The peer-to-peer payment network Zelle offers free and almost instant transfers between bank accounts at different U.S. banking institutions. Launched in 2017, Zelle’s network has grown to include more than 2,000 participating banks and credit unions. Many, but not all, bank customers can find Zelle featured in their bank’s mobile app.
Using a bank that offers Zelle in its app has perks: There’s no extra app to download, and your bank may have higher transfer amount limits than what Zelle’s app allows.
Skip down to our lists to see if your bank uses Zelle.
Quick facts about Zelle
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Zelle is primarily used to send, request or receive funds with friends and others you trust.
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Zelle transfers can be delivered within minutes and generally are free.
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Customers at banks, credit unions or neobanks that don’t offer Zelle can access Zelle’s standalone app, though transfer amount limits may differ.
» Learn more: How Zelle works
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Member FDIC
SoFi Checking and Savings
APY
4.50%
Min. balance for APY
$0
Learn More
Member FDIC
EverBank Performance℠ Savings
APY
5.05%
Min. balance for APY
$0
Learn More
Member FDIC
Barclays Tiered Savings Account
APY
4.50%
Min. balance for APY
$0
Frequently asked questions
Are Zelle transfers free to send and receive?
Typically, yes. More than 99% of checking accounts linked to Zelle don’t charge a fee, according to a 2023 Zelle survey of financial institutions that offer Zelle.
How much can I send or receive through Zelle at a non-participating bank?
If your bank doesn’t offer Zelle, you can send up to $500 weekly and receive up to $5,000 in Zelle’s app. There’s no ability to request different limits. You can have higher limits at a bank in Zelle’s network, though it’s up to the bank.
What are some notable banks and credit unions that don’t use Zelle directly?
Some notable financial institutions that NerdWallet has reviewed and that don’t participate directly in the Zelle network include Alliant Credit Union, American Express, Barclays, Connexus Credit Union, LendingClub Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, SoFi and Synchrony Bank. In addition, nonbank fintech apps (or neobanks) such as Chime, Current and Greenwood aren’t in Zelle’s network.
Can the sender and recipient be at banks where neither offers Zelle?
No. Unfortunately, either the sender or recipient must belong to a bank or credit union that offers Zelle for a transfer to work. The person who doesn’t have Zelle directly can download the Zelle app and enroll with a Visa or Mastercard debit card.
What are transfer services like Zelle?
Peer-to-peer transfer apps such as Venmo and Cash App have the same ability as Zelle to transfer money fast to friends and family for free. However, unlike Zelle, they put any money you receive into an in-app balance. The process to withdraw money to a linked bank account is free but usually takes several days, or you can withdraw within minutes for a fee. Learn more about peer-to-peer payment services.
In addition, banks and credit unions are gradually adopting FedNow, a new real-time transfer service run by the Federal Reserve.
Who owns Zelle?
Zelle is owned by Early Warning Services, a financial tech firm and consumer reporting agency that is co-owned by seven of the largest U.S. banks: Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, PNC, Truist, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.
Is Zelle safe?
Zelle’s parent company has said that more than 99.9% of payments sent don’t have reports of fraud or scam, according to a 2022 press release. However, there is still a chance you can be contacted by fraudsters who ask you to send money via Zelle.
Unlike credit card and debit card purchases, a Zelle transfer can’t be canceled or reversed once someone receives it, which is also the standard practice for wire transfers and transfers on a real-time network such as FedNow and RTP. Zelle provides customer support and potential reimbursem*nt in cases when people get scammed.
» Don't fall for Zelle scams: Learn how to avoid P2P scams and what to do if you can’t
🤓Nerdy Tip
Nearly instant transfers between your accounts: When you enroll two accounts at two different banks with Zelle, you can transfer money between banks faster than typical ACH transfers. Standard bank-to-bank transfers can still take multiple days.
12 online banks that use Zelle
We considered online banks with strong account offerings that participate in Zelle’s network. Click each bank name to read our review:
17 traditional banks that use Zelle
We considered the largest U.S. banks as well as various regional banks that we’ve reviewed. Click each bank name to read our review.
12 credit unions that use Zelle
We considered credit unions we’ve reviewed and that stand out due to their size or services. Some credit unions have geographic or other membership restrictions. Click each credit union name to read our review:
Don’t see your bank or credit union? See the full list of financial institutions in Zelle’s network on Zelle’s website.
Did you know...
Zelle transfers are not wire transfers, which use a separate network. Both can provide funds delivery within minutes, but wires tend to have high fees and are intended for large amounts, such as a home purchase. Zelle transfers are typically free and can be for various reasons and amounts (up to a limit).
