How to use Zelle without a bank account

Zelle®¹ is an easy way to send and receive payments, pretty much instantly, to friends and family in the US.

Generally you’ll use Zelle through your online or mobile banking service, or through the Zelle app - but what are your options if you don’t have a US bank or credit union account? This guide walks through how Zelle works, and what options you have, if you’ve not got an eligible checking or savings account.

Can you use Zelle without a bank account?

If you’re not familiar with Zelle you might be missing out on easy ways to send and receive USD payments. Zelle offers fast or instant payments between US bank accounts, and the vast majority of participating banks have no Zelle fees for their services.

As a general rule, a US checking or savings account, held with a bank or credit union, is needed to use Zelle to make or receive payments². When you receive a Zelle payment it’s deposited to your linked bank - and when you send a payment with Zelle you’ll need to be linked to a bank to fund the transfer.

The only common exception - which we’ll cover in a moment - is if you have a prepaid Visa® or Mastercard® from a bank or credit union in the Zelle network. In this case, you may be able to use Zelle without a bank account.

Zelle app vs Zelle in online or mobile banking

One quick point on how to use Zelle. Zelle is available directly in the online or mobile banking service of many banks and credit unions.

If your bank is not in the Zelle network, you can still use Zelle through their app. However, if you have a prepaid card issued through a bank outside of the Zelle network, the chances are that it won’t be compatible with Zelle at all.

Can Zelle be used at all without a bank account or card?

Zelle can not be used without an eligible US bank or credit union account, or - in some cases - with an eligible prepaid card from a bank in the Zelle network.

How to use Zelle without a bank account

As we’ve seen, in many cases it’s not possible to use Zelle without a US bank or credit union account. One workaround may be if you can find an eligible prepaid card to use instead.

Use a prepaid card in the Zelle network

The Zelle network³ covers a huge number of US banks and credit unions. While you can not use a prepaid card which has been issued by a bank outside of the Zelle network, you may be able to find a prepaid card offered by a Zelle network bank which you can use instead of a full bank account.

Search using the Zelle network tools available online to see if your prepaid card comes from a bank in the network.

It’s worth noting that not all prepaid cards can be used with Zelle, so finding one which is compatible may take a bit of research.

However, more banks and providers are coming into the Zelle network all the time, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the options if you can’t find anything immediately.

Everywhere money. Meet Wise: the world's most international account

If you’re not living in the US — or if you simply want a more flexible account you can open from anywhere — check out Wise.

Wise isn’t a bank, but a money service business (MSB) that offers an account which allows you to hold, send and receive money. As well as getting an attached debit card — plus you’ll get some extra perks which suit anyone living an international lifestyle.

You’ll be able to hold 40+ currencies, and get local account details for up to 9 currencies including USD, to get paid easily by wire or ACH.

Wise offers linked debit cards for spending and withdrawals around the world, and all currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate.

That means that whenever you send a payment or spend in a foreign currency your dollars are converted with the mid-market rate with low conversion fees*. Easy.

This way to easy
international payments

What are the alternatives for using Zelle if you don’t have a bank account?

If you don’t have a bank or credit union checking or savings account in the US, you may struggle to use Zelle. However, in some cases a prepaid card from a provider within the Zelle network may be compatible with Zelle. Search the Zelle network to see if your prepaid card provider is represented.

Is it safe to use Zelle without linking a bank account?

Zelle is safe to use with normal common sense precautions. One point to note is that payments sent through Zelle settle immediately and can not usually be reversed or canceled. This means you have to be especially careful to check all the details of the payment you’re making before you confirm.

What are the limitations when using Zelle without a bank account?

You may find you can’t use Zelle without a bank account - the only commonly available workaround is by using an eligible prepaid Visa or Mastercard debit card from within the Zelle network.

However, not all prepaid cards are programmed to be compatible with Zelle - so you’ll need to try to add yours to Zelle and see if it works. If it does not you can reach out to the card issuer to see if there is any option to use your specific card with Zelle.

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Zelle is usually used through online and mobile banking services, by US bank or credit union account holders. If you don’t have a US credit union or bank account, or you don’t want to add your account to Zelle, you may still be able to access services using a prepaid debit card.

However, not all prepaid cards are compatible, so you’ll need to shop around your preferred card providers to see if you can find one which works.

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Sources:

1. Zelle
2. Zelle FAQ - errors adding a card
3. Zelle network banks

Sources checked on 06.19.2024