Americans can now use Venmo and PayPal to donate directly to the U.S. government to help reduce the national debt, which currently stands at approximately $36.7 trillion.
The option comes as part of the “Gifts to Reduce the Public Debt” program, a little-known initiative run by the U.S. Treasury Department via its Pay.gov website. The program has existed for decades, allowing people to make voluntary contributions toward paying down the country’s debt.
Until recently, donations could only be made using a bank account, credit card, or debit card. With the addition of Venmo and PayPal, the Treasury aims to make it easier and more accessible for the public to participate.
Users can donate any amount up to $999,999.99 via Venmo. However, experts say even the largest possible donation would only cover about 18 seconds of the national debt’s growth, which is increasing at a rate of roughly $55,000 per second.
Since 1996, the program has collected about $67.3 million in total — a small sum compared to the size of the debt. In recent years, donations have totaled just a few million dollars annually.
The new payment options arrive as concerns grow over the country’s long-term fiscal health. The recently passed “Big, Beautiful Bill”, introduced under former President Donald Trump, is projected to add another $3.4 trillion to the national debt over the next ten years.
While donating to the Treasury may be seen as a patriotic gesture, economists say the impact is largely symbolic. Still, the government welcomes contributions from anyone interested. Donations can be made at Pay.gov by visiting the “Gifts to Reduce the Public Debt” page.
