Zelle® makes sending money quick and easy, but since the payments work like cash, reversing them can be difficult. Protect yourself and your money by understanding how disputes work, when refunds may be possible, and how to stay safe from fraud.
Zelle® is a fast and convenient way to send money, but it’s important to understand the potential challenges that may arise before you hit “Send.” Unlike credit or debit card transactions, Zelle payments are treated as cash. Once the money is sent, there’s no guarantee it can be recovered.
If you’ve accidentally sent money or suspect fraud through Zelle, here’s what you need to know about disputing payments, requesting refunds, and staying secure.
Can You Cancel a Zelle Payment?
Unfortunately, once a Zelle payment has been sent to an enrolled recipient, it cannot be canceled. That’s why it’s best to send money only to people you know and trust. Always verify recipient details, such as email address or mobile number, before sending money.
Why Zelle Works Differently
Zelle is designed for quick, person-to-person transfers, similar to handing someone cash. Because of this, it doesn’t offer the same protections as credit or debit cards. If you authorize a payment and don’t receive what you paid for, a refund is not guaranteed. That’s why understanding Zelle’s policy is essential before sending money. Please refer to Zelle’s Terms and Conditions for more information.
How to Dispute a Zelle Transaction
While you can’t cancel a Zelle payment, you may be able to dispute a transaction under certain circumstances. The timeframe for filing and resolution details are important to keep in mind.
You generally have up to 120 days from the transaction date to file a dispute, with most disputes resolved within 7 business days. Note that the funds are only returned if recoverable, and there’s no guarantee.
If you’re a First Entertainment Credit Union member who needs to dispute a Zelle payment, here’s what to do:
- Complete the Zelle Dispute Form available on the First Entertainment website or at any branch.
- Provide details such as your name, member number, contact information, and a brief description of the disputed transaction.
- Submit the form via DocuSign or in person.
Once submitted, our team will review your claim and follow up on the status.
Tips to Stay Safe with Zelle
To help keep your transactions secure, follow these best practices:
- Send money only to people you know and trust. Zelle is designed for quick transfers between friends, family, or trusted contacts, not for purchases from strangers or online sellers.
- Confirm the recipient’s details with them before finalizing payment.
- Be cautious of scams. If something feels off, such as pressure to send money quickly or promises that seem too good to be true, don’t proceed. Fraudulent transactions are often difficult to reverse.
Zelle is a great tool for fast payments, but it comes with responsibility. Always double-check your transactions and understand that disputes may not always result in recovered funds.
For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit our Zelle page at https://www.firstent.org/zelle/.
