What is Zelle vs Venmo?

Asked by: Jordi Wunsch Sr.  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (60 votes)

The main difference between Zelle and Venmo is where the funds are held. Zelle is limited because the service only moves money between bank accounts. In contrast, you can receive money into your Venmo account, which can then be withdrawn, transferred and even topped up if you need more.

Is Zelle safer than Venmo?

Are Zelle and Venmo Safe To Use? Generally speaking, Zelle and Venmo are safe to use. Both incorporate security features into their apps, such as data encryption, purchase verification, multifactor authentication and fraud protection.

Why you shouldn't use Venmo?

Peer-to-Peer Venmo Doesn't Have the Features You Need

We would never assume you would! ... Venmo was built as a peer-to-peer payment app, i.e. for sending money between friends and family. Its personal accounts are not designed as an online payment solution for small businesses. That means no records for filing taxes.

How do I pay someone using Zelle?

How can I use Zelle®? You can send, request, or receive money with Zelle®. After you've enrolled, simply add your recipient's email address or U.S. mobile number, the amount you'd like to send or request, review and add a memo, and hit “confirm.” In most cases, the money is typically available in minutes1.

How does Zelle or Venmo work?

Zelle payments are sent directly from your linked bank account or card, to your recipient's linked account or card. Venmo provides a digital wallet, which you'll fund from a linked US bank account, credit, debit or prepaid card. You can then make payments to Venmo users.

Which is better venmo or Zelle?

32 related questions found

Can I use Zelle with any bank?

Zelle is a fast, safe and easy way to send money directly between almost any bank accounts in the U.S., typically within minutes1. With just an email address or U.S. mobile phone number, you can send money to people you know and trust, regardless of where they bank1.

What is the safest way to send money to someone?

How to send money online, on mobile or in person
  1. Venmo: Best rated for mobile.
  2. Cash app: Best for referral bonus.
  3. Zelle: Fastest for domestic transfers (tie with Google Pay).
  4. Google Pay: Fastest for domestic transfers (tie with Zelle).
  5. PayPal: Most popular online.
  6. Walmart2Walmart: Best for nonbank transfers.

What banks are associated with Zelle?

Zelle (/zɛl/) is a United States–based digital payments network owned by Early Warning Services, LLC, a private financial services company owned by the banks Bank of America, Truist, Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.

Can you get scammed with Zelle?

Federal law requires banks to refund victims of fraudulent, unauthorized money transfers. Bank of America has offered refunds to only some of the victims of a scam that uses quick-payment app Zelle to transfer funds out of their accounts. ... And Zelle offers no fraud protections.

Do you need a bank account for Zelle?

The short answer is that you can't make a Zelle account without a bank. ... In essence, Zelle is a service used by bank customers to transfer their money between accounts in the USA. It's supported by banks, but there are ways to use the Zelle app without having a bank account.

Is Zelle secure?

Zelle is safe, as long as you know and trust the person you're sending money to. Once you authorize a payment, it'll go through, and there's no form of fraud protection. Zelle runs through your personal bank's digital infrastructure, so it's as secure as your bank.

Does Zelle have fees?

Zelle® doesn't charge a fee to send or receive money. We recommend confirming with your bank or credit union that there are no additional fees.

Is Zelle FDIC insured?

Zelle transfers money directly to and from FDIC-insured bank accounts, so you know the funds you send or receive are protected up to $250,000 per account.

How does Zelle compare to PayPal?

Zelle, being a bank-backed app, clearly has the competitive advantage here. ... However, while Zelle may appear more secure, applications like Venmo and PayPal are just as secure. All of them use data encryption to protect users against unauthorized transactions and store users' data on servers in secure locations.

What company owns Zelle?

Zelle is a product of Early Warning Services, LLC, a fintech company owned by seven of America's largest banks: Bank of America, BB&T (now Truist), Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.

Does Bank of America use Zelle?

You can use Zelle® directly with Bank of America®. ... Enjoy the convenience of using Zelle® within your banking app rather than a separate app. No fees to send or receive money with Zelle® Send money to almost anyone with a bank account in the U.S.

Does Zelle show your name?

Your Zelle display name is much less relevant information than things like your email and phone number. In fact, Zelle doesn't need your name at all. It's already provided alongside your bank account info. ... It's much simpler in the Zelle app and might need a little poking around your mobile banking app.

How do you set up a Zelle account?

  1. Get started by enrolling your email or U.S. mobile number through your mobile banking app or with the Zelle® app.
  2. Enter the preferred email address or U.S. mobile number of the recipient. You can send money to almost anyone1 you know and trust with a bank account in the U.S.

What banks use Zelle 2021?

You can still get in on this awesome way to send money by downloading the Zelle® app. American Bank, N.A.
...
  • Anderson Brothers Bank.
  • Andrews Federal Credit Union.
  • Anstaff Bank.
  • APCU/Center Parc.
  • APL FCU.
  • Apple Creek Banking Company.
  • Arbor Bank.
  • Arbor Financial Credit Union.

How much does Zelle allow you to send?

Generally speaking, Zelle limits its users to sending approximately $1,000 a week, or up to $5,000 a month. This varies from bank to bank, so make sure to check the sending limit of your bank. Wells Fargo clients have a daily limit of $2,500 and a monthly limit of $20,000.

What is the most popular payment app?

In-depth look at the 10 best payment apps
  • Google Pay—Best for Android users.
  • Apple Pay—Best for Apple users.
  • Samsung Pay—Best for Samsung devices.
  • PayPal—Best for low-fee transactions.
  • Xoom (A PayPal service)—Best for sending money to other countries.
  • Circle Pay—Best for sending money to other countries.

How do I send money to a family member?

Here are eight ways you can send money to family and friends fast.
  1. Zelle. Fees: None. ...
  2. Venmo. Fees: 3% fee when using a credit card; other payment methods are free. ...
  3. PayPal. Fees: None for U.S. transfers funded by PayPal balance or a linked bank account. ...
  4. Cash App. ...
  5. Google Pay. ...
  6. Apple Pay. ...
  7. 7. Facebook Messenger. ...
  8. Western Union.

Can Zelle send PayPal?

Let's get straight to the point: Zelle can't send money to PayPal. But don't worry as there's an easy way to transfer funds from your bank account to PayPal.