No, you cannot use Zelle with a credit card.
Zelle is a payment service that's not like any other as its primary purpose is to facilitate bank transfers—and eliminating the hassle of waiting for up to 5 business days for a bank-to-bank transfer to complete.
If you need to know more about how you can use Zelle, I'll show you the best way to use Zelle even without a credit card.
How Can I Use Zelle?
The best way to use Zelle is to link it to your bank account since that is what the payment service was designed for.
Not everyone has a bank account, and Zelle understands that. That said, it lets you link your debit card to Zelle so you can as well use its convenient features. This one isn't just for those who don't have a bank account, but also for those who's banks aren't listed on Zelle.
However, you need to make sure that the bank account that you are using is was issued by a US bank and to increase your chances, its good you link a debit card that's in the Zelle network.
How to Set Up Zelle
There are two ways to set up Zelle—either through your bank online banking platform or app or directly through the Zelle app.
How to Set Up Zelle Through Your Bank or Credit Union
It is very easy to setup Zelle through your bank or credit union. You need to make sure that they have an online banking platform or app for this to work.
So to set up Zelle through your bank, login to your banking app or platform, tap the Send Money feature offered by your bank, then select Zelle. After you've selected Zelle, you'll need to follow the steps to set up Zelle with your bank.
How to Set Up Zelle through the App
This method is even the best way to set up Zelle as it works for anyone who's bank does not integrate with Zelle just yet.
All you'll have to do is download the Zelle app and sign up for an account. You can directly link your bank account or debit card, in case your bank isn't in the Zelle network just yet.
How to Send Money With Zelle
Once your account is fully set up, you can start sending money with Zelle through the following steps:
1. Decide Who to Pay
The first step will be to choose who to pay.
For instance, you could use Zelle to send your friend $50 if you went to dinner with them and want to reimburse them for your meal.
You just need to make sure that the person you're sending money to is someone you know and trust.
2. Enter the Recipient's Email Address or Phone Number
Anyone with a bank or credit union account in the United States can receive money from you using Zelle.
All you need is their U.S. cell phone number or email address linked to their Zelle account—and even if they haven't enrolled with Zelle, they'll be provided with the steps they need to receive their money.
3. Decide How Much to Send
The next step will be to choose an amount. Just enter what you want to send.
4. Send the Money
Now comes the final step, sending the money.
Once you've confirmed the payment details, all you'll have to do is to tap "Send" to send the funds. The recipient will soon be notified when the payment is sent and even if they haven't enrolled with Zelle yet, they'll receive the steps they need to take to get started with Zelle to receive their money.
How to Cancel a Zelle Payment
Zelle payments are typically instant, especially when it is sent from one Zelle to another Zelle account That said, you can only cancel a Zelle payment if the receiver hasn't yet enrolled with Zelle.
If the recipient hasn't enrolled with Zelle yet, you should see a button labeled "Cancel This Payment", just click on it to cancel the payment before the recipient claims the funds.
If you sent a money to someone you don't trust and believe is a scammer, getting back your money if scammed on Zelle isn't that easy.
What Are the Zelle Transfer Limits?
Usually, your bank or credit union is the one that defines your transfer limits through Zelle.
Here are some transfer limits set by some banks that use Zelle.
- Bank of America customers have a maximum Zelle transfer limit of $3,500 per day.
- Chase personal checking account customers can send up to $2,000 in a single Zelle transaction and up to $2,000 per day. Higher transfer limits are available for Chase “private client” banking customers and business checking account holders.
- Wells Fargo limits established customers to sending $3,500 in daily Zelle transfers, and it may impose a lower limit for customers who are new users.
However, you can send $500 on a weekly basis if Zelle does not work with your bank.
Is Zelle Safe?
Yes, Zelle is completely safe if you follow the recommend ways to use the payment service. It is generally safe and recommended to use Zelle only with people you know and trust.
For instance, it isn't always safe to receive money from strangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Zelle if I don't have a debit card?
Yes, you can use Zelle without a debit card by linking your bank account directly to the Zelle app.
How do you use Zelle without a bank?
You can use Zelle without a bank by linking your debit card to the Zelle app.
Final Thoughts: Can You Use Zelle With A Credit Card
Zelle is a popular P2P payment service that allows users to transfer money between banks, not credit cards.
That said, you cannot use Zelle with a credit card, and if you're looking for an alternative to a bank account to use with Zelle, you can always use your US debit card.
