Relay
Free business bank account with powerful money management.
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Relay is a free online business checking account designed for small businesses and freelancers. It stands out with its ability to create up to 20 checking accounts and 50 virtual cards — perfect for the "profit first" method of separating taxes, expenses, and profit into dedicated accounts.
Our Scores
4.4
Ease of Use
4.5
Features
5.0
Value
4.4
Support
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Completely free — no monthly fees or minimums
- ✓Create up to 20 checking accounts (great for Profit First)
- ✓Up to 50 virtual debit cards
- ✓Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, and FreshBooks
- ✓FDIC insured up to $3 million via Thread Bank
Cons
- ✗US-only — not available for international accounts
- ✗No cash deposits
- ✗Limited physical card options
- ✗No loans or lines of credit
Best For
- →Freelancers who want a free business account
- →Profit First practitioners
- →LLC and sole prop owners in the US
- →Anyone wanting multiple sub-accounts for tax savings
Not Ideal For
- ✗Freelancers who need multi-currency accounts
- ✗Expats or international users
- ✗Anyone needing physical branch access
Pricing
Free
Free
- ✓Up to 20 checking accounts
- ✓Up to 50 virtual cards
- ✓ACH transfers
- ✓Accounting integrations
- ✓FDIC insured
Relay Pro
$30/month
- ✓Everything in Free
- ✓Same-day ACH
- ✓Priority support
- ✓Automated rules for transfers
- ✓Shared team access
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Relay a real bank account?
Relay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC. Your deposits are FDIC insured up to $3 million.
Is Relay good for freelancers?
Yes — Relay is one of the best free business banking options for US freelancers. The ability to create multiple accounts makes it ideal for separating tax savings from operating expenses.
Can I use Relay for a sole proprietorship?
Yes. Relay accepts sole proprietors, single-member LLCs, multi-member LLCs, S-Corps, and C-Corps. You'll need an EIN to open the account.
Other Banking Options
Tax Information Notice
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified CPA or Enrolled Agent for your specific situation.