Relay Financial Reviews 2,938

Instant rejection for many non-citizens trying to open a business account. They don’t accept SSNs or US ID numbers for non-citizen owners. After sending all scans and photos, you get an instant rejection letter saying your business doesn’t fit their criteria. These racists just have a list of bad citizenships on their website

I am sharing my experience publicly in the hope that Relay Financial’s support or management team will finally provide a clear response.

For over 90 days, over 30k$ belonging to my company has remained blocked with no final resolution and with explanations that appear internally contradictory.

On January 9, 2026, Relay confirmed in writing that the compliance review had been completed and that a disbursement check would be issued within 8–10 business days.

However, on January 21, 2026, I was informed that this confirmation had been sent “in error” and that the funds were allegedly no longer available due to a recall initiated by an external international wire provider.

These two statements cannot both be true.

To date, no documentary evidence has been provided regarding:

* the institution that initiated it
* the legal basis for it
* the current location or custody of the funds

My only contractual relationship is with Relay Financial. Any intermediary bank or wire processor is under Relay’s responsibility, not mine.

Despite multiple formal follow-ups and a request for executive review, I have received no substantive response, timeline, or clarification.

I remain fully cooperative and open to an immediate and transparent resolution.
However, without either the release of the funds or complete written documentation, I will be forced to proceed with formal regulatory complaints and legal action.

I sincerely hope Relay Financial will address this matter promptly and professionally.

If anyone from Relay’s management or compliance team is reading this, I respectfully ask for an urgent written update on the status of these funds.

This has got to be the worse “bank” - after several years of banking with them amd even referring them to our investors, relay closed several of my accounts without notice or any request for documentation or explanation. I contacted their customer service over the phone and via email and chat and they lied repeatedly about the status of my accounts. They are holding several thousands and I was told I would receive a closing check within 45 days, it’s been a year!! My business is real estate so nothing shady just rent payments and day to day operational purchases. No wires or single large transactions over $5k. The worse part, we had opened and account, got an email saying the account was approved. I deposited $2000 as opening deposit, they closed the account without explanation and told it would take 45 days before I can get my money back. Nightmare!!

Relay Financial has been a complete waste of time. I tried to enable international incoming wires a month ago and submitted all requested documents immediately. It took them two weeks just to respond, only to ask for a passport, something they should have requested from the start. After uploading my passport, they dragged their feet for another 10 days and then rejected it for a “better photo.” This is, in my opinion, deliberate stalling. Ultimately I was forced to sit on funds for nearly three weeks before giving up and moving to another bank that actually knows how to operate. If you value your time or your money, avoid Relay Financial. I am moving my business elsewhere and won’t look back.

I tried to close the account. Hadn't used it for months. Suddenly they "froze" it while compliance was looking into it without telling me anything. I transfered money into the account so I could withdraw the .56 cents and zero out the account. They allowed the money to be transfered in but not out. When I contacted them, repeatedly, I got the run around. Then FINALLY get an email saying they closed the account and that the money was given to Commonwealth of Kentucky for garnishment. Which is weird cause I do not owe the state of Kentucky for anything. Shady business. DO NOT USE.

Great company with great support for busy founders.

Relay is like the financial sidekick I didn’t know my business needed. I signed up expecting the usual banking headaches, but Relay came in with the energy of “don’t worry, we got this” — and they meant it.

Ran into a couple of documentation hiccups and their support team swooped in faster than I could refresh my inbox. Friendly, sharp, and actually on it. They handled everything with zero drama and had my account up and running before my coffee even cooled.

The platform itself feels like someone finally asked, “What if business banking didn’t have to be painful?” Clean layout, intuitive navigation, and everything just… works. It’s the kind of interface that makes you want to organize your finances just because it’s satisfying.

If you want a banking partner that’s quick, helpful, and refreshingly easy to use, Relay is the move.
R. Lewis Brands LLC DBA Pout Perfect LLC

I tried to open a business account with Relay but the verification process was a mess. I entered my LLC address, thought I made a mistake, but it also seemed like a system glitch and support said they would fix it. Later they said my Articles of Organization weren’t valid and my passport was expired when it wasn’t. I uploaded documents and before upload it showed the correct LLC address, but after uploading it switched to my personal address. They also rejected my Wise statement even though it has a stamp. For a virtual bank this felt like unnecessary bureaucracy and unclear rules. Support responses were slow and inconsistent. I expected better clarity and faster service. I’m moving to a real bank because this was more stress than help.

Literally the best bank account there is.
I have used Relay for over 3 years and I rave about it to everyone when we talk about business, and money management. This takes hours out of my week with managing accounts. I only wish I could have this for my personal banking!
I love this bank.

Setting up my account was an easy process.

The worst banking practices and customer service policies. I've been with the for two years and its like pulling teeth to get anything done. Last straw, they froze my accounts and holding my funds as collateral because of a fraudulent transaction claim that I filed. Its been 3 months and every time I call they give me the run around and say someone will email me. Customer service agents are rude and don't care to provide resolutions.

My experience is STRICTLY AND ONLY NEGATIVE. I will be leaving this institution and NEVER return back!
1. They charged me for domestic USD wire 45usd fee!
2. By paying for property they holded my money for almost week and i lost the deal, because of Relay!
3. They NEVER appologized for that and never solved that issue
4. On their support phone line are people which are not speaking english (some non-understandeable Spanish-English mix)
5. They do not respond to e-mails and request to open ticket to investigate missing money on their e-mail adress

Just company which are charging fees, is not serious and reliable

Relay has been an excellent online banking solution for small business owners.

The platform is intuitive, efficient, and clearly built with entrepreneurs in mind.

I especially appreciate the ability to create multiple checking accounts, set up clear financial organization, and easily manage cash flow without unnecessary complexity.

The user interface is clean and modern, transactions are easy to track, and the overall experience feels secure and reliable.

Relay makes it simple to separate operating expenses, taxes, and savings—something every business owner needs but few banks do well.

Highly recommend Relay to any small business owner looking for streamlined, transparent, and purpose-built online banking.

PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW BEFORE YOU WORK WITH RELAY

I was a bank member at Relay for the past two years and loved them. They recently tagged one of my invoices for over $2,000 as failing to meet compliance. They will not tell me how I have not met compliance. I have sent them all of the paperwork they asked for. They will not release the funds. I can't get my funds out of my current account either. I come to the one star review section, and learn that the VAST MAJORITY of folks who have left a one star have the same complaint. I wish I had listened to other people's reviews before getting an account with Relay. This is more than an inconvenience. This is a scam.

I love the idea. The organization is unmatched. My only problem is deposits. I have deposited checks from my local business account, the money was taken out of my account within 24 hours, and the deposit does not show up for 4-7 days. I tried to call to speak to someone and the person I spoke to said I was not allowed to speak to a supervisor. I recorded the call as soon as she denied me three times and then she put me on hold and came back on (mind you I'm recording at this point) and told me that she would not transfer me to a supervisor. Now, I do have a pretty good attorney who will be VERY happy to listen to this call. I would hope RELAY does as well. This is my money and I believe you as an institution that is in control of my business's money should show me at the very least the respect of talking me through the issues.

Easy transition from my other bank! Many features are available to make budgeting and financing easier! Easy navigation, great communication, and excellent customer service!

Both Shannon and Nadine were very helpful. Their presentation was great. Direct to the point and real. They shared a lot of information, but continued to state that their support team is always available.

Great webinar, easy to use app! Good to know there are profit-first driven banks. Looking forward to working with them.

Someone opened a relay account in my name. I called and the agent who took my call sounded very inexperienced. A 20min phone call for her to tell me "We will look into it and call you back in 2 days" well two days came and went and these people still have not contacted me. Identity theft should be the highest priority for any financial institution and these people are basically like "eh, we may help you" terrible service and they demand that I create an account to do live chat. Why would i create an account on a site that allowed blatant identity theft and a business account opened in my name and address if you can't even help me over the phone? Absolutely abhorent and I would rate them a -10 if I could. Oh, and their phone support is based in India... so you get to enjoy that aspect of dealing with them.

Relay rejected my bank statement during verification. I wasn’t given a clear reason or specific requirements to fix it, which made the process frustrating and time-consuming.
I’m happy to provide compliant documents, but support should explain exactly what’s missing (e.g., date range, address format, account holder name, language/translation, stamping).
If Relay reaches out with clear instructions, I’ll update this review.