Updated
Relay Bank with ITIN: Non-Resident Business Banking (2026)
What Is Relay Bank and Why Do ITIN Holders Use It?
Relay Bank is an online business banking platform built for small businesses, freelancers, and sole proprietors. It launched in 2018 and partners with Evolve Bank & Trust for FDIC-insured accounts. Relay has no physical branches and operates entirely online, which makes it accessible to non-resident ITIN holders applying from outside the US.
- Up to 20 free checking accounts per business
- $0 monthly fees and $0 minimum balance
- $250,000 FDIC insurance per depositor
- Free Visa debit cards (physical and virtual)
- Free ACH transfers and free incoming wires
- $5 per outgoing domestic wire
- Direct integration with QuickBooks, Xero, and Gusto
- Automatic percentage-based transfer rules
Does Relay Bank Accept ITIN Holders for Business Accounts?
Yes. Relay Bank accepts ITINs as valid tax identification for business account owners. Your ITIN replaces the SSN field in the application. Relay treats ITIN accounts identically to SSN accounts for all features, fees, and capabilities. Under IRC Section 6109, ITINs are valid taxpayer identification numbers; the Bank Secrecy Act (31 USC 5318) accepts ITINs for Customer Identification Program (CIP) compliance per the Treasury Department's 2003 CIP final rule.
How Do You Open a Relay Account with Your ITIN?
- Go to relayfi.com and click Get Started. Enter your email and create a password.
- Enter your business details. Provide your LLC name, state of registration, EIN, business address, and industry category.
- Enter your personal information. Provide your legal name, date of birth, and ITIN as your tax identification number. Upload your passport.
- Upload business documents. Relay requests Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation letter (CP575), and operating agreement.
- Wait for approval. Most applications process in 1 to 3 business days.
- Set up accounts and cards. Create your checking accounts (up to 20), set up automatic transfer rules, and order debit cards.
How Do You Set Up Profit-First Budgeting on Relay with an ITIN?
The profit-first method uses 5 accounts to organize business finances. Here is the recommended setup for ITIN holders with a US LLC.
| Account Name | % of Revenue | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Income | 100% (receives all deposits) | Holding account for incoming revenue |
| Operating Expenses | 50% | Software, supplies, contractors |
| Tax Savings | 25 to 30% | Estimated quarterly tax payments |
| Owner Pay | 10 to 15% | Personal draw or salary |
| Profit Reserve | 5 to 10% | Business growth or emergency fund |
What Does Relay Cost for ITIN Holders in 2026?
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Monthly maintenance | $0 |
| Minimum balance | $0 |
| ACH transfers | $0 |
| Incoming wire transfers | $0 |
| Outgoing domestic wires | $5 per transfer |
| Physical debit cards | $0 |
| Virtual debit cards | $0 |
| Additional checking accounts | $0 (up to 20) |
| FDIC insurance | Up to $250,000 |
Compare to other options in the ITIN banking hub or read the Mercury Bank ITIN guide.
What Should You Do After Opening Your Relay ITIN Account?
After Relay approval, take 3 steps to build a complete US financial foundation: apply for an ITIN credit card to start building a US credit score, connect your Relay account to payment processors like PayPal and Stripe to receive client payments, and use the Relay transaction records for clean ITIN tax return filing each year. After 12 to 18 months of credit building, your score reaches 680+ for better financial products including auto loans and ITIN mortgage programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Relay Bank with ITIN
Need an ITIN to open your Relay business account? Apply with a Certifying Acceptance Agent — $297 flat, ready in 7 days.