, I introduced one to provide clear confirmation. Participants found this addition reassuring, as it eliminated any uncertainty about whether their payment had gone through.
To support the new feature, I also designed a tutorial to guide users through it. I tested its effectiveness alongside my other wireframes to ensure it provided clear and helpful instructions. Users responded positively, feeling that it effectively explained how to use the feature.
New feature tutorial
This project was a great learning experience in designing within an existing product rather than starting from scratch. It challenged me to think from Venmo’s perspective, ensuring that my feature blended seamlessly with the brand’s established design and user experience.
User research played a crucial role in shaping my decisions, often leading to surprising insights. For example, opinions were split on the best way to display the split payment toggle—some users preferred a text label for clarity, while others felt an icon was more intuitive. Similarly, there were mixed opinions on whether frequently used payment methods should appear in the dropdown by default. These split opinions gave me the opportunity to make the final decision based on usability, consistency with Venmo’s existing design, and what would provide the best long-term experience for users.
Ultimately, this project taught me the importance of balancing innovation with consistency, a skill that will be valuable in future UX/UI work.
Final Thoughts
Connects directly to a bank account
Has three options: send, request, split
Has a digital wallet, “Cash App Balance”
Link to debit/credit cards, bank accounts
Can send and receive money by typing a phone number or email, no bank account required
Has a digital wallet, “PayPal Balance”
Able to request money from multiple people at once
Has a secured insured
Can be used internationally
Users can allocate specific amounts to each payment method, ensuring flexibility in how they cover their total. Before confirming, they review a summary of the split payment, ensuring transparency and accuracy. Finally, once they submit the transaction, a confirmation screen appears to verify that the transaction was successful.
I incorporated the custom icon into the profile page to indicate when a multi-method payment was used.
If users want more details, they can click on the icon to view a breakdown of the payment method, as shown in the image to the right.
For a personal project, I decided to enhance the Venmo app by adding a new feature. My goal was to allow users to split their payments across multiple payment methods in a single transaction, while also giving them the flexibility to use as much or as little of their Venmo balance as they wanted.
To ensure the new feature aligned seamlessly with the existing app, I focused on maintaining Venmo’s familiar brand style and user experience. I aimed to make the integration as intuitive and consistent as possible, so users wouldn’t feel like they were using something new or out of place.
Project Overview
ROLE: UX/UI Designer, Product Designer
TIME FRAME: 6 weeks
TOOLS: Figma, Whimsical
Venmo has become a popular app for fast, secure, and convenient payments
Venmo is one of the most popular peer-to-peer payment apps, known for its seamless transactions and social-friendly design. But one thing it doesn’t offer is the ability to split a payment across multiple payment sources in a single transaction. That’s where my idea came in—I wanted to enhance Venmo by adding a feature that gives users more flexibility in how they pay, including better control over how much of their Venmo balance they use.
Project Goals
New feature aligns with existing app
Intuitive and easy design
Payment flexibility
What do other payment apps offer?
I wanted to explore other payment apps and the features they offer, so I focused on analyzing Cash App, PayPal, and Zelle, as they’re some of the most popular alternatives. Below are some of the key findings for each app.
Has a digital wallet, “Cash App Balance”
Link to debit/credit cards, bank accounts
Can send and receive money by typing a phone number or email, no bank account required
Has a digital wallet, “PayPal Balance”
Able to request money from multiple people at once
Has a secured insured
Can be used internationally
Connects directly to a bank account
Has three options: send, request, split
All payment apps share the same goal—quick and efficient money transfers. However, each approaches that differently, which made me think about what Venmo lacks and could truly benefit from.
What do users think?
It was also important to know what users thought of Venmo. I interviewed both long-time Venmo users and newer ones, and feedback was pretty consistent across the board. People shared similar reasons for using Venmo, what they liked and disliked about it, and their thoughts on a multiple payment feature. Here are the key insights I gathered:
All participants think Venmo is easy to use and very convenient
All participants said they use Venmo because that’s what everyone they know uses
The majority of participants thought it would be useful to have the option to choose multiple payment methods in a single transaction
Most participants dislike the social media feed on Venmo
END / HOME
These insights helped me understand Venmo users and their habits. Since most participants supported the multiple payment feature idea, I decided to move forward with it.
Mapping user insights for clearer direction
To make sense of my user interview insights, I created an affinity map to identify common patterns and pain points. Grouping similar responses helped me visualize key themes, such as the need for more payment flexibility and how users prioritize convenience when using Venmo. This process clarified user expectations and reinforced the demand for a multiple payment method feature, guiding my next steps in the design process.
I created a user persona to better understand the typical Venmo user and their needs. By synthesizing insights from my research, I developed a profile that represents common behaviors, frustrations, and goals. This helped me stay user-focused throughout the design process, ensuring the new feature aligns with real user expectations and enhances their overall experience.
Bringing the user to life
ELIZABETH SMITH
Age: 26
Occupation: University Student
Tech Savviness: Regular app user
Background
Elizabeth is an outgoing college sophomore who uses Venmo regularly to pay for rent, group activities, and to share costs with friends. She appreciates how easy Venmo is to use, and enjoys the convenience of sending payments to others. Elizabeth feels in control over her funds, but desires greater flexibility in managing payments. She values tools that make managing her finances smoother and more efficient, fitting well into her busy and social lifestyle.
Goals
Payment Flexibility: Choose or combine payment sources
Efficiency: Make payments quickly without delays or errors
“I just want to pay my way without the hassle—whether it’s rent, dinner with friends, or last-minute plans, having options makes life so much easier.”
Pain Points
Limited payment options: Unable to select or combine Venmo balance for a transaction
Social feed: Feels the payment feed is unnecessary and dislikes seeing others’ activity
Needs
Payment flexibility: Need the ability to combine different payment methods
User-friendly interface: Simple and easy process for peer payments
Reliability: Dependable, secure app
Payment confirmation: Needs more confirmation that the transaction went through
Motivations
Quick Payments: A fast and easy pay to pay others
Financial Control: Feels in control of her funds
Popular Service: Many friends and others use the Venmo, making it a convenient service
To visualize how users would interact with the new multiple payment feature, I created a user flow outlining each step of the process. The flow begins when a user initiates a payment and reaches the payment selection screen. Instead of choosing just one method, they are given the option to split their transaction across multiple funding sources, such as their Venmo balance, a linked bank account, or a credit/debit card.
Multiple payment transaction flow
ENTER REASON
SELECT PAY
CONFIRMATION PAGE
REVIEW PAYMENT
END/HOME
CHOOSE PAYEE
SELECT PAYMENT METHOD(S)
ENTER AMOUNT FOR EACH METHOD SELECTED
PAY/REQUEST TAB
START/HOME
Users can allocate specific amounts to each payment method, ensuring flexibility in how they cover their total. Before confirming, they review a summary of the split payment, ensuring transparency and accuracy. Finally, once they submit the transaction, a confirmation screen appears to verify that the transaction was successful.
Using my user flow as a guide, I designed low-fidelity wireframes with a focus on seamlessly integrating the new feature into Venmo’s existing interface. I introduced a toggle that allows users to enable or disable the multiple payment option as needed. Once activated, users can select their preferred payment methods and allocate specific amounts to each. A balance tracker at the bottom updates in real time, showing how much remains to be paid. Once the balance reaches $0, users can proceed to complete the transaction.
Bringing the feature to life
John Doe
100.00
50.00
0.00
$
$
Payment Method
Pending
Split Payment Method
Review
$
Venmo Balance
Current Balance: $150.00
Visa Debit
Debit ****9999
Bank Accounts
Debit Cards
50.00
$
Wallet
Completed
2025
2025
2024
John Doe
Jan 13
-$100
-$50 Venmo Balance
-$50 Visa Debit
-$5 Venmo Balance
-$9 Visa Debit
Transactions
Create a group
John Doe
@john_doe
20 friends
Emily Smith
+$40
Jan 13
Lauren Brown
+$10
Jan 13
Thomas Johnson
-$14
Jan 13
Home
Cards
Crypto
Pay/Request
Me
John Doe
100.00
$
$
Payment Method
Split Payment Method
Review
Venmo Balance
Current Balance: $50.00
Debit Cards
Bank Accounts
One participant felt the words “Split Payment Method” could be clearer, and another suggesting an icon instead. Additionally, it was recommended to change “Pending” to “Remaining” for better clarity.
Some participants felt that listing the multiple payment methods used in this section was unnecessary.
Labeling this section as “Debit Cards” wasn’t the best approach, as a few participants mentioned they might also use credit cards or gift cards.
Using the feedback from user testing, I refined my wireframes and developed high-fidelity designs. I selected a typeface similar to Venmo’s and matched the app’s colors to ensure a seamless look and feel.
Inspired by a participant’s suggestion, I designed a custom icon to accompany the toggle, aiming to visually represent the feature. However, I wanted to test its effectiveness, so I conducted A/B testing to compare the icon with a text label and determine which provided better clarity for users.
I also asked users whether they would find it helpful if frequently used payment methods appeared in the dropdown by default.
Toggle with icon
Toggle with text
Dropdown Default
I gained a lot of interesting, valuable feedback on my testing. Below are the key takeaways that shaped the final version of my project.
Final Usability Testing Results & Wireframes
All participants thought the icon clearly conveyed the meaning
Opinions were split on whether users preferred an icon or text next to the toggle
Opinions were split on whether having a frequently used payment method appear in the dropdown by default would be helpful
All participants found the “Payment Successful” screen useful
Since feedback was split on both the icon/text and the frequently used payment method dropdown, I had to make the final decision. I chose to combine the icon and text next to the toggle, allowing users to become familiar with the feature. Over time, the text would be removed, leaving the icon as the sole indicator. I also placed the icon next to transactions with multiple payments in the profile section, replacing the need to list each amount individually.
I decided to implement the frequently used payment method dropdown default, as it adds convenience by reducing the number of clicks needed to complete a transaction. This choice aligns with Venmo’s existing experience, where a default payment method is already pre-selected.
Before finalizing a payment, users are presented with a payment review screen that clearly displays how the payment is being split.
Additionally, since Venmo currently lacks a "Payment Successful" screen, I introduced one to provide clear confirmation. Participants found this addition reassuring, as it eliminated any uncertainty about whether their payment had gone through.
I incorporated the custom icon into the profile page to indicate when a multi-method payment was used.
If users want more details, they can click on the icon to view a breakdown of the payment method, as shown in the image to the right.
To support the new feature, I also designed a tutorial to guide users through it. I tested its effectiveness alongside my other wireframes to ensure it provided clear and helpful instructions. Users responded positively, feeling that it effectively explained how to use the feature.
New feature tutorial
This project was a great learning experience in designing within an existing product rather than starting from scratch. It challenged me to think from Venmo’s perspective, ensuring that my feature blended seamlessly with the brand’s established design and user experience.
User research played a crucial role in shaping my decisions, often leading to surprising insights. For example, opinions were split on the best way to display the split payment toggle—some users preferred a text label for clarity, while others felt an icon was more intuitive. Similarly, there were mixed opinions on whether frequently used payment methods should appear in the dropdown by default. These split opinions gave me the opportunity to make the final decision based on usability, consistency with Venmo’s existing design, and what would provide the best long-term experience for users.
Ultimately, this project taught me the importance of balancing innovation with consistency, a skill that will be valuable in future UX/UI work.
Final Thoughts
