Payment systems

How to Send Money with Zelle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Irina Tsymbaliuk

We live in an era where you can easily find information with just a few clicks, communicate with people worldwide, and make instant financial transactions. Efficient technological solutions underlie all of this. When it comes to money transfers, mobile payment services play a key role here. One of the most popular ones is Zelle.

According to similarweb data, as of August 2023, the service ranks 16th globally and 3rd in the United States. The total number of monthly visits is 4.3 million.

Zelle allows customers to send and receive money directly to their bank accounts. The payment solution is integrated into the mobile platforms and online services of many major banks in the United States, but there is also a separate app that you can download from the App Store or Google Play.

Zelle's direct connection to financial institutions provides customers with quick access to their funds and assures them of security.

Experts at Rates have prepared a step-by-step guide that will help you understand how to use Zelle to send money, how to receive funds, and what limits and fees are included in the service.

How to Send Money With Zelle

Zelle is a reliable P2P payment solution that has become a sought-after method for sending money. The process is quite straightforward and looks like this.

If your bank's online service has integrated the Zelle service, the steps will be as follows:

  1. Open your banking app and find the "Send money with Zelle" tab.

  2. Enter your contact details (phone number and email) and complete the verification process.
  3. Choose a recipient from the list or create a new one by providing their full name, email address, or phone number.

  4. Specify the transfer amount.
  5. Review the transaction details and confirm the operation.

Note: Each bank has its own terms and conditions, so the process of sending money may vary slightly. 

If your banking app does not have the service, the process will be as follows:

  1. Download the Zelle app from the App Store or Google Play and install it on your mobile device.

  2. Enter all the requested details to set up an account.

  3. Link your payment method to the app. If you don't have one, open one at any American bank before using the service.

  4. Enter the recipient's contact information: full name, email address, or phone number.

  5. Specify the amount you want to send, ensuring it doesn't exceed the limit set by your bank.
  6. Review the transaction details and confirm the operation.

The recipient will receive a notification via email or phone confirming the money transfer.

A payment can only be canceled if the recipient is not registered with Zelle. Otherwise, the money will be credited to their bank account within minutes, and you won't be able to retrieve it. Therefore, it's important to send money with Zelle only to trusted individuals.

How to Accept Payments with Zelle

If you have a Zelle account, you don't need to take additional steps to receive funds sent by another user. They will be automatically deposited into your bank account within minutes. You can check the funds' arrival in the mobile banking app.

If you are not registered with Zelle, but someone has sent you money, follow the link in the notification sent to your email. You will be prompted to select a financial institution. Then, follow the instructions to set up an account and access the funds.

Zelle Fee Structure and Transaction Limits Explained

The answer to the question “How do you send money through Zelle?” is undoubtedly essential, but it's equally important to be aware of fees and limits to use the app most effectively.

Zelle is a free service, making it a convenient and economically advantageous way to transfer money. You don't need to worry about any fees or charges if you have a standard personal account. You can quickly and easily send money to anyone and request money with Zelle if needed. The main condition is that both you and the recipient must have accounts at a US bank.

Normally, if you have a business account, you won't have to pay anything either for using Zelle. However, some banks may charge an additional fee (approximately 2.5% of the transfer amount) when you receive funds.

There are also certain limits on financial transactions in Zelle, which vary depending on the bank and the type of bank account. For example, at Bank of America, there are three limits on the maximum amount you can send within a specific period:

  • No more than $3,500 per day.
  • No more than $10,000 per week.
  • No more than $20,000 per 30 days.

You will also encounter limits on the number of transactions, such as per day or per month. To determine the specific limits for your Zelle account, contact your bank or financial institution.

Final Thoughts

Zelle is a payment service that enables fast transfers between virtually any bank account in the United States, regardless of the recipient's and sender's location.

Whether you use the Zelle app or just the Zelle service as a part of your banking app, it doesn't charge any transaction fees. However, there are some limits on the transfer amount and the number of payments within a certain period. You can find precise information about these limits at your bank where you have an account.

Knowing how to transfer money with Zelle lets you easily and securely conduct transactions while saving valuable time. Start enjoying all the benefits of the service today!

FAQ

How do I send money through Zelle?

If your banking app does not have the service, to make authorized payments, you need to:

  1. Download and install the Zelle app.
  2. Set up your account.
  3. Link your bank account (only for US banks).
  4. Enter the recipient's contact information.
  5. Specify the amount you want to send.
  6. Confirm the transaction.

If the service is integrated into your banking app, you need to:

  1. Find the "Send money with Zelle" tab within your bank's app.
  2. If it’s your first time sending money with Zelle, you will be prompted to enter your contact details and complete the verification process.
  3. Choose a recipient from the list or create a new one.
  4. Specify the transfer amount.
  5. Confirm the transaction.

Do I need a certain bank to use Zelle?

The payment service works with a large number of banks and financial institutions. Some of the most popular ones include:

  • Bank of America
  • Capital One
  • Citi Bank
  • Discover Bank
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • PNC Bank
  • U.S. Bank
  • Wells Fargo

Is Zelle safe and reliable?

Yes, the service offers several protection features, including two-factor authentication, which helps prevent fraud. However, it's important to remember that the company that developed the app is not responsible if you send money to an unknown recipient, do not receive goods or services in return, or accidentally enter the wrong amount. Therefore, carefully review the information you provide before confirming the transaction.

Is there a charge for using Zelle?

Most banks in the US do not impose a fee for using this payment solution to conduct money transactions. However, some banks may charge a fee for additional transfer services related to Zelle, depending on the type of account. Therefore, before using the service, it's recommended to review your bank's terms to ensure there are no additional fees.

How do I request money on Zelle?

  1. Open your bank's mobile app.
  2. Select the Zelle service.
  3. Find the "Request Money" or "Request" option.
  4. Choose the recipient from the list, or click the "+" icon to add a new one.
  5. Enter the amount you're requesting.
  6. Add a note (if desired).
  7. Double-check all the information, then confirm the request.