Have you heard of Zelle? It is a very popular digital payment platform in the United States. It allows you to easily send and receive money between users with affiliated bank accounts, whether they are traditional banks, digital banks or credit unions.
In 2024 alone, Zelle registered 151 million registered accounts, including individuals and small businesses, reflecting its acceptance among U.S. users.
If you need to send money outside the United States with ease, such as Mexico, you are probably wondering which banks have Zelle in Mexico.
However, this platform does not have agreements with any bank in Mexico, and it is mandatory to have a U.S. bank account to access its services.
However, there are other options as efficient as Zelle for sending money to Mexico, such as accounts with integrated remittance services and international remittance applications.
Here we will explain how to receive money through Zelle, the benefits it offers for users in the United States and the alternatives to send money to other countries.
What is Zelle and is it possible to use it in Mexico?
Zelle is a digital payment service that facilitates P2P (person-to-person) transfers at certain U.S. treaty banks.
It is characterized for being a fast service, with money transfers that are reflected in a matter of minutes, plus it is free of charge and has a wide coverage within the United States.
It works through the applications of the participating banks, since it has a direct connection with them and it is only possible to make money transfers to other Zelle users.
But, which bank in Mexico is compatible with Zelle? Unfortunately, in Mexico it is not possible to send and receive money through this platform, since it is not designed for international money transfers, as it only meets the technological and regulatory standards of the U.S. financial system.
Which banks in Mexico use Zelle? Everything you need to know
No bank in Mexico is compatible with Zelle's services, so you will not be able to make international money transfers through this platform.
To use Zelle you must have a U.S. bank account at one of the affiliated banks.
This is a list of some of the banks that have Zelle in the United States:
- Ally Bank
- Bank of America
- BMO Harris Bank
- Capital One
- Chase (JPMorgan Chase)
- Citibank
- Citizens Bank
- Discover Bank
- Fifth Third Bank
- FirstBank
- Frost Bank
- Huntington Bank
- PNC Bank
- Regions Bank
- TD Bank
- Truist Bank
- US Bank
- Wells Fargo
Although Comun is not integrated with Zelle, this does not limit its operation, because it is a comprehensive personal finance solution, beyond sending money.
How to send money to Mexico with Zelle? The answer and efficient alternatives
If you need to send money to Mexico quickly, you will have to opt for a different service than Zelle, as it only allows bank transfers between U.S. accounts.
The main reasons why there is no Zelle in Mexico are:
- To register with Zelle you need to access the online banking of one of the affiliated banks, all of which are U.S. banks.
- You also need a U.S. phone number or email address.
- Zelle is not a remittance or international payment platform, so it does not have the ability to convert currencies or deposit funds in international banks.
- Zelle does not comply with the regulations of financial institutions in Mexico, such as Banxico and the CNVB.
In case you have used Zelle to send money within the United States, you are probably looking for an equally reliable system for international money transfers.
U.S. bank accounts with integrated remittance services
In addition to traditional banks, there are alternatives that have integrated remittance services to facilitate sending money to Mexico.
Comun is a platform that fits the needs of many people in the United States, especially the immigrant community, by allowing remittances to loved ones easily, at a very low cost and from a single mobile application.
International money transfer platforms
Another alternative to make international money transfers are the platforms specialized in this type of operations.
Some examples are:
- Wise: sending money between accounts with real-time exchange rates
- Remitly: international money transfers with standard or instantaneous delivery
The advantage of these platforms is that it is not mandatory to have a bank account and their operation is accessible, although the shipping fees are variable according to factors such as the amount to be sent and the exchange rate.
Traditional international wire transfers in Mexico
You can also choose to make money transfers through traditional banks, for this you will need the SWIFT code of the receiving institution in Mexico, as well as the recipient's information.
Although it is a safe option, it is also one of the most expensive, due to the high commissions and the participation of intermediaries that raise the cost.
For example, a US bank such as Bank of America charges a $45 USD commission plus an average 1% to 3% exchange margin. Therefore, for a transfer of 1000 USD, the recipient receives approximately 900 MXN pesos less than with platforms specialized in international shipments.
Cash deposit/withdrawal services in commercial networks
In case the recipient does not have access to a bank account, you can opt for a cash deposit and withdrawal service in physical branches.
Some examples are:
- Western Union: global wire transfer and cash remittance network
- MoneyGram: allows bank account and cash remittances
- Commun: you can also send cash in a fast way.
Beyond Zelle: Comun simplifies your financial life in the U.S. and your money transfers to Mexico
Although Zelle is a very efficient service for sending and receiving money in the United States, it has limitations that prevent international money transfers, so it is more oriented to citizens who need to make frequent payments within their territory.
In the case of the immigrant community in the United States, it is important to choose a solution that not only facilitates the sending of money, but also offers a complete financial platform that is accessible and simple to manage.
Comun is the platform that will make your financial life in the United States easier, as it offers the following benefits:
- Open an account easily, with the official identification of your country.
- Forget about traditional fees: there is no set-up fee, no monthly fee and no minimum balance.
- There are no hidden remittance fees, make your first international transfer for free and then pay as low as $2.99 USD per transfer, up to applicable limits.
- Technical support also available in Spanish.
- Integrate your finances and remittance service in the same mobile application, making Comun an easy and secure option.
- Get a Visa debit card to make payments at physical stores.
- Access an extensive cash management network and make deposits at thousands of locations near you.
Open your account at Comun and access a hassle-free financial service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a US account to use Zelle?
Yes, Zelle is only available through the online banks of affiliated U.S. banks.
Can I send money to Mexico through Zelle if I have a U.S. account?
No, no bank in Mexico is compatible with Zelle.
What are the best alternatives to Zelle for sending money to Mexico?
Comun: a fintech platform that allows you to access an account and send remittances.
Does Zelle offer Zelle to send money to Mexico?
Comun has no connection with Zelle, but you can send money to Mexico from $2.99 USD per transfer, up to the applicable limits.
How to put Zelle in Spanish?
As this service is available in the applications of the affiliated banks, you must access their configuration options and choose the Spanish language.
How to download Zelle?
Enter the Play Store or App Store and search for Zelle. Remember that it is only available in the United States.
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