Banking Guide
Open a Relay Bank Account With Your EIN (2026)
Relay is the favorite online business bank for e-commerce sellers. Free checking, up to 20 sub-accounts, 50 virtual cards, and no monthly fee. Your EIN is the first requirement.
Relay is a financial technology platform built for small businesses that want to organize their money across multiple accounts. Banking services and FDIC insurance are provided through Relay's partner bank, Thread Bank, member FDIC. For Amazon FBA, Shopify, and dropshipping sellers who run a US LLC, Relay is the most-recommended account because it separates cash flow cleanly. This guide covers exactly how to open Relay with your EIN, the documents you need, and how to avoid rejection.
Eligibility
Can a Non-Resident Open a Relay Account With an EIN?
Yes. A non-resident can open a Relay account with an EIN, a registered US LLC or corporation, and a passport. Relay does not require an SSN, a US address for the owner, or a US visit. The US company is the account holder.
Relay onboards founders from most countries. As of 2026, Relay does not open accounts for sole proprietors, trusts, or businesses based in sanctioned and high-risk jurisdictions. You need a formal US entity with its own EIN. If you have not formed a company yet, register the LLC first, then get the EIN, then apply to Relay.
Who Relay accepts
- Owners of US LLCs and corporations registered in any state
- Non-US residents from most countries (limited exceptions)
- Single-member and multi-member LLCs
- E-commerce sellers, agencies, SaaS founders, and service businesses
Requirements
What Do You Need to Open a Relay Account?
You need 4 core items to open a Relay account as a non-resident. Relay verifies each item online, so prepare them before starting.
| # | Requirement | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | EIN and EIN confirmation letter | IRS — via ein.so for $49 |
| 2 | Articles of Organization (LLC) or incorporation | Your state's Secretary of State |
| 3 | Operating Agreement | Your LLC formation documents |
| 4 | Passport for each 25%+ owner | Your home country |
Your EIN is the document Relay checks first. Relay matches your 9-digit EIN and legal business name against IRS records. If the name on your EIN confirmation letter does not match your formation documents, Relay pauses the application. Request a Letter 147C if you no longer have your original CP 575.
Step by Step
How Do You Open a Relay Account With Your EIN?
Opening a Relay account takes 5 steps and 1 to 2 business days after your documents are ready.
Get Your EIN First
Prepare Your Documents
Start the Relay Application
Add Owners and Business Details
Get Approved, Then Build Your Sub-Accounts
Cost
How Much Does a Relay Account Cost?
A Relay standard account costs $0 to open and $0 per month. Relay also offers a paid Pro plan with faster payments and same-day ACH for businesses that need it.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Account opening | $0 |
| Monthly fee (standard plan) | $0 |
| Minimum balance | $0 |
| Sub-accounts (up to 20) | $0 |
| Virtual and physical debit cards (up to 50) | $0 |
| Incoming and domestic ACH | $0 |
| Relay Pro plan | From $30/month (optional) |
The only EIN-related cost is the EIN itself. The IRS charges $0, and ein.so charges $49 (Standard) or $97 (Express) to prepare and file Form SS-4 for non-residents. See the full EIN cost breakdown.
Comparison
Relay vs Other Banks for Non-Residents
Relay is the best choice for non-resident e-commerce sellers who want multiple accounts. Compare it against the other non-resident-friendly options.
| Bank | Remote Opening | Monthly Fee | Sub-Accounts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relay | Yes | $0 | Up to 20 | E-commerce, Profit First |
| Mercury | Yes | $0 | Limited | Startups, SaaS, tech |
| Novo | Limited | $0 | No | US-based freelancers |
| Wise | Yes | Low | Multi-currency | International payments |
| Chase | No | $15 | No | Branch access |
Choose Relay if you sell on Amazon or Shopify and want to split your cash flow across many accounts. Choose Mercury if you run a startup and want strong API and treasury tools. Full ranking: best bank for non-resident LLC.
Avoid Rejection
Why Relay Rejects Applications (and How to Avoid It)
Relay rejects applications mostly for EIN mismatches and incomplete owner information. These problems are easy to prevent.
Top 5 reasons Relay holds or rejects an application
- EIN name mismatch. Your EIN letter name must match your Articles of Organization exactly.
- Recently issued EIN. A new EIN can take up to 2 weeks to appear in IRS records.
- Incomplete ownership. List every owner with 25% or more and upload a passport for each.
- Unclear business activity. Describe your products, sales channels, and customers in detail.
- Restricted industry or country. High-risk activities and certain jurisdictions face denial.
If Relay declines, fix the issue and reapply, or open a Mercury account instead — both accept non-resident LLC owners with an EIN.
Benefits
Why Does Your US Business Need a Relay Account?
A US business bank account keeps your company's money separate from your personal funds, which protects your LLC's limited liability. Relay adds a layer most banks do not: multiple accounts under one login for clean cash-flow management.
Relay provides 6 concrete benefits for non-resident sellers:
- Profit First budgeting — Split income across up to 20 accounts for taxes, profit, payroll, and inventory automatically.
- 50 virtual cards — Issue a separate card for each ad platform, supplier, or team member to track spend.
- USD payments — Receive payouts from Stripe, Amazon, Shopify, and US clients in US dollars.
- No fees — $0 monthly fee, $0 minimum balance, and no per-transaction fees on the standard plan.
- Liability protection — A dedicated business account keeps your personal and company finances legally separate.
- Clean bookkeeping — Sync transactions to QuickBooks and Xero for Form 5472 and tax filing.
Without a US business account, your LLC cannot receive marketplace payouts, pay suppliers, or build a financial record. Opening one is the first operational step after formation.
EIN First
Why Do You Need an EIN Before Opening Relay?
You need an EIN before opening Relay because the account belongs to your business, and the IRS identifies your business by its EIN. Relay cannot open or verify a business account without one.
Your EIN is your business's 9-digit federal tax ID, issued by the IRS in the format XX-XXXXXXX. Relay uses it for 3 reasons: to confirm your LLC is a registered taxpayer, to file tax forms tied to your account, and to run anti-money-laundering checks. See what an EIN is and why every LLC needs one.
US residents get an EIN online in minutes. Non-residents are blocked from the IRS online tool and must file Form SS-4 by fax, which takes longer and is easy to fill out incorrectly. A rejected SS-4 delays your bank account by weeks. ein.so prepares and files the form correctly for $49, so your EIN is ready before you start the Relay application. Learn how to get an EIN without an SSN.
After Approval
What Can You Do After Your Relay Account Is Open?
Once your Relay account is open, your EIN and US bank account unlock the full US selling stack. The account is the hub that every marketplace and processor connects to.
| Platform | What your Relay account enables |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Receive FBA disbursements to a US account |
| Shopify | Connect Shopify Payments payouts |
| Stripe | Receive card payment payouts in USD |
| PayPal | Link a US business account for withdrawals |
| Suppliers | Pay manufacturers and 3PLs by ACH or wire |
You can also assign each sub-account a purpose, fund taxes automatically, and issue a card per expense category. For the complete list, see what you can do with an EIN.
Compliance
Tax and Compliance Notes for Foreign-Owned LLCs
A foreign-owned US LLC with a Relay account has 3 federal compliance obligations. Opening the bank account does not create new taxes, but it does create records the IRS expects you to report.
Form 5472 + Pro-Forma 1120
BOI Report to FinCEN
Form 1099-K From Marketplaces
This is general information, not tax advice. Confirm your specific filing requirements with a US tax professional.
Mistakes to Avoid
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Opening a Relay Account
Most delays come from preventable mistakes made before or during the application. Avoid these 5 to get approved on the first try.
- Applying before your EIN is in IRS records. A brand-new EIN can take up to 2 weeks to propagate. Wait if Relay cannot verify it.
- Using a name that does not match your EIN letter. Enter your legal business name exactly as printed on your EIN confirmation letter.
- Choosing the wrong entity. Relay does not accept sole proprietors or trusts. Form an LLC or corporation first.
- Writing a vague business description. Name your products, sales channels, and customer markets.
- Skipping a beneficial owner. List every owner with 25% or more and upload a passport for each.
Fix these before you apply and your account typically opens within 1 to 2 business days.
Funding
How Do You Fund Your Relay Account?
You fund a Relay account by ACH transfer, domestic wire, or marketplace payout, and there is no minimum deposit. Most non-resident sellers fund the account from their first Stripe, Amazon, or Shopify payout rather than wiring money in.
Route Your First Payout
Send a Domestic Wire or ACH
International Wire From Home
Once funded, allocate money across your sub-accounts for taxes, profit, and inventory, then issue virtual cards for each expense category.
Next Steps
Get Your EIN, Then Open Your Relay Account
The EIN is the requirement that takes the most time, so get it first. Non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax, and ein.so handles the paperwork, files with the IRS, and delivers your EIN by email for $49.
Related guides: EIN for bank account | Best bank for non-residents | EIN for non-residents | EIN for Shopify sellers | Open a Mercury account
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN for Relay?
Yes. Relay requires an EIN to open a US business banking account. You enter your 9-digit EIN and provide your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or Letter 147C) during onboarding. Apply for your EIN at ein.so ($49) before you start the Relay application.
Can non-residents open a Relay account?
Yes. Relay accepts non-resident owners of US LLCs and corporations from most countries with no SSN and no US address required for the owner. You need a registered US company, an EIN, and a passport. Relay does not serve sole proprietors or businesses in restricted countries.
What documents do I need to open a Relay account?
You need your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or Letter 147C), your Articles of Organization, your Operating Agreement, and a passport for each owner with 25% or more ownership. Relay verifies all documents online during the application.
How long does Relay account opening take?
Relay approves most complete applications in 1 to 2 business days. Applications flagged for extra compliance review take up to 1 week. Getting your EIN first is the slowest step for non-residents, so apply for the EIN before starting the bank application.
Is there a minimum deposit for Relay?
No. Relay has no minimum opening deposit, no minimum balance requirement, and no monthly fee on the standard plan. You can open the account with $0 and fund it later by wire or ACH transfer.
Why is Relay popular with e-commerce sellers?
Relay lets you open up to 20 individual checking accounts and 50 virtual debit cards under one login. Sellers use this to separate taxes, profit, payroll, and inventory using the Profit First method, which is harder to do with a single-account bank.
Need an EIN for Relay? We Handle Everything.
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