Goodbye, Zelle! Money transfer service suspended in the U.S. – Here’s what you need to know
Zelle has discontinued its standalone app for money transfers in the U.S. starting Tuesday, focusing on streamlining services through its network of over 2,200 partner financial institutions.
As of Tuesday, the widely used money transfer app Zelle has officially discontinued its standalone platform, meaning users can no longer send or receive payments directly through the app.
This change, first announced by the company in October 2024, means that Zelle’s services are now accessible exclusively via more than 2,200 participating banks and credit unions across the United States through their respective mobile apps and websites.
Why Zelle removes its standalone app
This shift in strategy comes at a time when Zelle is under legal scrutiny. In December 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit accusing major banks—including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo—of failing to adequately protect users from widespread fraud.
The suit claims these banks allowed scammers to switch institutions undetected, ignoring red flags and resulting in over $870 million in losses over a seven-year period
According to the company, only about 2% of all Zelle transactions took place through its independent app.
Zelle has suspended service in the U.S. Photo: Bloomberg
Zelle remains available via partner banks
For users who already access Zelle through their bank’s app or website, no action is needed. These users can continue to send and receive money as usual. Zelle has notified affected users via email and in-app messages to ensure a smooth transition and reassure them that their funds and transaction history remain safe.
This change is part of a broader effort by Zelle to align its services more closely with its banking partners while addressing ongoing concerns over digital payment security.