How to Use Zelle® Safely (2024)

Table of Contents

Only send money to those you know and trust, like friends and family Treat Zelle® like cash Confirm your recipient’s contact details Check the name that is registered to the enrolled Zelle® recipient If in doubt, consider other payment options

Only send money to those you know and trust, like friends and family

It's important to only use Zelle^® to send money to people you trust with a U.S. bank account because once you send it, you most likely can't get it back if something goes wrong.

Before you “send it now,” ask yourself:

How well do I really know the person I’m sending money to?
How certain am I that I will receive what I’m paying for?

Treat Zelle^® like cash

Once you send money, you can't cancel it if your recipient is already enrolled with Zelle^®. They will receive the money typically in minutes and you most likely will not get it back, even if you don't get what you paid for.

Before you “send it now”, ask yourself:

Would I be comfortable handing this person or business cash?
Am I confident I'll get my money back if I have an issue?

Confirm your recipient’s contact details

Make sure your recipient’s U.S. mobile phone number or email address is correct. If you have any doubt, call them to confirm. Remember, if you send money to the wrong person, you most likely will not get it back.

Stop and ask yourself:

Have I double-checked my recipient's contact details?
If I send this now, am I sure it’s going to the right person?

Check the name that is registered to the enrolled Zelle^® recipient

Always confirm the Zelle^® recipient is who they say they are. When you enter the mobile number or email address of your recipient, if they are already enrolled with Zelle^® you will see "Enrolled with Zelle^® as [firstname lastname]." Does the displayed name match the name of my intended recipient? Does it say I’m sending to Paul when I intend to send to Laura? If there’s a mismatch, check your info, confirm with your recipient, and think twice before sending.

Stop and ask yourself:

Does the mobile number or email enrolled with Zelle^® match the name of my intended recipient?
If I send this now, am I sure it’s going to the right person?

If in doubt, consider other payment options

If you don't know the person or aren't sure you'll get what you're paying for, consider using another form of payment. Also remember, other forms of payment may be better suited for your transaction, especially if you are purchasing goods, as they may come with purchase protection or the ability to cancel or reverse your payment after it’s sent.

Stop and ask yourself: