Zelle is among the number one P2P payment application services hosted by over a dozen banks in the US, and it could be accepted as a means to buy BTC. But of course, there are factors you must consider before you get down to business— that is, start lodging a transaction to buy BTC with Zelle.
The article describes all the details of buying bitcoins with Zelle. We’ll cover the process, potential risks, and alternative methods to help you make a viable decision.
What is Zelle?
Zelle is a person-to-person payment service offered by most major U.S. banks and credit unions. Zelle is a person-to-person method to send and get cash from inside that person’s mobile banking app or online banking to nearly anybody with a bank account in the United States. It is always fast and simple. Therefore, it is a preference for many to use when splitting bills, sending gifts, or even just paying friends back.
Can You Buy Bitcoin Directly with Zelle?
Sadly, Zelle doesn’t allow the buying of cryptocurrency directly. Zelle is optimized for paybacks to friends, family, and even small businesses you know and consider trusted. Since transactions with Bitcoin are pseudonymous in nature, direct buying of BTC with Zelle goes against these principles.
Alternative Means: Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces
You can purchase BTC using Zelle via P2P marketplaces such as Paxful. That means that on some of these platforms, you’ll pay directly with some vendors, thanks to the coming together of buyers and sellers.
This is how it works:
- Open an Account: Sign up online with a peer-to-peer marketplace such as Paxful. Their protocols include ID verification, which provides legitimacy to trusted users.
- Find Seller: Please browse the list of sellers of BTC and filter by payment method “Zelle.”
- Choose an Offer: Compare offers based on price, reputation score, and seller terms. Be sure to keep a close eye out for the exchange rates and fees associated with each offer.
- Initiate a Trade: Once you agree with a seller, initiate a trade according to the instructions on the platform. This usually involves sending to the bank account to which the seller has connected, using Zelle, the amount agreed upon.
- Receive BTC: When your Zelle payment is confirmed, the seller will release an equivalent amount of BTC into your P2P marketplace wallet, from where you can now transfer that amount to your wallet.
What to Consider When Buying BTC Using Zelle
While such marketplaces do bring flexibility to P2P, purchasing bitcoins with Zelle brings with it some intrinsic risks:
- Security Risks: P2P transactions involve some degree of trust. Be wary of fake sellers or unfair exchange rates; always check the selling reputation score and reviews.
- Low Regulation: The P2P platforms are subjected to fewer regulations than regular exchanges. In case of problems, the dispute resolution is complex.
- Price Volatility: The value of bitcoin changes very quickly. It could feel to be very off from what you had agreed on after your Zelle transfer goes through.
- Transaction Limits: Zelle often limits transaction amounts daily and monthly, so this may limit the amount of BTC purchased in a single transaction.
Alternatives to Purchasing BTC with Zelle
The following are some alternatives that could provide a safer and more controlled experience:
- Crypto Exchanges: Users can buy BTC through any reputable cryptocurrency exchange, such as Coinbase or Gemini, by doing a bank transfer or using a debit or credit card (although supported issues are limited). These sites have strong security policies and customer service.
- Bitcoin ATMs: These are physical kiosks through which you can buy BTC by paying in cash. Although very convenient, fees through Bitcoin ATM kiosks tend to be high.
Conclusion
While buying BTC via Zelle through P2P marketplaces is technically possible, there are risks involved. Weigh the convenience against the potential security concerns and price volatility carefully. To be on the safer side, look to regulated cryptocurrency exchanges or Bitcoin ATMs. Needless to say, before stepping into the world of Bitcoin purchases, thorough research and due understanding of the risks involved are imperative.