How to Use Zelle to Send Money — and How to Use It Safely

Zelle sends money instantly from your bank account to another person's account — here's how to use it and what to watch out for.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.Find Zelle in your bank's app
2.Send money to someone you trust
3.Know how Zelle is misused in scams
4.The rules for safe Zelle use

Find Zelle in your bank's app

~28s

Zelle is already built into the apps of most major US banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, US Bank, Citibank, and hundreds of credit unions. Open your bank's app and look for a "Send Money," "Pay," or "Zelle" option in the main menu. If you can't find it, search the app for "Zelle." Alternatively, download the standalone Zelle app at zellepay.com.

Quick Tip

Go to zellepay.com to see if your bank is enrolled in Zelle. Most major US banks and credit unions are listed.

Send money to someone you trust

~27s

In Zelle, tap "Send Money." Enter the recipient's email address or US mobile phone number. Type the amount you want to send. Add a memo if you want (like "Splitting dinner" or "Birthday gift"). Review the details carefully and tap "Send." The money leaves your account immediately and arrives in the recipient's account usually within minutes.

Warning

Always double-check the email address or phone number before sending. Once you send money with Zelle, it cannot be reversed unless the recipient voluntarily returns it.

Know how Zelle is misused in scams

~26s

Scammers love Zelle because transfers are instant and cannot be reversed. Common Zelle scams: someone "accidentally" sends you money and asks you to send it back (the original transfer was made with stolen information and will be reversed by your bank, leaving you responsible); someone poses as your bank's fraud department and asks you to Zelle money to "protect" your account; a seller asks for Zelle payment for an item they never actually intend to send.

The rules for safe Zelle use

~37s

Three rules to keep your money safe with Zelle: (1) Only send money to people you know and trust in real life — Zelle is for personal payments, not purchases from strangers. (2) Your bank will never ask you to send money via Zelle. If someone claiming to be from your bank asks you to Zelle money, hang up and call your bank at the number on your card. (3) Never accept a Zelle payment from a stranger and then send money back — this is always a scam.

Quick Tip

For purchases from strangers (like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist), use a method with buyer protection like a credit card or PayPal Goods & Services — never Zelle.

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Zelle is a fast, free way to send money directly from your bank account to someone else's bank account. It's built into most major bank apps, so you don't need a separate app. Money transfers instantly — usually within minutes. It's useful for splitting a dinner bill, paying rent, or reimbursing a family member. However, Zelle transfers cannot be reversed, which is why it's important to know how scammers try to misuse it.

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