All Comparisons
Banking
Mercury vs Bluevine vs Relay: Best Free Business Banking
The three best free online business bank accounts compared: APY, cash deposits, sub-accounts, and which fits your business type.
| Feature | ☿️ Mercury 4.6 Free | 💠 Bluevine 4.5 Free | 🔁 Relay 4.4 Free / $30/mo Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| APY on checking | 0% (Treasury separate) | 2.0% up to $250k* | 1-3% on savings |
| Cash deposits | $4.95 via Green Dot | Free via Allpoint ATMs | |
| Sub-accounts | Yes (unlimited) | Yes (5) | Yes (20) — best in class |
| Virtual cards | |||
| Bill pay / approvals | Basic | Add-on | Excellent (Pro) |
| API access | Excellent | Limited | Limited |
| Accounting integrations | QBO, Xero, NetSuite | QBO, Xero | QBO, Xero, Gusto |
| FDIC insurance | Up to $5M (sweep network) | Up to $3M (sweep) | Up to $3M (sweep) |
| Best for | Startups & tech | Interest on balances | Multi-account budgeting |
Our Verdict
Mercury
Best for startups and tech companies: clean API, unlimited sub-accounts, and Treasury for idle cash.
Bluevine
Best for earning interest: 2.0% APY on checking balances — unmatched among free accounts.
Relay
Best for budgeting systems: 20 sub-accounts and profit-first workflows built in.