Novo vs Relay: which is better for a new business? (2026)
8.4/10
Novo
Free plan
Choose Novo if: New owners who want free checking linked to sales apps
Skip it if: You handle cash often, want interest on balances, or need phone support.
Visit Novo8.8/10
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 | Relay (8.4 vs 8.8) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Tie (Free plan vs Free plan) |
| Better public ratings | Relay (4.5 vs 4.6 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Novo (Spanish website vs English only) |
Side by side
| Best for | New owners who want free checking linked to sales apps | Owners who split income into many accounts |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You handle cash often, want interest on balances, or need phone support. | You need Spanish-language help; Relay's chat and phone support are English-only. |
| Free plan or trial | Free plan | Free plan |
| Spanish | Spanish website | English only |
| Support | In-app chat tickets; email support@novo.co | Chat and phone M-F 9am-8pm ET; 24/7 virtual assistant |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.8/5 (App Store, 20,056) | 4.3/5 (Trustpilot, 3,726) |
| Monthly fee | $0 | $0 Starter; $30 Grow; $90 Scale (promo, normally $120) |
| Opening deposit | $0 (no minimum deposit) | $0 |
| Minimum balance | $0 | $0 |
| Interest (APY) | None (no savings accounts or CDs) | Savings only: 1.19% / 1.87% / 3.21% by plan (as of 9/17/2026) |
| Cash deposits | Not direct; buy a money order and deposit by mobile | Allpoint+ ATMs free; Green Dot retailers up to $4.95 |
| ACH transfers | Standard free; Express ACH 1.5% (min $0.50, max $20) | Standard free; same-day $1 / $0.50 / $0 by plan |
| Wire transfers | Incoming free; outgoing domestic up to $30; international via Wise | Incoming free; domestic out $8 ($5 Grow/Scale); SWIFT $20-$25 |
| ATMs | No Novo fee; refunds up to $7/mo in ATM fees; no fee-free network | Free at Allpoint ATMs; no Relay fee elsewhere, owner fees may apply |
| FDIC insurance | Up to $250K via Middlesex Federal Savings | Up to $3M via Thread Bank sweep ($250K per program bank) |
| Mobile check deposit | Mobile, free | Mobile, free |
| Invoicing | Free unlimited invoices with automatic reminders | All plans; recurring on Grow/Scale; cards 2.9% + 30¢ |
| Sub-accounts | Up to 20 Reserves (inside one account, not separate) | 20 checking (50 on Scale) + 2 savings |
| Connects with | QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, Square, PayPal, Gusto, Amazon, eBay | QuickBooks Online, Xero, Gusto, Plaid, Yodlee |
| Cards | Mastercard debit (physical, virtual); Novo business credit card | Visa debit (up to 50 per cardholder); Visa credit, 1-1.5% cash back |
| Top pros |
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Novo
- $0 monthly fee, no minimum balance and free standard ACH.
- Refunds up to $7 per month in other ATMs' fees.
- Free unlimited invoices plus up to 20 Reserves for taxes and expenses.
- Connects with QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, Square, PayPal and Gusto.
- No direct cash deposits; you must buy a money order and deposit it.
- No interest: Novo offers no savings accounts or CDs.
- Outgoing domestic wires cost up to $30; international only through Wise.
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 Novo 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?
Relay, with 4.6/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
Novo: Spanish website. 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.