Zelle is built into Chase's app—you set up it in a few taps, then link it to your savings account
Zelle is a payment network that Chase has integrated directly into its mobile and web apps. You do not read a separate app or create a new account. Instead, you turn on Zelle within Chase's existing interface, choose which of your Chase accounts to use for sending and receiving money, and then you can send funds to anyone else with Zelle at their bank.
The set up takes about two minutes. After that, you can send money to another person's email address or phone number, and they receive it in their own bank account—usually within minutes, sometimes within a few hours depending on their bank.
Key Takeaways
- Zelle is already part of Chase's app; you do not need to read anything or sign up separately.
- You set up Zelle by opening Chase's mobile app or website, finding the Zelle section, and confirming your identity with your existing Chase login.
- When you set up Zelle, you choose which Chase account (checking, savings, or both) you want to use for transfers.
- Once active, you can send money using someone's email address or U.S. phone number, and they receive it in their bank account within minutes to a few hours.
- Chase does not charge a fee to send or receive money through Zelle, though your recipient's bank may have its own policies.
Steps to set up Zelle in the Chase mobile app
Open the Chase mobile app and log in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then scroll down and select Send Money or Zelle—the exact label depends on your app version, but it will be in the main menu.
Tap get your free guide or Enroll. Chase will ask you to confirm your email address and phone number. These are the contact details other people will use to send you money, so make sure they are current. Tap Next or Continue.
Choose which account you want to link to Zelle. If you have multiple Chase accounts, you will see a list—select your savings account (or whichever account you want to use). You can change this later. Tap Confirm or Next.
Chase will ask you to review and accept the Zelle terms of service. Read through them if you want, then tap Agree or Accept. Your Zelle enrollment is now active. You should see a confirmation screen with your email and phone number listed.
Setting up Zelle on Chase's website
Go to chase.com and log in with your username and password. Click on Send Money in the main navigation menu, or look for a Zelle link in the account dashboard.
Click get your free guide or Enroll Now. Chase will display your registered email and phone number and ask you to confirm them. If either needs updating, you can edit it here before proceeding.
Select the account you want to use for Zelle transfers. If you have a savings account and a checking account, pick the one you prefer. You can link multiple accounts to Zelle later if needed. Click Next.
Review and accept the Zelle terms, then click Agree. You will see a confirmation page. Zelle is now active on your account.
Sending money once Zelle is active
Open the Chase app or website and go to the Zelle section. Tap or click Send Money. Enter the recipient's email address or U.S. phone number—they must be enrolled with Zelle at their own bank for the transfer to work.
Enter the amount you want to send. Chase will show you the account the money will come from (your linked savings account). Review the details and tap or click Send. You will see a confirmation with a reference number.
The recipient's bank receives the transfer within minutes in most cases, though some banks take up to a few hours to post it. You can check the status of your transfer in the Zelle section of your Chase app or website under Recent Transfers or Transaction History.
Receiving money through Zelle
Once you have enrolled, anyone with Zelle at their bank can send you money using your email address or phone number. You do not have to do anything to receive it—the money arrives in your linked Chase savings account automatically.
You will get a notification (email, text, or in-app alert, depending on your Chase notification settings) when someone sends you money. Check your Chase account to confirm the deposit. The money is yours to use once it posts, which is usually when ready.
Changing which account Zelle uses
If you want to switch from your savings account to a checking account, or add another account to Zelle, go to the Zelle section in your Chase app or website. Look for Settings, Manage Account, or Edit Account.
You will see your currently linked account. Tap or click the option to change it or add a new one. Select the account you want to use going forward. Chase will confirm the change, and future transfers will come from that account instead.
What happens if something goes wrong
If a transfer does not arrive within a few hours, check that you entered the recipient's email or phone number correctly. A typo will send the money to the wrong person or cause the transfer to fail. Go to your recent transfers and look for the transaction status—it will say Pending, Sent, or Failed.
If the status shows Failed, the money returns to your account within one to three business days. If it shows Sent but the recipient says they did not receive it, contact Chase customer service. Provide them with the reference number from your confirmation screen. Chase can investigate whether the transfer reached the recipient's bank.
If you sent money to the wrong person by mistake, contact Chase when ready. Zelle transfers are usually not reversible once sent, but Chase may be able to contact the recipient's bank and request a return if you act quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use my savings account with Zelle, or can I use checking?
You can choose either one when you set up Zelle. If you have both, pick whichever you prefer. You can change your linked account later in the Zelle settings.
Can I send money to someone who does not have Zelle?
No. The recipient must be enrolled with Zelle at their own bank. If they are not, the transfer will fail and the money will return to your account. Ask them to set up Zelle with their bank first.
Does Chase charge a fee to send or receive money through Zelle?
Chase does not charge a fee. However, some banks may charge their customers to use Zelle, so the recipient's bank might have its own policy. Check with them if you are unsure.
How long does it take for money to arrive?
Most transfers arrive within minutes. Some banks take up to a few hours to post the money to the recipient's account. If it has been more than a few hours, check your transaction status in Chase or contact Chase customer service.
What if I want to stop using Zelle?
You can remove your account from Zelle by going to the Zelle settings in your Chase app or website and selecting Deactivate or Remove Account. You will no longer be able to send money, and people will not be able to send you money using your email or phone number.