In today's digital era, it is essential to have technological services that allow you to transfer money quickly and securely.
Zelle is a service that allows for easy transactions, as it is integrated with the digital banks of U.S. banks.
Undoubtedly, Zelle is one of the most popular digital payment services in the United States. According to recent data, during 2024 the company moved more than 1 trillion dollars, through more than 3.6 billion transactions.
In addition, 151 million user and small business accounts are registered with Zelle, representing a growth of 16 million over 2023.
If you need to send or receive money, this could be a great option, as you only need a cell phone number or email address.
It also has integration with the most important banks in the United States, such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
It is essential to know the list of banks that have Zelle in the United States, to make sure that you will be able to use the service through your bank, because from April 2025 changes in the conditions of use will be implemented.
That is why on this occasion we will explain in detail what Zelle is in the United States, the main banks that work with this company and how it works.
What is Zelle?
According to Denise Leonhard, CEO of Zelle, Zelle is not just a popular way to send money, but a vital tool that is transforming the way money moves in the United States.
Zelle is a network developed by Early Warning Services, LLC that allows digital payments and bank transfers between users of the same bank or even different institutions, mainly in the United States.
It is a service directly integrated to the banking applications, which facilitates the unification of transactions in the same mobile banking.
What are the benefits of Zelle?
Zelle offers multiple benefits for its users, such as:
Speed
Transfers arrive within minutes
Cost
The transfer service is free of charge at most banking institutions.
Facility
Users do not need to install an external application to use Zelle, as it integrates directly into the bank apps.
Accessibility
To make transfers you only need to have the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
Coverage
It is available at a large number of U.S. banking and credit union institutions.
Direct payments
Zelle uses funds from your bank account, so there is no need for additional transactions to top up digital wallets.
This service is an excellent option if you are looking for fast, secure and free transfers within the United States, as it does not have the ability to send and receive money abroad.
Top U.S. banks working with Zelle
Today, Zelle's presence in day-to-day financial operations has increased exponentially. According to recent data, this service is integrated with more than 2,200 U.S. banks, 95% of which are community banks and credit unions.
Below is a list of the major financial institutions using Zelle in 2025 and their transfer limits, if any. For the most up-to-date information, please check directly with each financial institution.
To use Zelle through these banking institutions, it is not necessary to download an intermediary application, as they all have direct integration. In addition, they do not charge transfer fees.
How to receive money for Zelle?
To receive money with Zelle just follow the steps below:
- Make sure your banking institution has integration with Zelle.
- Log in to your bank's website and register for Zelle
- Provide your cell phone number and email address. With this information, other people will be able to send you money.
- Receive the money directly into your bank account in a matter of minutes
- You can also send money to registered Zelle users.
Remember that in order to send and receive money through Zelle, both parties must have bank accounts compatible with this service.
How do I check if my bank offers Zelle?
If you want to use Zelle and you don't know if your bank has integration, you just need to enter the official site and type the name of your banking institution in the search engine. If it appears, it means that you will be able to use Zelle from your mobile banking application.
7 reasons why banks partner with Zelle
The integration with Zelle represents great advantages for banks, such as:
Increased competitiveness
Zelle offers a competitive advantage over other digital payment services such as Venmo and PayPal, and incentivizes the use of the banking application.
2. Improve customer experience
Zelle facilitates banking between individuals by eliminating the need for external applications and gathering transaction history in one place. In addition, you only need a cell phone number or email to send and receive money.
3. Cost reduction
P2P (person-to-person) transfers are cheaper than other traditional payment methods, such as checks.
4. User loyalty
The integration with Zelle makes it easier for users to log into the mobile banking application more frequently and reduces the likelihood that they will switch financial institutions.
5. Security
As it is integrated with official banks and financial institutions, it has all the security measures of the U.S. banking and regulatory framework.
6. Speed
Zelle allows fast money transfers, even between different banks.
7. Consolidated system
Zelle has established itself as a leading digital payment system in the industry, with more than 2,200 integrated banking institutions. This generates interest and pressure on non-integrated banks to become part of this network.
Changes in the Zelle app
Recently, Zelle announced some changes that came into effect on April 1, from which date it is no longer possible to send and receive money through the company's standalone application.
How can you continue to use the service?
Users who were using the standalone application will have to re-register through their bank's online banking, if integrated with Zelle.
If you do not have a linked bank account, it will not be possible to continue using this digital payment service. It is important that you consult Zelle's FAQ section, where you will find the latest information about the available service and integrated banks.
Also, keep the following safety tip in mind:
- Verify the recipient's information, as Zelle has no protection against fraud or errors and, once the money is sent, it is not possible to cancel.
Your bank doesn't have Zelle? With Comun you can easily access transfers in the USA.
If your account is not on the list of banks integrated with Zelle or you used to be a user of the standalone mobile app and do not have a bank account, there is a solution designed for you that facilitates transfers and banking in the US.
Comun offers you an easy, accessible and economical alternative to make transfers and payments.
It is a system that promotes banking for those who face barriers with traditional banks in the United States, through a friendly service and in your language. Some of the key benefits provided by Comun are:
- Apply with your country's official identification
- Access a mobile application
- Get a debit card to make purchases
- Make transfers within and outside the United States at low cost.
- Easily send money to friends and family in LATAM for as little as $2.99 USD transfer fee!
Open your account at Comun and start your financial life without complications.