Whether you're a new Relay user or transitioning your existing business from another bank, this checklist will guide you through a smooth switch. Follow the steps below to move your finances with confidence—and take advantage of Relay’s integrated tools to streamline payments, invoicing, and expense tracking.
Sections in this Article
- Start by Moving Your Deposits to Relay
- Open and Fund Your Relay Account
- Update Your Payment Info Across Business Tools
- Payment Processors and Bill Pay Tools
- Set Up Bill Pay and Expense Management
- Move Pre-Authorized Debit Card Transactions
- Switch Incoming Payments to Relay
- Make the Most of Relay
Start by Moving Your Deposits to Relay
Businesses or individuals that send you payments by ACH or wire will need to update the banking details they have on file for you. To ensure your payments are routed correctly, you'll want to send them your new Relay account and routing numbers.
We’ve included an email template you can use to notify clients or vendors:
Hi [Your Customer's Name],
I wanted to let you know that I have moved my banking to Relay. As a result, the banking details you have on file for [Your Business Name] need to be replaced with my new account information.
Going forward, please use the following details when sending payment to [Your Business Name]:
[Add your business name, account number and routing number]
Can you please make sure that this is updated on your end by [date]?
Thank you, and please let me know if you have any questions.
[Your name]
- Sign in to your Relay account
- Navigate to the Accounts tab
- Click on the checking account you would like the sender to deposit money into
- Click the copy icon beside the account and routing numbers to paste into the email template
- Sign in to the Relay app on your mobile device
- Navigate to the Accounts tab
- Tap the checking account you want to use for deposits
- Tap Share account info, then tap the copy icon beside your account and routing numbers
Open and Fund Your Relay Account
- Create your checking and (optional) savings accounts
- Add funds to your Relay account from your old bank
- Order Relay Visa® debit cards for yourself and team members
- Set up your backup account to prevent card declines
Learn how to open a Relay business account →
Update Your Payment Info Across Business Tools
- Update your Relay account and routing numbers for:
- Payroll platforms (e.g., Gusto, ADP)
- E-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Etsy)
- Payment processors (e.g., Stripe, Square)
- Business tools (e.g., PayPal, Venmo Business)
- Tax agencies or contractors (e.g., IRS, state agencies, 1099s)
- Download a bank verification letter from your Relay account to simplify updates.
Payment Processors and Bill Pay Tools
If you move money through payment processing tools like Stripe or use a bill pay tool like Bill.com, then you will need to make sure each tool is properly integrated with Relay.
We've rounded up instructions for updating banking details in popular payment processing tools here.
Please note: you will need to add a Relay account and routing number to each tool. Follow the steps outlined above to locate your account and routing numbers, then paste those details into the payment processing tool you're updating.
Set Up Bill Pay and Expense Management
Relay allows you to manage outgoing payments with built-in approvals, audit trails, and document uploads. Simplify your back-office by:
- Creating and sending bills to vendors through Relay
- Uploading receipts or documentation for every expense
- Inviting team members and assigning cards with spending limits
- Setting up approval workflows for bills and reimbursements
Integrate with Xero or QuickBooks Online to automate reconciliation and sync payment records directly with your accounting software:
Move Pre-Authorized Debit Card Transactions
When switching banking platforms, you will need to make sure all pre-authorized debit card transactions are moved over to new Relay cards to ensure that you don't miss any payments.
With Relay, you can create up to 50 physical or virtual Visa debit cards, and these cards can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted. For instructions on how to issue new debit cards on Relay, please see Creating a Relay debit card.
Once your cards are created and active, move all of your pre-authorized card transactions (e.g., monthly utilities, software subscriptions) to your new Relay debit cards.
You should also update any other vendor that has your card details on file for one-off or ad hoc payments, like Amazon. This article includes instructions for updating banking details in tools popular among our customers (like Google G Suite, Slack, Zoom, and more):
Updating your business tools with Relay →
Switch Incoming Payments to Relay
- Update client invoices and recurring payments with your Relay account details
- Notify customers and clients of your new payment info
- Use Relay’s Invoices or Payment Requests to streamline incoming payments:
With Relay Invoices, you can:
- Create and send professional, branded invoices
- Accept ACH, card, or wire payments directly into Relay
- Automate payment reminders and track status in real-time
- Consolidate receivables with your banking in one place
Learn more about Relay Invoices →
Prefer a simpler way to get paid?
Try Payment Requests to collect one-off payments via email or link—no invoice required.
Make the Most of Relay
- Set up savings accounts to plan for taxes, payroll, or growth
- Use sub-accounts to organize funds by project, department, or revenue stream
- Explore cash flow insights by viewing expenses, bills, and receivables in one place
- Invite your accountant or bookkeeper with tailored permissions
- Connect QBO or Xero for Expense Management →
Still have questions? Our team is ready to help! Contact us