The basic steps to request money through Zelle on Chase

To request a Zelle payment through Chase, open the Chase mobile app or log into Chase.com, find the Zelle section, and select "Request." Enter the recipient's email address or phone number, the amount you want them to send, and an optional note explaining why. The recipient gets a notification and can accept or decline. If they accept, the money moves to your Chase account within minutes if both of you bank with Chase, or within one to three business days if one of you uses a different bank.

The request stays active for 14 days. If the recipient doesn't respond within that window, the request expires and you can send a new one. You cannot cancel a request once the recipient has accepted it — the payment is final at that point.

Key Takeaways

  • Zelle requests go through the Chase app or website under the Zelle section, and you need only the recipient's email or phone number.
  • Money arrives within minutes for Chase-to-Chase transfers, or one to three business days if the recipient banks elsewhere.
  • Requests expire after 14 days if the recipient does not respond, and you cannot cancel a request after it has been accepted.
  • The recipient must have Zelle set up with their own bank before they can accept your request.

Where to find the request feature in the Chase app

Open the Chase mobile app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Zelle" from the menu. On the Zelle screen, you will see two buttons: "Send Money" and "Request Money." Tap "Request Money."

If you are using Chase.com on a computer, log in, click "Pay & Transfer" in the top menu, then select "Zelle" from the dropdown. Click "Request Money" and follow the same steps as the app.

Entering the recipient's information and amount

After you tap "Request Money," Chase asks for the recipient's email address or phone number. Type whichever one you have — the recipient does not need to have both registered with Zelle, just one. Then enter the dollar amount you are requesting. Chase shows you the amount in a confirmation screen before you send the request.

You can add a note to explain why you are requesting the money — for example, "Half of dinner last night" or "Your share of the electric bill." The note is optional but helpful for the recipient to understand what the request is for. After you review the details, tap "Request" to send it.

What happens after you send a request

The recipient receives a notification through Zelle, usually within seconds. If they have Zelle set up with their bank, they can open the notification and accept or decline the request. If they accept, the money leaves their account and arrives in yours. If they decline, nothing happens and you can send another request later.

Chase does not charge you a fee to send or receive Zelle requests. The recipient's bank may charge them a fee for sending money, depending on their account type and bank — this is between them and their bank, not something Chase controls.

How long requests stay active and what to do if they expire

A Zelle request remains active for 14 calendar days from the date you send it. If the recipient has not responded by day 14, the request automatically expires and disappears from both your account and theirs. You will not receive a notification that it expired — you have to check your Zelle history to see the status.

If a request expires, you can send a new one using the same process. There is no limit to how many requests you can send to the same person, so if the first one expires, straightforward create another one with the same details.

Difference between requesting and sending money

When you request money, you are asking the recipient to send it to you. The money does not move until they accept. When you send money through Zelle, you are pushing money directly to the recipient's account — they do not have to do anything except receive it. Requests are useful when you are not sure if the other person has Zelle set up yet, or when you want to give them time to decide whether to pay you back.

Sending money is faster if you know the recipient has Zelle and is ready to receive it. Requesting is safer if you are unsure whether they will pay, because the request expires after 14 days and you can follow up with them if they do not respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request money from someone who does not bank with Chase?

Yes. As long as the recipient's bank supports Zelle, they can accept your request. Zelle works across most major U.S. banks. If their bank does not use Zelle, they will not be able to see or accept the request, and it will expire after 14 days.

What if the recipient's email or phone number is wrong?

The request will go to the wrong person or bounce back. If you realize the mistake before they accept, you cannot cancel it, but you can send a new request to the correct contact information. After 14 days, the original request expires automatically.

Can I request money from multiple people at once?

No. Zelle requests are one-to-one — you send each request individually to one recipient. You cannot create a group request or send the same request to multiple people in a single action.

Is there a limit to how much I can request?

Chase sets daily and monthly limits on Zelle transfers, which vary by account type. Your request limit is usually the same as your sending limit. Check your Chase account settings or contact Chase directly to see your specific limits.