How to Set Up a Backup Account for Your Debit Card

Having a backup account linked to your debit card can provide peace of mind. Setting up a backup account gives you more flexibility when making purchases. If the checking account connected to your debit card doesn’t have enough funds to cover a transaction, your backup account will automatically be used to complete the purchase!

What Is a Backup Account for a Debit Card?

A backup account can be a checking or savings account linked to your debit card, which can be used if the checking account linked to your debit card doesn't have sufficient funds. When you make a purchase and your checking account balance is low, Relay will automatically transfer funds from your backup account to cover the difference.

How to Set Up a Backup Account

1. Sign in to your Relay account.
2. Navigate to the Cards tab
3. Click on the debit card you want to add a backup account to.
4. Click on Set up a backup account.
5. Select a backup account
6. Click on Save.

When creating a new debit card, the option to set up a backup account will appear alongside choosing the source account for the card. For more information on creating a debit card, view the article: Creating a Relay debit card

How to Edit a Backup Account

1. Sign in to your Relay account.
2. Navigate to the Cards tab
3. Click on the debit card you want to edit
4. Click on Edit beside backup account
5. Select an alternative backup account
6. Click on Save.

Managing and Monitoring Your Backup Account

Once the backup account is set up, it’s important to regularly monitor both your primary and backup accounts:

• Ensure there are Sufficient Funds: Check that your backup account has enough funds to cover any potential transactions.
• Auto-Transfer Rules: Using a backup account can help prevent declined transactions with your debit card, but it’s still important to manage your finances effectively to avoid any unplanned transfers and utilize auto-transfer rules. To learn more, view our article on Setting up auto-transfer rules

Can I add multiple backup accounts?

At the moment only one backup account can be set up for a debit card. But you can set up a backup account for each of your debit cards.

Can I use a Savings Account as a backup account?

Yes! You can use a Savings or Checking account as a backup account for your Relay debit card.