American Express Business Checking vs Relay: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of American Express Business Checking and Relay — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Relay wins on our scorecard (8.2/10 vs 7.7/10).
| Scored on | American Express Business Checking | Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 7 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 9 |
| Customer support | 7 | 6 |
| Features | 7 | 9 |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Domestic ACH | $0 | — |
| Incoming Wires | $0 | — |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Relay Pro Fee | — | $30/mo |
| Domestic Wire (Standard) | — | $5 |
| International Wire (Standard) | — | $10 |
American Express Business Checking in one paragraph
A powerhouse for existing Amex loyalists who want to earn passive interest on their cash without the headache of monthly maintenance fees.
Skip it if: You need to deposit physical cash regularly or require Zelle to pay your contractors.
Relay in one paragraph
The best choice for business owners who want to automate their budgeting through multiple accounts without getting nickel-and-dimed on monthly fees.
Skip it if: Skip it if you run a cash-heavy retail business or need to deposit large physical checks frequently.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, American Express Business Checking or Relay?
On our five-axis scorecard, Relay scores higher (8.2/10 vs 7.7/10). The best choice for business owners who want to automate their budgeting through multiple accounts without getting nickel-and-dimed on monthly fees.
Who should skip American Express Business Checking?
You need to deposit physical cash regularly or require Zelle to pay your contractors.
Who should skip Relay?
Skip it if you run a cash-heavy retail business or need to deposit large physical checks frequently.