Relay Starter (Free Business Banking)
Free online business banking with up to 20 checking accounts, 50 cards, and up to $3M FDIC coverage.
Relay Starter (Free Business Banking) is a banking and fintech perk from Relay, free forever + up to $3M FDIC, for startups in the US.
Inside Relay Starter (Free Business Banking)
- Relay's Starter plan is $0/month with no minimum balance: 20 checking accounts, savings that earn 1.19% APY (variable, as of September 2026), up to $3M in FDIC insurance through Thread Bank's deposit sweep program, and standard ACH transfers at no cost.
- Its Visa credit card, offered by invitation, pays 1% cash back on the Starter plan.
Who it's for
- Funding / backing
- Any startup
- Geography
- United States
- Recurring / expiry
- Ongoing; Starter plan is free indefinitely.
- Other requirements
- US corporations, LLCs, general partnerships and sole proprietors with an operating presence in the US; owners can be citizens of over 200 countries.
How to apply for Relay Starter (Free Business Banking)
- Your incorporation details (EIN or company registration)
- 1Apply online at relayfi.com; no minimum balance, no credit check for the account.
Compare other banking & fintech programs
Relay Starter (Free Business Banking) has eligibility restrictions. These alternatives have no accelerator or investor requirement. Check each provider’s current terms and availability.
Relay Starter (Free Business Banking): common questions
What do you get with Relay Starter (Free Business Banking)?
Relay Starter (Free Business Banking) is free forever + up to $3M FDIC. Relay's Starter plan is $0/month with no minimum balance: 20 checking accounts, savings that earn 1.19% APY (variable, as of September 2026), up to $3M in FDIC insurance through Thread Bank's deposit sweep program, and standard ACH transfers at no cost. Its Visa credit card, offered by invitation, pays 1% cash back on the Starter plan.
Who qualifies for Relay Starter (Free Business Banking)?
Relay Starter (Free Business Banking) is for startups in the US. US corporations, LLCs, general partnerships and sole proprietors with an operating presence in the US; owners can be citizens of over 200 countries.
Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get Relay Starter (Free Business Banking)?
No. Relay Starter (Free Business Banking) is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.
How do I apply for Relay Starter (Free Business Banking)?
Apply online at relayfi.com; no minimum balance, no credit check for the account.
How long do I have to use Relay Starter (Free Business Banking), and does it expire?
Ongoing; Starter plan is free indefinitely.
Is Relay Starter (Free Business Banking) available outside the US?
Relay Starter (Free Business Banking) is available in the US.
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