Relay 🧾 Service

What you get

Relay is online business banking built around many sub-accounts: up to 20 checking accounts with automatic transfers on each deposit, high-yield savings, Visa debit and credit cards, expense management with receipt capture, bill pay and invoicing. All plans include 50 cards, unlimited users and accounting integrations, with no minimum balance or overdraft fees. Plans: Starter $0 a month, Grow $30 a month, and Scale $120 a month (shown at $90 a month as a limited-time offer). Savings rates rise with the plan.

Relay is a fintech, not a bank; banking is provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC, with up to $3M of coverage through a deposit sweep programme. International payments run through Community Federal Savings Bank and Nium.

Who qualifies

Relay serves US corporations, LLCs, general partnerships and sole proprietors with an operating presence in the US. Owners can be citizens or residents of over 200 countries, but citizens of some countries are not supported. Crypto, firearms, credit repair, money services, unlawful internet gambling and cannabis businesses are excluded.

Good to know

• Relay's FAQ does not say whether an EIN or SSN/ITIN is required; check before applying.
• Higher plans add better savings rates and partner offers (Xero, Engine on Scale).

• Relay is popular with accountants and bookkeepers, who can manage client accounts through its partner programme.
• Savings rates on the Starter, Grow and Scale plans are published on the homepage and change over time.

Verdict

A practical free account for bootstrapped and profit-first founders who like separate accounts for tax, payroll and runway, including founders who live outside the US.

1. Form your US entity and set up a US operating presence.
2. Check that your citizenship is supported (Relay links the list in its FAQ).
3. Apply online and verify each owner.
4. Start on Starter ($0) and upgrade later if you need the higher savings rate.