01 — OverviewWhat Is Relay — and Why Do Non-Residents Use It?
Relay Financial is a US-based financial technology company that offers business checking accounts and banking services primarily to small businesses and startups. Banking services are provided through Thread Bank, Member FDIC — meaning your deposits carry FDIC protection, even though Relay itself is not a chartered bank.
For non-resident founders who have formed a US LLC, Relay occupies a specific and valuable niche: it is one of a small number of US banking providers that explicitly accepts foreign owners without requiring a Social Security Number. This places it alongside Mercury as one of the two most commonly recommended options for the international founder community.
Relay is built for business banking rather than personal use. It is not a neobank targeting individuals — it is specifically designed for LLCs, corporations, and partnerships. This distinction matters for non-residents, because it means the compliance team is accustomed to handling foreign-owned entities, and the product set — multiple sub-accounts, team access controls, QuickBooks integration — is structured around how small businesses actually operate.
Relay Financial Inc. is a financial technology company. Banking services are provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC. This is a standard arrangement in the US fintech sector — your deposits are held at Thread Bank and are therefore FDIC-insured, but the Relay app and platform itself is run by a separate technology company. Understanding this distinction matters when evaluating stability and customer service escalation paths.
02 — EligibilityNon-Resident Eligibility: Who Can Open a Relay Account
Relay's eligibility criteria are structured around the business entity, not the owner's immigration status. This is the key insight that makes Relay accessible to non-residents: what matters is whether your US LLC or corporation is properly formed — not where you personally live or what tax identification you personally hold.
Core Requirements
| Requirement | Status for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid US LLC or Corporation | ✓ Required | Must be a properly registered US entity — not a foreign company. Wyoming, Delaware, Florida, New Mexico, and other states all accepted. |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | ✓ Required | Your CP 575 or 147C letter from the IRS is required. The EIN must match the business name exactly on all documents. |
| Social Security Number (SSN) | ✗ Not Required | Foreign nationals without an SSN use their passport for identity verification instead. This is the critical differentiator from traditional US banks. |
| US Residential Address | ✗ Not Required | Your personal address can be your home country address. The LLC must have a US registered address on file (typically the registered agent address). |
| US Phone Number | ⚠ Recommended | A US phone number simplifies verification and 2FA. International numbers are accepted in some cases, but a US number (e.g., via Google Voice) reduces friction. |
| Government-Issued Passport | ✓ Required | Must be valid and not expired. Relay uses third-party identity verification and will scan the passport during the application process. |
| US Visa or Work Authorization | ✗ Not Required | Relay does not require you to have any US visa, work permit, or immigration status to open a business account. |
Relay opens accounts for businesses — not for individuals intending to start one. Before beginning your Relay application, your LLC must be fully approved by the state, and your EIN must be issued by the IRS. Applying before either document is in hand will result in rejection or unnecessary delays.
Multi-Member LLCs and Foreign Co-Owners
If your LLC has multiple members, Relay requires identity verification from every beneficial owner who holds 25% or more of the company. This is a standard anti-money-laundering (AML) requirement under US FinCEN regulations — not a Relay-specific policy. Each qualifying member will need to provide their passport and complete a separate identity verification step within the application flow.
03 — DocumentsExactly What Documents You Need Before Applying
Gather every document in this list before starting your Relay application. The application is completed in a single session — having everything ready prevents you from getting stuck mid-flow or submitting an incomplete application that may be flagged for review.
| Document | Required? | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575 or 147C) | ✓ Required | Business name on the letter must exactly match your state formation documents — same punctuation, same LLC suffix. If lost, request a 147C from the IRS by calling 1-800-829-4933. |
| Articles of Organization / Certificate of Formation | ✓ Required | Must be state-stamped or state-certified. Some states issue this digitally with a verification link. Ensure it shows the state approval date. |
| Government-Issued Passport | ✓ Required | Must be valid (not expired). All beneficial owners with ≥25% stake must provide one. A passport is the only foreign identity document Relay accepts in lieu of an SSN. |
| Operating Agreement | ⚠ Recommended | Not always required, but frequently requested during underwriting review. For single-member LLCs, a simple one-page operating agreement is sufficient. Multi-member LLCs should always have one documenting ownership percentages. |
| US Business Address (Registered Agent) | ✓ Required | Relay requires a US address for the business. Your registered agent's address (from your Articles of Organization) serves this purpose. You do not need a separate office or physical location. |
| Personal Address (Home Country) | ✓ Required | Your personal residential address in your home country. Enter it exactly as it appears on official documents — including country name spelled out in full. |
| US Phone Number | ⚠ Recommended | Reduces friction during verification. Google Voice (free), TextNow, or a US virtual number from any provider works. International numbers are accepted but may trigger additional review steps. |
Before applying, place your EIN letter and your Articles of Organization side by side. Compare the business name character by character — including capitalization, commas, periods, and the LLC suffix format. If they differ (e.g., "Blue Harbor LLC" on one vs. "Blue Harbor, LLC" on another), you must resolve the discrepancy at the IRS level first by requesting a corrected EIN letter.
Banks — including Relay — run automated checks that flag name mismatches. An application with mismatched documents will either be rejected outright or placed in a slow manual review queue.
04 — ApplicationStep-by-Step: How to Open a Relay Account as a Non-Resident
The Relay application is conducted entirely online at relayfi.com. Allow 20–40 minutes for the initial session if all your documents are ready. Most non-resident applications receive a decision within one to three business days after document submission.
Confirm Your LLC and EIN Are Ready
Before going to the Relay website, confirm that your state formation documents are approved and that you have your EIN letter in hand. The application cannot be completed without both. If your EIN letter has not arrived yet, wait — do not apply with a pending EIN.
Prerequisite — do this before visiting RelayStart the Application at relayfi.com
Navigate to relayfi.com and click "Open an Account." You will be asked for your email address and to create a password. Use a permanent email address — this becomes your login and the address for all future communications from Relay.
Enter Business Information
Relay will ask for your business legal name (copy it exactly from your EIN letter), business type (LLC, Corporation, Partnership), state of formation, date of formation, industry, EIN, and US business address. For the US address, use your registered agent's address as shown on your Articles of Organization.
Exact match required — EIN letter = state docsEnter Beneficial Owner Information
Relay collects information on all beneficial owners with 25% or more ownership, in compliance with FinCEN Customer Due Diligence rules. You will provide each owner's full legal name, date of birth, home country address, and ownership percentage. For non-residents, select "Non-US Person" and enter your home country details.
Complete Identity Verification (Passport Upload)
Each beneficial owner will receive an identity verification request — either during the flow or by email shortly after. You will be asked to photograph or scan your passport (both the photo page and the biographical data page). Relay uses a third-party identity verification service. Ensure the photo is clear, unobstructed, and all text is fully readable. Blurry or cropped images are a common cause of verification failure.
Allow up to 24 hours for verification processingUpload Business Documents
Upload your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or 147C) and your state-approved Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation. If Relay's underwriting team requests an operating agreement, upload that as well. Upload clear, complete PDF scans — not photographs with shadows or cut-off edges.
Review, Submit, and Wait for Approval
Review all entered information before submitting. After submission, Relay's compliance team reviews your application. Most non-resident applications receive a decision within one to three business days. You will receive an email notification when your account is approved or if additional information is required.
Typical approval: 1–3 business daysSet Up Your Account and Debit Card
Once approved, you can immediately access your routing number and account number — necessary for connecting Stripe, PayPal, Amazon Seller Central, or Wise. Virtual debit card numbers are available immediately. A physical Mastercard debit card will be mailed separately.
Relay's application flow does not reliably save progress in all browsers. Complete the application in a single uninterrupted session where possible. Use a desktop or laptop browser — the mobile experience can interrupt the passport photo upload flow on some devices.
05 — FeaturesAccount Features: What Non-Residents Get With Relay
Relay's product set is designed for small businesses managing multiple revenue streams or expense categories. Non-residents gain access to the same features as US-based business owners — with a few delivery-related exceptions noted in the limitations section.
Banking Infrastructure
| Feature | Available to Non-Residents? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Routing Number | ✓ Yes | Real US ACH routing number — accepted by all US payment platforms |
| US Account Number | ✓ Yes | Standard US checking account number for ACH and wire receipt |
| FDIC Insurance | ✓ Yes | Deposits held at Thread Bank, Member FDIC |
| Multiple Sub-Accounts (up to 20) | ✓ Yes | Create separate accounts for tax reserves, operating expenses, savings — each with its own account number |
| Mastercard Debit Cards (up to 50) | ✓ Yes | Physical and virtual cards; physical cards mailed to US addresses — see limitations section for non-US delivery |
| Virtual Debit Card Numbers | ✓ Yes | Available immediately upon account approval — usable for online purchases and platform setup before physical card arrives |
| ACH Transfers (Domestic) | ✓ Yes | Send and receive via ACH — standard for US business payments |
| International Wire Transfers (SWIFT) | ✓ Yes | Send to international bank accounts — important for non-residents paying foreign vendors or repatriating funds |
| Domestic Wire Transfers | ✓ Yes | Send and receive domestic wires within the US banking system |
| Check Deposits (Mobile) | ⚠ Limited | Mobile check deposit available via the Relay app — less relevant for non-residents who rarely receive US paper checks |
Integration and Automation
Relay integrates directly with several tools that non-resident LLC owners commonly use:
For Stripe integration: after your Relay account is approved, navigate to your Stripe dashboard, go to Settings → Bank Accounts, and add your Relay routing and account numbers as a payout destination. Stripe supports Relay without any additional steps.
Team and Access Controls
Relay allows you to add team members with role-based access controls — administrators, bookkeepers, or employees — each with defined spending limits and card controls. This is particularly useful for non-resident founders who hire a US-based bookkeeper or accountant to manage day-to-day finances while they operate remotely.
06 — LimitationsKey Limitations Non-Residents Need to Know
Relay is not a perfect solution for every non-resident use case. Understanding these limitations before you apply prevents unpleasant surprises after account opening.
Relay physical Mastercard debit cards are typically mailed to US addresses only. If your registered address is your registered agent's address (as is standard for non-residents), the card will be sent there — meaning you would need to arrange mail forwarding from the US to your home country. Virtual card numbers are available immediately and solve this problem for online use. Confirm current physical card delivery policy with Relay at the time of application, as policies can change.
| Limitation | Impact on Non-Residents | Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| No cash deposits | Low — non-residents rarely handle US cash | Not applicable; use ACH or wire for all funding |
| No check issuance | Low — most international business is done electronically | Use ACH or wire transfers for all payments |
| Physical card mailed to US address | Medium — non-residents need mail forwarding or must use virtual card | Use virtual card immediately; arrange US mail forwarding for physical card |
| US phone number recommended | Low–Medium — international numbers may cause 2FA friction | Set up a free Google Voice US number before applying |
| No personal banking | None — non-residents use Relay for business only | Use Wise, Revolut, or local bank for personal funds |
| No SWIFT incoming details (non-US wire receipt) | Medium — international clients paying via SWIFT may need specific instructions | Use Wise as an intermediary for international receipt, or confirm Relay's current incoming SWIFT capabilities |
| Account can be closed without warning if compliance flags are raised | High — losing access to a US bank account is disruptive | Maintain clean transaction history; respond promptly to any Relay compliance inquiries; keep a backup banking option open |
No single US banking provider — including Relay — should be your only option. Relay (like all fintech banking providers) can freeze or close accounts during compliance reviews with limited notice. Experienced non-resident founders maintain accounts at two providers simultaneously. Mercury and Wise Business are the most commonly paired alternatives.
07 — ComparisonRelay vs. Mercury vs. Wise Business: Which Should You Choose?
Non-resident LLC owners in 2026 have three primary options for US business banking: Relay, Mercury, and Wise Business. Each serves a slightly different profile. This comparison helps you decide which to prioritize — and which to use as a backup.
| Feature | Relay | Mercury | Wise Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-resident supported? | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| SSN required? | No | No | No |
| FDIC insured? | ✓ Yes (Thread Bank) | ✓ Yes (Choice Financial Group / Evolve Bank) | ⚠ Not FDIC (held in trust) |
| Multi-currency accounts | No | No | ✓ Yes (40+ currencies) |
| International wire (SWIFT) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (core feature) |
| Multiple sub-accounts | ✓ Yes (up to 20) | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Limited |
| QuickBooks / Xero integration | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Limited |
| Stripe / PayPal compatible | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (US account details) |
| Application rejection rate (non-residents) | Moderate | Moderate–High (more selective) | Lower (less stringent) |
| Best for… | Multi-account cash flow management, bookkeeping integration | Funded startups, venture-backed companies, tech founders | International payments, multi-currency, receiving non-USD revenue |
Our Recommendation
Start with both Relay and Mercury simultaneously if your business qualifies for both. Mercury tends to be more selective — it prefers businesses with a digital or tech profile — but offers a sleek interface and strong investor ecosystem integrations. Relay is generally more accessible across a broader range of business types and excels at cash-flow management with its multi-account structure.
Add Wise Business as a third layer if you regularly receive payments in non-USD currencies or need to pay international contractors efficiently. Wise's multi-currency accounts and real-exchange-rate conversions make it the superior tool for cross-border payment management, even though it lacks FDIC protection.
08 — RestrictionsRestricted Industries and Compliance Red Flags
Relay's partner bank, Thread Bank, maintains a list of restricted and prohibited business types. If your LLC operates in one of these industries, your application will be rejected regardless of how well your documents are prepared.
Compliance Red Flags That Can Trigger Account Review
Even after a successful account opening, Relay's compliance team (operating under Thread Bank's oversight) monitors account activity for patterns that suggest prohibited use or elevated risk. Common triggers include:
| Red Flag Pattern | Why It Triggers Review |
|---|---|
| Large cash-equivalent transactions immediately after account opening | Suggests structuring or money laundering — standard AML monitoring pattern |
| High volume of outgoing international wires to high-risk countries | OFAC compliance obligation — transactions to sanctioned jurisdictions will be blocked |
| Business activity inconsistent with stated purpose | If you stated "e-commerce retail" but your transactions look like payment processing for third parties, this creates compliance questions |
| Failure to respond to compliance document requests | Relay may periodically request updated documentation — non-response typically results in account restriction |
| Receiving funds from individuals on sanctions lists | Automated OFAC screening — cannot be overridden |
When Relay asks about your business activities during the application, describe what you actually do — not a simplified version you think sounds more acceptable. Compliance teams flag discrepancies between stated purpose and actual transaction patterns. Accurate description at the outset protects you from later account reviews triggered by mismatched activity.
09 — FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Form Your US LLC and Get Your EIN — Then Open Relay
Before Relay can approve you, your LLC must be formed and your EIN must be in hand. Corporatee handles both — US LLC formation in any state, plus full EIN application for non-residents — so you arrive at the Relay application with everything you need.
