US residents can use the Zelle® app, or access Zelle through their own online banking services, to send fast USD payments, using just a cell phone number or email.
If you’re new to Zelle, this guide covers all your likely questions, including how do I send money through Zelle, and how long does it take to send money with Zelle?
And as Zelle isn’t an option for any payment being made internationally, we’ll also look at a smart way to send money in foreign currencies, with the mid-market rate and low fees: Wise.
Learn more about Wise
What is Zelle and how does it work?
Zelle is a fast payment service which lets you send money instantly from one US bank account to another, using just your phone¹.
Depending on who you bank with, you might have Zelle already built into your regular digital banking services. If not, you can download the Zelle app and register an account to send money.
All you need to make a Zelle payment is the mobile number or email address of the person you’re paying — which means there’s no need to dig out or hand over sensitive bank information just to split a bill with friends.
Zelle payments can only be made and received by registered Zelle customers. You’ll also need to be in the US, with a US cell phone and bank or credit union account, to use Zelle.
How to send money with Zelle: step by step
To register a Zelle account you’ll need to download the Zelle app, or look for Zelle in your own bank or credit union’s online banking services. You can enroll a Zelle account with the following details:
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Once you’ve registered with Zelle you’ll be able to make a Zelle transfer easily. Here’s how to send money with Zelle²:
Step 1. Log into the Zelle app or find Zelle in your online banking service
Step 2. Enter the email or phone number of the person you want to pay
Step 3. Add the payment amount
Step 4. Check everything over and confirm — your money is on the way
If the recipient isn’t yet enrolled with Zelle, they’ll get a notification asking them to register an account to get their money.
They’ve got 14 days to enroll with Zelle — if they don’t register an account in that time, the money is returned to the sender.
How to send money with Zelle through Wells Fargo
We’ve mentioned that many banks and credit unions have Zelle payments built into their online banking systems.
As an example let’s look at how to send money with Zelle via Wells Fargo®³:
Step 1. Log into Wells Fargo Online and navigate to Transfer and Pay, then Send money with Zelle
Step 2. Enroll in Zelle if you’ve not already done so
Step 3. Add or select the recipient you want to pay
Step 4. Enter the amount and select your funding account, tap Continue
Step 5. Review and send — you may need to complete a verification step at this point
Step 6. Your recipient will be notified about the payment by email or text message
International payments made easy: meet Wise
Zelle isn’t an option when you’re sending money to someone overseas⁴. Instead. Use Wise.
Wise payments can be made to 80+ countries, in 50+ currencies, with low fees from 0.41%, and the mid-market exchange rate.
You’ll be able to set up your payment conveniently in the Wise app — just like when you use Zelle — and you can even make a payment using just the recipient’s email address if you’d like to⁵.
Want more features? Check out the Wise Account:
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This way to easyinternational payments
Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise for the most up to date pricing and fee information
How long does it take to send money with Zelle?
If your recipient has already registered a Zelle account they’ll get their money quickly — usually within minutes.
If they’ve not yet enrolled with Zelle, they’ll need to create a Zelle account first so the funds can be deposited.
Sending money with Zelle FAQ
Got more Zelle questions? We’ve got the answers.
Is Zelle safe and secure to use?
Zelle is safe to use when you’re sending money to people you trust⁶.
However, it’s important to double check the details you’re using to make your payment, as transfers can’t be canceled and will be deposited more or less instantly if the recipient has a Zelle account.
That means that if you send a payment in error or to an incorrect account you may not be able to get your money back.
| Learn more about the most common Zelle scams |
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Is there a fee to use Zelle?
Zelle does not charge a fee for their service⁷. However, you’ll need to double check your own bank or credit union doesn’t have a fee for Zelle before you get started.
Does Zelle work internationally?
Zelle does not work internationally. Both the person sending money and the recipient need to be US residents with a US phone number and bank account.
Can you use Zelle without a bank account?
It’s not possible to use Zelle without a bank or credit union account. To use Zelle you’ll need a US based bank or credit union account with a Visa or Mastercard.
Can you cancel a Zelle payment?
You can’t cancel a Zelle payment if the person you’re paying is enrolled in Zelle⁸. In this case the transfer is processed instantly.
If the person you’re paying isn’t yet registered with Zelle you can cancel by logging into Zelle, tapping the payment and picking the cancel option.
Zelle is a convenient option whenever you want to send a fast payment to a friend, split a bill or make a transfer to a trusted business.
However, it can’t be used when you’re sending money internationally, or if you need to send a foreign currency payment. In that case, check out Wise as a simple way to move money across borders with low fees and the mid-market exchange rate.
Sources:
- Zelle — how it works
- Zelle FAQ — how to use Zelle
- Wells Fargo — Zelle FAQ
- Zelle — can I use Zelle internationally?
- Wise — send to email
- Zelle security
- Zelle FAQ — fees
- Zelle — cancel payment
Sources checked on 04.27.2023
This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
I am an expert and enthusiast-based assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide assistance on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide information, and engage in discussions.
Regarding the concepts mentioned in the article you provided, here is some information:
Zelle
Zelle is a fast payment service that allows users to send money instantly from one US bank account to another using just a phone number or email address. It is primarily used for domestic payments within the United States. Users can access Zelle through their own online banking services or by downloading the Zelle app. To make a Zelle payment, all you need is the mobile number or email address of the person you want to pay. Zelle payments can only be made and received by registered Zelle customers who have a US cell phone and a bank or credit union account in the US.
Sending Money with Zelle
To send money with Zelle, you need to register a Zelle account. You can do this by downloading the Zelle app or looking for Zelle in your own bank or credit union's online banking services. During the registration process, you will need to provide your personal and contact details, a US mobile phone number, and your email address. You will also need to link a Visa or Mastercard payment card to a US bank or credit union account. Once you have registered with Zelle, you can easily make a Zelle transfer by following these steps:
- Log into the Zelle app or find Zelle in your online banking service.
- Enter the email or phone number of the person you want to pay.
- Add the payment amount.
- Review the details and confirm the payment.
If the recipient is not yet enrolled with Zelle, they will receive a notification asking them to register an account to receive the money. They have 14 days to enroll with Zelle, and if they don't register within that time, the money will be returned to the sender.
Zelle through Wells Fargo
If you are a Wells Fargo customer, you can send money with Zelle through Wells Fargo's online banking service. Here are the steps to send money with Zelle via Wells Fargo:
- Log into Wells Fargo Online and navigate to Transfer and Pay, then select Send money with Zelle.
- Enroll in Zelle if you haven't already done so.
- Add or select the recipient you want to pay.
- Enter the amount and select your funding account, then tap Continue.
- Review the details and send the payment. You may need to complete a verification step at this point.
- The recipient will be notified about the payment by email or text message.
International Payments with Wise
Zelle is not an option for international payments. If you need to send money internationally or make a payment in a foreign currency, you can consider using Wise. Wise allows you to make payments to over 80 countries in more than 50 currencies. It offers low fees and uses the mid-market exchange rate. You can set up your payment conveniently in the Wise app and even make a payment using just the recipient's email address if you prefer.
Zelle Safety and Fees
Zelle is considered safe to use when sending money to people you trust. However, it's important to double-check the details you're using for your payment, as transfers cannot be canceled and will be deposited almost instantly if the recipient has a Zelle account. This means that if you send a payment in error or to an incorrect account, you may not be able to get your money back.
Zelle itself does not charge a fee for its service. However, it's advisable to check with your own bank or credit union to see if they have any fees associated with Zelle before using the service.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
