Payment apps have revolutionized the way we manage our finances, making it easier than ever to send and receive money from the comfort of our smartphones. In the center of this digital revolution are two popular payment services: Zelle and Venmo.
Both offer convenient ways to transfer money, but which one offers the best experience for you? This depends on your specific needs and the features each app provides. In this guide, we’re going to dive into Zelle vs. Venmo, examining their services, fees, transfer limits, security, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of Zelle
Zelle is a payment service backed by many of the biggest financial institutions in the U.S. Launched by Early Warning Services, a consortium of banks, it’s integrated into the regular online banking apps of participating banks, eliminating the need for a separate Zelle account. The service is designed to facilitate instant transfers between linked bank accounts, offering a seamless way to send money.
Overview of Venmo
Venmo, owned by PayPal, is a free-to-use payment app that allows peer-to-peer payments, making it easy to split bills, pay friends, or even pay for goods and services from authorized merchants.
With Venmo, users have a Venmo balance which they can use for transactions, or they can link their bank or credit union accounts or debit card for payments and receiving money. Venmo users also have the option to hold funds in their Venmo accounts or withdraw it back to their bank accounts.
Zelle vs. Venmo: A Detailed Comparison
Transaction Speed
When considering Zelle vs Venmo, transaction speed is one of the most critical aspects. Zelle transfers, due to its integration with regular online banking apps, tend to be instantaneous. The money moves directly from one bank account to another, usually within minutes, provided both sender and recipient’s bank accounts are among Zelle’s participating banks.
On the other hand, Venmo transactions are not instant. Money sent to a Venmo account needs to be manually transferred out to a bank account, which can take one to three business days if using a standard bank transfer. However, Venmo offers an Instant Transfer feature where, for a small fee, you can transfer your Venmo balance to a linked bank account or eligible Mastercard or Visa debit card within 30 minutes.
Fees
When it comes to fees, Zelle stands out as a free service. There’s no cost to send or receive money, and since it’s tied to your bank account, there are no fees for transferring money to your bank.
Venmo, in contrast, is free for personal transactions when using a linked bank account, a Venmo balance, or a debit card from a major bank. However, if you use a credit card to send money or fund your Venmo account, there’s a 3% fee. Also, Venmo’s Instant Transfer feature comes with a 1.75% fee, with a minimum fee of $0.25 and a maximum fee of $10.
Transfer Limits
Zelle and Venmo have different transfer limits. For Zelle, if your bank or credit union is a partner, the bank decides the limits on how much money you can send. If your bank isn’t a partner, you can still use Zelle by signing up on its app, but you’ll be limited to sending $500 per week.
On the other hand, when you open a Venmo account, you’re initially limited to sending $999.99 per week. However, once you verify your identity, your limit increases to $19,999.99 per week for peer payments. There’s also a $5,000 per transfer limit. If you want to transfer more than that, you’ll need to initiate multiple transfers.
Security
Security is a top concern when dealing with money transfers. Both Zelle and Venmo use data encryption to protect users. Zelle, being directly embedded within your bank or credit union’s app, benefits from the same security measures your bank uses. Unauthorized transactions, if reported promptly, are usually covered by your bank’s protection policy.
Venmo also employs security measures like encryption and multifactor authentication to protect user information. However, keep in mind that Venmo’s social nature (where transactions are shared on a social feed) could potentially expose more information than some users are comfortable with. Venmo users can adjust the privacy settings to limit who sees their Venmo activity.
Usability
Zelle’s major advantage is its integration into the existing banking app of many major banks, meaning there’s no separate app to download or account to set up. Money sent via Zelle goes directly into the recipient’s bank account, making it straightforward for users who simply want to transfer money.
Venmo, on the other hand, operates via a separate app, which is also part of its appeal. The Venmo app integrates a social aspect into the money sending process, allowing users to attach notes, emojis, and likes to their transactions. The Venmo app is a digital wallet that offers a more social and engaging experience.
Social Aspects
When comparing Zelle vs. Venmo on social aspects, Venmo clearly has an edge. Venmo transactions come with a social aspect, as each transaction can be shared on the Venmo feed. Venmo users can like and comment on these transactions, making the experience more interactive. This feature, while enjoyable for some, might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially for those who prefer more privacy in their transactions.
Zelle, in contrast, doesn’t offer any such social features. The service is primarily designed for quick and easy money transfers and doesn’t share transaction details on a social feed.
Zelle vs. Venmo: Specific Use Cases
Best for Immediate Transfers
Zelle outperforms Venmo when it comes to transfer speed. Since Zelle transfers are typically instant among participating banks, it’s a better choice for urgent transfers.
Best for Small Businesses
Venmo could be a better choice for small businesses. The ability to accept payments via Venmo can be a convenience factor for customers. Moreover, Venmo transactions are public by default (though the amount is hidden), which might serve as a form of free advertising for businesses.
Best for Social Transactions
Venmo’s social features make it ideal for social transactions. It’s a popular choice among friends splitting bills or sharing expenses, as the transaction notes and social feed can make the payment process more engaging and transparent.
Best for Larger, Infrequent Transfers
Depending on the bank, Zelle might have higher transfer limits compared to Venmo, making it more suitable for larger, infrequent transfers like rent or high-ticket purchases.
User Reviews and Feedback
Reviews and feedback from Zelle and Venmo users generally align with the strengths of each app. Zelle users appreciate the speed and ease of transferring money directly between bank accounts, especially for those who prefer not to hold funds in another app. On the other hand, some users wish Zelle had more features and functionalities outside of simple peer-to-peer payments.
Venmo user reviews often highlight the app’s user-friendly design and its social features. Users enjoy the ability to like and comment on transactions. However, some users express concern about the privacy of their transactions, even though they can be made private.
Final Verdict
When deciding between Zelle vs. Venmo, it ultimately comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Zelle’s strength lies in its speed and direct bank-to-bank transfers, making it an excellent choice for quick and simple transactions. On the other hand, Venmo’s social features and digital wallet functionality appeal to users who enjoy a more engaging and interactive payment experience.
If you prioritize speed, convenience, and prefer to avoid holding funds in a separate app, Zelle might be the better choice. However, if you appreciate the social aspect of transactions and don’t mind the occasional fee for instant transfers or credit card usage, Venmo could be the more suitable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both apps be used internationally?
Zelle is limited to transactions within the U.S. between participating banks. Venmo, on the other hand, can be used for transactions between U.S. residents and also works with some international cards. However, both apps primarily cater to users based in the United States.
What happens if you send money to the wrong person?
With both Zelle and Venmo, it’s crucial to double-check the recipient’s details before sending money, as reversing transactions can be challenging. In some cases, transactions may not be reversible. If you accidentally send money to the wrong person, it’s best to contact the app’s customer support immediately for assistance.
How to handle disputes and refunds?
In case of disputes or refund requests, both Zelle and Venmo advise users to try to resolve the issue directly with the other party involved. If that doesn’t work, you can contact each app’s customer support for further assistance. Keep in mind that neither app guarantees a refund for unauthorized transactions or payment disputes, so it’s crucial to exercise caution when sending money.
Are Zelle and Venmo safe to use?
Yes, both Zelle and Venmo use data encryption and secure servers to protect users’ information and prevent unauthorized transactions. However, users should also take steps to protect their accounts, such as using strong, unique passwords and enabling multifactor authentication if available.
Can I link multiple bank accounts to Zelle or Venmo?
Zelle allows you to link multiple bank accounts, but you can only have one active account at a time. On the other hand, Venmo allows you to link and transfer funds between multiple bank accounts.
Can I use Zelle and Venmo for business transactions?
Zelle is primarily designed for personal use between friends and family, and their terms of service prohibit using it for business transactions. Venmo, however, offers a business profile option that allows small businesses to accept payments via the app.
Can I cancel a payment once it’s sent?
In most cases, Zelle payments are instant and cannot be canceled once they’re sent. However, if the recipient has not yet enrolled with Zelle, the payment will remain pending and the sender may be able to cancel it. Venmo payments to existing users are also instant and can’t be canceled. If you paid a new user or an email address, you can cancel the payment on the Venmo app until they claim it.
How do I dispute a charge on Zelle or Venmo?
With both Zelle and Venmo, the first step is to contact the person you sent money to. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you can file a dispute through your bank (for Zelle) or through Venmo’s support team.
How can I increase my sending limit on Zelle and Venmo?
Your sending limit on Zelle is determined by your bank, so you would need to contact them to discuss any possible adjustments. On Venmo, you can increase your sending limit by verifying your identity. This involves providing information like your zip code, last four digits of your SSN, and your birthdate.
How fast are transfers from Venmo to my bank account?
Transfers from your Venmo account to your bank account typically take 1 to 3 business days. However, for a 1% fee (minimum $0.25 fee, maximum $10 fee), you can opt for an Instant Transfer to an eligible linked debit card or bank account.
Do I need a specific type of bank account to use Zelle or Venmo?
You don’t need a specific type of bank account to use either service. As long as your bank account is based in the U.S., you should be able to use it. However, certain features may only be available with participating banks.
Can I use Zelle or Venmo to pay in stores?
Zelle is primarily designed for peer-to-peer payments and isn’t typically accepted as a payment method in stores. Venmo, however, can be used to pay at many retailers and other businesses that accept PayPal. Venmo also offers a Venmo MasterCard debit card that can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted in the U.S.
