In December 2021, Bank of America was the first financial institution to launch a Zelle widget, aiming to make it easier to send or request funds through the peer-to-peer payment service on mobile devices.
Zelle is a US-based payments network that enables individuals to transfer money from the bank account to another registered users bank account electronically, using a mobile device or website of a participating banking institution.
Zelle is considered one of the most secure and efficient ways to send money, as demonstrated by the 15.1 million Bank of America clients – accounting for one-third of all Zelle users – who have sent and received a staggering 202 million transfers worth $60 billion in Q3 2021.
Bank of America clients can add the widget on the home screen of their mobile device, allowing quick and easy access to send or request money via Zelle during the gift-giving season. The Zelle widget will take clients directly to the app without displaying account details at any point, providing added security and privacy when making quick payments to and from friends.
Launching the Zelle widget was an important step for the bank, as many of their clients requested easy, convenient and safe banking solutions, Julie Harris, Bank of America’s Chief Digital Executive, Global Banking and Head of Digital Payments, explained.
She continued: “With 15.1 million Bank of America clients using the service to send and receive 202 million payments in Q3 2021, Zelle has become an essential way for our clients to move and manage their money. Whether it’s paying rent or splitting the cost of a gift, Zelle is a fast, safe and easy way to send and receive money with family, friends and small businesses.
“We’re always looking at innovations that deliver a seamless experience for our clients, allowing them to stay in control of their information. We wanted to give our clients an even more secure and convenient way to send and receive money, especially during the busy holiday season. The widget makes sending money even easier with only one click because it’s right there on your home screen and is available for both iOS and Android with the latest version of the Bank of America app.”
In terms of security when launching the Zelle widget, keeping client information safe and secure is a top priority for the bank as it continually provides new tools to empower thei clients to protect themselves and their information.
“When Bank of America clients use the widget, they’re logging in using the same security of our app but going straight to the Zelle screen showing their contacts, which streamlines the send/request money flow,” Harris said. “This is especially convenient when you’re in public places or standing near someone and you don’t want them to see your account information – you can just quickly send or request money.”
Looking ahead to the trends we’re now seeing in payments, Harris concluded with her thoughts on where 2022 will take the industry.
She said: “The future of banking is delivering experiences that are uniquely relevant to every client at every life stage. We do this through the Bank of America mobile app, and across all platforms, supporting the full breadth of each client relationship. This enables clients to bank, borrow and invest whenever and wherever they choose. As clients increasingly turn to cashless solutions and mobile payments, Zelle is another example of how we’re making it easier for our clients to better manage their financial lives.”
