Read our 2025 Relay Business Checking review for an in-depth look at features, fees, customer support, and benefits for small business owners.
Relay
Relay’s fast factsOur rating: 4.7 out of 5 Starting price: Free (no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements) Key features:
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Relay aims to simplify business banking by focusing on digital tools and integrations with accounting platforms. Unlike traditional banks, Relay operates entirely online, providing features that support remote financial management, a major benefit for small businesses and freelancers. Business owners can set up multiple checking accounts for budgeting and have complete control over spending with built-in expense categorization and detailed financial tracking.
4.75/5
Users often highlight Relay’s transparency in pricing, ease of setup, and the convenience of creating separate accounts for budgeting. Freelancers, startups, and small businesses with limited cash deposits find it particularly suitable since Relay eliminates common fees associated with traditional banks.
While most users appreciate Relay’s digital-first approach, a few drawbacks have been noted, such as the absence of cash deposit options and limited physical branches, however, for online-based businesses or those that don’t rely heavily on cash, Relay is highly recommended.
4.9/5
Relay’s standout pricing model is fee-free. It provides a completely free business checking account without hidden costs, monthly maintenance fees, or minimum balance requirements. This makes Relay appealing for startups, freelancers, and small businesses looking to maximize savings and minimize banking expenses.
Relay also provides access to banking features such as ACH transfers, multiple sub-accounts, and tools for budgeting, allowing business owners to manage cash flow without additional costs. For businesses seeking faster ACH and outgoing wires, the ability to auto import bills from QuickBooks Online or Xero, and multi-step approval rules for bill payment, Relay offers an upgraded account — Relay Pro — starting at $30/month.
4.9/5
Relay stands out for its user-centric approach and flexible features tailored to business owners looking to streamline their banking. Here’s a deeper look at what Relay offers:
Relay allows users to set up multiple checking accounts under a single business entity, providing flexibility in budgeting and managing different expense categories. With up to 20 free sub-accounts, business owners can organize funds for specific purposes, such as payroll, taxes, and operational expenses, all in one place.
Relay integrates smoothly with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and Gusto, allowing users to sync transaction data automatically. This integration helps with real-time financial tracking, seamless bookkeeping, and more accurate tax reporting.
Relay’s account features offer built-in tools for tracking expenses and managing team spending. Users can issue individual debit cards with customizable spending limits, enabling better control over business expenditures.
One of Relay’s main selling points is its truly fee-free structure. Businesses can avoid monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, and charges for basic services, making it an ideal choice for small companies looking to save on banking costs.
Relay operates exclusively online but is FDIC-insured through its banking partners. It utilizes robust security measures, including two-factor authentication and advanced encryption, ensuring business funds are protected.
5.00/5
Relay suits small business owners, startups, and freelancers who value digital banking and do not require cash deposits or in-person branch services. Its no-fee structure and integrations with leading accounting tools make it a practical choice for those looking to manage finances efficiently without incurring high fees.
Our expert’s opinion: Relay’s free, versatile features are great for small businesses or entrepreneurs who want a modern, tech-savvy banking solution. However, for businesses that rely on cash deposits or physical branch interactions, a more traditional bank may be more suitable.
If Relay Business Checking doesn’t fit all your needs, here are some alternatives to consider with similar online bank offerings:
| Starting price | Free | $15/month (waivable) | Free |
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| Key distinctions | Offers interest on deposits | Extensive in-person support | Fee-free overdrafts |
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To create this review, we analyzed Relay’s banking features and compared them to similar platforms while we evaluated user reviews from various sources. We considered the unique needs of freelancers and small business owners to determine how well Relay meets those requirements compared to its competitors.
Relay Business Checking offers an accessible, digital-first solution for small businesses, freelancers, and startups looking for an efficient way to manage finances and get set up with a bank account for their business. With no monthly fees, flexible sub-accounts, and robust accounting integrations, it is a competitive choice in the online banking space. These are very important services to consider when choosing a bank for your business. While it lacks cash deposit and lending options, Relay’s streamlined approach and fee-free structure make it an ideal option for businesses that operate primarily online.
Relay is highly rated for its online banking services and partners with FDIC-insured financial institutions, ensuring funds are secure and protected up to standard FDIC limits.
Checks deposited through Relay typically clear within one to two business days, depending on the bank’s processing times and the amount.
No, Relay does not currently offer business loans or lines of credit, so it may not be ideal for companies that need financing options.
This article was reviewed by our banking expert Tricia Jones.
Patrick is a finance and operations professional with experience in investment banking, corporate strategy, and startup operations. He has worked at Citibank and Gevo Inc., handling credit, underwriting, and business development.
