The peer-to-peer payment network Zelle offers free and almost instant transfers between bank accounts in the mobile apps and websites of many U.S. banking institutions. Launched in 2017, Zelle’s network has grown to include more than 2,300 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 you can send transfers to friends and family at different banks.
Quick facts about Zelle
- Zelle is primarily used to send, request or receive funds with friends and others you trust.
- Zelle transfers can be delivered within minutes and generally are free.
- A Zelle transfer is like giving cash to someone. It’s not reversible.
- Customers at banks, credit unions or neobanks that don’t offer Zelle can no longer access the service. Zelle’s standalone app was shut down in April 2025.
» Learn more: How Zelle works
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:
- SoFi.
*These banks participate through their parent bank's partnership with Zelle.
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Member FDIC
Forbright Bank Growth Savings 
APY
3.85%
Min. balance for APY
$0
Member FDIC
Varo Savings Account 
APY
5.00%
Min. balance for APY
$0
Member FDIC
E*TRADE Premium Savings 
APY
4.00% for 6mo
Min. balance for APY
$0
Nerdy Perspective
What are some alternatives to Zelle if my bank doesn't participate?
If your bank or credit union doesn’t offer Zelle as a way to transfer money, consider using a similar peer-to-peer payment app. I use popular options like Cash App, PayPal and Venmo to send and receive money quickly and cheaply, just like I also do with Zelle. Wiring money through a bank or a nonbank money transfer provider is another option, but that requires considering factors such as fees and how long the transaction will take.
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:
🤓 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. 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 – such as $30 – 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).
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 2024 Zelle survey of financial institutions that offer Zelle.
What are some notable banks and other institutions 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, Barclays, Connexus Credit Union, LendingClub Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, and Synchrony Bank. In addition, nonbank fintech apps (or neobanks) such as Chime, Current and Revolut aren’t in Zelle’s network.
Can either the sender or recipient be at a bank that doesn’t offer Zelle?
No. Both the sender and recipient must belong to a bank or credit union that offers Zelle – and enroll for the service – for a transfer to work. Zelle’s standalone app was discontinued in April 2025.
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 real-time transfer service run by the Federal Reserve. See a list of banks that participate in FedNow.
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 2025 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 reimbursement in cases when people get scammed.
