Relay vs Chase: Which Is Better for Modern Businesses in 2025?

Chase is a banking giant with a long legacy. Relay is a fast-moving fintech platform built for modern business owners.

So which one should you trust with your company’s money in 2025?

If you’re a founder, freelancer, or agency owner comparing Relay vs Chase, this breakdown will help you understand what each offers—and which one fits your workflow best.

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🧩 Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	Relay	Chase
Monthly Fees	❌ $0	✅ $15–$30+
Multiple Checking Accounts	✅ Up to 20 free accounts	❌ Typically 1 (extras = $$)
Team Permissions	✅ Granular user roles	❌ Limited
Accounting Integration	✅ QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto	✅ QuickBooks only
Bill Pay	✅ Built-in with approval flow	✅ Basic (via Zelle/Wires)
Virtual Cards	✅ Unlimited	❌ Not available for business use
Mobile App	✅ Modern and fast	✅ Solid but traditional UI
In-Branch Access	❌ Online-only	✅ Nationwide network

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✅ Where Relay Wins (And Why)

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1. No Monthly Fees or Hidden Charges

Relay is completely free to use:

• $0 monthly fee
• $0 minimum balance
• $0 overdraft charges
• Free incoming wires
• Free ACH transfers

Chase, in contrast, charges $15–$30/month for basic business accounts unless you maintain high balances. And extra fees for wires, low balances, and account maintenance are common.

📌 If you want lean, Relay wins hands down.

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2. Multiple Checking Accounts for Cash Management

Relay allows up to 20 checking accounts per business, perfect for:

• Profit First
• Budgeting per department
• Managing retainers or client funds
• Separating marketing, payroll, and taxes

Chase typically allows one main checking account, with additional accounts costing extra—and no easy dashboard to manage them all.

📌 Relay = structured cash flow. Chase = one big pot.

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3. Built for Teams, Not Just Owners

Relay gives you:

• Custom roles (read-only, admin, cardholder)
• Debit cards with custom limits
• Real-time expense tracking by user
• Virtual cards for online spending

Chase doesn’t offer team-level controls or virtual cards for business accounts. You’re either full-access or nothing.

📌 Relay scales with your team. Chase stays solo.

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4. Automation & Integration With Tools You Actually Use

Relay syncs directly with:

• QuickBooks
• Xero
• Gusto
• Zapier (via API for advanced workflows)

You can automate payroll, categorize expenses, and streamline monthly bookkeeping.

Chase has limited integrations and no smart automation built in.

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✅ Where Chase Still Has the Edge

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1. Cash Deposits & Branch Access

If your business handles physical cash, Chase is the clear winner with:

• 4,700+ branches
• ATM network across the U.S.
• Same-day deposits
• Teller support

Relay is online-only, with no physical locations or ATM access.

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2. Business Credit Products

Chase offers:

• Business credit cards (with points & perks)
• Lines of credit
• SBA loans and financing

Relay is a cash-only platform with no lending or credit products (yet). If you need access to funding, Chase has the infrastructure.

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3. Legacy Systems & Trust

For older businesses, traditional structure, or corporate governance, Chase’s reputation still carries weight. Some enterprise clients still require big-bank connections for legal or vendor reasons.

Relay, while fast-growing, is still a younger fintech built for SMBs and startups.

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🧠 Which One Should You Choose?

You Are…	Choose…
Solo founder or freelancer	Relay
Agency with a remote team	Relay
Startup doing Profit First	Relay
Brick-and-mortar with cash sales	Chase
Needing access to business loans	Chase
Wanting in-person banking	Chase

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Final Verdict: Relay vs Chase in 2025

If you’re a modern business owner who values:

• Automation
• Fee-free accounts
• Team control
• Clear budgeting
• Online speed and ease

Then Relay wins.

If you deal in physical locations, cash, or need bank loans, Chase might be better—but it’ll cost you more, and slow you down.

In a world where agility matters, Relay gives you financial tools that match your pace.