Is Relay Bank free for ITIN holders?

Yes. Relay charges no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no hidden charges. You get free business checking, free ACH transfers, and free incoming wire transfers. ITIN holders pay the same zero fees as SSN holders.

How many checking accounts can I open with Relay?

Relay allows you to create up to 20 individual checking accounts under one business. Each account has its own account number, and you can name them based on purpose such as operations, taxes, payroll, or savings. This feature helps you organize finances using the profit-first method.

Does Relay integrate with QuickBooks?

Yes. Relay integrates directly with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and other popular accounting platforms. Transactions sync automatically, which eliminates manual data entry and reduces bookkeeping errors. This integration works the same for ITIN and SSN account holders.

Can I get a debit card from Relay with an ITIN?

Yes. Relay issues free Visa debit cards for each checking account. You can assign different cards to different accounts, set spending limits, and track expenses by category. Physical and virtual cards are both available.

How long does Relay account approval take with an ITIN?

Most Relay applications are processed within 1 to 3 business days. Some accounts are approved within hours. Relay may request additional documentation for ITIN-based applications, which could extend the timeline by a few days.

Relay Bank with ITIN: Business Account Guide for Non-Residents

Relay Bank accepts ITIN holders for free business checking accounts, making it a strong choice for non-resident freelancers and small business owners. With Relay and an ITIN, you get zero monthly fees, up to 20 separate checking accounts for organizing your finances, and direct integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. Relay is built for small businesses that want simple, transparent banking without the complexity of traditional financial institutions.

What Is Relay Bank?

Relay is an online business banking platform designed specifically for small businesses, freelancers, and sole proprietors. Relay partners with Evolve Bank & Trust to provide FDIC-insured checking accounts with no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no hidden charges. The platform launched in 2018 and has grown rapidly among entrepreneurs who want straightforward business banking.

Relay stands out from other business banking options because of its unique approach to financial organization. Instead of lumping all your money into one account, Relay lets you create up to 20 individual checking accounts under your business. You can name each account based on its purpose: operations, taxes, savings, marketing, or any other category that fits your business.

Does Relay Bank Accept ITIN Holders?

Yes. Relay accepts ITIN holders for business banking accounts. You can use your ITIN in place of an SSN when applying for a Relay account, as long as you have a US-registered business entity and an EIN. Relay does not discriminate between ITIN and SSN holders for account features or fees.

Like Mercury, Relay is a business-only banking platform. You cannot open a personal account. You need an LLC, corporation, or other registered business entity to qualify. If you are a freelancer operating as a sole proprietor, you may still qualify if you have an EIN and are registered to do business in a US state.

Business Banking Features for ITIN Holders

Relay provides a full suite of business banking tools that work the same for ITIN holders as they do for SSN holders:

Up to 20 checking accounts: Create separate accounts for different business purposes. Each account has its own account number and optional debit card.
Free Visa debit cards: Get physical and virtual debit cards for each account. Set individual spending limits and track expenses by account.
Free ACH transfers: Send and receive ACH payments at no cost. This covers most domestic business payments including vendor payments and client invoices.
Free incoming wire transfers: Receive domestic and international wire transfers at no charge. Outgoing domestic wires cost $5 each.
Automatic transfers: Set up rules to automatically move a percentage of incoming deposits to different accounts. This is perfect for the profit-first budgeting method.
Team access: Invite bookkeepers, accountants, or business partners with customizable permission levels.

How to Open a Relay Account with Your ITIN

The setup process is straightforward and fully online. Follow these steps:

Go to relayfi.com and click “Get Started.” Enter your email and create a password to begin the application.
Enter your business details. Provide your LLC name, state of registration, EIN, business address, and industry category.
Enter your personal information. Provide your legal name, date of birth, and ITIN as your tax identification number. Upload a copy of your passport for identity verification.
Upload business documents. Relay may request your Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation letter, or operating agreement.
Wait for approval. Relay reviews most applications within 1 to 3 business days. You will receive an email once your account is ready.
Set up your accounts and cards. After approval, create your checking accounts, name them, and order debit cards. Fund your primary account via ACH or wire transfer.

For a full comparison of banking options, visit our ITIN bank account guide.

Relay Business Banking with an ITIN

Managing Multiple Accounts with Relay

Relay's multiple account feature is one of its strongest advantages for ITIN holders running a business. By separating your money into purpose-based accounts, you always know exactly how much you have available for each area of your business.

A common setup for ITIN holders with a US LLC includes:

Operating expenses: Day-to-day business costs like software, supplies, and contractor payments.
Tax savings: Set aside 25% to 30% of income for estimated tax payments.
Owner's pay: Your personal draw or salary from the business.
Profit reserve: Retained earnings for business growth or emergencies.
Marketing budget: Dedicated funds for advertising and customer acquisition.

Pro tip:

Use Relay's automatic transfer rules to split incoming deposits across your accounts. For example, set 30% of every deposit to go to your tax savings account automatically. This ensures you always have money set aside for taxes without thinking about it.

Relay Integrations and Accounting Tools

Relay connects with the most popular accounting and financial tools to streamline your business operations:

QuickBooks Online: Sync all transactions automatically. Categorize expenses and generate reports without manual data entry.
Xero: Connect your Relay accounts for real-time bank feeds and reconciliation.
Gusto: Run payroll directly from your Relay account if you have US-based employees.
Plaid: Connect Relay to thousands of other financial apps and services through Plaid integration.

These integrations work identically for ITIN and SSN holders. If you need international transfer features that Relay does not offer, consider pairing your Relay account with a Wise account with ITIN for cross-border payments, or explore Mercury Bank with ITIN for a different business banking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Relay Bank and ITIN

Yes. Relay accepts ITIN holders for business banking accounts. You need a US-registered LLC or corporation, your EIN, and a valid ITIN to apply. The entire application process is completed online.

Need an ITIN to open your Relay business account? Apply for your ITIN today.