Zelle, a United States–based digital payments network, has announced the closure of its standalone app, effective April 1, 2025. This decision comes as the service continues to thrive, with over $1 trillion in transactions processed in 2024 alone.
Despite its widespread use, the standalone app has become redundant due to Zelle’s extensive integration with more than 2,200 financial institutions across the U.S. As a result, users will now rely on their banks’ mobile apps or online platforms to access Zelle’s services, a change that is expected to improve security and reduce the risk of fraud.
Zelle’s integration with banks has been a key factor in its success. Launched in 2017, Zelle was initially available through about 60 financial institutions. Today, it is accessible via most banks and credit unions. This widespread adoption has led to a reduction in the need for a separate app. Additionally, Zelle has faced issues with fraud, which have prompted the company to boost security by shifting towards a bank-centric model.
Users who relied on the standalone app will need to re-enroll through a participating bank or credit union to continue using Zelle. This process is straightforward and involves linking a bank account to the service within the bank’s app or online platform. For those already using Zelle through their bank’s app, there will be no disruption.
Zelle’s success can be attributed to its ability to offer direct bank-to-bank transfers without additional fees, making it a preferred choice for larger transactions like rent payments. In contrast, services such as Venmo are often used for smaller, social transactions. In 2024, Zelle processed over $1 trillion in payments, a record for any payment app.
While the standalone Zelle app is being discontinued, users have numerous alternatives for digital payments, including Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App. These services offer flexibility and convenience, although they may have different fee structures and usage patterns.
In the UK, alternatives to Zelle include Wise, PayPal, and MoneyGram, which cater to international payments and offer various features such as live exchange rates and tracking.
Some users may need to adjust their usage, but the overall impact is expected to be minimal, and Zelle will continue to be a leading option for peer-to-peer payments through its partnerships with financial institutions.