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 (8.4/10 vs 7.2/10).
| Scored on | PNC Business Checking | Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 9 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 7 | 9 |
| Customer support | 6 | 6 |
| Features | 7 | 9 |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $12 (waivable) | — |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $100 | — |
| Cash Deposit Limit | $5,000 per month free | — |
| Transaction Limit | 150 per month free | — |
| Non-PNC ATM Fee | $3.00 | — |
| Monthly maintenance | — | $0 |
| Domestic ACH | — | $0 |
| Incoming Wires | — | $0 |
| Outgoing Domestic Wire | — | $5 (Free with Pro) |
| Relay Pro Subscription | — | $30/mo |
PNC Business Checking in one paragraph
A reliable, branch-heavy banking option for local businesses that can maintain a $500 balance to dodge fees.
Skip it if: You run a high-volume e-commerce business or a distributed team that cannot easily visit a physical branch office.
Relay in one paragraph
Relay is the premier choice for small business owners using the Profit First method who need robust sub-account partitioning without the headache of monthly fees.
Skip it if: You handle more than $2,000 in physical cash deposits per month or require immediate in-person teller support.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, PNC Business Checking or Relay?
On our five-axis scorecard, Relay scores higher (8.4/10 vs 7.2/10). Relay is the premier choice for small business owners using the Profit First method who need robust sub-account partitioning without the headache of monthly fees.
Who should skip PNC Business Checking?
You run a high-volume e-commerce business or a distributed team that cannot easily visit a physical branch office.
Who should skip Relay?
You handle more than $2,000 in physical cash deposits per month or require immediate in-person teller support.