Zapp, a money transfer service that operates through WhatsApp, announced the expansion of its services to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. With this expansion, Central American migrants in the United States can now send money to family and friends back home directly through WhatsApp, without needing to visit a physical location or download a separate app.
Recipients in the new markets can choose to receive their money through either a direct bank deposit or cash pickup at a broad network of banks and retail locations. In Guatemala, more than 15,000 banks and payment locations are available, including G&T Continental, Banrural, Banco Industrial, Elektra, and Banco Azteca. For transfers between $5 and $2,999, the fee is $4.74 for bank deposit and $5.74 for cash withdrawal, with a fixed rate for the entire range. In Honduras, more than 8,000 locations offer bank deposit and cash withdrawal services, including Banco Atlántida, Ficohsa, BAC Credomatic, and Elektra. Fees range from $5.99 for transfers up to $200 to $32.99 for up to $3,000, increasing by approximately $1.00 for every additional $200.
El Salvador offers more than 6,000 bank branches and affiliated businesses such as Banco Agrícola, Banco Cuscatlán, Super Selectos, and Walmart. For transfers between $100 and $150, the fee is $4.99 for bank deposit and $5.99 for cash withdrawal, with cash withdrawals incurring a $1.00 surcharge. Fees increase by approximately $1.00 for every additional $50. In Nicaragua, more than 5,000 banks and businesses, including Banpro, Banco Lafise, and BAC Credomatic, are available. Fees range from $5.99 for transfers between $100 and $200 to $33.99 for up to $3,000, increasing by approximately $1.00 for every additional $100.
Zapp operates as an authorized agent of Spectrum Global Payment Solutions, Inc. (NMLS ID 937914), a licensed money transmitter in Central America. Every transaction is covered by a money-back guarantee. This expansion highlights the growing trend of using messaging platforms for financial services, offering a simple, secure, and convenient way to send remittances. By leveraging WhatsApp, Zapp aims to transform the remittance industry to provide better service to Latin American families, with competitive exchange rates and a user-centric approach.
