Relay vs. Texas Regional Bank: Business Banking Guide & Comparison

By Ali Mercieca

Looking for a business bank in Texas? In this guide, we compare Relay, an online banking platform, and Texas Regional Bank, a traditional bank.

Traditional banks, like Texas Regional Bank, offer a blend of in-person and online services, and modern platforms, like Relay, provide a fully digital banking experience tailored for businesses. Let's delve deeper into what each institution brings to the table.

In this article:

What is Relay?

Relay Relay is a no-fee, online business banking and money management platform designed to help small businesses take control of their cash flow.

With Relay, you can:

  • Use up to 20 different accounts to organize income, expenses, and reserves, including two savings accounts offering up to 1-3% APY.

  • Issue up to 50 virtual or physical Visa® debit cards.

  • Send and receive ACH transfers and wires.

  • Deposit and withdraw cash using Allpoint ATMs across the U.S.

  • Collect payments from platforms like Stripe, Square, Shopify, and more.

  • Automate the transfer of cash between accounts by setting up auto-transfer rules.

  • Delegate role-based banking access to financial advisors and team members for added security.

  • Get personalized customer support from our team through both email and phone.

Each Relay account is fully FDIC insured through Thread Bank and Evolve Bank & Trust, including coverage by the Visa® Zero Liability Protection Policy.

What is Texas Regional Bank?

Texas Regional Bank (TRB) is a community bank that provides a wide range of banking services to individuals, businesses, and corporations in the state of Texas. Texas Regional Bank is headquartered in Harlingen, Texas and operates more than 20 banking centers throughout South Texas, the Rio Grande Valley, and the Texas Hill Country, in cities including Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth.

Relay vs. Texas Regional Bank comparison chart

Features/Services

Texas Regional Bank

Relay

Open Account Online

⛔️

Online Banking

✅ Web, Apple iOs and Android Mobile Apps

✅ Web, Apple iOs and Android Mobile Apps 

Monthly Account Fees

$0-$12

$0

Minimum Opening Deposit

$25-$100

None

Minimum Balance Requirement

N/A

None

Overdraft Fees

Not specified

$0

Money Movement

Wire Transfer: Not specified

ACH Payments: Not specified

Wire Transfer: $5 domestic, $10 international (Free with Relay Pro)

ACH Payments: Free 

ATM Access

550+

55,000+

Branch Locations

32

Online-only

Interest-bearing accounts

⛔️

✅ 1-3% APY on savings depending on balance

Business Credit Cards

⛔️

Online Reviews

3.0 Star Rating on Yelp

4.6 Star Rating on Trustpilot

Relay’s business banking features

Relay offers business banking accounts tailored for entrepreneurs, offering a range of features to make sure you and your team have total control over your cash flow. Forget about hidden fees, paperwork, or in-person branch visits. Our completely digital banking and money management platform lets you choose how you bank. Here's a summary of what to expect:

  • Manage your income, expenses, and reserves across 20 accounts, including two savings accounts with an annual percentage yield (APY) ranging from 1% to 3%*.

  • Get up to 50 physical or digital Visa® debit cards.

  • Simplify ACH transfers, wire transactions, and check processing.

  • Access cash through Allpoint+ ATMs across the United States.

  • Seamlessly receive payments from platforms such as Stripe, Square, and Shopify.

  • Set up automatic transfer protocols to effortlessly transfer funds between accounts.

  • Establish secure team banking access with role-based permissions for employees and financial advisors.

  • Connect with our dedicated customer support team through email or phone.

  • Enjoy peace of mind knowing that every Relay account is backed by FDIC insurance, covering up to $250,000 through Thread Bank, and protected by the Visa® Zero Liability Protection Policy.

Texas Regional Bank business banking features

Texas Regional Bank offers a variety of business banking accounts tailored to meet the needs of different types of businesses, from small business checking accounts to non-profit checking accounts and healthcare business accounts. It offers: 

  • Small Business Checking: This account requires a minimum opening balance of $100 and has a monthly fee of $9, which can be reduced with available discounts. There's no average daily balance requirement to avoid the monthly service fee. Account holders can write up to 100 items per statement cycle, with a charge of $0.20 for each item over the limit.

  • Traditional Business Checking: This account comes with a $12 monthly maintenance fee and allows up to 325 items per statement cycle. Any item over the 325 limit incurs a charge of $0.25.

  • Commercial Relationship Checking: Specific details about the opening balance and monthly fees were not provided, but it seems to be tailored for businesses with more complex banking needs.

  • Non-Profit Checking: Designed for non-profit organizations, this account offers unlimited check writing and 250 free transactions per month. It's an interest-bearing account that also provides free domestic wire transfers and discounts on safe deposit boxes.

  • Healthcare Business Account: This account offers 250 free transactions per month and includes additional perks like two free cashier’s checks each month and a free 3x5 safe deposit box.

Relay business savings accounts and other features

With Relay's savings accounts, your funds are always productive. Automatic transfer rules ensure that surplus cash is moved out of your operating accounts. Plus, we offer a fee-free tier without any monthly fees, overdraft charges, or minimum balance requirements.

Texas Regional Bank savings accounts and other features

Texas Regional Bank does not have information about its business savings accounts. It does, however, offer personal savings accounts, including a high-yield money market account. It also offers several business credit cards and has a wealth management program in addition to treasury services and loans like mortgages. 

While you can’t set up an account online, you can access accounts through the bank’s portal or mobile app. There, you can look at your balance, do bill pay, connect Zelle, and get access to other financial services functions. 

Verdict: Which banking partner is right for your business?

Digital banking has the potential to transform your business's financial awareness and clear the way for major changes not only in your cash flow but also in managing your business and preparing for any financial challenges that might come up, like inefficient tax management and payroll deadlines. Both Relay and Texas Regional Bank offer unique features tailored to support business needs. 

Relay provides a seamless digital-first approach with many effortless integrations and no monthly fees, while Texas Regional Bank offers the one-on-one support and personal banking that someone who does business locally in Texas might want. 

To find the right fit for your business, consider your goals and the type of support you need. Then, choose the banking platform that aligns with your business plan. And if you're ready to sign up for Relay, you can get started entirely online here!