Zelle no longer supports person-to-person transfers.

Zelle’s Bold Shift: Moving Beyond Money Transfers

In a significant overhaul, the **Zelle mobile payment app** has officially ceased its **person-to-person money transfer** services. The app, once a go-to solution for convenient financial transactions, now pivots to focus on **consumer education about scams and fraud**. What does this mean for users and how has this decision come about? Let’s dive in.

• **Person-to-person money transfers are no longer available** through Zelle’s standalone mobile app.
• Users must be enrolled at one of the **over 2,200 banks and credit unions** that offer Zelle to access its services.

In a recent decision, the Zelle payment platform has announced that it will no longer facilitate **money transfers** through its standalone app. This change, which happened on **October 2024**, marks a significant pivot in Zelle’s service model, as users will now have to access the service exclusively through one of the **more than 2,200 banks and credit unions** that have integrated Zelle within their mobile apps and websites. According to Zelle, only **2%** of its transactions were being processed through the **standalone app** prior to this announcement.

Why The Change?

This decision doesn’t come without controversy. Recently, the **U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau** filed a lawsuit against major banks linked to Zelle, including **JPMorgan Chase**, **Bank of America**, and **Wells Fargo**, for allegedly failing to protect consumers from widespread fraud. Reports indicated losses exceeding **$870 million** over seven years from customers affected by scams using the Zelle platform.

In light of these issues, Zelle has taken a firm stance, asserting that these attacks on the platform are **”legally and factually flawed.”** The company argues that such measures would only empower criminals while increasing costs for consumers and stifling competition among smaller banks.

How Can Users Adapt to the Change?

While the standalone Zelle app has ceased its transfer functionalities, **users can still send and receive money** through the affiliated banks and credit unions that operate Zelle services. **If you were previously using the app, you won’t need to take any specific action**—just continue using it via your bank’s platform.

Finding Partner Institutions

For those wondering where they can continue to utilize Zelle’s services, a complete list of participating banks and credit unions can be found at enroll.zellepay.com.

The Future of Zelle

Despite the changes, the **Zelle app remains available** for download and continues to function as a tool for consumer education regarding **scams and fraud**. As Zelle shifts its focus, users who previously relied on the app for quick transactions will need to adapt to this new landscape of digital payments.

In conclusion, while the **Zelle app’s evolution** may be disheartening for some, it underscores a broader responsibility in the digital payment landscape: protecting users from the ever-growing threat of fraud. How will this affect your approach to online transactions? Stay informed and secure your financial future!

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].