With Zelle, users are able to transfer money from one U.S bank to another online in less than no time which is one of the reasons why several people prefer Zelle. Making use of Zelle without a bank account is quite possible, but you will need a debit card to use the Zelle app.
Zelle is one of those apps that eases the online transfer of money from on bank account to another.
Following Zelle's statistics, the app counted half a trillion dollars for funds transfers initiated by customers and businesses. It is obvious that from the app's statistics, Zelle is an important app in the financial milieu.
Just like other online money transfer platform, getting started with Zelle is quite easy as all you need is your email address or U.S phone number.
Once you signup with Zelle, it is necessary you have in mind that you have to link a bank account or debit card to Zelle before you can start sending and receiving money via the Zelle app.
In case you do not yet have a bank account to add to Zelle, there is still a way which lets you use Zelle without a bank account.
So in this article, I will show you how to use Zelle without a bank account.
Table of Contents
What is Zelle?
Zelle is a U.S-based digital payments network owned by Early Warning Services, LLC, a private financial services company owned by the Bank of America, Truist, Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Bank, U.S Bank, and Wells Fargo.
ALSO READ: Can I Send Money to MySelf with Zelle? (Yes, Here's How)
How Does Zelle Work?
As soon as you sign up for Zelle, the company receives your name, the name of your financial institution, and either your email address or U.S mobile phone number. It is good you know that none of your sensitive account details are shared since all those stay with your bank or credit union.
Each time an individual sends money to your registered email address or mobile number, Zelle notifies your financial institution of the incoming payment and looks up the email address or mobile number in its "Zelle Network directory" instead of actually transferring the funds.
Now, your bank or credit union then transfers the funds to your bank account while maintaining the confidentiality of your private account details.
Why Should I Use a Bank Account With Zelle?
In the United States, Zelle is mostly used for bank-to-bank transfer and in many cases, you can even use Zelle to send money using your own bank's online services.
In a pursuit to take businesses like PayPal, Zelle decided to unveil its own app.
Rather than having to go online and using their bank's website, bank customers can simply download the app and transfer money between accounts by making use of their smartphones.
ALSO READ: How to Send Money Anonymously On Venmo.
Can I Use Zelle Without A Bank Account?
Yes, you can use Zelle without a bank account.
As earlier said in this guide, you will have to link a debit card to the Zelle app in order to use it without a bank account.
You can link an eligible Visa or Mastercard debit card to Zelle and be able to use Zelle without a bank account.
A debit card barely exist on its own since it is often linked to a bank account which means, this means that you will not actually be using Zelle without a bank account if your linked debit card is associated to a checking account.
In case your financial institution provides debit cards with no link to a bank account, then you can link the debit card to Zelle and then use Zelle without a bank account.
Most at times, this methodology is used by users whose banks are not compatible with Zelle.
It is necessary you have in mind that Zelle will not work with a virtual debit card so you should only link a debit card that was issued by a registered financial institution.
ALSO READ: Does Zelle Work With Walmart Money Card?
What Banks Use Zelle?
Since Zelle is a well known online financial institution, most major banks have integrated it into their banking apps and nearly all major banks supports Zelle's service.
Before being able to send and receive money, users of the Zelle app must enter their debit card information, a phone number or both.
If you have a debit card from Visa or Mastercard, then you can download Zelle and use it to send money.
Once you have already downloaded the Zelle mobile app on your phone and your bank already integrated with it, then you should be able to link the two without any issues.
Can I Receive Money From Zelle Without A Bank Account?
Yes, you can receive money from Zelle even without a bank account.
But before you can be able to receive money from Zelle without a bank account, you will need to link another funding source such as a supported debit card.
How to Receive Money From Zelle Without Bank Account
Similar to Cash App and PayPal, if you do not have a supported bank account or debit card linked to your Zelle account, you will encounter some limitations when using Zelle.
According to Zelle, if you do not have a bank account link to Zelle, you can still receive money from other Zelle users without a bank account by linking an eligible Visa or Mastercard debit card.
So this means that you will first of all need to link an eligible debit card to Zelle to receive money from Zelle without bank account.
Below are the steps involved in linking a debit card to Zelle and receiving money from Zelle without bank account.
- Download Zelle App from Google Play Store or App Store depending on your device.
- Enter your mobile number or email, and select "Continue".
- Tick the data and privacy box, then tap "Continue".
- Since you do not have a bank account, tap "Don't see your bank?".
- Now Enter a Visa or Mastercard debit card on the "Add Debit Card" screen and then tap "Continue".
- Add your billing address on the next screen and then click "Continue".
ALSO READ: Top 5 Best Cash Apps That Accept Prepaid Cards
What is Zelle's Transfer Limit?
If your bank does not work with Zelle, you are allowed to send only as much as $500 weekly.
Provided that your bank accepts Zelle, then you might be able to transfer larger amounts. It is good you contact your bank to find out about any spending limitations.
On the other hand, when it comes to receiving money via Zelle, there are no limits to the amount you can accept.
Final Thoughts on Can I Use Zelle Without A Bank Account
Zelle is a well known P2P money transfer service that allows users send and receive money to and from their bank accounts online.
All you need to get started with Zelle is a U.S phone number and email address.
In order to send and receive money via the Zelle app in all convenience, you will need to link a bank account or debit card to Zelle.
As of using Zelle without a Bank Account this article compiles all what it takes to be able to use Zelle without a Bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use Zelle without a bank?
Even if you don't have Zelle® available through your bank or credit union, you can still use it! Simply download the Zelle® app in the App Store or Google Play and enroll an eligible Visa® or Mastercard® debit card.
Can you receive Zelle without a bank?
Yes, you are able to receive money on Zelle without a bank account. But you will have to ensure that you have another funding source linked to your Zelle account in order to receive funds.
How do you use Zelle without a Bank?
You can enjoy Zelle's services without a bank account directly by linking your debit card to the app. the process is quite easy and straight forward.