Zelle is owned by Early Warning Services, an LLC that helps banks verify checks and payments. Zelle is a service used to make low-fee, fast and easy payments to other US bank accounts. You might be able to use Zelle with your business bank account, but it has some limitations.
Can businesses use Zelle?
You can use Zelle with a business bank account if your account is Zelle-compatible. If your bank uses Zelle, it’s automatically included, and you can enroll in the service through your bank’s mobile app or online portal.
If the bank you use for your business account doesn’t offer Zelle, unfortunately, you can’t use it. Zelle states, “In order to use Zelle with your business account, your bank or credit union must currently offer Zelle for your business account type.”
Which banks offer Zelle for business accounts?
Zelle is compatible with many US bank accounts. Here are nine top business accounts that support it.
Account compatible with Zelle | Monthly fee | Learn more |
---|---|---|
Chase Business Complete Banking® | $15 (waivable) | |
NBKC Business Checking | $0 | |
U.S. Bank Platinum Business Money Market | $15 (waivable) | |
Truist Dynamic Business Checking | $20 (waivable) | |
Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking | $10 (waivable) | |
CitiBusiness Streamlined Checking | $15 (waivable) | |
TD Business Premier Checking | $30, first 3 months waived | |
PNC Bank Business Checking | $12, first 3 months waived | |
Huntington Business Checking 100 | $0 |
Does Zelle have business bank accounts?
No, Zelle isn’t a bank or fintech that offers its own bank accounts. Zelle is a mobile payment service that partners with thousands of banks and credit unions. It offers peer-to-peer (P2P) payments to other bank accounts.
It’s similar to apps like Cash App or Venmo, except Zelle is automatically integrated within a bank’s mobile app if it’s a compatible institution.
Using Zelle with your business bank account
If you’re going to use Zelle with your business bank account, keep these points in mind:
- US accounts only. Zelle only works with select US bank accounts and does not support international payments.
- Both accounts must have Zelle. Both your business account and the other account must have Zelle to transfer money to each other. If a customer wants to pay you through Zelle, their bank must support the service.
- Limitations vary. How much money you can transfer daily or monthly through Zelle depends on the financial institution you’re using, so ask your bank for its Zelle limitations.
- Fees may apply. Zelle states that personal transactions are free, but using Zelle with a business account may incur fees depending on your financial institution. Be sure to ask your bank about any applicable fees.
Can a Zelle business account send money to a personal account?
You can send money to other eligible personal or business accounts that support Zelle. Customers with bank accounts that support Zelle can also pay you through Zelle if your business account supports it and you’re enrolled in the service.(1)
Are there Zelle business account scams?
Unfortunately, there are Zelle scams, and one of the most common is called the Pay Yourself Scam.
The Pay Yourself Scam usually starts with the scammer contacting you, claiming to be a Zelle or bank fraud representative. The scammer may tell you they’ve noticed some “suspicious” activity with your account and ask you to verify your information, including your unique Zelle security code.
If you give the scammer your unique Zelle security code, they could use it to enroll their bank account with Zelle. From there, the scammer will tell you to “send money to yourself” to verify your account, so you think you’re sending money to yourself, while in reality, you’re sending money directly to the scammer’s account.
Zelle will never ask you to send money to yourself or any other account to verify your identity or Zelle account. If you receive any messages or phone calls asking you to send money, don’t engage with the communication, contact your bank directly and report the scam to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Zelle alternatives
Zelle only supports domestic transfers, and you can only transfer money to or from other US bank accounts that support Zelle. Check out these alternatives if those limitations are deal breakers for your business:
- Chime Pay Anyone. Chime is a fintech company that provides banking services through its banking partners. Chime’s P2P service, Pay Anyone, is integrated with the Chime checking account. It lets you send money to anyone with a bank account or debit card if you have their phone number or email address, and the recipient doesn’t need a Chime account. However, Chime doesn’t offer business bank accounts.
- Cash App. As one of the most popular P2P payment platforms out there, Cash App offers quick payments to other users. Cash App can make international transfers in the US and UK, with no fees for no-rush transactions. But just like Zelle, Cash App only lets you send money to other Cash App users or your own linked bank account.
- Wise for Business. Wise, formerly TransferWise, is a very popular money transfer service that can also function as a business bank account. You can denominate your account in USD, EUR or GBP and send money to dozens of countries.
- Revolut. A global business account that lets you spend in over 150 currencies, Revolut is a great option if you frequently handle business overseas and international money transfers. Revolut offers a free plan and includes free monthly money exchange allowances. It also provides P2P payments with other Revolut customers through its service, Revolut Pay.
Bottom line
Zelle is a popular P2P payment app, but it may not be ideal for sending payments as a business. Fees may apply, it can’t send international payments, and it doesn’t work with all institutions or fintechs.
Compare more money transfer services here, or compare the best free business checking accounts.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an email for Zelle?
When you enroll in Zelle, you can use an email address or a US mobile phone number tied to a US bank account.
What is the difference between Zelle personal and business?
The primary difference between using Zelle with a personal account and business account is that sending or receiving money with a personal account is free, while business accounts may incur fees depending on the financial institution.
Zelle itself does not charge fees for sending or receiving money. Any additional fees you encounter are likely imposed by your financial institution or may include overdraft fees if using Zelle causes your account to overdraft.
Does Bluevine support Zelle?
No, Bluevine is a fintech and can’t currently support Zelle for sending or receiving payments.
Does Revolut support Zelle?
No, Revolut does not support Zelle.
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