Zelle
Zelle is a digital payments network that allows for instant transfers between U.S. bank accounts. It is one of the most popular payment methods for buying and selling Bitcoin in the US on Bisq.
At a Glance
| Currency
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Region
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Signing Required
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Initial Buy Limit
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Max Trade Limit
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Trade Duration
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| USD
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🇺🇸 United States
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Yes (to lift limits)
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0.002 BTC
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0.0624 BTC
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Max 4 days (Usually minutes)
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Account Setup
To use Zelle on Bisq, you must first ensure you are enrolled via your bank's official app.
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App Discontinued: The standalone Zelle app was discontinued in April 2025. You must use Zelle through a participating bank or credit union's mobile app or website.
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- Go to Account > National Currency Accounts.
- Select Add New Account and choose Zelle.
- Account Name: Enter a label for your internal use (e.g., "Chase Zelle").
- Full Name: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your bank account.
- Email or Mobile: Enter the email address OR U.S. mobile number registered with Zelle.
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Name Matching: The name on your Bisq account MUST match the name your bank shows to recipients. If these do not match, the seller cannot verify the payment.
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Trading Rules
While the general trading process follows the standard Bisq Trading Guide, Zelle has specific requirements:
Payment Reference
- Buyers: Leave the "Memo" or "Note" field BLANK.
- If a note is absolutely required by your bank, use your name.
- NEVER write "Bitcoin," "Bisq," or the Trade ID.
- Sellers: Expect the payment to arrive with no memo or just the buyer's name.
Sending the Payment
- Buyers: Double-check the recipient's **Email** or **Phone Number** matches the Bisq trade details exactly.
- Sellers: Verify the money is **available** in your balance before clicking "Payment Received." Do not trust email notifications alone; log in to your bank to check.
Risks, Fees & Limits
Limits
- Bisq Limits: Trade sizes are capped at 0.0624 BTC. New Zelle accounts are limited to 0.002 BTC until signed.
- Bank Limits: Most banks have daily/weekly Zelle limits (e.g., $500/day or $2,000/month). Check your bank's limit before taking a large trade.
The "Bank Freeze" Risk
Banks often flag Zelle transfers to new recipients as "suspicious activity."
- If your payment is blocked: Do not try to pay from a friend's account. Open a support ticket (Ctrl+O) immediately.
- Prevention: Some traders recommend sending a small "test" transaction to a friend first if you have never used Zelle before.
Fees
- Zelle itself does not charge fees, but your bank might.
External Resources
