9 Relay Alternatives for Small Businesses in 2026

Relay has carved out a niche among small business owners who want to organize their cash using multiple checking accounts. Its envelope-style banking approach, with up to 20 individual checking accounts under one business, makes it a popular choice for businesses following the Profit First cash management method. The platform also offers up to 50 debit cards, built-in invoicing, and seamless integrations with QuickBooks and Xero.

However, Relay has real gaps that become harder to ignore as a business grows. Checking accounts do not earn interest, and savings APY is modest compared to competitors (topping out at around 2.68% on the $90/month Scale plan). Relay does not offer lending products such as lines of credit or term loans, which means businesses needing working capital must maintain a separate lending relationship. Bill pay and same-day ACH are only available on paid plans, and the partner bank (Thread Bank) is currently under an FDIC consent order, a factor some businesses may want to weigh.

If you need interest-earning checking, access to business financing, or cash deposit capabilities, alternatives like Bluevine, Mercury, Novo, and Lili each fill different gaps. Below, we compare nine platforms across interest rates, lending access, and cash handling to help you decide whether it’s time to move beyond Relay. For a broader view, you can also explore our comparison of Bluevine competitors.

Highlights

• Relay checking accounts do not earn interest. While Relay offers savings accounts with variable APY, your operating funds in checking earn nothing, which means idle cash is not working for your business.
• No lending or credit products. Relay does not offer lines of credit, term loans, or business credit cards. Businesses that need access to financing will need a separate provider.
• Bluevine offers what Relay’s checking accounts don’t: up to 3.0% APY on your operating balance¹, cash deposits at over 90,000 locations for businesses that handle physical currency², and access to a line of credit for when growth requires capital³.
• The right alternative depends on your priorities: high-yield checking, integrated tax tools, startup-focused banking, or access to business financing. This guide breaks down nine options across those categories.

Why Consider an Alternative to Relay?

Relay does several things well. The ability to open up to 20 checking accounts under one business makes it easy to separate funds for taxes, payroll, operating expenses, and profit. The platform integrates cleanly with QuickBooks and Xero, and the free Starter plan is genuinely useful for solopreneurs who just need basic banking with multiple accounts. Customer support earns consistently positive reviews on Trustpilot (4.4 out of 5 stars) and G2.

That said, the further a business grows beyond basic cash sorting, the more the missing pieces (interest, lending, cash deposits) start to add up:

• No interest on checking balances. Relay pays 0% on checking accounts across all plans. For businesses that keep five or six figures in their operating account, this represents a real cost. Competitors like Bluevine offer up to 3.0% APY on checking¹, which can translate to thousands of dollars per year on the same balances.
• No lending or financing products. Relay does not offer lines of credit, term loans, or any form of business financing. If your business needs working capital to cover seasonal gaps or fund growth, you will need to establish a separate lending relationship. Platforms like Bluevine provide a line of credit up to $250,000, subject to approval, alongside checking.
• Key features locked behind paid plans. Bill pay, same-day ACH, and automated bill import from accounting software require the Grow plan ($30/month) or Scale plan ($90/month). Businesses that need these operational basics may find better value with platforms that include them for free.

Relay vs. Competitors Overview

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1. Bluevine

Best for: Small businesses that want high-yield checking, lending access, and cash deposit capabilities in one platform

Relay vs. Bluevine: While Relay checking accounts earn no interest, Bluevine pays up to 3.0% APY on business checking balances and adds access to a line of credit and cash deposits, giving businesses more ways to grow their money.

Bluevine is an all-in-one banking platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses. Unlike Relay, where checking earns nothing, Bluevine offers a high-APY business checking account⁵ that pays up to 3.0% APY¹ with FDIC insurance up to $3 million through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC and partner banks⁴. The platform welcomes a wide range of business structures, including sole proprietorships, making it accessible to the same audience that uses Relay. Learn more about opening a bank account for your LLC on the Bluevine blog.

Where Relay focuses on organizing money across accounts, Bluevine adds the financial tools to help that money grow. Businesses can deposit cash at over 90,000 locations through the Allpoint+ and Green Dot networks², accept payments through payment links powered by Stripe⁶, and organize funds across up to 20 sub-accounts. For businesses that need capital, line of credit customers can access approved draws instantly in their Bluevine Business Checking account⁷, with a line of credit up to $250,000. Bluevine also offers term loans up to $500,000 through lending partners.

Bluevine holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating (Excellent) on Trustpilot.⁸ Users frequently praise the ease of the application process, the interest earned on everyday balances, and responsive customer support. Some users note that the mobile app could benefit from additional features, but overall sentiment is strong.

Key features:

• Up to 3.0% APY on business checking balances¹
• FDIC insurance up to $3 million through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC and partner banks⁴
• Integrated invoicing and bill pay with payment links powered by Stripe⁶
• Up to 20 sub-accounts for organizing business funds
• Access to apply for a Bluevine Line of Credit up to $250,000³

Pricing:

• Standard: Free, with 1.3% APY on balances up to $250,000 (activity requirements apply)
• Plus: $30/month, or $0/month if you meet fee waiver requirements⁹ (1.75% APY)
• Premier: $95/month, or $0/month if you meet fee waiver requirements¹⁰ (3.0% APY)¹

See all plans and pricing on the Bluevine website.

2. Novo

Best for: Freelancers and solopreneurs who want free, no-frills business checking

Relay vs. Novo: Novo offers a completely free account with built-in invoicing and direct e-commerce integrations that Relay lacks, though it provides fewer checking accounts and no multi-account budgeting.

Novo is a digital banking platform built for small business owners, freelancers, and solopreneurs who want simplicity above all else. The free checking account includes no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and no transaction fees. Its built-in invoicing tool and direct integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon make it particularly appealing for online sellers.

Novo reimburses ATM fees up to $7 per month and offers Novo Reserves for basic budgeting, though this feature is more limited than Relay’s 20-account approach. Novo does not earn interest on checking balances, does not support cash deposits, and does not offer lending products. Customer support is available primarily through email and the app, with no phone support. Trustpilot reviewers generally like the simplicity and zero cost, though a recurring complaint is slow support response times.

Key features:

• Free checking with no minimum balance or monthly fees
• Built-in invoicing with ATM fee refunds up to $7/month
• Direct integrations with Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, and Stripe

Pricing: Free

3. Mercury

Best for: Tech startups that need developer-friendly banking with free wire transfers

Relay vs. Mercury: Mercury provides free domestic wires, read-write API access for custom automation, and up to $5 million in FDIC coverage, which are features that Relay does not offer at any plan level.

Mercury is built for a different audience than Relay: venture-backed startups and technology companies that need developer tools, not cash-sorting features. It offers free business checking and savings accounts with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and free domestic wire transfers. FDIC insurance extends up to $5 million through partner banks Choice Financial Group and Column N.A. The platform also provides venture debt for qualifying startups and a treasury product for balances over $250,000.

The read-write API access from Mercury allows developers to build custom dashboards, automate payments, and create internal financial tools, a capability that no small-business-focused bank like Relay can match. Mercury does not support cash deposits or offer a physical branch network. Reviews on Trustpilot highlight the clean interface and free wires as top selling points; check deposit delays are the most common gripe. Mercury offers three plans: a free tier, Plus at $35/month, and Pro at $350/month for advanced accounting integrations.

Key features:

• FDIC insurance up to $5 million through partner banks
• Free domestic and international USD wire transfers
• Full read-write API access for custom automation

Pricing: Free (basic); Plus $35/month; Pro $350/month

4. Lili

Best for: Small businesses that want integrated tax tools and high-yield savings

Relay vs. Lili: Lili offers up to 4.00% APY on savings, automated tax bucketing, and cash deposits at 90,000+ GreenDot locations, filling gaps that Relay leaves open around interest earnings and cash handling.

Originally built for freelancers, Lili has expanded to serve multi-employee small businesses with a comprehensive digital banking platform. The free Core plan includes business checking, a Visa debit card, FDIC insurance up to $3 million, and a savings account earning up to 4.00% APY on balances up to $1 million. Lili also supports cash deposits at over 90,000 GreenDot retail locations, a practical edge for businesses that handle physical cash.

Where Lili really earns its keep is tax prep. The platform automatically categorizes expenses and allows users to set aside a percentage of income for taxes, which is particularly valuable for self-employed business owners. Paid plans add accounting, invoicing, and a business credit-building feature through Dun & Bradstreet. Lili does not offer lending products or business credit cards. With a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot rating, Lili is one of the highest-rated platforms in this list. The tax bucketing feature and customer service draw the most praise.

Key features:

• Up to 4.00% APY on savings with FDIC insurance up to $3M
• Automated tax bucketing with expense categorization
• Cash deposits at 90,000+ GreenDot retail locations

Pricing: Free (Core); $15/month (Pro); $35/month (Smart); $55/month (Premium)

5. Found

Best for: Self-employed professionals who need banking with built-in bookkeeping and tax preparation

Relay vs. Found: Found includes automated expense tracking, real-time tax estimates, and contractor management at no cost, while Relay requires paid plans and separate software to achieve similar bookkeeping functionality.

Found combines business checking with a full suite of bookkeeping and tax tools designed for self-employed professionals. The free plan includes automated expense categorization, real-time tax estimates, write-off tracking, unlimited invoicing, and contractor payments with 1099 filing. For freelancers, sole proprietors, and gig workers who want to consolidate banking and back-office operations under one roof, it’s a strong contender.

Found Plus ($35/month) adds 1.5% APY on balances up to $20,000, receipt scanning, and in-app quarterly tax payments. Found does not offer lending products, and FDIC coverage is limited to $250,000 through Lead Bank. The platform does not support partnerships or nonprofits. NerdWallet names Found the best business checking option for paying contractors and saving for taxes. User sentiment echoes that: the all-in-one approach is the recurring theme in positive reviews.

Key features:

• Free automated expense categorization and tax estimates
• Contractor management with W-9 collection and 1099 filing
• Unlimited invoicing with multiple payment acceptance options

Pricing: Free (core); Plus $35/month; Pro $80/month

6. NorthOne

Best for: Local and Main Street businesses that handle cash and want organized accounts

Relay vs. NorthOne: NorthOne offers cash deposits through the Green Dot network, interest on checking balances (2.5% APY with qualifying card spend), and a sub-account system called Envelopes, giving brick-and-mortar businesses tools that Relay does not provide.

NorthOne shares Relay’s focus on organized, purpose-driven banking, but adds cash deposits and interest on checking. The platform offers a business checking account with sub-accounts called Envelopes for organizing funds by category, along with built-in invoicing and basic bookkeeping tools. Cash deposits are available through the Green Dot retail network, and NorthOne offers 2.5% APY on checking balances when account holders spend at least $500 per month on their debit card.

At $10 per month, NorthOne is not free, but it includes features that other platforms charge extra for, such as integrated invoicing and unlimited transactions. The platform does not offer lending products. Trustpilot reviews for NorthOne skew positive, with customers calling out the Envelopes feature and responsive support team; the mobile app polish is the most frequent criticism.

Key features:

• Sub-accounts (Envelopes) for organizing business funds
• Cash deposits at Green Dot retail locations
• 2.5% APY on checking with qualifying debit card spend

Pricing: $10/month

7. Brex

Best for: Venture-backed startups needing high credit limits and global payments

Relay vs. Brex: Brex combines corporate cards with business banking, treasury yield, and global payment capabilities that position it for high-growth startups rather than the small businesses Relay typically serves.

Think of Brex as the anti-Relay: where Relay helps small businesses sort cash into buckets, Brex gives venture-backed companies a full financial stack: corporate cards, expense management, and banking on one platform. Brex underwrites based on company cash balance rather than personal credit, offering credit limits up to 20 times higher than traditional cards. Its treasury account lets businesses earn yield on idle cash with same-hour liquidity, and FDIC coverage extends up to $6 million through partner banks. Brex supports global payments in over 60 currencies.

Brex does not support sole proprietors, freelancers, or cash deposits, making it a poor fit for the small businesses and solopreneurs that gravitate toward Relay. Capital One announced a $5.15 billion acquisition of Brex in January 2026, which may affect future product direction. G2 reviewers give high marks for the credit limits and interface design, though several have flagged a recent devaluation of the rewards program.

Key features:

• Up to 20x higher credit limits with no personal guarantee
• Business banking with treasury yield and FDIC coverage up to $6M
• Global payments in 60+ currencies with no wire fees

Pricing: Free (Essentials); $12/user/month (Premium); Custom (Enterprise)

8. Rho

Best for: Growing companies that want banking, cards, and AP automation on one free platform

Relay vs. Rho: Rho bundles business checking, corporate cards, treasury management, and automated accounts payable into a single free platform, while Relay requires paid plans for bill pay and lacks corporate cards entirely.

Where Relay keeps things simple with checking accounts and debit cards, Rho goes broader, bundling banking, corporate cards, treasury management, and AP automation into a single free platform. The platform includes FDIC-insured checking through Webster Bank, N.A., a corporate card with up to 1.25% cashback (or 2% with the Platinum card for combined banking customers), and automated accounts payable with no platform fees. Unlike Relay, all core features are included at no additional cost, including spend management controls, accounting integrations, and premium customer support.

Rho’s savings accounts offer up to $75 million in FDIC coverage through Insured Cash Sweep networks. The platform does not support cash deposits, sole proprietors, or unincorporated businesses. Rho scores well on G2, where the dedicated support team is cited as a key differentiator over competitors that rely on chatbots or email-only support.

Key features:

• Free same-day ACH and domestic wire transfers
• Up to 2% cashback with the Rho Platinum card
• FDIC savings coverage up to $75 million

Pricing: Free for all core banking, cards, and AP features; treasury management fees start at 0.60% annually

9. Grasshopper

Best for: Digital-first businesses that want high-yield checking with no monthly fees

Relay vs. Grasshopper: Grasshopper pays interest directly on checking balances (up to 3.55% APY with qualifying conditions), while Relay checking accounts earn nothing regardless of balance or plan.

Most platforms on this list are fintechs that partner with a bank behind the scenes. Grasshopper is the exception: it holds its own bank charter, which means direct FDIC insurance with no middleman. The trade-off is a simpler product: fee-free checking with competitive interest rates, physical and virtual debit cards, ACH and wire transfers, and integrations with common accounting tools.

Grasshopper’s product set is narrower than Relay’s multi-account approach. It does not offer the same level of account organization (multiple checking accounts with separate numbers), nor does it provide invoicing or expense management tools. The platform is best suited for businesses that prioritize earning yield on their checking balances above all else. Grasshopper has a smaller review footprint than most fintechs on this list, but the feedback that does exist centers on competitive rates and no-surprises pricing.

Key features:

• Up to 3.55% APY on checking balances (with conditions)
• Direct FDIC insurance (Grasshopper is a bank, not a fintech)
• No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements

Pricing: Free

How to Find the Best Banking Platform for Your Small Business

Separating your cash into purpose-driven accounts is a smart foundation, but it’s not the only thing to optimize for. Here are five factors to weigh as you evaluate whether Relay is still the best fit. For more guidance, read the Bluevine cash flow management guide for small businesses.

• Accessibility and convenience. Consider whether you need cash deposit access, a responsive mobile app, or phone-based customer support. Bluevine offers cash deposits at over 90,000 locations through the Allpoint+ and Green Dot networks², while platforms like Mercury and Novo do not support cash deposits at all.
• Financial tools and workflows. Match the platform to your daily operations. If you use the Profit First method and need many separate accounts, Relay or Bluevine (with up to 20 sub-accounts) are strong choices. If you need invoicing, tax tools, and expense categorization built into your banking, consider Found or Lili.
• Interest rates and lending options. Idle cash should earn interest. Bluevine offers up to 3.0% APY on business checking¹, while Relay checking accounts earn nothing. If you anticipate needing financing, check whether the platform offers a line of credit or term loan. Understanding how much to keep in your business checking account can help you plan.
• Pricing and hidden fees. Look beyond the monthly fee. Some platforms charge for wire transfers, same-day ACH, or bill pay. Relay's free plan excludes bill pay entirely, while its paid plans charge $30 to $90 per month. Compare those costs against what you would pay for similar features on other platforms.
• Security and deposit protection. Verify the FDIC insurance coverage for any platform you consider. Bluevine provides FDIC insurance up to $3 million through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC and partner banks⁴. For more details, read the Bluevine guide to FDIC insurance for business checking accounts.

Make your business banking work harder

Organizing your cash across multiple accounts is a great start, but your banking platform should do more than sort money into buckets. It should help that money grow, give you access to financing when opportunities arise, and let you deposit cash wherever your business takes you.

Bluevine Business Checking offers up to 3.0% APY on checking balances¹, cash deposits at over 90,000 locations², up to 20 sub-accounts for organizing your funds, and access to a line of credit up to $250,000³. Whether you are a sole proprietor following the Profit First method or an established business ready to consolidate your finances, Bluevine is designed to grow with you. Open your account today.