If you've tried linking your prepaid card to Zelle, there's a great probability that you were unsuccessful during the process.
Well, that makes sense because the app typically works with US banks, allowing users to instantly transfer money from one bank account to another—but it does work with some prepaid cards as well.
In this guide, I'll list the prepaid cards that you should expect to work with Zelle.
Table of Contents
Do Any Prepaid Cards Work With Zelle?
Yes, Zelle works with a couple of prepaid cards. However, only prepaid cards that are issued by Zelle Network banks should work with Zelle.
Otherwise, you'll always encounter issues when trying to link your prepaid card to the Zelle app.
What Prepaid Cards Work With Zelle?
Generally, Zelle does not work with prepaid cards. However, as it turns out, Zelle supports some prepaid cards.
That said, Zelle only supports prepaid cards from a few of the Zelle Network Banks.
The Zelle Network Banks are traditional brick-and-mortar banks. Some prepaid card issues by a few Zelle Network banks that work with Zelle include; the Access 360° Prepaid Card, the PNC SmartAccess® Prepaid Visa® Card, and the Chase Liquid Card (now called Chase Secure Banking).
The prepaid cards mentioned above aren't the only prepaid cards that work with Zelle. If your bank is in the Zelle network, then you can try linking your prepaid card to the Zelle app.
If your prepaid card isn't issued from a Zelle Network bank, it won't work with Zelle and you won't be able to link the prepaid card to the Zelle app.
If your prepaid card does not work with Zelle and you want to move money to a bank account, here's a guide to transferring money from a prepaid card to a bank account and how to transfer money from a bank account to a prepaid card.
Can Zelle Be Connected To A Prepaid Card?
Yes, Zelle can be connected to a prepaid card only if the prepaid card was issued by a Zelle Network bank.
Does Zelle Work With Walmart Money Card?
No, Zelle does not work with Walmart Money cards since it is one of the prepaid cards not supported by Zelle.
What Debit Cards Work With Zelle?
Zelle works with all debit cards issued by banks in the Zelle Network.
However, if you can find Zelle in your mobile banking app, you can link your eligible US debit card to the Zelle app.
Can I Use Zelle Without a Debit Card?
Yes, you can use Zelle without a debit card only if Zelle works with your bank or credit union.
That is to say, if your bank does not support Zelle, you would have to link your debit card to Zelle before sending and receiving payments through the app.
What is Zelle?
Zelle is a payments network that allows you to send money from your bank account to someone else's bank account easily, quickly, and securely.
Transactions with Zelle typically take only a few minutes, and anyone who uses the platform can send and receive money for free.
Zelle users sent $490 billion in 1.8 billion transactions in 2021, and nearly 3,000 financial institutions joined the Zelle network.
How Does Zelle Work?
Zelle uses the Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments system to quickly send payments between U.S. bank accounts.
While you could make an ACH payment to a friend from your bank account, the transaction could take up to three days to complete. Your money will arrive in minutes with Zelle.
How to Set Up Zelle
There are two ways to set up Zelle; through your financial institution or by using the Zelle app directly.
How to Set Up Zelle Through Your Financial Institution
If Zelle works with your financial institution (bank or credit union), linking Zelle to your account can be done in just a few steps.
All you need to do is log in to your bank account online and follow the steps to link Zelle to your account.
How to Set Up Zelle Directly
If your financial institution does not support Zelle payments, you could link your bank account to Zelle directly through the Zelle app.
All you'll need is your debit card details and your billing information.
How to Send Money With Zelle
Sending money with Zelle is easy once your account is set up.
1. Decide Who to Pay
Zelle is best used for sending money to people you know and trust, such as friends or family.
For instance, if you went out to dinner with friends and want to reimburse one of them for your meal, you can send your friend $50 via Zelle.
Zelle can also be used with service providers or small businesses such as babysitters, lawn care professionals, and hairstylists.
2. Enter the Recipient's Email Address or Phone Number
You can send money instantly through Zelle to anyone with a bank or credit union account in the United States. All you need is their Zelle account's email address or U.S. mobile phone number.
3. Decide How Much to Send
Zelle will ask you how much money you wish to send. Simply enter a figure that is within your weekly send limit, and you're set.
4. Send the Money
Tap "send" to send the payment instantly.
If the receiver already uses Zelle, the funds will be transferred to their bank account within minutes.
If they are not already enrolled, they will receive a text or email with instructions on how to claim the payment.
Final Thoughts
Zelle is a digital payment service that lets users transfer payments instantly.
Zelle works with most U.S. banks and credit unions but not with does not work with all prepaid cards.
Zelle works only with prepaid cards issued by Zelle Network banks.