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Relay Business Checking Review
Our take: A free plan with multiple checking accounts, low cost wires and up to $3 million of FDIC coverage. No interest on checking.
Pros
- Free plan with multiple checking accounts
- Low cost wires and same day ACH
- Up to $3 million of FDIC coverage
Cons
- No interest on checking
- Incoming wires can carry a fee
- Relay is not a bank
Key facts
- Paid plans
- Grow $30 a month; Scale $90 a month (limited time)
- Cash deposits
- Allpoint ATMs up to $1,000 per transaction; Green Dot
- Savings APY
- 1.19% on Starter savings (as of Sep 17, 2026)
- Partner bank
- Thread Bank (FDIC 9499)
- Minimum to open
- $0
- Monthly fee
- No monthly fee (Starter)
- ATM access
- Allpoint ATMs
- Insurance
- FDIC insured through Thread Bank up to $250,000. Up to $3 million through Thread Bank's program banks
- FDIC certificate
- 9499 (Thread Bank, Rogersville, TN)
- Who can open
- Sole proprietors, LLCs, corporations and partnerships
- Mobile app
- Relay app: 4.8 on the App Store, 4.4 on Google Play (Sep 28, 2026)
- Customer service
- 1-888-205-9304, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm ET
Source: Relay website, checked Oct 27, 2026. Insurance details from the FDIC BankFind database.
Our verdict
Relay is built for owners who like to split money into buckets. The free Starter plan lets you open multiple checking accounts, pay bills and invite your team, with low cost wires and up to $3 million of FDIC coverage through its partner bank’s program.
Checking does not pay interest (Relay’s savings accounts do), and Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Accounts are held at Thread Bank.
Fees
On the Starter plan, domestic wires cost $8 and same day ACH costs $1. Paid plans lower these fees. Cash deposits work at Allpoint ATMs (up to $1,000 per transaction) and through Green Dot, which may charge its own fee.
How we rated it
It earns high marks for fees, minimums and app, and loses points for paying no interest on checking. It scores 4.1 out of 5 on our scorecard for this category. See how we score on the comparison page and our methodology.
How Relay compares
| Account | Rating | Monthly fee | APY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axos Basic Business Checking | 4.4 | $0 | None |
| Bluevine Business Checking | 4.3 | $0 | 1.30% |
| American Express Business Checking | 4.2 | $0 | 1.00% |
| Relay Business Checking | 4.1 | $0 | None |
| Found Small Business Banking | 4.0 | $0 | None |
Relay business checking FAQ
Is Relay free?
The Starter plan has no monthly fee. Grow and Scale are paid plans with lower transfer fees and higher savings rates.
Is Relay a bank?
No. Relay is a financial technology company. Accounts are held at Thread Bank, Member FDIC.
Can I deposit cash with Relay?
Yes, at Allpoint ATMs up to $1,000 per transaction, or through Green Dot, which may charge a fee.
Ready to open Relay Business Checking?
Rates as of Sep 17, 2026. Confirm the current rate and terms on the provider’s site before you apply.