Key takeaways
- Zelle is a way to send and receive money through your bank’s app or mobile banking platform.
- To use Zelle, you’ll need to bank with one of 2,200 participating banks and credit unions.
- You can send or receive money in minutes, but keep in mind, once a payment is sent, it can not be canceled.
Zelle is a popular peer-to-peer (P2P) payment service, similar to other apps such as Venmo or Cash App. Zelle money payments can be much faster than those sent through other P2P apps, appearing in a recipient’s bank account almost instantly with no extra fees.
With over 2,200 participating financial institutions, Zelle makes it easy to transfer funds to friends, family and other trusted contacts through your bank or credit union’s mobile app or online platform, without the need for cash or checks.
Here’s what you should know about Zelle and how to use it to send payments.
What is Zelle?
Zelle is a digital payment network owned by Early Warning Services, LLC, a private financial services company owned by seven of America’s largest banks: Bank of America, BB&T (now Truist), Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.
The service allows you to send and receive money directly from almost any U.S. bank account within minutes, as long as both the sender and the recipient are enrolled in Zelle through a participating financial institution.
You can send money in the matter of minutes with your recipient’s phone number or e-mail address. There are typically no fees to use Zelle.
Zelle transfers are irreversible once sent, so it’s important to double-check the recipient’s information before confirming the transaction.
Money tip:
While Zelle is a convenient way to send money, it’s important to remember that transfers are instant and typically can’t be canceled. To avoid fraud or accidentally sending money to the wrong person, use Zelle only with friends, family and people you know and trust.
How to use Zelle
Using Zelle is pretty simple, especially if your bank or credit union already offers the service within their mobile app or online portal. Follow these steps to get started.
Check if your bank or credit union offers Zelle
Look for the Zelle logo or a “Send Money with Zelle” option within your bank’s mobile app or website. If you don’t see Zelle in your banking app, check Zelle’s participating banks and credit unions list to see if your institution offers the service.
Recent changes require all new users to enroll through a participating financial institution to use Zelle. As of January 8, 2025, new users can no longer enroll directly through the Zelle app, and after March 31, 2025, existing users will no longer be able to send or receive money using the standalone app.
To enroll in Zelle, follow the prompts to enroll your U.S. mobile number or email address. Once you agree to the terms and conditions, you’re ready to start sending and receiving money.
To send money using Zelle
In order to use Zelle, both the sender and the recipient must be using a U.S.-based bank account.
To send money using Zelle, you will need the recipient’s U.S. mobile number or e-mail address. If they are already enrolled with Zelle, money will be available to them very shortly.
Enter the recipient’s contact information, the amount you want to send and an optional memo. You’ll then review the transaction details and confirm the payment. The funds will be deducted from your account and typically delivered to the recipient within minutes if they’re already enrolled in Zelle.
To recieve money using Zelle
If someone sends you money through Zelle, you’ll receive a notification via email or text message. If you’re already enrolled in Zelle, the funds will be deposited directly into your linked bank account, usually within minutes.
If you’re not yet enrolled, follow the instructions in the notification to enroll and receive your money.
It’s important to note that Zelle transfer limits may vary by bank or credit union. Check out the Zelle limits at top banks.
Is Zelle safe to use?
Zelle is considered a safe option for sending and receiving money, as it’s backed by major U.S. banks and uses advanced authentication and monitoring features to protect your transactions.
You also won’t have to worry about money getting lost or stolen in the mail, bypassing the risk that comes with sending cash or checks.
However, as with any financial service, there are some risks to be aware of:
- No cancelation or purchase protection: Once you send a payment through Zelle, it typically cannot be canceled or reversed, as the funds are transferred directly into the recipient’s bank account. Unlike some credit card transactions, Zelle does not offer purchase protection for goods or services.
- Potential for fraud and scams: Scammers may try to trick you into sending money via Zelle for fraudulent purchases, fictitious charities, or by impersonating your bank or a government agency. Always verify the legitimacy of any payment request and only send money to people you know and trust.
- Sharing personal information: When you enroll in Zelle, you provide personal information like your email address, mobile phone number and bank account details. While Zelle uses encryption and other security measures to protect your data, there’s always a small risk of your information being compromised.
To minimize these risks and use Zelle safely, follow these tips:
- Only send money to people you know and trust, such as friends and family members.
- Double-check the recipient’s email address or mobile phone number before confirming a payment.
- Be wary of unsolicited requests for money.
- Never share sensitive information, such as your bank login credentials, Social Security number or debit card number, with anyone claiming to be from Zelle or your bank.
- Enable notifications from your bank and Zelle to stay aware of any suspicious activity.
If you suspect fraudulent activity or believe you’ve been a victim of a Zelle scam, contact your bank or credit union’s customer support immediately. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Pros and cons of Zelle
Pros
- Fast and convenient way to send and receive money between U.S. bank accounts.
- No fees for most users when sending or receiving money through participating banks and credit unions.
- Widely available, with over 2,200 financial institutions offering Zelle in their mobile apps or online banking platforms.
- Offers secure way to transfer money, with advanced authentication and security features.
Cons
- No cancelation or purchase protection for sent payments.
- Potential for fraud and scams if not used carefully.
- Requires sharing personal information with Zelle and your bank.
- Transfer limits may vary by financial institution and account type.
Bottom line
Zelle can be a great option for sending money to another person’s bank account, even if they have an account with a different financial institution.
When using Zelle, always make sure you know who you’re sending money to by checking the recipient’s contact information and monitoring your account activity for any unauthorized payments.
If you’re interested in exploring other peer-to-peer payment options, be sure to compare the features, fees and security measures of popular alternatives like Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal.
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