Relay vs Small Business Checking: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of Relay and Small Business Checking — 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 7.3/10).
| Scored on | Relay | Small Business Checking |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 9 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 7 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 7 |
| Customer support | 6 | 6 |
| Features | 9 | 8 |
| Monthly maintenance | $0 | — |
| Domestic ACH | $0 | — |
| Incoming Wires | $0 | — |
| Outgoing Domestic Wire | $5 (Free with Pro) | — |
| Relay Pro Subscription | $30/mo | — |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | — | $10 (Waivable) |
| Min. Balance to Waive Fee | — | $500 |
| Free Transactions | — | 150 per month |
| Cash Deposit Limit | — | $5,000 per month |
| Domestic Outgoing Wire | — | $30 |
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.
Small Business Checking in one paragraph
A solid, low-hurdle traditional account for cash-heavy local businesses that can maintain a $500 balance.
Skip it if: You run a high-volume e-commerce store with more than 150 transactions per month.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Relay or Small Business Checking?
On our five-axis scorecard, Relay scores higher (8.4/10 vs 7.3/10). 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 Relay?
You handle more than $2,000 in physical cash deposits per month or require immediate in-person teller support.
Who should skip Small Business Checking?
You run a high-volume e-commerce store with more than 150 transactions per month.