Does Zelle Work Internationally? The Answer Is No
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Jacob Wade
Edited by
Emily Gadd
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Zelle is a payment service available at many banks and credit unions that lets you send money directly to others. Zelle has become a popular way to pay someone back things like buying concert tickets. But Zelle is not available for international transfers.
Here’s how Zelle works. Plus, a few alternatives to Zelle you can use to transfer money internationally.
Zelle is only available in the U.S.
Zelle is a U.S-only payment service that does not support international transfers or payments. You can send money from a U.S. bank to another Zelle user. Money is transferred directly from your Zelle-linked account to the other user’s bank account. This makes it one of the simplest ways to move money from one bank account to another.
Zelle does not support sending money to international bank accounts. You also cannot link Zelle to any international bank. And while Zelle acts as a payment partner for many U.S. banks, it’s not available at every bank or credit union. You’ll need to ask your bank whether it supports Zelle–and how to link your account to being using it.
Zelle does not support international transfers
International money transfers allow you to send money from a U.S. bank account to an international bank account. International transfers also support incoming transfers from an international bank to your U.S. bank account.
Unfortunately, Zelle does not support either of these types of international transfers. If you want to send or receive money from an international bank account, you’ll need to find:
- An alternative payment app
- A bank that offers international payments or wire transfers
Zelle Alternatives for International Transfers
There are several ways to send money internationally. Most international transfers require going through a bank. But there are payment apps that offer international support. Since Zelle doesn’t support international payments or transfers, here are a few alternatives:
Bank Wire Transfers
Most large banks offer international wire transfers or payments. You can send money directly to an international bank account, usually for a fee. There are differing fee and exchange rates charged depending on where you send the money. It also may take a few days for payments to arrive when using a bank or credit union international wire transfers.
Payment Apps
There are several payment apps that do offer international transfers. Apps like PayPal, Wise, and others let you send money to any other users of the platform. You can choose to send money internationally, and the user can withdraw funds into their bank account. Payments apps charge various fees for:
- International transfers
- Withdrawals
- Exchanging currencies
Zelle vs. Other Payment Apps
While Zelle offers a quick way to send money or make a payment, it is only available in the U.S. Here are a few other payment apps that offer international transfers that you can use instead of Zelle:
1. Wise
Wise is a global payment platform that offers international payments and money transfers. This app is:
- Available in nine different currencies natively
- Can convert to 40+ currencies
- Offers transparent fees for transfers and currency exchange
2. PayPal
PayPal is a popular payments app that lets you send money directly to other PayPal users. You can also use it to make payments through online retailers. You can send international payments through PayPal to 110+ countries. Plus, the funds may be available instantly. There are high fees for sending money through PayPal internationally, which may include:
- Transfer fees
- Currency conversion fees
- Expedited transfer fees
3. WorldRemit
WorldRemit is a global payment platform that lets you send money to over 130 countries and offers transparent fees. There are several payment methods available through WorldRemit, including:
- Bank account
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Apple pay
- Google Pay
Fees will vary by:
- Currency
- Location
- Method of payment chosen
International Transfer Fees
Before you make an international transfer, make sure you understand what fees are involved.
Money transfer fees
Outgoing international transfer fees vary by institution, but can be up to $50 or more. Calculate these fees before making a transfer. That way you won’t overpay for the amount of money you plan to transfer.
Currency exchange fees
When sending money to another country, it usually needs to be converted to a local currency. Currency exchange fees may apply before the person you are sending money to can withdraw funds. Always review your payment app or bank currency exchange fees before proceeding.
Payment method fees
Many banks and payment apps let you pay others using a variety of payment methods. Certain payment methods may charge a higher fee, including paying with a credit card.Â
FAQs
- How do I use Zelle internationally?
- Unfortunately you cannot use Zelle for international payments. Zelle only works with U.S. banks and credit unions, allowing for peer-to-peer payments without fees. International payments can be made through wire transfers from a bank or credit union--or using a payment app that supports international payments, such as PayPal or Wise.
- How do I pay someone internationally?
- To make an international payment, you'll need to use a bank or credit union that offers international wire transfers--or you'll need to use a payment app that lets you send money internationally. Most large banks offer international payment services, but may charge a high fee. Payment apps like PayPal and
- Do Venmo and Zelle work internationally?
- Both Venmo and Zelle do not currently allow international transfers. You can only send money to other Venmo or Zelle users that are in the U.S. You can use PayPal
- What money app works internationally?
- There are several money apps that work internationally. Wise is a payment app that allows you to transfer money in 9 different currencies and convert to 40+ others. PayPal offers transfers to 100+ countries, though the fees may be higher than other apps. You may also be able to make international transfers through your bank or credit union through wire transfer.
