How to Connect Zelle to a Bank Account

Zelle is not just any online payment app. Unlike some of its competition, it was created by more than two dozen major US banks. And that’s why it has quickly knocked over other mobile payment applications.

And that’s the best thing about Zelle – you can easily create an account and connect with your primary bank account.

But if it’s your first time using Zelle, perhaps you’re not sure how that process works. Find out how to make the Zelle app and your bank account work together to facilitate convenient money transfers.

Connecting Zelle to Your Bank Account

While most banks and credit unions in the US offer Zelle enrollment as part of their services, that’s still not all of them.

That’s why before getting started, check if your bank supports Zelle directly. If the answer is yes, then the next step is to download the Zelle app from the App Store or Play Store. The registration is simple enough.

All you need to do is provide your email address, phone number, and debit card information.

Important note: The phone number and debit card must be US-based as Zelle is a US-only service that doesn’t support international bank accounts or phone numbers.

When you’ve registered your email and other information with Zelle, the next step is to go to your online banking app. If you don’t use one, you can access online banking on your browser too. For example, let’s say that you have a bank account at Wells Fargo bank. Here are the steps you’d need to follow:

1. Sign in to your Wells Fargo online banking and select “Transfer & Pay.”
2. Then choose the option “Send Money with Zelle.” You’ll see a welcome note too.
3. You need to read and accept the Terms and Conditions.
4. Finally, enter your email, phone number, and bank account number.

You’ll also receive a confirmation email or a verification code by text, so make sure that you confirm your account so you can proceed to use it.

Zelle and Your Bank: Same Username and Password

Since Zelle is a joint venture of many US banks, it offers several enrolment perks. Your bank might allow you to connect your bank account and Zelle with the same username and password for your online banking.

That can be quite practical and expedient. But as it’s the case with all participating banks and Zelle, not all of the rules are identical. So, this is another thing that you’d want to check with your bank.

However, you’ll know that your bank provides this feature if you’re redirected to your bank’s site when registering with Zelle.

At the point when you need to enter a username and password, that’s when this option will be prompted. Once you’ve entered the information, you’ll return to the Zelle app.

Important note: Even though you’ll use the same password when connecting Zelle and your bank account, you’ll need to create a different password for your Zelle app and use it from then on.

Can You Connect Zelle to Multiple Bank Accounts?

As you know, a lot of people have more than one bank account and it would probably be very useful to be able to use a few with Zelle.

Unfortunately, for now anyway, Zelle doesn’t support this feature. Also, it’s your bank that determines if any of your accounts are eligible for Zelle enrollment in the first place. It’s also important to keep in mind that Zelle doesn’t support credit cards. You can only enroll with your Mastercard or Visa debit cards.

Can You Change Your Bank Account?

Zelle has made it easier to unlink your current bank account and replace it with another. You don’t need to delete the app or call your bank to do that. Just follow a few straightforward steps:

1. Open your Zelle app and the Settings icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
2. Select your Account and then choose “Switch Accounts.”
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Essentially you will be directed to your current account to disconnect it. You will then be redirected to repeat the same process that you went through before to connect your bank account. Just keep in mind that all of the transaction histories will be erased.

Zelle Enrollment Troubleshooting

One of the most frequent issues that people have with connecting their bank account to Zelle is inaccurate debit card information.

That then would to them seeing a message that their card is ineligible. Or they are simply using the wrong card to complete the enrollment.

All the information from the card must match the information for your bank. If you’re sure that you’ve tried everything and that the information you’ve entered is accurate, then the best course of action is to contact your bank.

Another common issue is that Zelle doesn’t accept a phone number. That usually has to do with an invalid international country code, so make sure that it’s a US number that starts with 1.

Is Your Bank Information Safe with Zelle?

While they’re widely used nowadays, mobile payment apps are still somewhat a novelty. And there’s still an aura of suspicion around them.

When you’re connecting your bank account to Zelle for the first time, you might be curious to know how safe your banking info will be. The app does have safety protocols and ensures that the payments are made securely.

It also uses authentication and never puts your money in the hands of a third-party. The only real problem with Zelle is of users not being sure who they’re sending money to.

That’s where any potential safety issues stem from. You can’t cancel the money transfer once you’ve pressed “send.” But overall, there are very few concerns about potential hacking or any abuse of your banking information.

Let Zelle Make All Transactions Faster

The instantaneous nature of transactions is one of the best Zelle features. And the reason why the app has a growing market.

Connecting your Zelle account to your bank account is a super quick and efficient process. As we mentioned, many banks allow for the same username and password to be used to make the process even more expedient.

Unfortunately, you’ll have to settle for just one bank account for now, but you never know what the future brings.

Do you use Zelle and have you connected your bank account? Let us know in the comments section below.