PNC Business Checking vs Relay: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of PNC 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 7.2/10).
| Scored on | PNC Business Checking | Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 7 | 9 |
| Customer support | 6 | 6 |
| Features | 7 | 9 |
| Monthly Service Fee | $12 (waivable) | — |
| Min. Balance to Waive Fee | $500 | — |
| Free Transactions | 150 per month | — |
| Free Cash Deposits | $5,000 per month | — |
| Overdraft Fee | $36 per item | — |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | — | $0 |
| Relay Pro Fee | — | $30/mo |
| Domestic Wire (Standard) | — | $5 |
| International Wire (Standard) | — | $10 |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | — | $0 |
PNC Business Checking in one paragraph
A reliable, branch-heavy banking staple for local businesses that handle cash, though it lacks the high-tech bells and whistles of modern fintechs.
Skip it if: You run a high-volume e-commerce business with over 200 monthly transactions and zero need for cash deposits.
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, PNC Business Checking or Relay?
On our five-axis scorecard, Relay scores higher (8.2/10 vs 7.2/10). 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 PNC Business Checking?
You run a high-volume e-commerce business with over 200 monthly transactions and zero need for cash deposits.
Who should skip Relay?
Skip it if you run a cash-heavy retail business or need to deposit large physical checks frequently.