Zapp, a money transfer service that operates through WhatsApp, announced on Thursday the expansion of its services to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Central American migrants in the United States can now send money to family and friends back home directly through the messaging app, the company said in a press release.
The expansion taps into a significant remittance market. According to the World Bank, remittances to Central America have grown steadily, with the region receiving over $25 billion in 2025. By leveraging WhatsApp, which has over 2 billion users globally, Zapp aims to simplify the process for migrants who often rely on mobile communication.
Recipients in the new markets can choose to receive funds through 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. Fees for transfers range from $4.74 for bank deposits to $5.74 for cash withdrawals on amounts between $5 and $2,999, with a fixed rate for the entire range.
Honduras offers over 8,000 locations, including Banco Atlántida, Ficohsa, BAC Credomatic, and Elektra. Fees there are tiered, starting at $5.99 for transfers up to $200, $13.99 up to $1,000, and $32.99 up to $3,000. In El Salvador, more than 6,000 bank branches and affiliated businesses such as Banco Agrícola, Banco Cuscatlán, Super Selectos, and Walmart are part of the network. Fees for bank deposits range from $4.99 for amounts between $100 and $150, up to $19.99 for up to $1,500, with a $1 surcharge for cash withdrawals. Nicaragua has over 5,000 locations including Banpro, Banco Lafise, and BAC Credomatic, with fees starting at $5.99 for transfers up to $200 and scaling up.
Zapp’s service eliminates the need for users to visit physical locations or download a separate app, as the entire transaction occurs within WhatsApp. The company operates as an authorized agent of Spectrum Global Payment Solutions, Inc. (NMLS ID 937914), a licensed money transmitter, and every transaction is covered by a money-back guarantee. Zapp is not affiliated with Meta or WhatsApp; it simply uses WhatsApp as a communication channel.
The expansion is significant for the Central American diaspora, which sent over $10 billion in remittances to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua combined in 2025, according to central bank data. By offering a convenient digital channel, Zapp could increase financial inclusion and reduce costs for migrants who often pay high fees at traditional money transfer operators.
For Salvadorans, the timing is particularly relevant as the country has adopted Bitcoin as legal tender, though Zapp’s service uses traditional currencies. The company’s competitive rates and broad network may appeal to migrants seeking reliable and affordable ways to support their families.
