Zelle is one of the leading online payment apps in the US. When you sign up for Zelle, you need to connect it to a bank account, provide a phone number, and also an email address.
Zelle also allows you to generate a username, which can be anything, including your full name. However, most people use Zelle as a feature in their banks’ online or mobile banking.
When you’re ready to change your profile name and other details, you can do so within the Zelle app and also in your bank’s app or online banking portal.
How the Zelle setup process works
The Zelle app has a very basic user interface on purpose. It aims to make things simpler and allow you to send and receive payments without any hassle.
When you first sign up for Zelle, you’ll quickly learn that the two most important pieces of information you need to provide are a US phone number (county code 1) and an email address.
Please note that to register, you must use your operator’s data and not Wi-Fi. To complete the registration, you also have to enter your bank account number.
Here’s the thing: If your bank is one of Zelle’s partner banks, you’ll recognize it right away. You will then be redirected to your bank’s page to log in with the username and password you already set up.
This is how Zelle makes everything work a little faster and frees you from having to go through too many steps. However, after that you will have to use a different password for the Zelle app as an additional security measure.
Updating your Zelle profile
Let’s first see what you need to do to change your profile in the Zelle app. When you want to change your display name, here are the steps to follow:
- Open the Zelle app on your smartphone
- Select “Zelle Preferences” near the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Manage payment profiles”.
- Update any relevant information, including your display name.
That’s all you need to do. Now, when someone sends you money, they will see the name you have chosen. You can also update your account information. If your debit card has expired, you can delete it. You can also change the email associated with the app, as well as other contact information.
Change your name in your mobile banking app
You can also change your Zelle profile, including your name, in your bank’s account management app. Most banks and credit unions partner with Zelle and offer this feature as part of their apps.
And while most of these apps work in a similar way, there’s no single step-by-step explanation on how to update your profile. You will probably have to access the Zelle option within the portal; just look for the Zelle logo or transfer tab.
Some banks might make this process easier than others, and some might not support it at all. If you’re not sure what to do, it’s best to contact your bank directly and ask.
What to do if your profile is blocked?
If you haven’t used your Zelle for a long time, there’s a chance it could get bricked. This could also occur for other reasons, such as security breaches.
When this happens, the only thing you can do is sign up for Zelle again. There’s no need to start over, so there’s no need to use a different email address, phone number, or username. All you need to do is:
- Click on “The profile has been blocked” message
- Select the “Re-register” option.
Zelle will send you an SMS with a one-time password and you can verify your account. If this happens on your mobile banking app, you will need to contact the bank directly for further instructions.
Choose the Zelle name you want
Your Zelle display name is much less relevant information than things like your email and phone number. In fact, Zelle doesn’t need your name at all. It is already provided along with your bank account information. But still, you can’t change your name if you want.