How to Set Up Zelle Transfers, NEFT, and IMPS in the U.S.

Editor: Suman Pathak on Jul 09,2025

 

In this busy world, online banking is the way of life. Familiarity with operating a proper banking facility is required to pay rent, send money to friends, or even send money abroad. For individuals living in the U.S. and individuals familiar with the other banking systems, familiarity with how to set up Zelle transfers, operate NEFT in the USA, or even find an IMPS counterpart in the US can make money work a piece of cake.

This tutorial will take you through each of these services step by step. We'll also compare Zelle to Venmo and Cash App, so you'll understand which service might be best for you.

What are These Payment Systems?

These payment systems are easier to understand with a quick overview of each system and where each one is typically used:

  • Zelle is a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment network integrated into most U.S. bank apps.
  • NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) is commonly employed in India to transfer money between banks, typically within hours.
  • IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) is India's 24/7 real-time money transfer service.

NEFT and IMPS are unique to India, but U.S. consumers who want quicker domestic transfers can use Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App as legitimate alternatives. These can be considered contemporary, American-style alternatives, particularly when considering an IMPS-like counterpart that U.S. users have.

How to set up Zelle Transfers step by step?

Setting up Zelle is simple. You can use your bank app or download the Zelle app if your bank doesn't have the facility.

Step 1: Find Out if Your Bank is Compatible

Most American banks have also incorporated Zelle into their mobile banking apps. They are the names of large banks such as Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, and Capital One. If your bank is a Zelle partner, you won't require an additional app.

Step 2: Download the Zelle App (if needed)

If your bank does not have Zelle, you can use the service by downloading the approved Zelle app. It is compatible with both iOS and Android.

Step 3: Register Your Email or Phone Number

When you install Zelle, you will be required to enter either your U.S. phone number or email. That is your payment ID.

Step 4: Link Your Bank Account

You will then connect a U.S.-based checking account. This will be done by providing your online banking login information or confirming a small test deposit from Zelle.

Step 5: Begin Sending and Receiving Money

When setup is completed, you can now send money with Zelle by choosing a recipient's phone number or email address and the amount, and you can confirm the transaction.

Zelle is built for speed. The majority of transactions happen in minutes, if sender and payee are both enrolled in Zelle.

How to Use NEFT in USA?

If you are accustomed to Indian banking and want to know how to utilize NEFT in USA, it becomes somewhat tricky. NEFT is not a part of U.S. bank infrastructure, but you can transfer money to India via services that utilize NEFT on the destination side.

Step 1: Select a Money Transfer Provider

Choose a provider who supports international remittances to Indian bank accounts. Wise (formerly TransferWise), Remitly, Xoom (by PayPal), and Western Union are widely used ones. These providers work with Indian banks and use the NEFT option to finalize transactions in India.

Step 2: Enter the Recipient's Information

The recipient's name, account number, IFSC code, and Indian bank and branch name are required to send money through NEFT from the United States.

Step 3: Fund the Transfer

Most services enable you to fund it with a U.S. bank account, debit card, or credit card. Select your desired mode of payment.

Step 4: Choose NEFT as the Delivery Method

Certain services provide NEFT by default when transferring to Indian banks. It is appropriate for transactions that are not time-sensitive.

Step 5: Authorize and Confirm

Once you have verified all the information, validate the transfer. The provider will then exchange dollars to rupees and trigger the NEFT transfer within India.

While direct access to NEFT may not be available through American banks, this process still makes it possible for residents of the United States to take advantage of NEFT's convenience.

Mobile phone with logo of American digital payments company Zelle on screen in front of business website

What Is the IMPS Equivalent in the US?

If you’re wondering about the IMPS equivalent US residents can use, the answer lies in platforms like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App.

IMPS provides real-time 24/7 India fund transfers. Zelle in the U.S. serves the same purpose for U.S. transfers. It transfers money between bank accounts almost instantly. Venmo and Cash App, not directly associated with banks, provide quick transfers, often in a matter of minutes.

While the organization is different, these apps do exactly the same as IMPS in that money can be transferred in real time with just an email address or phone number.

Set Up Zelle Step by Step: Key Takeaways

No technical skills are involved in installing Zelle. It's as simple as any mobile banking app. Either through your bank or through its own app, Zelle's installation is simple and quick.

Tips to keep in mind during installation

  • Your U.S. mobile number or email address is your payment ID.
  • Transfers are made directly into U.S. bank accounts.
  • Transfers typically take place in minutes.
  • You don't need to keep money in a digital wallet.

That makes Zelle ideal for U.S. consumers who want to split bills, pay rent, or send a spontaneous gift.

Transfer Funds with Zelle Safely

Zelle is quick and free, but safety is your responsibility. Remember these safety tips:

  • Only send money to individuals you know.
  • Make sure the recipient's contact information is correct before sending.
  • Never respond to unsolicited requests to pay someone you don't know.
  • Use two-factor authentication on your bank app.

Because Zelle transfers are instant and non-reversible, the prime is prudence. After you send money to a person, you can't reverse the transaction after they've enrolled.

Zelle vs Venmo vs CashApp: What to Use?

The three apps—Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App—are widely used in the United States, but they serve different purposes. Here's an easy comparison to assist your choice.

  • Zelle is ideal for individuals who wish to experience fast, fee-free bank-to-bank transfers without having money in a digital wallet. It's available in the majority of banking apps and does not require any extra account balance.
  • Venmo adds a social component. It will let you share payment notes publicly or privately, something that is a big deal with younger customers. But it does hold money in a wallet, and pulling it into your bank can take a day or longer unless you pay a fee.
  • Cash App provides such features as a debit card, buying stocks or bitcoins, and instant deposits. Similar to Venmo, it keeps money in a wallet and debits your bank for instant deposits.

If what you essentially need is to send money via Zelle for hassle-free transfers, Zelle is perfect. If you need social features or investment features, Venmo or Cash App is preferable.

From all three, it's always best to recall your main use case and the degree to which speed, flexibility, or additional features are important to you.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to initiate Zelle transfers provides you with a potent tool to handle money in the U.S. With a few finger swipes, you're able to send money securely and instantly to family, friends, or service providers.

Choosing between Zelle vs Venmo vs Cash App is all about what is most important to you—speed, socializing, or flexibility. Either way, setting up these tools is easier than ever. Contemporary banking is changing how we send money. Mastering these tools now prepares you for the cashless world of the future.


This content was created by AI