ComparisonBusiness banking & neobanks · updated 26 October 2026

Mercury vs Relay

Two popular business banking & neobanks tools, side by side. Mercury is best for US startups and tech companies; Relay is best for US small businesses that budget with multiple accounts. Here is how they differ and how to choose.

Best for US startups and tech companies

Mercury

Banking platform for US startups and companies, with checking and treasury accounts, cards and bill pay. Banking services are provided by partner banks.

Full Mercury profile →

Best for US small businesses that budget with multiple accounts

Relay

Online business banking for US small businesses with many checking accounts for budgeting, cards and bill pay. Banking via a partner bank.

Full Relay profile →

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Mercury vs Relay at a glance

MercuryRelay
Best forUS startups and tech companiesUS small businesses that budget with multiple accounts
Pricing modelFree planFree plan
Available inUSUS
Key featuresFree core business account
Virtual and physical cards
Treasury and bill pay
Many checking accounts per business
Cards for team members
Accounting integrations
WebsiteVisit Mercury ↗Visit Relay ↗

Pricing

Both use the same pricing model: each has a free plan, with paid upgrades. We never publish exact prices because they change too often; check the current plans on each website.

Where they work

Both are available in US, so where you live will not decide it.

Which one should you choose?

  • Choose Mercury: the better fit for US startups and tech companies.
  • Choose Relay: the better fit for US small businesses that budget with multiple accounts.

Still unsure? Run through these before you sign up for either:

  • Who holds the deposits and whether they are covered by a deposit guarantee scheme.
  • Fees for international transfers and currency exchange.
  • Integrations with your accounting tool.
  • Whether your business type and country are accepted.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between Mercury and Relay?

Mercury is built for US startups and tech companies. Relay is built for US small businesses that budget with multiple accounts. Both use the same pricing model: each has a free plan, with paid upgrades.

Is Mercury or Relay available in my country?

Both are available in US, so where you live will not decide it.

Is Mercury cheaper than Relay?

It depends on how you use it, and prices change often, so we only list the pricing model. Both use the same pricing model: each has a free plan, with paid upgrades. Compare the current plans on each website before you sign up.

Not sold on either?

There are 11 other business banking & neobanks tools in the directory. Compare them all →

More comparisons

Guides on the blog

Information checked 26 October 2026. NxtGenFin is an independent directory, not affiliated with Mercury or Relay unless marked as featured, sponsored or affiliate link. Not financial advice.

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