Zelle is a convenient method to buy Bitcoin on those exchanges where it is supported as a means of depositing funds.
Designed for beginners, our step-by-step guide to buying Bitcoin with Zelle will help you find an exchange and take you through the entire process.
Unsure about what exchange to use?
Where to buy Bitcoin with Zelle
First time buying?
How to buy Bitcoin with Zelle
Step 1: Pick a crypto exchange that supports Zelle
First, you have to open an account with a crypto exchange that accepts deposits made via Zelle Pay. Very few crypto exchanges support payments made with Zelle Pay. We’ve listed options on this page, which you can compare for their brokerage or spread, trading fees, costs to deposit and withdraw fiat currency, etc.
Step 2: Confirm your identity
Once you have signed up with an exchange, you may be required to authenticate your account by providing proof of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or another form of photo ID.
Some exchanges — primarily peer-to-peer — do not require ID verification and are an option should you wish to buy anonymously.
Step 3: Decide how much to buy
Various factors weigh on the value of Bitcoin such as government regulations on cryptocurrency, investor confidence, stock market conditions, and investor and user sentiment. The net result is Bitcoin’s renowned propensity to fluctuate in value.
Given its price volatility, you should only invest an amount you can afford (and won’t miss if Bitcoin’s price falls after you buy).
Step 4: Deposit funds
To buy bitcoins on an exchange, you must have funds in your exchange wallet.
In the dashboard of your exchange account, find the option to add ‘Zelle Pay’ as a payment method. You’ll be prompted to log into your Zelle account. After logging in, enter the amount you want to transfer and complete the transaction.
Step 5: Configure an order
A market buy executes at the best available current market price and is the easiest way to buy. You can also place a limit order or stop order. The former allows you to specify the price at which you want to buy Bitcoin and the latter lets you set a minimum price for the order to execute. These trigger orders can be used to execute a more advanced trading strategy.
Step 6: Buy
Once you have decided what type of order you want to place, fill out the form and execute the transaction.
Still not sure?
Pros and cons
Pros
- Convenient. If you already use Zelle, having the option to buy crypto with it is very handy.
- Fast. Zelle transactions usually happen within minutes or, in some cases, instantly.
- Keep your data secure. By depositing with Zelle, you don’t have to provide your credit or debit card details.
Cons
- Not widely accepted. Very few crypto exchanges currently accept deposits made with Zelle.
- Lacks fraud protection. Unlike PayPal, Zelle itself does not offer fraud protection.
Extra help
FAQs
How long does it take for funds to transfer using Zelle?
Funds sent with Zelle appear in your exchange account in minutes.
Can I buy Bitcoin with Zelle anonymously?
Yes, you may be able to buy Bitcoin with Zelle anonymously on some peer-to-peer platforms.
Can I buy other cryptocurrencies with Zelle?
Yes, you can buy other cryptocurrencies with Zelle. All you have to do is select the desired cryptocurrency in place of Bitcoin on the order form before executing a purchase.
