PNC Bank and U.S. Bank have successfully completed a pilot of the integration, transmitting money using Zelle over the RTP network. Additional FIs will integrate the two networks and start testing later this year. This is a critical milestone in enabling FIs of all sizes to begin using both networks.

“Participating Zelle Network FIs can choose the RTP network as an optional route to clear and settle Zelle transactions in real-time,” said Lou Anne Alexander, chief product officer at Early Warning Services. “It’s on this foundation that new real-time payment use cases will be possible, including bill payments for auto loans, mortgages, and utilities.”

“Zelle and the RTP network make it faster and easier for FIs of all sizes and their customers to accelerate everyday tasks, from paying bills to issuing invoices to settling insurance claims, all while helping to reduce costs due to reconciliation issues, credit balances, and capital reserves,” said Steve Ledford, senior vice president of product strategy and development, The Clearing House.

Corporate customers of FIs leveraging the two networks will be able to send payments and Request for Payment (RfP) messages to consumers and small businesses using the email address or U.S. mobile phone number associated with their Zelle enrollment in addition to their Routing Transit and Account number. Both sending and receiving FIs must be RTP enabled.

“We think consumers and businesses will welcome the ability to pay bills and receive payment confirmations all in real-time,” added Thomas Kunz, executive vice president and digital director at PNC Bank. "PNC is always seeking ways to make banking easier and more convenient for our customers.”

“The ability to send, receive, request and settle payments in real-time is increasingly important to business customers,” said Shailesh Kotwal, vice chair of Payment Services at U.S. Bank. “Our focus is on providing digital capabilities at every step of the cash flow process to help businesses gain efficiency, increase satisfaction among their customers and vendors, and reduce the risk of fraud.”