Relay Overview
Relay has carved out a unique niche in the business banking space by offering something no other fintech bank provides: up to 20 separate checking accounts under a single business, completely free. This profit-first banking approach lets businesses allocate funds into separate accounts for taxes, payroll, operations, and savings — all without monthly fees. In this 2026 review, we examine Relay's full fee structure, features, and limitations.
Relay is a fintech banking platform built specifically for small businesses. Your deposits are held at Thread Bank, an FDIC-insured institution. Relay's standout feature is the ability to create up to 20 individual checking accounts, each with its own account number and debit card. This makes it incredibly easy to implement profit-first accounting or simply organize your business finances. The free tier offers robust functionality for most small businesses, while Relay Pro ($30/month) adds same-day ACH, unlimited free domestic wires, and enhanced features for higher-volume businesses.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | Free |
| Minimum Balance | $0 |
| Domestic Wire (Outgoing) | $5 |
| Domestic Wire (Incoming) | Free |
| International Wire (Outgoing) | $10 |
| ACH Outgoing | Free |
| Cash Deposits | n/a (no cash) |
| ATM (Own Network) | Free |
| ATM (Other Networks) | 0 (2 fee-free/mo) |
| Transactions Included | Unlimited/month |
| Extra Transaction Fee | Free |
| Interest Bearing | No (0% APY) |
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- ✓ Up to 20 free checking accounts — perfect for profit-first budgeting
- ✓ Zero monthly fees on the free plan
- ✓ No minimum balance requirements
- ✓ Unlimited transactions at no extra cost
- ✓ Two free ATM withdrawals per month (fee reimbursed)
- ✓ Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and Gusto
- ✓ Automatic transfers between accounts for budgeting
- ✓ Real-time notifications and spending insights
❌ Cons
- ✗ Domestic outgoing wires cost $5 each on free plan
- ✗ International wires cost $10 each
- ✗ No cash deposit capability
- ✗ No interest on checking balances (0% APY)
- ✗ Only 2 fee-free ATM withdrawals per month
- ✗ Relay Pro costs $30/month for advanced features
Who Is Relay Best For?
Relay is the perfect choice for small business owners who want to organize their finances with multiple accounts. If you follow the Profit First methodology or simply want separate accounts for taxes, operating expenses, and owner pay, Relay's 20-account system is unmatched. Freelancers and sole proprietors who want a simple, free business account will also find Relay appealing. However, if you send frequent wire transfers, the $5/wire fee on the free plan adds up — consider Relay Pro or Mercury instead.
Our Verdict
Relay's multi-account approach is genuinely innovative and solves a real problem for small businesses trying to manage their cash flow. The free tier is generous enough for most businesses, and even the Pro plan at $30/month is reasonable for the features it adds. If organizing your business finances across multiple accounts sounds appealing, Relay is the clear winner in 2026.
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How Relay Compares
| Bank | Monthly Fee | APY | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relay | Free | 0% | ⭐ 4.5/5 | Review |
| Mercury | Free | 0% | ⭐ 4.7/5 | Review |
| Novo | Free | 0% | ⭐ 4.4/5 | Review |
| Bluevine | Free | 2.0% | ⭐ 4.6/5 | Review |
Key Details
Free tier: $0/mo. Pro: $30/mo (faster ACH + better limits). Up to 20 checking accounts. No cash deposits.
Data last verified: 2026-03. Fees and features may change. Always verify current terms on the bank's website before opening an account.