Accept Zelle payments with Square

Square does not directly support Zelle, but you can configure a custom payment method to track Zelle payments. To do this, you must have a bank account that supports Zelle and you must enroll with your email address or phone number. Once your bank account is enrolled, you can define a custom payment method in Square. This will let you select Zelle as a payment method, but you’ll need to manually verify the payment yourself. Later, you can use reporting to track and reconcile the transactions.

Confirm your bank supports Zelle for business accounts

As noted by Zelle on their website, your business bank account must support Zelle. Zelle is typically associated with consumer-to-consumer payments, but banks can offer Zelle for small business accounts. However, it is up to the bank to implement the service.

To check, open your banking app or website and look at the transfer or payment screens. If you don’t see an option to use Zelle, call your bank. Your bank may have eligibility requirements before you can enroll. Here are a few major banks that are known to support Zelle with business accounts:

Chase	You can use Zelle in the Chase Mobile® app to send and receive payments from your business checking account.
PNC	A Fast and Easy Way to Receive Payments from Customers, Directly to Your Eligible PNC Business Checking Account—Free in the PNC Mobile App.
TD	Eligible personal and small business customers can also send and receive payments with Zelle®.
Wells Fargo	Enrolling with Zelle® is fast, simple, and easy using Wells Fargo Business Online® or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app

Enroll with Zelle from your banking app

If you haven’t done so already, you need to enroll with Zelle. This is always done through your banking app or website, not Zelle itself. During enrollment, you will associate an email address or phone number with your business account.

You cannot use the same email address or phone number that was enrolled with a personal account. If your email address or phone number has already been enrolled, your bank may give you the option to transfer the enrollment. If you have any troubles, just call them to get it sorted out.

Once your account is enrolled, you can begin sending and receiving money through Zelle. Be sure to note any transfer limits that may be imposed by your bank.

Create a custom payment method for Zelle

Square does not support Zelle directly. This means:

• Square will not verify that payment was successful.
• Square will not deduct service fees.
• Square will not deduct funds for a loan repayment.

However, you can define a custom payment method that can be selected by staff at purchase time. By having staff select “Zelle” as a payment method, you’ll get reporting and accurate data that will simplify reconciliation later.

• See Add a custom payment method to Square POS – follow these instructions and use “Zelle” or something similar as the name of the payment method.

Create a Zelle Tag (optional)

A Zelle tag allows customers to send money to a short name like yourbusinessname instead of your email address or phone number. This looks more professional and can save time. Create the tag now before making QR codes or flyers.

Sign into your banking website or mobile app and look for the option to create a tag. Every banking app is different, but usually you will find the option in the Zelle section of the app or website. If you have any troubles, call your bank.

Note that customers can still use your phone number and email address even if you create a tag. A tag is an alternate, easier way to find you in the Zelle directory.

Create a Zelle QR code (optional)

A QR code makes it easier for customers to send you a Zelle payment. Typically, you print the QR code for easy access near the register. When a customer is ready to pay with Zelle, they simply point their camera at the QR code, which will open Zelle in their banking app and select you as recipient. The customer will still need to enter an amount and confirm payment.

To get your QR code, open your banking app and look in the Zelle section of the app. You should see an option to view and print your QR code. Note that you might have multiple QR codes available (one for each phone, email and tag). You can use any of them, but use the tag-based one for best branding. Download the QR code and insert into a flyer you can put near the register. If you have any troubles finding your QR code, call your bank.

Train your staff on how to accept Zelle

Lastly, ensure your staff are trained on accepting Zelle payments.

1. Make it easy to pay by having a QR code handy.
2. Select Zelle in the POS when accepting payment.
3. Confirm that payment has been received before closing the transaction.

If your staff doesn’t select Zelle at payment time, your reconciliation will be that much harder. If your staff doesn’t confirm successful payment, you could lose money. Train your staff to give a good experience.

References

• Track external transactions with Custom Payment Methods (squareup.com) – A Custom Payment Method is a custom named payment method you can use to track orders received from outside payment sources via Square. For example, third-party ordering and delivery, non-Square gift cards, and memberships.) All transactions recorded in the Square Point of Sale app are included in reporting, giving you a comprehensive view of your sales and transactions through Square.