Zelle is a mobile payment app that allows you to send money electronically from your bank account to those of family and friends. The recipient typically receives the funds almost instantly, eliminating the need for cash or checks.

While Zelle is often used for small transactions like splitting a restaurant bill, it can also handle larger transfers. However, banks impose daily and monthly limits on these transactions. In this guide, we will explore the Zelle transfer limits set by various banks.

Zelle transfer limits by bank

Here are the Zelle transfer limits imposed by various banks for personal accounts. If your bank does not support Zelle, the weekly send limit using the Zelle app is $500.

BankDaily Zelle Transfer LimitMonthly Zelle Transfer Limit
AllyInstant transfers: $2,000; Scheduled transfers (up to 3 business days): $5,000$10,000
Bank of America$3,500$20,000
Capital One$2,500Not disclosed
Chase$500-$10,000 per transaction, dynamically determined by ChaseNot disclosed
Citibank (Account, Basic Account, Access Account)$2,500 (for enrollments established more than 30 days ago)$15,000 (for enrollments established more than 30 days ago)
Discover Bank$600Not disclosed
Quontic BankPer transaction: $500; Per day: $1,000Not disclosed
TD BankInstant transfers: $1,000; Scheduled transfers (up to 3 business days): $2,500Instant transfers: $5,000; Scheduled transfers (up to 3 business days): $10,000
Truist Bank$2,000$10,000
USAA Federal Savings Bank$1,000$10,000
Wells Fargo$3,500$20,000

How banks set Zelle limits

Most banks establish Zelle transfer limits for daily, monthly, and sometimes weekly transactions, with additional limits often applied per transaction. Additionally, banks typically offer the option to send money instantly or via a standard transfer that takes one to three days, with higher limits often available for standard transfers.

Some banks set Zelle transfer limits based on a customer’s account status and online banking history. The following banks require customers to log into their app or website to check their transfer limits:

  • BMO
  • PNC Bank
  • U.S. Bank
  • Varo Bank

Alternatives to Zelle

While Zelle is often integrated into your bank’s app, there are several other third-party apps available for sending money, such as Venmo and Cash App. Unlike Zelle, which typically offers free transfers, other apps may charge fees for instant transactions.

Venmo’s instant transfers usually reach the recipient within 30 minutes and incur a 1.75% fee per transfer. The recipient must have a compatible bank account or linked debit card. Standard transfers, which take one to three business days, are free of charge.

Cash App also charges a fee for instant transfers, ranging from 0.5% to 1.75%, with funds arriving immediately to a linked debit card. Standard transfers are free and typically take one to three business days.

How to use Zelle safely

Overall, Zelle is considered a secure method for sending and receiving money among family and friends. Transfers through Zelle are safeguarded with data encryption, and most bank apps use multifactor authentication for added protection.

Despite these security measures, there is always a small risk of fraud when sharing personal information with any fintech app. To reduce the risk, only use Zelle to send money to individuals you know and trust.

Be cautious if someone you don’t know asks you to send money through Zelle or any other payment system. If you fall victim to a scam and transfer money to a fraudster via Zelle, there is no guarantee that you will be able to recover your lost funds.

In Conclusion

Using Zelle to send money to friends and family is generally faster and more convenient than using cash, checks, or wire transfers. If you plan to transfer large amounts of money or use Zelle frequently, it’s crucial to be aware of your bank’s daily, monthly, and per-transaction limits.