Zelle’s standalone app officially shut down on April 1. The decision came as most U.S. banks already integrate Zelle within their own mobile apps, reducing the need for a separate platform. For those who used the standalone app, that option is now gone, but Zelle payments can still be made through individual bank apps, with over 2,200 institutions supporting it.
Other money-sending apps remain active and reliable. Venmo offers a social experience where users can send money and view friends’ transactions. Though funds don’t instantly transfer to a bank account, users can retain money within the app or pay with a credit card for an added fee.
Apple Cash provides a built-in payment option for iPhone users. With iMessage, money can be sent and deposited directly to a linked bank account. This feature, however, is exclusive to Apple devices.
PayPal remains a secure and long-established service for transferring funds. It supports retail purchases, links to credit cards, and lets users hold balances for future transactions.
Cash App is also popular for its quick transfers and culture-forward branding. Users can send money, design their own Cash App card, and even use features like Bitcoin purchases and stock trading. Despite past data breach concerns, it continues to grow with celebrity partnerships.
While Zelle’s app is gone, digital payment options like Venmo, Apple Cash, PayPal, and Cash App offer reliable alternatives for sending and receiving money.
