Sending and receiving money is getting easier every day. Zelle is one of the newer online payment systems that facilitate fast and commission-free transfers between individuals with accounts at different financial institutions. But if you want the best experience with Zelle, it’s worth knowing how to change the card at some point down the line.
How to Change Your Card
If you want to use Zelle, you’ll need a U.S. bank account from a bank within the Zelle network. Credit cards, international debit cards, and deposit accounts aren’t accepted.
However, if you wish to use the Zelle mobile app, you will need to link a debit card associated with a valid account.
Should you need to change your debit card at any point, the following process will help.
- Launch the Zelle app.
- Tap on the gear icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.
- Tap on the “Account” option.
- Tap the “Switch Accounts” feature.
- Unlink your current card by unlinking your bank account. Add a new account and link its card.
It’s important to note that this only works if you’re using the Zelle app. The instructions may differ if you’re using the Zelle service through a credit union’s app or via an online banking service. In those cases, it’s recommended to check with customer support for specific steps to follow.
Information to Input When Adding a New Card
If you’re an account holder at a Zelle-partnered financial institution, the Zelle service should already be available for you to use. The profile setup process should be almost instantaneous.
However, if you’re using the app, you may have to input more information manually.
Here’s a list of fields you may have to fill:
- Full name as shown on your debit card.
- Your debit card number.
- The expiration date on the card.
- The CVV number on the back of the card.
What to Do if Your Debit Card Isn’t Accepted
There may be many reasons why Zelle would reject your debit card.
First, it’s possible you didn’t input the information correctly. However, there’s also another reason. Your account or debit card might not be eligible for the Zelle network.
If it’s the latter, you may want to check the following:
- Is your card a Visa or Mastercard debit card?
- Do you have a U.S. bank account?
- Is your card a “fast funds enabled” debit card?
- Did you open your account in a U.S. territory?
Territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands don’t have support from Zelle. Therefore, bank accounts and debit cards issued in the U.S. territories will be rejected.
Sending Money With Zelle
After linking a debit card or bank account, making money transfers is simple enough.
- Open the Zelle app.
- Input your username and password information.
- Select the “Send” option.
- Enter a phone number.
- Input an amount.
- Tap on “Review” and hit the “Send” button.
If the recipient doesn’t have a Zelle profile, they will receive instructions on how to get possession of their money.
FAQs
Can you use more than one card with Zelle?
Zelle only allows one linked bank account per profile. You can only use the one debit card associated with that account.
What credit cards can I use with Zelle?
By default, Zelle only accepts U.S. bank accounts. Therefore, only debit cards on the Visa or Mastercard networks from partnered financial institutions are accepted on Zelle.
How do I know if I can use Zelle?
Zelle has an extensive, coast-to-coast network, but that doesn’t mean that all financial institutions or credit unions are accepted. To find out if you have an account supported by the network, simply visit the Zelle website and check the “Partners” section of the website for a comprehensive list.
Do I need a debit card to use Zelle?
You will only require a debit card if you want to use the standalone Zelle app. Using Zelle through your online banking doesn’t require a linked card, as you can use the bank account instead.
Money Transfers Made Easy
Zelle isn’t the most feature-loaded online payment system, but it is one of the fastest. Its speed and ease of use make it a preferred service for many banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions.
Although being restricted to a single credit card can be limiting, Zelle could add support for more cards in the future.
Have you experienced problems when adding or changing a debit card or linked bank account on the Zelle network? Let us know in the comments section below. Also, feel free to share your thoughts on the transaction history deletion that follows a debit card change.
