How Payment Apps Work

Your friend sends you $25 in the same payment app you use. Which bank accounts does money move between at that moment?

• From your friend's bank account to yours
• None; the app updates two balances in its own ledger
• From the app's bank to your bank, by ACH

How is Zelle different from keeping a balance in an app like Venmo?

• Zelle holds your money in its own pooled account for longer
• Zelle moves money between bank accounts, so there's no separate app balance to hold
• Zelle payments always take 1 to 3 business days