Found vs Relay: which is better for a new business? (2026)
8.8/10
Found
Free plan
Choose Found if: Self-employed owners who want banking plus tax tools
Skip it if: You deposit cash or paper checks often, or need interest without a paid plan.
Visit Found8.8/10
Relay
Free plan
Choose Relay if: Owners who split income into many accounts
Skip it if: You need Spanish-language help; Relay's chat and phone support are English-only.
Visit RelayQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | Tie (8.8 vs 8.8) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Tie (Free plan vs Free plan) |
| Better public ratings | Found (4.7 vs 4.6 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Tie (English only vs English only) |
Side by side
| Best for | Self-employed owners who want banking plus tax tools | Owners who split income into many accounts |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You deposit cash or paper checks often, or need interest without a paid plan. | You need Spanish-language help; Relay's chat and phone support are English-only. |
| Free plan or trial | Free plan | Free plan |
| Spanish | English only | English only |
| Support | Phone M-F 8am-5pm PT; email; 24/7 AI chat | Chat and phone M-F 9am-8pm ET; 24/7 virtual assistant |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.8/5 (App Store, 34,338) | 4.3/5 (Trustpilot, 3,726) |
| Monthly fee | $0 (Plus $35, Pro $80 optional) | $0 Starter; $30 Grow; $90 Scale (promo, normally $120) |
| Opening deposit | $0 (none stated) | $0 |
| Minimum balance | $0 | $0 |
| Interest (APY) | None on free; 1.50% up to $20K (Plus); 2.50% (Pro) | Savings only: 1.19% / 1.87% / 3.21% by plan (as of 9/17/2026) |
| Cash deposits | 79,000+ retailers via barcode; 1 free/mo, then $2 | Allpoint+ ATMs free; Green Dot retailers up to $4.95 |
| ACH transfers | Standard free; express 1% (min $0.50, max $25) | Standard free; same-day $1 / $0.50 / $0 by plan |
| Wire transfers | Incoming free; outgoing domestic $15 ($10 Pro) | Incoming free; domestic out $8 ($5 Grow/Scale); SWIFT $20-$25 |
| ATMs | Found charges $0; ATM owner fees may apply | Free at Allpoint ATMs; no Relay fee elsewhere, owner fees may apply |
| FDIC insurance | Up to $250K via Lead Bank | Up to $3M via Thread Bank sweep ($250K per program bank) |
| Mobile check deposit | Mobile app, if eligible; ~4 business days; $3K/week | Mobile, free |
| Invoicing | Unlimited free; card payments 2.9% + 30¢ (Stripe) | All plans; recurring on Grow/Scale; cards 2.9% + 30¢ |
| Sub-accounts | Up to 20 Pockets | 20 checking (50 on Scale) + 2 savings |
| Connects with | Stripe and Square payouts; imports from other accounts (Plus) | QuickBooks Online, Xero, Gusto, Plaid, Yodlee |
| Cards | Mastercard debit (physical, virtual, team); metal card on Pro | Visa debit (up to 50 per cardholder); Visa credit, 1-1.5% cash back |
| Top pros |
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Found
- $0 plan with no monthly fee and no minimum balance.
- Up to 20 Pockets (sub-accounts), including one for saving taxes.
- Unlimited free invoices, W-9 collection and 1099 e-filing.
- Real-time tax estimates and Schedule C forms built in.
- Mobile check deposits take about 4 business days; $3,000 weekly limit.
- Cash deposits only at retailers: one free per month, then $2 each.
- Outgoing wires cost $15 ($10 on Pro); mailed checks $1 each.
Relay
- Up to 20 checking accounts and 2 savings accounts on the $0 plan.
- Free cash deposits at Allpoint+ ATMs and free Allpoint withdrawals.
- Savings earn 1.19% APY even on the free plan.
- FDIC coverage up to $3M through Thread Bank's sweep program.
- On Starter, outgoing domestic wires cost $8 and same-day ACH $1.
- Cash deposits at Green Dot retailers cost up to $4.95 each.
- Live support only weekdays 9am-8pm ET, in English only.
Also worth a look
Questions
Is Found or Relay cheaper?
Their published starting prices can't be compared directly (Free plan vs Free plan). Ask both for a quote.
Which has better reviews?
Found, with 4.7/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
Found: English only. Relay: English only.
Can I switch from one to the other later?
Yes, though switching mid-year takes some setup. Export your records before you cancel, and check for annual contracts or cancellation notice periods.
Facts from each company's own pages and public rating sites, checked Oct 4, 2026. How we rate.