Top 7 Reasons Startups Are Switching to Relay in 2025

Traditional banks weren’t built for modern startups. They’re slow, expensive, and built for corporations—not for fast-moving teams that need visibility, flexibility, and automation.

That’s why more and more founders are switching to Relay—a fintech business banking platform that actually understands how startups work.

Whether you’re bootstrapped, venture-backed, or just launching, here are the 7 biggest reasons startups are choosing Relay in 2025.

---

✅ 1. Multiple Free Checking Accounts

Startups often need to manage money across:

• Revenue streams
• Burn rate categories
• Departments or functions
• Cash reserves vs. operating funds

Relay lets you create up to 20 checking accounts, all for free. No fees, no minimums.

📌 Example: A SaaS startup separates accounts for:

• Product development
• Ad spend
• Contractor payments
• Emergency runway
• Taxes

It’s the easiest way to build a cash structure without manual spreadsheets.

---

✅ 2. Built-In Spend Controls for Teams

Need to give your team access to funds—without handing over the whole bank account?

Relay offers:

• Role-based user access
• Spending limits per card
• Physical and virtual debit cards for every team member
• Instant freeze/revoke options

Perfect for controlling marketing budgets, vendor payments, and staff access.

📌 Founders can focus on growth without worrying about overspending or fraud.

---

✅ 3. Native Accounting Integrations

Relay connects directly to:

• QuickBooks Online
• Xero
• Gusto (for payroll)

No more uploading CSVs or re-entering data. Your accountant will thank you.

Relay also supports auto-categorization, so you stay tax-ready all year long.

---

✅ 4. Transparent, Startup-Friendly Pricing

No startup likes surprise fees. Relay keeps it simple:

• $0 monthly fees
• $0 overdraft fees
• $0 minimums
• Free ACH transfers
• Free incoming wires (domestic + international)

Even outgoing wires are affordable and clearly listed. No hidden “gotchas” here.

📌 Startups stay lean. Relay respects that.

---

✅ 5. Smart Cash Flow Visibility

In Relay, your dashboard gives you:

• Live balances across all accounts
• A snapshot of expenses
• Burn rate tracking (when used with tools like QuickBooks)
• Full control over spending sources

Founders and ops teams get instant clarity without logging into multiple platforms.

📌 You know where your money is, where it’s going, and what’s next.

---

✅ 6. Profit First & Budgeting Compatibility

Many startups use budgeting systems like:

• Profit First
• Zero-based budgeting
• Runway slicing

Relay supports them all, with:

• Custom account names
• Automated transfers
• Role-restricted access per budget category

📌 Plan ahead, separate cash, and scale with confidence.

---

✅ 7. Built for Remote-First Teams

Modern startups are global. Relay works perfectly for:

• Distributed teams
• Global contractors
• Virtual expense management
• Online-first workflows

You can manage your entire financial backend from a single dashboard—no office required.

Relay even lets you issue cards instantly, assign roles remotely, and send payments anywhere in the U.S.

---

⚡️ Bonus: Mercury vs. Relay? Why Startups Still Choose Relay

Mercury is also popular—but Relay wins in:

• Cash flow organization
• Team card controls
• Bill pay automation
• Profit First-friendly setup
• Role management and security

If you want to scale operations with structure, Relay gives you the financial toolkit to grow faster.

---

Final Thoughts: Relay Is Built for Startup Speed

Startups need flexibility, visibility, and automation—not branches and bankers in suits.

Relay gives founders the power to run leaner, move faster, and stay in control.

If you’re building the next big thing, your money shouldn’t slow you down.
With Relay, it won’t.