How to send money with Zelle: a complete guide

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:

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:

This way to easy
international payments

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing 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.

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.