Relay for Delaware LLC.
Multi-account banking for small businesses and agencies. We explain exactly how to open a Relay account with your Delaware LLC, what documents you need, how long approval takes, and whether non-US founders are accepted. Last updated: June 4, 2025.
Quick answer: Can a Delaware LLC open a Relay account?
Yes. A Delaware LLC can open a Relay account in the United States. Relay accepts non-US founders without a Social Security Number. Approval takes 2 to 5 business days. You need your Delaware Certificate of Formation, EIN confirmation letter, government-issued photo ID, and 4 additional documents. There are no monthly fees.
Relay for Delaware LLC — key facts at a glance.
Why Delaware LLCs choose Relay.
Last updated: June 4, 2025
Relay is a business banking platform built for small businesses, agencies, and professional services firms. It offers up to 20 individual checking accounts under one login, making it ideal for Delaware LLCs that want to separate operating expenses, tax reserves, and payroll funds. Relay partners with Thread Bank to provide FDIC-insured accounts. The platform emphasizes spend management, automated bill pay, and multi-user permissions. Relay is particularly popular with marketing agencies, consultancies, and e-commerce operators who need granular budget control.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Relay has built a reputation as delaware llcs that need multiple bank accounts for budgeting, agencies with multiple clients or projects, and businesses with multiple team members who need controlled card access. For Delaware LLCs specifically, Relay offers excellent compatibilitybecause it was built for modern businesses and accepts digital documentation.
The main challenge for non-US founders is not rejection — it is understanding which documents to prepare and how to present your business. Relay accepts foreign passports and does not require a Social Security Number, which removes the biggest barrier most non-US founders face.
When you work with DelawareLLC.co, your specialist helps you prepare every document Relay requires, reviews your application before submission, and troubleshoots if the bank requests additional information. We have helped hundreds of Delaware LLCs open Relay accounts, and we know exactly what each bank looks for.
Delaware LLCs enjoy unmatched legal credibility because of the state's Court of Chancery and century-old corporate law framework. Investors, venture capital firms, and payment processors recognize Delaware as the gold standard for US business formation. However, that credibility depends on having a proper US banking footprint. When you present a Delaware Certificate of Formation but your business transactions flow through a personal account overseas, partners and investors question whether your LLC is a legitimate US entity. A US business bank account tied to your Delaware LLC reinforces your legal separation, builds business credit history, and signals to US customers, suppliers, and investors that you operate a genuine American business.
Non-US founders make three predictable mistakes when banking a Delaware LLC. The first is submitting documents that do not match exactly — using a shortened LLC name on the bank application while the Certificate of Formation shows the full legal name. Banks reject these applications automatically because their compliance software flags mismatched entities. The second mistake is applying before the IRS issues an EIN. Banks verify EINs against the IRS database in real time, and if your number is not yet active, the application fails instantly. The third mistake is using a personal bank account for LLC income, which pierces the corporate veil and exposes personal assets to business liability. These errors are completely avoidable with proper preparation.
Relay solves these problems by accepting digital documentation and verifying identity remotely. For non-US founders, Relay removes the SSN barrier and accepts foreign passports, which means founders from India, Nigeria, Brazil, or the UK can open an account without US work authorization. Specific use cases where Relay excels include e-commerce businesses processing US customer payments, SaaS companies collecting recurring revenue in USD, consulting firms invoicing American clients, and agencies managing multi-currency operations. Developers benefit from API access that automates payouts and reconciliation. Businesses that handle cash should pair Relay with a traditional bank that accepts deposits.
How to open a Relay account for your Delaware LLC.
Gather your documents
Start by collecting every document Relay requires. You need: 1. Delaware Certificate of Formation 2. EIN confirmation letter 3. Government-issued photo ID 4. US address 5. Social Security Number OR foreign passport 6. Business website or description. Double-check that your LLC name on every document matches your Certificate of Formation exactly — even a missing comma or abbreviation can trigger an automatic rejection. Non-US founders should use their foreign passport and a US-based registered agent address. We recommend scanning everything into a single PDF so you can upload it in one session.
Complete the online application
Visit relayfi.com and start the application. Enter your Delaware LLC name exactly as it appears on your Certificate of Formation. Use your EIN from the IRS. Upload your foreign passport if you do not have an SSN. Use a clear, high-resolution scan — blurry documents are the #1 reason applications stall. The application takes 10-20 minutes. Do not rush: incorrect information here causes rejection or manual review delays.
Verify your identity
Relay verifies your identity using your government-issued ID. Online application takes 10-15 minutes. Relay reviews documents and verifies identity. You may be asked to take a selfie or record a short video for liveness detection. Respond to any verification requests within 24 hours. Delays in response can push your approval back by several days. Make sure the ID you upload is not expired and shows your full legal name.
Wait for approval
Approval typically takes 2 to 5 business days. Rejection is common for High-risk industries (crypto, gambling, adult content, cannabis), Incomplete or mismatched documentation, Applicant from a restricted country. During this period, avoid submitting duplicate applications — multiple submissions can flag your LLC for fraud review. You will receive an email when your account is approved. If additional documents are requested, upload them immediately through the dashboard. If approval takes longer than expected, check your spam folder for missed communications.
Fund your account
Once approved, fund your account via ACH transfer, wire, or debit card. There are no minimum balance requirements. Incoming wires are free, so you can transfer large amounts from international clients without penalty. Set up your accounting integration with QuickBooks immediately to automate bookkeeping. Order your debit card and activate it through the mobile app.
Relay pros and cons for Delaware LLCs.
Every bank has trade-offs. Relay is no exception. Before you submit your application, understand exactly what you gain and what you give up compared to alternatives like Mercury, Wise Business, and Relay. The right choice depends on whether Relay's strengths align with your business model and whether you can live with its limitations.
- Up to 20 separate checking accounts
- Excellent multi-user permission system
- Automated bill pay and approvals
- Zero monthly fees
- Good QuickBooks and Xero integration
- Physical and virtual debit cards
- No savings accounts
- No cash deposits
- International wires cost $5-$10
- 2% foreign transaction fee
- No credit cards
Relay vs alternatives for Delaware LLCs.
| Feature | Relay | Best alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $0 | ✓$0 (Mercury, Wise, Relay) |
| Approval for non-US founders | Good | ✓Excellent (Mercury, Wise) |
| SSN required | No | ✓No (Mercury, Wise, Relay) |
| Wire fees | $5 (domestic), $10 (international) | ✓$0 (Mercury) |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2% | ✓0% (Mercury, Wise, Novo) |
| Virtual cards | Yes | ✓Yes (Mercury, Relay, Novo) |
| Cash deposits | No | ✓Yes (Chase, BofA, Capital One) |
| Savings accounts | No | ✓Yes (Mercury, Chase, BofA) |
| API access | Yes | ✓Yes (Mercury, Wise, Brex) |
| Approval speed | 2 to 5 business days | ✓1-3 days (Mercury, Wise, Novo) |
Relay fees and pricing breakdown.
- Monthly fee: $0
- Account opening: $0
- Wire incoming: $0 (domestic), $5 (international)
- Wire outgoing: $5 (domestic), $10 (international)
- ACH transfers: $0
- ATM fees: $0 (in-network MoneyPass), $2.50 (out-of-network)
- Foreign transactions: 2%
- Debit card: Physical + virtual
- Mobile app: Yes
- Multi-user access: Yes
- Check deposits: Yes
- Check issuing: Yes
- API access: Yes
- Accounting integrations: QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, Bill.com
Timeline: From application to first transaction.
Complete the Relay online application with your Delaware LLC documents. Time required: 10-20 minutes.
Relay reviews your Certificate of Formation, EIN, and identity documents. Additional verification may be requested.
You receive approval and account details via email. Debit cards are typically shipped within 5-7 business days.
Transfer funds via ACH or wire. Activate your debit card. Set up accounting integrations if needed.
Use your account for business expenses, receive customer payments, and build your business credit history.
Frequently asked questions: Relay for Delaware LLCs.
Can a non-US resident open a Relay account with a Delaware LLC?
Yes. Relay accepts non-US founders with a Delaware LLC. You do not need a Social Security Number — a foreign passport is sufficient for identity verification. Relay reviews applications from founders in India, Nigeria, Brazil, the UK, and 150+ other countries. Approval typically takes 2 to 5 business days, and you can complete the entire process online without visiting a US branch. Rejection is most common when high-risk industries (crypto, gambling, adult content, cannabis). We recommend preparing all documents before applying to avoid delays.
What documents does Relay require for a Delaware LLC?
Relay requires 6 specific documents for a Delaware LLC: Delaware Certificate of Formation; EIN confirmation letter; Government-issued photo ID; US address; and Social Security Number OR foreign passport; Business website or description. The most critical document is your Certificate of Formation, which must match your LLC name exactly on the application. Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS is mandatory — banks verify this number against IRS records, and applications without a valid EIN are rejected automatically. Non-US founders can use a foreign passport instead of a US driver's license. We recommend organizing these documents in a single PDF before starting your application.
How long does Relay take to approve a Delaware LLC account?
Approval typically takes 2 to 5 business days. Online fintech banks like Relay review applications faster than traditional banks because they use automated document verification. Rejection is most common when high-risk industries (crypto, gambling, adult content, cannabis). Additional verification can add 2-3 business days. If your application is flagged for manual review, respond to any document requests within 24 hours to prevent further delays. Founders who apply on Monday morning typically receive approval by the end of the week.
Does Relay charge monthly fees?
No. Relay has no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. You can open an account with zero dollars and maintain it indefinitely without paying maintenance charges. This compares favorably to Chase Business ($15/month unless you maintain $2,000) and Bank of America ($16/month unless you maintain $5,000). There is also no account opening fee. For a Delaware LLC operating on lean margins, zero monthly fees preserve capital for growth.
Can Relay receive wire transfers?
Relay receives wires for free. Outgoing domestic wires are also free, which is rare among US business banks. Wire transfers are the fastest way to move large sums into your Delaware LLC account from international clients or investors. Most fintech banks charge for international wires, but Relay offers competitive rates. If you expect frequent wires, compare the annual cost: at Chase, 12 incoming international wires cost $180. At Relay, the same volume costs $0.
Does Relay offer virtual debit cards?
Yes. Relay offers virtual cards for online purchases and subscriptions. You can create unlimited virtual cards with unique card numbers for each vendor, which improves security and makes expense tracking easier. If one vendor is compromised, you disable that card without affecting your main account. This is especially useful for SaaS subscriptions, advertising accounts, and freelancer payments. Relay also provides physical debit cards for in-person purchases and ATM withdrawals.
Can I deposit cash into Relay?
No. Relay does not accept cash deposits. If your Delaware LLC handles cash — for example, a retail store, restaurant, or event business — you need a traditional bank like Chase, Bank of America, or Capital One that operates physical branches. Most fintech banks, including Relay, Mercury, and Wise, do not handle cash because they lack branch infrastructure. Plan to deposit cash at a traditional bank, then transfer funds to Relay via ACH.
Does Relay integrate with QuickBooks or Xero?
Yes. Relay integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, Bill.com. The QuickBooks connection syncs transactions automatically, categorizes expenses, and reconciles your books in real time. The Xero integration imports bank feeds daily and matches transactions against invoices. Developers can also use the Relay API to build custom accounting workflows. Accurate bookkeeping is essential for Delaware LLC tax compliance, and these integrations eliminate manual data entry.
What happens if Relay rejects my application?
Relay rejects applications for High-risk industries (crypto, gambling, adult content, cannabis); Incomplete or mismatched documentation; Applicant from a restricted country. If rejected, you have three options. First, appeal with corrected documentation — fix mismatched names, add missing documents, or clarify your business description. Second, apply to an alternative like Mercury or Wise, which have broader acceptance criteria. Third, work with a DelawareLLC.co specialist who reviews your application before submission and troubleshoots rejections. The best prevention is following Relay's guidelines: provide a detailed business description.
Should I choose Relay or Mercury for my Delaware LLC?
Choose Relay if delaware llcs that need multiple bank accounts for budgeting, agencies with multiple clients or projects, and businesses with multiple team members who need controlled card access. Choose Mercury if you want zero fees, faster approval, and better support for non-US founders. Relay offers virtual cards, API access, and zero monthly fees. For non-US founders without an SSN, Mercury accepts foreign passports and approves in 1-5 days. If you need international transfers, Relay may be the better primary choice.
Tools to help you decide.
Related guides.
Opening a bank account is one of the first things you should do after forming your Delaware LLC. Start with our complete Delaware LLC banking guide for an overview of all options. Compare the best banks for Delaware LLCs, or read our guide to online business banking if you cannot visit a branch in person.
Before you apply, understand EIN requirements — you need an EIN before any bank will open an account. Learn how to set up Stripe and PayPal as payment processors that connect to your new business account. If you are a non-US founder, our non-resident guide covers banking, tax, and compliance in detail. See our cost breakdown or our pricing to form your LLC.
For specific business types, explore e-commerce banking, consulting firm setup, and SaaS startup banking. Each guide explains which bank features matter most for that industry and how to avoid common rejection reasons.
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