Novo vs Relay: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of Novo 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 7.6/10).
| Scored on | Novo | Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 7 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 9 |
| Customer support | 6 | 6 |
| Features | 7 | 9 |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Incoming Wires (Domestic/Intl) | $0 | — |
| ATM Fees | Rebated monthly | — |
| Insufficient Funds Fee | $27 | — |
| Relay Pro Fee | — | $30/mo |
| Domestic Wire (Standard) | — | $5 |
| International Wire (Standard) | — | $10 |
Novo in one paragraph
Novo is a top-tier fee-free option for digital solopreneurs, provided you don't need to deposit physical cash.
Skip it if: You run a cash-heavy retail business or need a physical bank branch for frequent cashier's checks.
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, Novo or Relay?
On our five-axis scorecard, Relay scores higher (8.2/10 vs 7.6/10). 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 Novo?
You run a cash-heavy retail business or need a physical bank branch for frequent cashier's checks.
Who should skip Relay?
Skip it if you run a cash-heavy retail business or need to deposit large physical checks frequently.