Zelle vs Venmo - Which one is better?

You may have used Zelle or Venmo if you recently made or received a payment from a friend or family member. But, the services differ, with key differences in pricing and features worth noting - keep reading to learn more about Zelle vs Venmo. Because Zelle and Venmo aren't available globally, we'll also briefly discuss DNBC Financial Group, another international payment provider.

Zelle vs Venmo - Which one is better?

What is Zelle?

Zelle is an electronic funds transfer service that partners with numerous prominent US banks to allow customers to easily send payments to friends and family.

All you need is the phone number or email address of the person you wish to pay, making it simple to split a bar tab or split the cost of groceries without having to check and enter account and routing data.

It is simple to get started with Zelle. If your regular bank already accepts Zelle payments, simply go into your online banking service and pick Zelle. If your bank or credit union does not provide Zelle, you can still use it by downloading the Zelle app and setting up an account.

What is Venmo?

Venmo users can transfer and share payments, as well as use their Venmo account to make online purchases from approved merchants.

To use Venmo, you must be in the United States and have a mobile phone registered in the United States. By following the Getting Started checklist, you will create a Venmo account.

To send a Venmo payment, provide your personal information and phone number, and then link a credit, debit, or prepaid card or your regular bank account.

If you receive money via Venmo, you will be requested to create an account to access it. Money in your Venmo digital wallet can be spent online with authorized retailers or transferred to your regular bank account or card.

What are the differences between Zelle vs Venmo?

US users can utilize Zelle and Venmo to send and receive domestic payments.

Zelle is free to use, but be sure your bank or credit union does not impose a fee. Zelle payments are made straight from your linked bank account or card to the linked account or card of your recipient.

Venmo offers a digital wallet that can be funded using a linked US bank account, credit, debit, or prepaid card. You can then send money to Venmo users. Usually, Venmo transfers are fee-free, but some transactions do incur fees.

Zelle vs Venmo security

Security is an important factor to consider when it comes to P2P payment services. Both Zelle and Venmo take security seriously and offer multiple layers of protection. For example, both platforms use encryption to protect users' personal and financial information. In addition, Zelle and Venmo both offer two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to the login process.

However, there are some differences between the two platforms when it comes to security. For example, Zelle is integrated with many banks, which means that users can take advantage of their bank's security measures. Venmo, on the other hand, is owned by PayPal, which is a well-known and trusted payment company.

Are Zelle and Venmo the same thing? Here are a few important distinctions between the services:

Zelle is a payment gateway that allows you to send and receive funds but not hold them. Venmo features a wallet capability that allows you to keep a balance.

If your bank accepts Zelle payments, you can make them through your regular online banking app; Venmo customers will need to use a separate app to make payments.

Zelle payments are normally accessible within minutes and are free of charge. Standard Venmo transfers are free but take longer, whereas instant transfers cost 1.5%.

Venmo only works with a small number of authorized merchants and does not provide business accounts as a regular feature. If your bank or credit union authorizes it, you may be able to use Zelle for your small business.

One thing both Zelle and Venmo have in common is that neither service allows you to send international payments. This can be a deciding factor if you need to send or receive foreign business payments. Smart Business allows you to make low-cost payments all over the world by utilizing the mid-market exchange rate.

Is Zelle better than Venmo?

While Venmo accounts provide a separate digital wallet to maintain your amount, Zelle takes funds from both bank accounts.

In terms of fees, Zelle doesn’t charge any to use the service. Most transactions with Venmo are free; however, there are some expenses to consider, such as Venmo's credit card or instant transfer fees if you choose to use a credit card or desire immediate transfers.

It is crucial to remember that these services are only available in the United States, which means you may need to utilize a different provider for overseas payments. Hence, if you wish to send money abroad with low and transparent fees, we propose using a specialized alternative provider such as DNBC Financial Group.

DNBC Financial Group's international transfer services can assist customers in effectively managing their cash. They can transfer money to their overseas accounts swiftly and securely by using DNBC's international transfer services, without worrying about excessive fees or hidden costs. Moreover, DNBC's international transfer services provide competitive exchange rates.

Based on your needs, Zelle or Venmo may be the better option. Make sure you do some research before deciding on a suitable payment platform for you.

About DNBC Financial Group

DNBC Financial Group strives to make foreign financial transactions as simple as possible. We have quickly grown to support companies and people all around the world by cutting the cost of international shipping and purchases, collecting payments from clients in other countries, transferring money between international operations , and lowering the risk of currency fluctuations.