Zelle is Bank of America's built-in money transfer tool
Zelle is a money-sending service that lives inside your Bank of America account. You use it to send money to another person's bank account in the United States — usually within minutes — without giving out your account number or routing number. Bank of America customers can send and receive money through Zelle at no extra charge.
Zelle works by connecting to the email address or phone number of the person you are sending money to. That person does not need to be a Bank of America customer. They can have an account at any U.S. bank that offers Zelle, or they can receive the money through a Zelle-only account if their bank does not yet support it.
The money moves between banks using the same network that banks use to talk to each other every day. This is why it is faster than a wire transfer or a check, and why there are no fees on either end.
Key Takeaways
- You access Zelle through your Bank of America online banking or mobile app — you do not need to read a separate app or create a new account.
- You send money using only the recipient's email address or U.S. phone number, not their account details.
- Money usually arrives within minutes, though it can take up to one business day depending on the receiving bank.
- Bank of America does not charge you to send or receive money through Zelle, though your daily sending limit is typically $2,000 per day and $20,000 per month.
- The person receiving your money must have a U.S. bank account or enroll in a Zelle-only account to collect the funds.
How to send money through Zelle in Bank of America online banking
Log into your Bank of America account on a computer or phone. Look for "Transfer funds" or "Send money" in the main menu — the exact wording depends on which version of the site you are using. Select "Zelle" from the list of transfer options.
Enter the recipient's email address or phone number. Bank of America will ask you to confirm that you have the correct person — this is important because you cannot cancel a Zelle transfer once the recipient has claimed the money. Type in the amount you want to send and add a note if you want to (for example, "rent" or "dinner"). Review the details and select "Send".
The recipient will get a notification — usually by email or text — telling them that money is waiting for them. They will need to claim it by enrolling in Zelle or by accepting it through their own bank's app. Once they do, the money lands in their account.
How to send money through the Bank of America mobile app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap "Transfer funds" or "Send money". Select "Zelle" from the options.
Tap "Send money with Zelle" and enter the recipient's email address or phone number. You can also tap the contacts icon to choose someone from your phone's contact list if you have sent them money before. Enter the amount, add a note if you want, and tap "Review". Check that everything is correct, then tap "Send".
The recipient will receive a notification and can claim the money through their bank or through Zelle's website. You will see the transfer in your Bank of America transaction history right away, though the status may show as "pending" until the recipient claims it.
What happens if the recipient does not claim the money
If the person you sent money to does not claim it within 14 days, the money returns to your Bank of America account automatically. You will see it reappear in your checking or savings account, and you can try sending it again using a different email address or phone number if you think you made a mistake.
If the recipient claims the money but their bank rejects it for any reason — for example, because their account is closed — the money will return to you. Bank of America will notify you when this happens, and the funds will be back in your account within one to two business days.
Daily and monthly sending limits
Bank of America typically limits you to $2,000 per day and $20,000 per month through Zelle. These limits explore to the total amount you send, not the number of transfers. If you try to send $2,500 in a single day, the transfer will be rejected.
Your limit may be different depending on how long you have had your account and your banking history with Bank of America. If you need to send more than your limit allows, you can wait until the next day or the next month, or you can use a different transfer method like a wire transfer or a cashier's check. Contact Bank of America directly if you want to ask about raising your limit.
When Zelle is not the right choice
Zelle works best for sending money to people you know and trust, because the transfer cannot be reversed once the recipient claims it. If you are sending money to someone you have never met — for example, to buy something from a stranger online — use a credit card or a payment service that offers buyer protection instead.
Zelle is also not designed for sending money to businesses. Some businesses accept Zelle payments, but the service is meant for person-to-person transfers. If a business is asking you to send money through Zelle instead of accepting a normal payment method, that is a warning sign that something may not be legitimate.
If you are sending money internationally, Zelle will not work. Bank of America offers wire transfers and other international payment options for money going outside the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to someone who banks at a different bank?
Yes. Zelle works with most major U.S. banks and many smaller ones. The recipient does not need to bank at Bank of America. If their bank does not offer Zelle yet, they can still receive your money by enrolling in a Zelle-only account at zelle.com.
What if I send money to the wrong person by mistake?
Contact Bank of America right away. If the recipient has not claimed the money yet, the bank may be able to cancel the transfer. If they have already claimed it, you will need to contact the recipient directly and ask them to send the money back — Bank of America cannot force them to return it.
Is Zelle safe to use?
Zelle uses the same security as your regular Bank of America online banking, including encryption and login protection. The main risk is sending money to the wrong person or to someone you do not trust, since the transfer cannot be reversed. Always double-check the recipient's email or phone number before you send.
Do I need to enroll in Zelle separately?
No. If you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you can use Zelle through your existing online banking or mobile app without any extra steps. You do not need to read a separate app or create a new account.
How long does it take for money to arrive?
Money usually arrives within minutes of the recipient claiming it, though it can take up to one business day depending on the receiving bank. Weekends and holidays may cause delays. Bank of America will show the transfer as pending in your account right away.