What Bank Does Cash App Use for Zelle?
Written by
Kristopher Kane
Edited by
Melanie Grafil
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Digital payments have become commonplace, and services like Cash App and Zelle have revolutionized how we send and receive funds. While each platform operates individually, they work in tandem to enable people to make transactions across different banks, leaving many users wondering about how things work behind the scenes. If you’ve asked yourself, “What bank does Cash App use for Zelle?” you’re not alone.
Read: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
Keep reading for a look at how Cash App and Zelle work together and what you need to know if you plan on using either service.
What Bank Does Cash App Use?
Cash App doesn’t pair with a specific bank for Zelle transfers or other transactions. Instead, it collaborates with numerous banking networks and financial institutions, which allows you to send and receive Zelle payments to and from almost anyone with a Zelle-linked bank account in the U.S. Within Cash App, you can add any routing and account number, which will link that account to your Cash App profile.
When you start a Zelle transfer using Cash App, the app links to its partnering banks — a long list that currently includes Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase and others. Cash App then finds the recipient’s bank within its network and channels the money through that bank’s system. The recipient receives the funds directly in their linked bank account, typically within minutes.
Can Cash App Be Linked to Zelle?
While Cash App and Zelle work together to enable money transfers, their connection isn’t direct. From Cash App, you can send Zelle transfers to anyone in the U.S. with a linked bank account. Cash App doesn’t limit transactions to one bank when processing a Zelle transfer. It taps into a variety of partner banks to make the transaction seamless.
When you start a Zelle transfer from Cash App, the app finds the recipient’s bank within its network. The funds are then directed through the Zelle platform and end up in the recipient’s linked bank account.
What Banks Work With Zelle?
Zelle partners with many banks and credit unions across the U.S., including large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Citi®, Capital One and Wells Fargo, providing access for you to transfer from either your checking or savings account. Zelle also works with plenty of smaller and regional banks like Ally, Discover and First Horizon. Zelle even works with credit union accounts at places like Navy Federal, PenFed and USAA.
To find out if your bank or credit union offers Zelle, reach out to the institution directly.
Can I Use Zelle Without a Bank Account?
Unfortunately, you can’t use Zelle directly if you don’t have a bank account. Zelle was created to make transfers easy between bank accounts, which means both parties must already have a bank account to transact via Zelle (thought it might not work with your CD accounts). Whether you’re using Cash App or another digital payment services, a valid payment source is necessary to make transfers across the Zelle network.
Is Cash App a Bank?
You might be wondering whether Cash App is a bank — after all, you can use the app to send and receive money. You can even set your Cash App account up to directly deposit your paychecks, government benefits like disability or Social Security payments and even your tax refunds. Cash App makes these deposits available as soon as they’re received, but you’re limited to $50,000 within a 24-hour period.
However, Cash App isn’t a bank. It’s a financial technology service that partners with FDIC-insured banks, which handle all of the transactions. Cash App allows you to manage these transfers but doesn’t provide essential banking services to customers.
Things To Keep in Mind When Using Digital Payment Apps
While apps like Cash App and Zelle have revolutionized the way we handle money by making transfers and payments as simple as a few taps on your phone, it’s important to carefully consider every digital payment you make. Unfortunately, digital payment fraud has been a persistent problem, and because Zelle and Cash App transfers happen instantly, you may not be able to recover the money you send to a scammer.
Keep your app up to date and monitor your transactions regularly to protect yourself from scams or fraudulent activities. Keep your personal information private, and never share sensitive details over the phone or the internet unless absolutely necessary.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
