If you are a regular Zelle app user, we have bad news for you. Zelle shutdown its standalone app on April 1 and will only work with institutions and banks. Users can still make payments on Zelle through their mobile banking apps, as most banks use the Zelle network. Launched in 2017, the digital payment app quickly became one of the top peer-to-peer networks in the U.S., with over 143 million users.
The company had a million users making payments through their network, but only 2% were using its standalone app. Most of the transactions were made through the partnership apps of banks and various institutions.
Inside the Zelle Shutdown: Reason Behind the Closure
Millions of Americans use Zelle to pay rent, bills and send money to friends and family, but only two percent of those transactions happen through the stand-alone app. Most users access Zelle through their bank, which is why the company decided to shut down the app.
Launched in 2017 with support from 30 U.S. banks, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, Zelle quickly became popular. By 2025, over 2,200 banks and credit unions in the U.S. will offer Zelle through their banking apps, handling 98 percent of transactions. With the app seeing little use, Zelle has urged users still relying on it to switch to their bank’s online services, which will continue to support Zelle.
How to Send Money After Zelle Shutdown?
To continue using the Zelle app, you’ll need to register through your bank or switch to one that supports it. Until you set it up with a new provider, you won’t be able to send or receive payments. The process will depend on your bank or its app. Typically, you’ll need to provide your registered email or phone number, and your bank will handle the rest (you can use the same details already registered with Zelle).
If your bank or credit union offers Zelle, you can also sign up through their app or website. It’s usually a quick process, and once set up, you can start adding people and businesses to send money to.
Alternatives to Zelle App
As the Zelle app has partnerships with several banks and institutions, it’s easy to switch to the banking app. However, if you don’t want to use banking or other institution apps, we have got a list of Zelle alternatives for you through which you can make payments and receive money.
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Apple Wallet
- Cash App
