Send & Receive Money in Minutes - Complete Step-by-Step Guide
⚠️ Important Update (2025): The standalone Zelle app was discontinued on April 1, 2025. You now use Zelle directly within your bank's mobile app or online banking.
💡 What is Zelle?
Zelle lets you send or receive money directly between U.S. bank accounts, usually in minutes, using someone's email address or U.S. mobile number.
Before You Start (2-minute checklist):
You and the other person both need U.S. bank accounts
Have your email or U.S. mobile number ready
Confirm your bank offers Zelle (most major banks do)
Use your bank's app or online banking (not the old Zelle app)
🚀 Part 1: One-Time Setup
Complete this enrollment inside your bank's app:
1
Open your bank app and sign in
2
Tap Transfers / Send Money / Zelle®
3
Choose Enroll and pick your email or mobile
4
Select the account for transactions
5
Verify with the code sent to you
6
You're enrolled and ready!
💡 Tip: If enrollment fails, your number may be registered at another bank. Contact your bank for assistance.
💸 Part 2: Send Money
In your bank app, open Zelle and tap Send
Choose a contact or Add new (enter their name and email/phone)
Double-check their details (payments can't be undone)
Enter the amount and optional memo
Review and tap Send
✅ Note: If enrolled, money arrives within minutes. If not, payment shows "Pending" until they enroll.
Part 3: Request Money (Optional)
In Zelle, tap Request
Pick who you're requesting from
Enter amount and send request
Part 4: Receive Money
Already enrolled? Money goes straight to your account in minutes
Not enrolled? You'll get a notification to enroll and receive funds
🔧 Quick Fixes
Payment still "Pending"?
Recipient isn't enrolled yet or info was typed wrong. Verify details.
Sent to wrong person?
If they're enrolled, payments can't be canceled. Contact your bank immediately.
Can I cancel a payment?
Only if recipient isn't enrolled yet. Check Activity and tap "Cancel This Payment".
🔒 Safety Basics (Please Read)
⚠️ Only send to people you know and trust.
Zelle does NOT offer purchase protection for goods from strangers.
💰 Treat Zelle like cash.
Once sent to enrolled users, you generally can't get it back.
🚨 Watch for scams.
Beware of "pay-yourself" or fake "account upgrade" emails. Don't click suspicious links.
❓ Quick Answers (FAQ)
Fees?
Typically no fees for consumers, but confirm with your bank.
Limits?
Your bank sets the limits. Check your bank's policy.
How fast?
Usually minutes for enrolled users.
International?
No. Both parties must have U.S. bank accounts.
Don't see Zelle in your app?
Use a participating bank (standalone app no longer works).
📋 One-Page Cheat Sheet
Enroll: Bank app → Zelle → Enroll email/phone
Send: Pick contact → Enter amount → Send (arrives in minutes)
Request: Pick person → Amount → Request
Safety: Only pay trusted people, double-check details, beware scams
