Topic: Zelle

The Iranian government claims to have evidence of foreign interference in local protests, alleging that rioters were paid in tomans to attack police stations. Meanwhile, data shows a surge in stablecoin usage in Iran and Venezuela as citizens seek to escape hyperinflation. A banking software insider reports that major US providers are rolling out stablecoin features to replace services like Zelle for moving money between institutions.

Standard podcast advertising CPMs have dropped to approximately $3.50, making direct listener support more viable for independent creators. The banking industry's Zelle system is criticized for its lack of consumer protection against fraud. Additionally, the Plaid middleware used by apps like Venmo is flagged for privacy concerns, as it reportedly logs into user bank accounts multiple times a day to collect data.

The hosts discuss a new payment system called Wise (formerly TransferWise) used by a donor. They compare the fees of various systems, noting that traditional wire transfers often incur a $20 incoming fee, making small transfers inefficient. They advise listeners to avoid sending small amounts via wire or PayPal to ensure the show actually receives the value.

The hosts discuss the "Value for Value" funding model, contrasting it with traditional advertising and subscriptions. They address the "PayPalpocalypse" that affected their donation base and look forward to the implementation of "FedNow" in July, which they believe will facilitate cheaper, direct transactions despite potential government surveillance concerns.

The show is emphasizing alternative support methods including Zelle, Wise, and Popmoney following issues with PayPal. Proper account naming is required for Zelle transfers to ensure funds reach the production account rather than personal accounts, which is critical for IRS compliance. The discussion notes that emotional triggers in writing often lead to better engagement, even if it results in temporary listener offense.

The final segment of donor credits includes a request for "health karma" for a producer in Huntsville, Alabama, undergoing bypass surgery. The hosts express surprise at receiving donations via Zelle, a service their bank reportedly does not support. They conclude the donation segment by thanking the "Gitmo Nation" for their continued support of the "Value for Value" model.

A final list of Valentine's Day donors is read, including producers from Nanaimo, BC, and Mabel Valley, Washington. The hosts celebrate the successful use of Zelle for donations, despite their bank's lack of official support for the service. They reiterate the "Value for Value" philosophy and thank the community for a strong start to the year.

The Zelle payment service includes strict terms of service that prohibit transactions related to firearms, ammunition, tobacco, and adult services. The platform reserves the right to monitor, block, and reverse payments that violate these internal regulations or general laws. This level of oversight is cited as evidence of increasing financial censorship and the loss of transactional privacy in digital banking.

Robert Slaght of Glendale, Arizona, sends a $333.33 donation via a bank check system. The hosts discuss the various automated check-mailing services used by banks, noting that some systems are so inefficient they likely cost the banks money in postage and processing.

The hosts discuss the ongoing competition between third-party payment apps like Venmo and bank-led services like Zelle. Banks are reportedly creating technical hurdles for Venmo to encourage users to stay within the traditional banking ecosystem. An anonymous donor from Virginia contributes $420 to become a Dame of the No Agenda Round Table.

The No Agenda "Value for Value" model relies on direct listener support rather than corporate advertising. Listeners are encouraged to use credit unions, bank checks, or services like PopMoney to minimize transaction fees when contributing to the show.

The hosts discuss the technical difficulties of using PopMoney for donations, recommending that users only use it if their credit union or bank supports it natively. They explore the rise of payment apps like Venmo and Zelle, expressing concern that younger generations are being "ripped off" by digital gambling and investment apps. Adam Curry admits to once owning a coin changer on his belt.

The program explores new peer-to-peer (P2P) payment systems as a way to avoid high transaction fees associated with traditional platforms like PayPal. A donor utilized a bank-direct P2P transfer to send a large contribution, which arrived without the usual processing cuts. The hosts compare this to services like Zelle and Popmoney, noting the increasing ease of direct digital transfers.