Relay Review: Streamlined Banking & Spending for Small Teams
As a digital product reviewer, I see countless tools promising to simplify business finances. Relay, however, stands out by delivering a genuinely seamless and powerful banking experience designed specifically for small businesses and startups.
Features & Benefits: Relay is far more than just a business bank account. Its core strength lies in its integrated financial control center.
- Multiple Checking Accounts: Instantly create up to 20 individual checking accounts (with dedicated account numbers) to organize funds for taxes, payroll, projects, or departments. This eliminates messy spreadsheets and makes fund allocation intuitive.
- Granular User Permissions: This is a game-changer for team spending. Issue physical or virtual debit cards with precise spending limits and assign them to specific accounts. You can control exactly where team members can spend and how much, drastically reducing financial risk.
- Automated Money Management: Set up rules to automatically transfer a percentage of income to your tax or savings account. This built-in automation enforces good financial habits without manual effort.
- Cash Flow Insights: Get a clear, real-time view of your money across all accounts. The dashboard neatly summarizes balances, recent transactions, and upcoming bills, providing immediate clarity.
Pricing: Relay’s pricing model is a major benefit. It offers a robust free tier that includes most core features, with paid plans starting at $30/month to unlock higher limits on outgoing wires, check deposits, and ATM fee reimbursements. This transparent, flat-rate pricing is a breath of fresh air compared to traditional banks’ hidden fees and per-transaction charges.
Customer Support: Support is accessible via live chat and email. User reports and my own experience indicate responsive and helpful support agents. The platform also boasts a comprehensive help center with articles and guides for self-service.
Verdict: Relay is an exceptional tool for any small business owner tired of juggling multiple bank accounts and struggling with team spending oversight. It masterfully combines powerful banking infrastructure with intuitive software to give you unparalleled control and clarity over your finances. Highly recommended.
Best for: Small businesses, startups, agencies, and founders seeking to automate and control their finances without traditional banking complexity.