Eligible small business accounts can send, receive, or request money with Zelle^®. To get started, log into the First Merchants Mobile Appor online banking. In the main menu, select "Transfer and Pay". Then "Send money with Zelle^®". If you don’t see Zelle^®, please call our customer support team at 1.800.205.3464.

There are a few ways you can encourage your customers to pay you with Zelle^®.

• Tell customers verbally that you accept payments with Zelle^®, and that they can easily send you money right from their banking app.
• Include it on an invoice. We recommend adding “I accept payments with Zelle^®” or “Pay me with Zelle^®”.
• Use Zelle^® to request money from your customers (which will send them a notification telling them you’ve requested payment with Zelle^®).

No, First Merchants Bank does not charge any fees to use Zelle^® with a small business account.

Your mobile carrier's messaging and data rates may apply.

Neither First Merchants Bank nor Zelle^® offers purchase protection for payments made with Zelle^® - for example, if you do not receive the item you paid for, or the item is not as described or as you expected. Only send money to people and small businesses you trust and always ensure you've used the correct email address or U.S. mobile number when sending money.

Eligible small business accounts can send, receive, or request money with Zelle^®. To get started, log into the First Merchants Mobile App or online banking. In the main menu, select "Transfer and Pay". Then "Send money with Zelle^®". Enter your email address or U.S. mobile number, receive a one-time verification code, enter it, accept the terms and conditions, and you’re ready to start sending and receiving money with Zelle^®.

To send money with Zelle^®, simply select someone from your mobile device’s contacts (or add a trusted recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number), add the amount you’d like to send and an optional note, review, then hit “Send.” In most cases, the money is available to your recipient in minutes.¹

To receive money using Zelle^® with a small business account, share your enrolled email address or U.S. mobile number with your customers and ask them to send you payment with Zelle^® right from their banking app. No need to share any sensitive account details. After the consumer sends you payment with Zelle^®, you will receive your money directly into your enrolled bank account.

To request money using Zelle^®, choose “Request,” enter their enrolled email address, U.S. mobile number or Zelle^® tag, confirm the recipient is correct and tap “Request.”

Zelle^® QR code provides peace of mind knowing you can send and receive money, without typing or providing an email address or U.S. mobile number.

To locate your Zelle^® QR code, log into the First Merchants Mobile App. In the main menu, select "Transfer and Pay". Then "Send money with Zelle^®". Click "Send," then click on the QR code icon displayed at the top of the "Select Recipient" screen. Navigate to "My Code." From here you can view and use the print or share icons to text or email your Zelle^® QR code.

To send money, log into the First Merchants Mobile App. In the main menu, select "Transfer and Pay". Then "Send money with Zelle^®". Click "Send," then click on the QR code icon displayed at the top of the "Select Recipient" screen. Once you allow access to your camera, simply point your camera at the recipient's Zelle^® QR code, enter the amount, hit "Send," and the money is on the way! When sending money to someone new, it's always important to confirm the recipient is correct by reviewing the displayed name before sending money.

Artina Packnett is a Detroit native who leads the Fitzgerald branch just miles from where she was born and raised. As Banking Center Manager, she brings over 15 years of experience and a deep commitment to the community she proudly calls home. Artina is actively involved in local leadership, serving as Chair of the Fitzgerald Community Advisory Board, Secretary of the Wayne County CRA Association, and a member of the Livernois McNichols Neighborhoods Action Working Group (LMNAWG). Recognized in 2025 by Native Detroiter Magazine for her volunteerism and civic impact, Artina doesn’t just work in Detroit—she works for it.

David Watkins is a Community Business Banker helping entrepreneurs access capital and resources to grow their businesses and strengthen their financial foundation. He has helped deliver millions in grant funding to support small businesses and community development, earning honors like the Spirit of Detroit Award and the Community Spirit Award for the State of Michigan.

Sean Murnane is a Community Home Lending Officer with more than 20 years of experience, focused on making the mortgage process clear, smooth, and enjoyable. He leverages a wide range of loan programs to guide clients to the best fit for their needs. A Central Ohio native and cancer survivor, Sean is actively involved in the community and serves on several local nonprofit boards. He is passionate about helping clients achieve their homeownership goals while building lasting relationships.

Tonjola Cole has over 20 years of experience helping people become homeowners. As a Community Home Lending Officer, she’s driven by purpose to help clients build financial stability and generational wealth. Tonjola specializes in navigating down payment assistance and grant programs, and is known for helping clients secure available funds to make homeownership more affordable and accessible.

Tiffany Whitner is a Senior Community Business Banker offering strategic guidance and customized financial solutions to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Tiffany is especially passionate about supporting minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, ensuring they have equitable access to the resources they need to succeed. Her impact has earned community recognition, including 2026 Business Champion of the Year by NAWBO Columbus and honors from Mahogany Columbus and the Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity.

Rebecca serves as the Director of SBA Operations and Compliance for First Merchants Bank, where she leads operational integration, compliance governance, and risk management initiatives. With more than 10 years experience in business lending, Rebecca is committed to expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs and helping small businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen the communities they serve.

She joined First Merchants in 2013, and, from April 2020 through May 2026, Rebecca managed the bank's SBA and Government Lending Programs department. During that time, she led the origination of one of the nation's first SBA Working Capital Program loans and played a key role in launching innovative government-guaranteed lending programs, including SSBCI-supported initiatives across Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

Rebecca currently serves as Chair of the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL) Small Lender Central Committee and was a nominee for the 2025 Emerging Leader of the Year Award.

Angela Cotton serves as Vice President Small Business Lending Closing for First Merchants Bank and is a practiced hand at helping small businesses succeed. With more than 27 years in small business lending, she works to develop high-performing teams through mentorship, collaboration, and open communication. In turn, these teams provide exceptional service, helping clients access the capital they need to grow and prosper.

Angela started her career in 1999 with Bank OZK, where she held numerous leadership roles and became one of the first members of the bank’s new SBA team. From there, she moved to Simmons Bank, where she served in the SBA department. Prior to joining First Merchants, she served as Senior Vice President Closing and Construction Manager with Phoenix Lender Services.

She holds a Paralegal Certification from the University of Arkansas and serves as a board member for the Arkansas Chamber Singers.

Gino has over 5 years of banking experience. He joined the Bank in 2022 as an NNN Finance Credit Analyst and prior to joining the Bank, he served as a Lease Analyst for the Simon Property Group. He has underwritten over $200 million of closed loan transactions for the Program. He is a 2020 graduate from Indiana University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.

Rose has over 7 years of banking experience. She joined the Bank in 2019 and joined the NNN Finance Team in May 2020 as an NNN Finance Credit Analyst. She has underwritten over $400 million of closed loan transactions for the Program. She is a 2019 graduate from Indiana University Southeast where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting.

Sarah has over 21 years of banking experience. She joined the Bank in 2005 and had served as a teller, head teller and customer service representative before joining the NNN Finance Team as the NNN Finance Servicing Specialist in February 2020. She has assisted with servicing over $580 million in closed loan transactions and services all depository relationships associated with the Program. She is a 2005 graduate of Indiana University Southeast where she earned an Associate Degree in Business.

Ronnie has over 15 years of banking experience. He joined the Bank in 2018 as an NNN Finance Credit Analyst, has served as the NNN Finance Credit Manager since March 2020, and has underwritten over $400 million of closed transactions for the Program. He is a 2011 graduate of Morehead State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting.

Tori has over 18 years of banking experience and joined the NNN Finance Team at the inception of the Program in 2013.  In addition to overseeing all aspects of the Program, she has closed and serviced all of the Program’s $1.1 billion in loans and all associated deposit accounts. She is a 2008 graduate from the University of Southern Indiana where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management and a minor in Marketing. 

Sean has over 25 years of commercial real estate lending experience, closing over $1.1 billion of transactions. He joined the Bank in January 2013 and started the NNN Finance Program. Under his direction and its guiding principles, the Program has experienced explosive growth. Sean has participated as a debt panelist speaker at 20 net lease conferences since 2009. He is a 1991 graduate of John Carroll University where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing.

Bill Sweeney has been focused on small business lending for 17 years and has 23 years of banking industry knowledge. Residing in Pompano Beach, Florida, Bill has a proven track record in helping small businesses with SBA financing and works to forge a prosperous relationship for business owners after funding. His roles as a Branch Manager, Small Business Banker, and Commercial Banker at prominent organizations such as Wells Fargo, SunTrust, Regions, and Hanover Bank have provided him with extensive banking and lending knowledge. Bill graduated from ITT Tech where he obtained his Associate’s degree in Electronic Engineering and went to Florida Atlantic University to further his studies. Demonstrating a deep commitment to his community, Bill’s involvement includes 25 years with the American Legion S.A.L. (serving as Commander for the last 7), 28 years as a dedicated youth sports coach, and his current role as treasurer for a local high school baseball club.