Zelle, the popular mobile payment app, has recently ceased its money transfer services. While the platform is still operational, users can no longer send or receive money transfers through the app. This change took effect on Tuesday, as announced by the company back in October 2024. Going forward, Zelle can only be accessed through the websites or mobile apps of the “more than 2,200 banks and credit unions” in the U.S. that offer the service. The decision to discontinue standalone money transfers via the Zelle app was made due to the fact that only a small percentage (around 2%) of transactions were being conducted through the app, according to the company.
In December 2024, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau initiated legal action against JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, accusing them of not adequately safeguarding consumers from widespread fraud involving Zelle. The lawsuit alleged that more than $870 million was lost to fraud over a seven-year period, with scammers and repeat offenders exploiting vulnerabilities within the system. In response, Zelle defended itself, asserting that the lawsuit was baseless and could potentially benefit criminals at the expense of consumers.
To continue using Zelle, users must now be enrolled with one of the participating banks or credit unions that offer the service through their own platforms. If you are already using Zelle through a partner institution, no additional steps are required. Users who previously utilized the Zelle app were notified of the change via email and in-app notifications to ensure a smooth transition of funds.
For a complete list of banks and credit unions that support Zelle, visit enroll.zellepay.com. While the Zelle app is still accessible for download, its primary function has shifted to providing consumer education on scams and fraud. Money transfers can no longer be initiated through the app itself. The app does, however, feature a list of financial institutions that support Zelle.
