Can I Cancel or Edit a One-Time Zelle Payment? Here's When

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Understand when and how to undo a payment on Zelle

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: May 22, 2025 Fact Checked

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Can you cancel a payment?

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Canceling Pending Payments

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Reporting Scams

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FAQ

Were you scammed on Zelle? If you mistakenly sent someone money on Zelle, you may be able to cancel the payment as long as it's pending. However, it's very unlikely since most payments are instant. If you can't cancel a payment, you have some options to get your money back. Here's what to know about canceling a Zelle payment and what to do if you're a victim of fraud or a scam.

Canceling a Payment on Zelle

You can only cancel a Zelle payment if the transaction is marked as Pending. This only happens if the recipient doesn't yet have a Zelle account. If the recipient has an account, the transaction is instant. If you were scammed, report it to Zelle and your bank immediately.

Section 1 of 4:

Can you cancel a Zelle payment?

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You can only cancel a Zelle payment if it's still pending. Generally, Zelle payments are instant, especially if the user already has an active Zelle account. However, if the recipient is not yet a Zelle user, the transaction may be marked as pending until they create an account. When a transaction is in the pending status, it can be cancelled.
- Keep in mind that pending transactions are rare. Most transactions are instant, so you most likely won't be able to cancel or reverse a Zelle payment.
- If you have a pending payment, you can easily cancel it.
- If you're a victim of fraud or a scam, you can try reporting it.

Section 2 of 4:

Canceling Pending Payments

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Some banks or credit unions that support Zelle may allow access using their website. If this is available to you, you can log into your bank's website to use Zelle in a web browser.
This option may vary depending on your bank. It can usually be found near your payment options.
This option may vary depending on your bank. It can usually be found near your payment options.
This will list all your recent activities on Zelle, including outgoing payments and received payments. You may be able to filter your transactions or use the search bar to find a specific one.
This will be in the Pending payments section. If you don't see the transaction here, it has already been completed, and you won't be able to cancel it.
This button will only be available on pending transactions.
This will confirm the cancellation.

Section 3 of 4:

Reporting a Scam or Fraud

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If you were scammed through Zelle, you can contact Zelle to report your experience. Use the Report Scam page to send your contact information and information about the transaction to Zelle. Select the bubbles at the bottom that best represent your situation, and then fill out the form that appears. Zelle may be able to assist you, but it's unlikely that Zelle will be able to refund your money. You can also report scams and identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).^{[1]
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- For the best chance at a refund, contact your bank immediately and explain your situation. You may be covered under your bank's policies rather than Zelle's, though banks have not always had the best reputation for helping their customers recover from Zelle scams.^{[2]
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Section 4 of 4:

Frequently Asked Questions

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1
Can Zelle payments be reversed or cancelled? Zelle payments cannot be reversed or cancelled unless the transaction is still pending. A transaction may be marked as Pending only if the recipient does not have a Zelle account. If the recipient has an active Zelle account, the money is sent instantaneously, and you won't be able to cancel the transaction.^{[3]
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What can I do if I accidentally Zelle the wrong person? If you accidentally Zelle the wrong person, you cannot cancel the transaction. If you know the person, you can ask them to send you the money back. However, if the recipient is a stranger, it is usually unlikely that they will send the money back. For this reason, it's important to double-check the recipient information before sending money with Zelle, and only send money to those you trust.^{[4]
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Can you dispute a Zelle payment? There's no way to dispute a Zelle payment within the app. You can report a scam on the Zelle website, but your bank's customer support may be more helpful to you.
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Will Zelle refund money if scammed? You can report a scam or fraud on the Zelle website, but it's unlikely that Zelle will refund your money. Be sure to contact your bank immediately to understand your options with your specific bank. Some banks offer fraud protection and may be able to refund your transaction.