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 (8.2/10 vs 6.3/10).
| Scored on | Relay | Small Business Checking |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 7 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 6 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 6 |
| Customer support | 6 | 5 |
| Features | 9 | 7 |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 | $12 (waivable) |
| Relay Pro Fee | $30/mo | — |
| Domestic Wire (Standard) | $5 | — |
| International Wire (Standard) | $10 | — |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 | — |
| Minimum Balance to Waive | — | $500 |
| Free Transactions | — | 150 per month |
| Cash Deposit Limit | — | $5,000 free per month |
| Domestic Outgoing Wire | — | $30 |
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.
Small Business Checking in one paragraph
A reliable, 'old-school' choice for cash-heavy local businesses that can stay under the 150-transaction limit.
Skip it if: You run a high-volume e-commerce store with more than 150 monthly transactions.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Relay or Small Business Checking?
On our five-axis scorecard, Relay scores higher (8.2/10 vs 6.3/10). 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 Relay?
Skip it if you run a cash-heavy retail business or need to deposit large physical checks frequently.
Who should skip Small Business Checking?
You run a high-volume e-commerce store with more than 150 monthly transactions.