Does Wise work with Zelle?

Zelle® and Wise are popular money transfer platforms. You can use both apps to send and receive convenient digital payments to friends and family across the US.

But does Wise work with Zelle? We take a look at everything you need to know, including how to use Wise vs Zelle. Let’s dive in!

Can you send money directly from Zelle to Wise?

No, you can’t send money directly from Zelle to Wise. Although there are some similarities between the platforms, they do different things.

Wise uses a proprietary network of international bank accounts to help you send and receive direct money transfers to your recipient in local currency.

Zelle money transfer works with traditional US banking providers to support transfers between US banks.¹

At least one side of your Zelle transfer must have access to Zelle through a bank or credit union, whether it’s the sender or receiver.²

Unfortunately, these systems don’t facilitate direct transfers from Zelle to your Wise account.

How to transfer money from Zelle to Wise

Although you can’t send money directly from Zelle to Wise, there are a few alternative ways to transfer funds to friends and family. Let’s take a closer look.

Link the same bank account on Zelle and Wise

If you want to send money from Zelle to Wise, you can link the same bank account or card on both platforms. This acts as an intermediary for your transfer.

It’s easy to link your bank account to Wise. Simply follow these steps:

Step 1. Log into your Wise account

Step 2. Click on your profile image and select “Settings”

Step 3. Select “Connected accounts” and then “Connect your bank account”

Step 4. Follow the on-screen prompts. You’ll need to choose the currency of your account and enter your bank details

Step 5. Review and confirm your details. And that’s it – you’re done!

You can also link your bank account to Zelle. Some banks will let you register for an account using your online banking username and password.³

If your bank doesn’t offer the service, you can sign up for the Zelle app by entering your contact information, including your email address and US mobile number.

You’ll then need to add a Visa® or Mastercard® debit card linked to a US bank account to send and receive money.⁴

What is Zelle compatible with?

Zelle works with most major banks and credit unions, such as TD Bank, Union Bank, AMG National Trust Bank, and the Bank of America.⁵

Log into your bank’s mobile app and sign up for Zelle money transfer. You can also use the Zelle app to make direct, instant payments.⁶

If your recipient already has a Zelle account, the funds will go straight into their bank account. If not, they’ll receive instructions about how to receive your transfer.⁷

You can send money with Zelle for free, but some banks and credit unions may charge a fee for the service.⁸

Does Zelle work for international transfers?

You can’t use Zelle for international transfers, as both you and your recipient will need a US bank account.⁹

If you’re sending money overseas, look out for a global money transfer provider like Wise.

You can use your Wise account to send and receive money across the world – all at the mid-market exchange rate. This is the standard currency conversion rate, with no added fees or markups.

Send digital money transfers to over 160 countries or hold over 40 currencies in one account. You can even use your Wise card to spend on-the-go in over 150 countries.

Over 50% of Wise payments arrive instantly* — and all Wise transfers are deposited directly into your recipient's bank account for convenience.

No ongoing fees, no hidden charges and no hassle — just fast, transparent international transfers that can beat the banks.

Get started with Wise

*Transaction speed claimed depends on funds availability, approval by Wise’s proprietary verification system and systems availability of our partners’ banking system, and may not be available for all transactions.

Wise to Zelle FAQs

Let’s take a look at some common questions about using Wise and Zelle – everything you need to know.

Does Wise accept Zelle as payment?

Wise doesn’t accept Zelle transfers. Although Wise and Zelle are both money transfer platforms, they use different systems to support your transactions.

Zelle uses a network of US banks to help you make digital domestic payments to friends and family, whereas Wise enables global transfers in local currency.

How can I send money to Wise?

There are lots of ways to send money to a Wise account. For example, you can enter your recipient’s email address or mobile number.

Your recipient will receive the money directly to their Wise wallet or they’ll get a prompt to open an account.

You can also ask someone to request funds through Wise – or you can use a traditional payment method like a wire transfer.

What payment methods does Wise accept?

Wise accepts many different payment methods. You can make a bank transfer using ACH, SWIFT, or wire transfer, for example.

You can even use your Wise card to spend in over 150 countries, including online or in-person payments.

You can’t send a direct transfer from Zelle to Wise, as both platforms use different systems and networks to facilitate money transfers.

Zelle doesn’t work internationally – and you’ll need to link your bank account to both Wise and Zelle to transfer between the platforms.

You can also send money to Wise using a different payment method, such as your email address or mobile number.

To send, spend, and receive your money across the world, check out Wise.