Setting Up Zelle on Capital One: A How-To
Written by
Hiba Boutary
Edited by
Melanie Grafil
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Zelle is a fast, easy and convenient way to send and receive money that takes minutes and is super simple to use. If you have a Capital One account, you may be wondering: How do I connect Zelle to Capital One? The good news is that the service is already available with Capital One, but it does need activation.
Can You Use Zelle With a Capital One Account?
Yes, you can link your Capital One checking account to Zelle using the bank’s mobile app or online banking platform.
It’s a quick and free service that allows you to send and receive money, all while connected to your bank.
How Do I Connect Zelle to Capital One?
If you bank with Capital One and want to start using Zelle, there are a few steps you should take to make sure you have the tools to send and receive money. Before using the service, keep in mind that you must have a U.S. mobile number and a U.S. bank-issued debit card.
Connecting Using the Mobile App
- Download the Capital One mobile app or text “MOBILE” to 80101 for a download link.
- Tap on the checking account that you want to use to send or receive money.
- Find the “send money with Zelle” option that lets you link your account.
- Verify your identity after reading and accepting the terms and conditions.
- Enter the email or phone number you want to use to receive or send money through.
- Confirm that you linked your Capital One account.
Once you receive a confirmation message that you successfully linked your Capital One account to Zelle, you can start sending and receiving money.
Connecting Through Your Browser
If you would rather send and receive money using a browser, the process is also simple with Capital One. To start using Zelle through the Capital One website, follow these steps:
- Go to capitalone.com and log in to your account.
- Find the “send money with Zelle” tab.
- Click on the tab, enter your number, and wait to receive a one-time passcode on your phone.
- Verify your passcode, and you should be good to go.
Keep in mind that you must have a mobile number to receive the passcode and start using Zelle. An email alone will not do the trick.
How To Use a Zelle QR Code
You can use your Capital One mobile app to transfer funds using a QR code. To do so, follow these steps:
- Download the Capital One mobile app and log in to your account.
- Search for the “send money with Zelle” option and tap it.
- If you are sending someone money, select “Use a QR Code” to open the scanner and send the person funds.
- If you want to receive money, tap on the “Show my code” option to share your code with the sender.
Zelle Overview
Zelle is an increasingly popular money transfer app that lets you send and receive money on the spot. To date, Zelle works with over 2,000 banking apps, combining speed, safety, ease of use and convenience.
The Zelle network partners with hundreds of banks and credit unions in the U.S., and over 100 million people have access to the network through their banking app.
Why Is Zelle So Popular?
Zelle’s popularity stems from the four top features that people are looking for when they want to send and receive money:
- Speed
- Safety
- Simplicity
- Fee-free payments
It’s fast enough to use on the go, simple to set up and work with, and you don’t have to worry about additional costs like other money transfer apps.
If you already have the Capital One app, you don’t have to download additional apps to start using Zelle. You also don’t need cash or checks to send or receive payments. As long as you have a checking account and enroll through the service, you should be all set.
How Does Zelle Compare to Other Money Transfer Options?
Zelle is a great option if you need something that will instantly deliver, whether you’re sending or are receiving money. Capital One does provide alternatives, though, as well. You can use features such as wire transfers, ACH transfers or even Venmo and PayPal.
When To Use Zelle
- Instant transfer: Use Zelle if you need the transaction to appear instantly. A wire or ACH transfer may take a bit longer.
- Cost: Zelle has no fees for using, whereas a wire transfer fee can cost between $0 on some accounts, and up to $40 for an outgoing international wire.
- Convenience: Zelle is integrated within the Capital One app, so you don’t need to open a separate app to complete your transactions
When To Use Other Payment Options
- Sending larger amounts: Wire transfers are used generally when you need to send larger amounts–think like a down payment on a house.
- International transfers: If you need to send money outside the U.S., Zelle might not be the best option. Yu can send a wire transfer or PayPal in these cases.
- Buyer protection: For online purchases, you might need a service that has strong security measures in place, such as using a credit car or PayPal.
What To Keep in Mind
Now that you know how to use Zelle with Capital One, there are some points to keep in mind when you want to use the service.
There is a limit to how much money you can send through Zelle, which is $2,500 daily. But according to the Capital One site, you don’t have a cap on how much you can request. With that said, your sender’s financial institution may have its own limits on how much they can send per day.
Another caveat to keep in mind is that Zelle is currently only available in the U.S. You and your recipient must have a U.S. bank account to use the service.
Key Takeaways
Zelle is changing the money transfer game and making it easier for millions of people to send and receive funds without going the extra mile and paying more than they should.
Setting Zelle up won’t take too much time. It’s safe to use, and you can send up to $2,500 a day with a Capital One account. Remember that you and your recipient must have U.S.-based bank accounts to use the service.
With its convenience and ease of use, it’s no wonder why Zelle is quickly becoming a favorite with users throughout the U.S.
Final Take
Whether you are out with your friends or need an emergency sitter, you may not have cash handy or want to use your debit card to make a payment. While plenty of money transfer services exist, some charge extra for instant access to your funds, incurring costs over time that make them more of a hassle than a convenience.
FAQ
- What is Zelle?
- Zelle is a money transfer service that lets you send and receive money in the U.S. without paying extra money. It is available on over 2,000 apps and offered by many banks and credit unions in the U.S.
- Is there a limit to how much I can send and receive with Zelle?
- Capital One reports that you can send up to $2,500 a day using Zelle. While there is no limit to how much you can request, how much you can receive depends on the sender's financial institution.
- What happens if I send money through Zelle to someone who does not register with the service?
- If you send money to a recipient and they don't have a Zelle account, the service holds the funds for 14 days. If the recipient does not claim the funds, you'll get the money back in your account after the 14 days pass.
- Can I use Zelle with a Capital One credit card?
- No, you can't use Zelle with a Capital One credit card. Zelle works primarily with one of your banking accounts through Capital One, such as checking and savings accounts.
- How long do Zelle transfers take with Capital One?
- Most Zelle transfers are completed instantly, so you could receive or send money in only a few minutes. If the person you're sending to doesn't have Zelle, though, it could take between one to three days for the payment to be delivered to them.
- Can I cancel a Zelle payment if I send it to the wrong person?
- No, you can't cancel a Zelle payment if the person is already enrolled, as the transfers are instant. If your recipient doesn't have Zelle yet, though, you may be able to cancel before they sign up.
- Can I use Zelle internationally with Capital One?
- Zelle only works within the U.S. to send money. You and your recipient must both own a U.S. bank account.
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.
