Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (2024)

Table of Contents
Zelle doesn't work in South Africa. Compare providers instead: Zelle South Africa: Alternatives and More Why Isn't Zelle Available in South Africa? Zelle Alternatives for Transfers to South Africa Option 1 — Digital Providers Option 2 — Banks and PayPal Compare leading digital providers: Frequently Asked Questions About Using Zelle in South Africa More Zelle Alternatives Around the World? Popular Money Transfer Comparisons on Monito Why Trust Monito? FAQs

Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (1) Jacques Nel on Unsplash

Sep 30, 2022

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If you're a Zelle user, you probably know that it's one of the best ways to send and receive money right from your smartphone. But if you've tried using Zelle to send money across the world to South Africa, you'll probably not have found a clear way of doing so.

This is because, sadly, Zelle is only available in the US and doesn't work in South Africa. If you want to transfer your money to South Africa, you'll need to pick a Zelle money transfer alternative to South Africa instead, such as Remitly for cash pick-up or Wise for bank transfers.

In this short guide, we look at why Zelle doesn't work in South Africa in the first place. Then, we'll delve into the best Zelle alternatives for sending money to South Africa to help you make the best money transfer choices.

Zelle doesn't work in South Africa. Compare providers instead:

Zelle South Africa: Alternatives and More

  • 01. Why isn't Zelle available in South Africa? scroll down
  • 02. Remitly as a Zelle alternative to South Africa scroll down
  • 03. Wise as a Zelle alternative to South Africa scroll down
  • 04. Small World as a Zelle alternative in South Africa scroll down
  • 05. Banks or PayPal as Zelle alternatives to South Africa scroll down
  • 06. FAQ about Zelle South Africa transfers scroll down

Why Isn't Zelle Available in South Africa?

As we saw above, Zelle is not available in South Africa, and the app is currently only available to US residents. —

To use the Zelle app in the first place (let alone send and receive money via online banking), both the sender and the recipient must have US bank accounts. And while you will be able to use Zelle in South Africa if you're an American in that country, you won't be able to transfer money via Zelle to a South African-based bank.

So why exactly doesn't Zelle work in South Africa?

In a nutshell, Zelle transfers to South Africa aren't possible because foreign exchange is a hugely complex market, with many rules, regulations, and industry standards that companies are obligated to follow. Over and above this, the profit margins tend to be very tight and competitive.

Simply put, this leads to many mobile payments apps avoiding international transfers altogether. It saves them a lot of time, money, and stress! Zelle isn't the only app to avoid foreign exchange for this reason: VenmoandSquare Cash do the same. And those mobile payments apps that do get involved in foreign exchange usually charge exorbitant fees to cover the costs (e.g. Paypal).

Zelle Alternatives for Transfers to South Africa

The good news is that if you're a Zelle user who'd like to send money abroad, you'll have plenty of options to choose from to send your money overseas instead. In summary, here are the main two:

  1. Transfer via a digital provider: Many money transfer providers offer low fees to South Africa, as well as fast transfers, and a great user experience to suit your needs. The best are Wise for bank transfers, and Remitly or Small World for cash pick-ups. However, pricing and exchange rates vary constantly, so compare providers on Monito to find the best deal every time.
  2. Send an international bank wire: US banks such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citibank, and others charge very high fees and poor exchange rates because they transfer over SWIFT. We therefore don't recommend them for transferring money abroad for most people. You can learn more about bank charges for international transfers here.

We go over both of these options in detail below:

Option 1 — Digital Providers

Digital international transfer providers are online platforms that have grown in popularity in recent years as a low-cost, savvy, and safe way to send money across borders. If you're a Zelle user, we think switching over to a digital provider is a natural choice for a number of reasons:

  • Savviness: The user-friendly, seamless experience is usually slick and similar to Zelle in terms of accessibility and convenience.
  • Cost: They're (by far) the cheapest way to send money to South Africa, usually costing between 0.5% and 3% in total fees.
  • Speed: Money usually arrives overseas in a matter of hours or, at most, around one to two days depending on the provider.

To learn more about digital providers and how they differ from banks, take a look at ourbank vs digital provider comparison.

In the end, the digital provider that's best for you will depend on factors such as 1) which country you're sending to, 2) how much you're sending, and 3) how your recipient will receive their funds. According to millions of searches on Monito's real-time comparison engine, here are the three best digital providers for transfers from the US to bank accounts abroad:

Remitly — Great for Cash Pick-Up

A world leader in low-cost internationalcash pickuptransfers, Remitlyoften offers the cheapest (although seldom the fastest) money transfers to South Africa from the United States.

Transfer cost (US to SA):1.2% on average.

Transfer time:2-3 business days.

More info:See our Remitly review, or visit their website.

Wise — Great for Bank Transfers

One of the most popular and widely-used money transfer services out there, London-basedWisehas built a solid reputation on fast, affordable bank transfers over its user-friendly web and mobile platforms.

Transfer cost (US to the SA):3% on average.

Transfer time:1-2 business days.

More info:See our Wise review, or visit their website.

Small World — Great Option All-Round

Small World is a much-loved money transfer service that's particularly popular for remittances across the globe. It offers fast, affordable bank transfers and cash pickup transfers, but its mobile wallet deposit options are particularly extensive and affordable.

Transfer cost (US to SA):0.6% on average

Transfer time:1 business day.

More info:See our fullSmall World review, or visit their website.

Option 2 — Banks and PayPal

The second (and generally the far worse) alternative to using Zelle for South Africa-bound transfers is to use your bank or PayPal.

Not only is using your bank or PayPal the slower and less convenient to transfer abroad, but going this route also comes with high hidden fees, as both your bank and PayPal will typically give you a poor exchange rate on top of the standard service fees for transfers to South Africa.

For example, our research revealed that sending $1,000 from the US to a Eurozone country withWells Fargowould cost$30 in service feesand$50 in exchange rate margin fees. Together, these fees amount to around 8% of the amount transferred, which is about10 times more than the cheapestavailable service compared on Monito's comparison engine for the same transfer. And given PayPal's similarly high exchange rate margins, the story isn't very different with them either.

But it doesn't stop there. When sending money to South Africa with your bank, your funds will go over SWIFT, meaning third-party banks (called correspondent banks) can potentially charge additional fees (called correspondent bank fees) that can further reduce the amount that arrives in your beneficiary's account.

This makes banks a costly way to send money abroad — and finding a cheap solution is as crucial as ever.

As we explored above, by offering bank-beating exchange rates, very low fees, and a top-notch user experience, digital providers are fortunately doing what Zelle does within the US, but internationally! And depending on where you're sending money to, providers such as Wise,Remitly, and Small World will probably be your best choice. See the table below to understand why:

Provider

Total Transfer Cost

Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (6)

3%

Go to Wise ❯
Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (7)

1.2%

Go to Remitly ❯
Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (8)

0.6%

Go to Small World ❯
Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (9)

N/A

See alternatives ❯
Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (10)

7 - 10%

See alternatives ❯
Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (11)

5 - 9%

See alternatives ❯

Last updated: 2022/06/02

In summary, if there were one thing to take away from this article, here's what it'd be:

You cannot use Zelle to transfer to South Africa. This means you'll need to find alternatives. Banks (and PayPal) charge high service fees and exchange rates, making them a poor choice for most. Digital providers, on the other hand, are by far the cheapest, fastest, and savviest options, making them the best Zelle alternatives for transfers to South Africa.

Get started now by comparing your options below: —

Compare leading digital providers:

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Zelle in South Africa

  • 🌎 Can I send money to South Africa with Zelle?

    No, you cannot send money to South Africa with Zelle, as Zelle is available only in the US. The payment app only allows you to send money from one US bank account to another, meaning both the sender and the recipient must have US bank accounts. We recommend using Monito.com to compare alternatives instead.

  • 💵 What's the best Zelle international alternative?

    There are plenty of good options as intuitive as Zelle for sending money abroad with an app. We recommend using Monito.com to compare money transfer providers and find the best alternative for your needs in real-time.

  • 🌐 Can I use Zelle in South Africa?

    While you can use Zelle if you're in South Africa from the US and already have the app, you cannot use Zelle to transfer money to South Africa. We recommend using Monito.com to compare alternatives instead.

  • 🇿🇦 Can I Zelle someone in South Africa?

    Only if they already have a Zelle account and a linked US bank. If not, you'll probably need to use a remittance service to send money to your recipient in South Africa. We recommend using Monito.com to compare money transfer providers and find the best alternative for your needs in real-time.

Popular Money Transfer Comparisons on Monito

Why Trust Monito?

You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.

Learn More About Monito

  • Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (22)

    Monito is trusted by 15+ million users across the globe.

  • Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (23)

    Monito's experts spend hours researching and testing services so that you don't have to.

  • Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (24)

    Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.

As an expert in international money transfers and payment platforms, I can provide valuable insights into the content of the article you shared. My expertise is demonstrated through a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and alternatives associated with sending money from the United States to South Africa, particularly focusing on the limitations of Zelle in this context.

The article discusses the unavailability of Zelle in South Africa and explores the reasons behind it. The primary obstacle lies in the complexity of the foreign exchange market, with numerous rules, regulations, and industry standards that companies must adhere to. Additionally, the tight and competitive profit margins in the foreign exchange market make it challenging for mobile payment apps like Zelle to facilitate international transfers.

To address the need for money transfers to South Africa, the article suggests alternative options for Zelle users. It emphasizes the importance of choosing reliable alternatives, such as Remitly for cash pick-up or Wise for bank transfers. The content is organized into sections that cover various aspects, including why Zelle doesn't work in South Africa, Zelle alternatives, and a detailed comparison of digital providers and traditional banks.

Key concepts covered in the article include:

  1. Zelle's Limitations in South Africa:

    • Zelle is exclusively available to U.S. residents.
    • Both the sender and recipient must have U.S. bank accounts to use the Zelle app.
    • Transfers to South African-based banks are not possible due to the complexities of the foreign exchange market.

  2. Reasons Behind Zelle's Unavailability in South Africa:

    • The foreign exchange market is intricate and has strict rules and regulations.
    • Profit margins in the foreign exchange market are tight and competitive.
    • Many mobile payment apps, including Zelle, avoid international transfers to save time, money, and reduce stress.

  3. Zelle Alternatives for Transfers to South Africa:

    • Digital Providers: Wise, Remitly, and Small World are highlighted as cost-effective, fast, and user-friendly alternatives.
    • Banks and PayPal: Traditional banks and PayPal are presented as less favorable alternatives due to high fees and poor exchange rates.

  4. Comparison of Digital Providers:

    • Remitly is praised for cash pick-up transfers with low fees (1.2% on average) and a Monito Score of 9.1.
    • Wise is recommended for bank transfers with average fees of 3% and a Monito Score of 9.5.
    • Small World is mentioned as a great all-around option with low fees (0.6% on average) and a Monito Score of 7.6.

  5. Highlighting the Importance of Choosing Digital Providers:

    • Digital providers offer a savvy, cost-effective, and fast way to send money internationally.
    • They provide a seamless user experience similar to Zelle within the U.S.

  6. Drawbacks of Using Banks and PayPal:

    • Banks and PayPal are considered slower and less convenient for international transfers.
    • High hidden fees, poor exchange rates, and potential additional fees through correspondent banks make them less favorable options.

  7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

    • FAQs provide additional information on using Zelle in South Africa and recommend using Monito.com to compare alternatives.

In summary, the article guides Zelle users on why the service doesn't work in South Africa, presents viable alternatives, and emphasizes the benefits of choosing digital providers over traditional banking methods. It caters to the audience's need for clear and practical information on international money transfers.

Does Zelle Work in South Africa? (2024)

FAQs

Does Zelle Work in South Africa? ›

Does Zelle work internationally? Zelle works only with U.S. bank accounts. It doesn't work for sending money to or from a bank outside the country.

Read On ›
Does South Africa use Zelle? ›

This is because, sadly, Zelle is only available in the US and doesn't work in South Africa. If you want to transfer your money to South Africa, you'll need to pick a Zelle money transfer alternative to South Africa instead, such as Remitly for cash pick-up or Wise for bank transfers.

Discover More Details ›
Does Zelle work outside the US? ›

Can I send money through Zelle internationally? Zelle is only available for customers with a US bank account and US registered mobile number. That means it's not an option for sending international payments to friends and family overseas. Read on for some international Zelle alternatives.

Continue Reading ›
Can you use Zelle or venmo internationally? ›

Zelle services domestic money transfers only. This means it can only be used to send and receive funds to someone who has a bank account within the United States. If you need to send an international wire transfer, visit any U.S. Bank branch.

See Details ›
What countries is Zelle available in? ›

Zelle is only supported in the US. US residents with US bank accounts can open and use Zelle accounts. Zelle does not support international money transfers.

Find Out More ›
How can I send money to someone in South Africa from USA? ›

You can send money via the WorldRemit website or the Google Play Store and App Store app.
  1. Airtime top up. Top up credit for a pre-paid mobile phone number. ...
  2. Bank transfer. Send funds directly to a bank account. ...
  3. Cash pickup. Send money to be collected in cash by your receiver at any of our pickup locations.

Tell Me More ›
Does Venmo work in South Africa? ›

Venmo is currently only supported within the U.S. If you try to sign in while abroad, you'll likely get an error message. We will be able to further assist you with any login issues upon your return to the U.S. If you are outside of the U.S. long term, please reach out to Venmo Support.

Show Me More ›
What money app works internationally? ›

Best money transfer apps compared 2024
AppBest for# of countries
MoneyGramInternational transfers200+
RemitlyHome delivery170+
CashAppSavings and investment features2
PayPalFlexibility and purchase protection200+
4 more rows
Mar 10, 2024

Explore More ›
Can I use PayPal internationally? ›

With PayPal you can send across the table and with Xoom* a PayPal service, you can send across the globe to more than 160 countries and markets.

Continue Reading ›
Can I use venmo internationally? ›

Venmo is a money transfer tool that works for simple payments within the US such as bills or to transfer money between friends. Unfortunately, it cannot be used for international transfers or if you are located outside the US.

Show Me More ›

Does PayPal work in South Africa? ›

The good news is that yes, PayPal is available in South Africa. You can use PayPal to pay and to receive payments online for goods or services. However, due to South African regulations, using PayPal in South Africa does come with a few constraints. First, it is not possible to receive payments in South African Rand.

Read The Full Story ›
Does cash App work in South Africa? ›

Note: Other Cash App features are unavailable outside the US or UK. This includes sending a P2P payment, adding funds, and cashing out.

See Details ›
What is downside of using Zelle? ›

Unlike many money transfer apps, Zelle does not charge a fee for instant transfers. Zelle transfers are generally secure, but the app does carry risks, including the risk of glitches at banks that can affect money transfers.

Get More Info Here ›
What is the cheapest way to transfer money overseas? ›

Bank transfers are usually the cheapest option when it comes to funding your international money transfer with Wise. Bank transfers can be slower than debit or credit cards, but they usually give you the best value for your money.

Continue Reading ›
How to send money internationally? ›

What Are the Best Ways to Send Money Internationally?
  1. Western Union. Western Union is the best bet if your family member or friend needs to receive money via cash. ...
  2. MoneyGram. MoneyGram is the second-largest money transfer provider and competes with Western Union. ...
  3. PayPal. ...
  4. Xoom. ...
  5. Wise. ...
  6. OFX. ...
  7. Paysend.

View More ›
How can I send money internationally for free? ›

If you need to send over $1,000 to an overseas bank account and speed isn't a concern, consider OFX. This online money transfer service is available in 190 countries and doesn't charge fees. You can send money directly from your bank account using the OFX website or mobile app.

View Details ›
How can I send money to someone in South Africa? ›

The best ways to send money to South Africa, explained
  1. Bank transfers. Low fees, great coverage. Send money via SWIFT transfers. ...
  2. Card transfers. Send to any card anywhere, fast. All you need is the card details to send to most countries and currencies.
  3. Send to wallet. Coming soon… ...
  4. Peer-to-peer. Free and instant.

See More ›
Can someone send me money from South Africa? ›

You can transfer money via WorldRemit from South Africa to 130+ destinations across the world.

Learn More ›
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