Under Zelle’s terms and conditions, both the person sending and receiving a Zelle payment needs an account in the US, as well as a local US phone number¹.
Unfortunately, that means that you can’t send money internationally with Zelle².
Need to send a payment overseas? This guide has you covered, with some great alternatives - like Wise, which offers low-cost transfers with the world’s most international account. More on that later.
What is Zelle?
Zelle allows you to send money between bank accounts in the US almost instantly, using just your recipient’s phone number or email address³. Then, if someone wants to send you money they’ll just need your phone number or email⁴ - making it easy to both send and receive money, and request money from friends or family.
Zelle is available for users in the US with an eligible US based bank account and a US mobile phone number.
It’s worth knowing that you can’t use Zelle with business debit cards, credit cards, or cards linked to international accounts. Some other card types such as gift cards and some prepaid cards are also prohibited⁵.
How does Zelle work?
You can enrol with Zelle by downloading the Zelle mobile app - or in some cases through your own bank or credit union’s online banking service. Not all banks allow direct access to Zelle - but if yours does, this is a simple way to link your account and start to make payments⁶.
Once you’re set up with Zelle you can send, request and receive payments. All you’ll need is an email or US phone number for the person you’re sending money to⁷. Transfer limits apply.
| 💡 New to Zelle mobile payments? Get a full guide to Zellehere. |
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Can I send money through Zelle internationally?
Zelle is only available for customers with a US bank account and US registered mobile number. That means it’s not an option for sending international payments to friends and family overseas.
Read on for some international Zelle alternatives.
International Zelle alternatives
While Zelle international transfers are not possible, there are some great alternative services for those times you need to send money securely across borders. Here are a few money transfer companies to consider.
Wise
- Wise offers the world’s most international account - with no hidden fees
- Hold over 50 currencies and send instant payments using the real mid-market exchange rate
- Get a Wise debit card to spend in 174 countries
- 10 local bank details to get paid from 30 different countries
- Set up multi-currency direct debits to pay one off and recurring charges
Wise international money transfers allow customers to send payments to 80+ countries using the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs. Arrange your payment online - your recipient doesn’t need to have their own Wise account, as the money will be delivered right into their regular bank account for convenience. See how much you can save with Wise:
PayPal
- Send payments with PayPal or PayPal’s sister company, Xoom, to 130 countries around the world⁹
- Payments can arrive with friends and family in seconds with PayPal - recipients will need a PayPal account to get the money
- Use the PayPal app to include messages, emojis and more when you send international payments⁸
- PayPal international transfers have a fee of 5% of the transfer value, capped at 4.99 USD + 3% - 4% currency conversion fee¹⁰
PayPal is famous as a global payment provider for online shopping, and also offers personal and business payments at home and abroad.
As well as sending money with your regular PayPal account, you can choose PayPal’s sister company Xoom for more international transfer options.
It’s worth knowing that the fees for sending international PayPal transfers include both a transfer fee and a currency conversion markup - check out the full details before you initiate your payment, so there are no surprises.
| 💡 Learn more about PayPal and how it works here. |
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WorldRemit
- Send payments to 130+ countries, in 70+ currencies¹¹
- Payments can be arranged online for convenience, with payout options including cash collection, bank transfer, mobile money and airtime top-up
- 95% of transfers available in minutes¹²
- Model your payment online to see the fees and exchange rate which will apply - the costs and rates, as well as the services available, do vary based on destination country
WorldRemit was created through real life experience, after the founder discovered that remitting money home to his family was expensive and troublesome¹³. These days, you can send money to 130 countries, online and through the WorldRemit mobile app. You’ll then be able to choose how you want the payment to be received, including options for cash collection, which can be handy if you’re sending to someone without access to a bank account - or need the money to be in the recipient’s hands in a hurry.
| 💡 Get your full guide to WorldRemit international transfers here. |
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Bottom line
Zelle isn’t an option for international money transfers because both the sender and recipient of a Zelle payment need a US based bank account and mobile phone number.
That means that while Zelle is great for paying back a local friend for your share of lunch, or to split household bills with your roommates, it’s not possible to use it to send money to a friend overseas, or remit a payment to a family member abroad.
If you’re looking for a cross border payment provider with the same speed and convenience as Zelle, check out Wise. Set up your transfer online or in the Wise app, get the mid-market exchange rate, and you may save on fees compared to using your regular bank.
Learn more about Wise
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zelle free for international transfer?
Zelle doesn’t charge for domestic payments - however, Zelle is not available for international transfers. Both the sender and recipient of a Zelle payment must have US based bank accounts and phone numbers.
Does Zelle work in Mexico?
Zelle can only be used by customers in the US with local bank accounts and phone numbers - you can’t make a Zelle payment to someone in Mexico. Check out alternatives like Wise for low cost international transfers to Mexico.
Can you use Zelle in Canada?
You can’t use Zelle in Canada - it’s for payments between US based banks only. Use this handy guide as a way to find alternative providers to make convenient, low cost, online and mobile payments to Canada.
What is the cheapest way to transfer money internationally?
There are plenty of international alternatives to Zelle that can help you to send money with low fees. We suggest that you take a look at the International Zelle alternatives segment above to help you make an informed choice.
Sources:
1]Zelle - service agreement
2]Zelle support - can I use Zelle internationally?
3]Zelle support - what is Zelle?
4]Zelle support - how do I get started?
5]Zelle support - trouble enrolling
6]Zelle support - link online banking
7]Zelle support - how can I use Zelle?
8]PayPal - home
9]PayPal - send money
10]PayPal - fees
11]WorldRemit - how it works
12]WorldRemit - benefits
13]WorldRemit - about us
14]Please visit Wise for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
All sources checked on 22 December 2022
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
