How do Zelle® and Venmo stack up?

Millions of people download and use Zelle® and Venmo — and sometimes both —  making them incredibly popular peer-to-peer mobile payment apps. 

With both platforms, you can send or request funds domestically.¹ Both are easy and convenient and have safety measures built in. 

Trying to compare Zelle® against Venmo? We can help with fast facts on each.

Eight fast facts about Zelle®

  • Money is transferred directly to and from your bank account in minutes² for free.

  • It’s free to use in the Fremont Bank mobile app or online banking. 

  • Your account and transaction details are not visible and stay safe with your bank.

  • You cannot overdraw on your account.

  • It connects directly to your bank account.

  • Daily and monthly transaction limits are set by Fremont Bank for your security.

  • It is FDIC insured with strict security protocols.

  • It was developed by leading banks.

Remember, you can use Zelle® at more than one bank! Simply enroll your U.S. mobile number at Fremont Bank and your email address at another bank.³

Eight fast facts about Venmo

  • It acts like a digital wallet. You can carry a balance in the app, but it is not insured.

  • Transactions can be shared in a social manner and are set to public by default.

  • You can send money instantly using Venmo balance, bank account, or credit card, but you can overdraw, which leads to usage restrictions or fees.

  • Free transfers to a linked bank account can take 1-3 days. Instant transfers are available for a fee.

  • You can get a debit card connected to your Venmo account.

  • Weekly limits are set by Venmo based on account type and verification status. 

  • Security is carried out through encryption and adherence to industry standards.

  • It is owned by PayPal.

Stay safer using payment apps

Whichever peer-to-peer payment app you choose, you want to ensure your transactions are as safe as possible. Remember: 

  1. Only use these apps with friends or family you trust.

  2. Payments sent to incorrect recipients are not refunded. 

  3. Keep any payment app updated because outdated versions are more easily hacked.

  4. When in doubt, use Zelle®.

Was this helpful? Opt in to Bank Notes, our monthly newsletter, where we share happenings at the bank and tips and tools to use on your path to financial security. 

Data charges may apply. Check with your mobile phone carrier for details. 

Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC, and are used herein under license.

1 Must have a bank account in the U.S. to use Zelle®.

2 Transactions typically occur in minutes when the recipient's email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle®.

3 Zelle® should only be used to send money to friends, family, or other people you trust. If you are unsure of a recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile phone number, before using Zelle® to send money to that person, you should contact the recipient to confirm the information.

Venmo is a service of PayPal, Inc., a licensed provider of money transfer services (NMLS ID: 910457). All money transmission is provided by PayPal, Inc., pursuant to PayPal, Inc.’s licenses. © 2021 PayPal, Inc.