Relay (FDIC via sponsor banks)
Relay Review 2026
Up to 20 sub-accounts per business — best for Profit First and multi-bucket budgeting.
Who Relay is best for
SMBs running Profit First or any percentage-based cash allocation methodology that want up to 20 checking sub-accounts under one login.
At a glance
- Monthly fee
- $0
- Sub-accounts
- Up to 20
- Cash deposit
- Limited
- Integrations
- Strong
Standard tier; Relay Pro has a fee — verify at vendor
Per business under one login
Allpoint+ ATM network at certain locations — verify
QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, Gusto
Pros
- +20 individual checking sub-accounts — unique in the market
- +Built for Profit First and envelope-based cash management
- +QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, Gusto integrations
- +No monthly fee at standard tier
Cons
- −No physical branch access for cash deposits
- −Cash deposit access limited to Allpoint+ ATM network (verify availability and fees at vendor)
- −FDIC via sponsor banks — confirm current coverage at vendor
Relay requirements
- U.S. business entity with EIN
- Online application
Relay alternatives
Top alternatives worth comparing from Best Business Bank Accounts for Small Business 2026.
Mercury (FDIC via sponsor banks)
Mercury
Funded startups, e-commerce operators, and fully-online professional services businesses that don't take in physical cash.
Novo (FDIC via Middlesex Federal Savings, as of recent disclosure)
Novo
Solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, single-member LLCs, and side-business operators who want a free simple business account they can open from a phone.
Found (FDIC via sponsor bank)
Found
Self-employed individuals (sole proprietors and single-member LLCs) who want banking and bookkeeping in the same app, especially those who underestimate quarterly tax obligations.
Ready to apply?
Application takes minutes. Pre-qualification (where available) uses a soft credit pull with no impact to your credit score.
See if you qualify→Last verified at the issuer on 2026-06-05
Compare Relay head-to-head
The full lineup
See all picks in Best Business Bank Accounts for Small Business 2026
Editorial methodology + complete ranking criteria + side-by-side comparison of all picks.
Read the full guide →Bottom line
Relay scores 3.9 / 5 on the ClearValue Rating — a deterministic editorial composite from the product's own published fees, terms, and eligibility. Best for: SMBs running Profit First or any percentage-based cash allocation methodology that want up to 20 checking sub-accounts under one login.
◆ How we scored it
The ClearValue Rating, broken down.
- Cost
- 35%
- Fit & approval odds
- 30%
- Speed & terms
- 20%
- Transparency
- 15%
Cost (35%), Fit & approval odds (30%), Speed & terms (20%), Transparency (15%) — scored consistently across every product, independent of compensation. Full methodology →
Frequently asked
Questions about Relay
What is Relay's 20 sub-account feature?+
Relay allows a single business to open up to 20 individual checking sub-accounts under one login — each with its own balance, debit card, and transaction history. This is purpose-built for cash-flow allocation methodologies like Profit First, which divides revenue across separate buckets (income, profit, tax, operating expenses, owner pay). Most business banks offer 1–3 accounts per entity; Relay's 20-account structure is unique in the market for this use case.
Does Relay support cash deposits?+
Not through branches. Relay is an online-only business bank. Some cash deposit functionality is available via the Allpoint+ ATM network at certain retail locations, but this is limited compared to traditional branch-based cash deposit. Retail, restaurant, or any cash-heavy business should verify current cash deposit availability and limits at relayfi.com before opening an account.
Is Relay FDIC insured?+
Relay accounts are FDIC insured via its sponsor banking partners. 'Via sponsor bank' means Relay is not itself a chartered bank — it holds deposits at partner banks that are FDIC member institutions. Confirm the current FDIC coverage arrangement and per-institution limits at relayfi.com, since the partner bank structure can change.
Is ClearValue Lending affiliated with Relay?+
No. ClearValue Lending is a small business funding platform, not a bank, deposit institution, or affiliate of Relay. This review presents publicly available editorial information. Account features, fees, and FDIC coverage terms are determined by Relay and its banking partners — verify current terms at relayfi.com before opening an account.
Related guides
Independent editorial review. ClearValue Lending is a business & personal financing platform — not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. Some links are affiliate links; the issuer may pay a referral commission at no cost to you, which never changes the score. Specific product terms vary; verify with the issuer before applying. See privacy policy.