The short answer: Zelle is safe for sending money to people you know and trust, like family and friends. It’s risky for anyone else. Money sent to an enrolled person usually arrives in minutes and can’t be reversed (Zelle). Zelle also has no purchase protection, so don’t use it to pay strangers or buy things online (Zelle). The FTC compares a payment app to sending cash: once it’s gone, it’s very hard to get back (FTC).
Where to find Zelle
Zelle is built into the apps and websites of more than 2,400 banks and credit unions. All you need is the other person’s email address or U.S. mobile number, and both of you need U.S. bank accounts (Zelle). Open your bank’s app and look for Send money, Transfer or Zelle. Don’t search the web for a Zelle sign-up page. Use only your bank’s own app or website.
How to send money with Zelle safely
- Open your bank’s official app (the one you use to check your balance).
- Tap Zelle or Send money. If this is your first time, follow the steps to enroll your email or mobile number.
- Choose the person from your contacts, or type their email or U.S. mobile number carefully.
- If your bank shows the name the person enrolled with, check it. If it’s not who you expect, stop.
- Enter the amount, review everything, then confirm.
- Call or text the person to make sure they got it.
Sending to someone for the first time? Send a small amount first and confirm they got it before sending the rest.
When not to use Zelle
- Buying from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or other online sellers you don’t know (Zelle).
- Paying a deposit to a landlord, contractor or ticket seller you’ve never met.
- Anyone who insists you pay only by payment app, gift card, crypto or wire transfer. The FTC says not to pay them (FTC).
For bills, see how to pay bills online safely.
The Zelle scams to watch for
“This is your bank’s fraud department”
A caller or text says there’s a problem with your account and walks you through “moving your money to a safe account in your name.” That account belongs to the scammer. Your bank will never contact you to tell you to transfer money, or ask for your passcodes (FTC). Caller ID can be faked to show your bank’s real number (Zelle). Hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
A family emergency or a prize
Scammers pose as a grandchild in trouble or say you’ve won a prize but must pay fees first (FTC). Call your family member on a number you already have. See how a family safe word stops voice-cloning scams.
Pressure to act now
Scammers rush you so you don’t have time to stop and check (Zelle). A real bank or family member can wait while you check.
If you sent money to a scammer
- Call your bank or credit union right away, using the number on your card or statement (Zelle).
- Ask about reimbursement. Payments someone made from your account without permission typically qualify. Certain impostor scams, where you were tricked into sending money, may also qualify (Zelle, Zelle).
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (FTC). You can also report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (Zelle).
- Questions about Zelle itself: 1-844-428-8542, 8 AM to 10 PM ET, seven days a week, except major holidays (Zelle).
More on spotting scams: how to spot online and AI scams.
Questions people ask about Zelle
Can I get my money back if I send it to the wrong person?
Usually not. Zelle payments to an enrolled person can’t be reversed. You can only cancel if the person hasn’t enrolled with Zelle yet (Zelle). Contact your bank right away anyway.
Does Zelle charge a fee?
Typically there are no fees to send or receive money with Zelle, but Zelle suggests confirming with your bank (Zelle).
Can I use Zelle without a smartphone?
Possibly. If your bank offers Zelle, you may be able to use it on the bank’s website (Zelle).
Does Zelle report payments to the IRS?
Zelle says it doesn’t report transactions to the IRS and doesn’t issue 1099-K forms. If money you receive is taxable, you’re responsible for reporting it (Zelle).
Is there still a Zelle app?
Not for sending money. Zelle phased out payments in its standalone app because almost everyone uses Zelle inside their bank’s app (Zelle). Use your bank or credit union’s app or website.
Keep learning
- How to Pay Bills Online Safely
- Why Scammers Want You to Say “Yes”
- Online Safety & Scam Protection for Seniors
