SMS two-factor authentication adds a one-time code check to payments from your Relay account, typically adding about 30 seconds to the payment flow.
What you need before you start
An active Relay account with permission to initiate payments
A verified mobile phone number on file for 2FA
A mobile device that can receive SMS at that number right now
The payee details and source account you want to use
How do I verify a payment with SMS 2FA?
Complete the payment in the Payments tab, then enter the SMS code Relay sends to your verified mobile number when prompted.
Sign in to your Relay account.
Go to the Payments tab.
Click New Payment.
Select an existing payee or add a new one.
Choose the payment method (ACH, wire, or check).
Select the source checking account funding the payment.
Enter the payment amount.
Set the frequency, payment date, and memo.
Click Next and confirm every field on the review screen.
Click Initiate Payment.
Watch your phone for the SMS code sent to the number on file for 2FA.
Enter the code to authorize the payment.
The payment moves to Scheduled or Sent once the code is accepted.
When will Relay ask for an SMS code on a payment?
Relay prompts for SMS verification on payments that touch sensitive account activity, including new payees, larger dollar amounts, and payments from accounts you have not used recently. The exact trigger is applied automatically based on your account activity, so the prompt may not appear on every payment.
What if I do not receive the SMS code?
Wait a full minute before requesting a resend, then confirm the mobile number on file is current and can receive SMS from short codes. If the code still does not arrive, see Troubleshooting SMS verification issues and What should I do if I'm not receiving my 2FA OTP codes? for the full check list.
Can I turn off SMS verification on payments?
No. SMS payment verification is a permanent security control on Relay accounts and cannot be removed. Relay applies it to protect your account and the money leaving it, and the control stays on for every user on the account.
Why does Relay require SMS verification for payments?
SMS verification is a form of multi-factor authentication that confirms the person initiating a payment also controls the mobile number on file. This makes it much harder for a stolen password alone to move money out of a Relay account. For a broader view of the security controls available on your account, see Keeping your Relay account secure.
Common issues
The code did not arrive within a minute. Check that your phone has signal, that SMS from short codes is not blocked, and that the number on file for 2FA is your current mobile number.
The code is being sent to an old phone number. Update the number on file first, then start the payment again. See Updating your mobile phone number for 2FA.
The SMS code is rejected as invalid. Codes expire after a short window. Request a new code and enter it as soon as it arrives.
You use an authenticator app for login and expected the same for payments. Payment verification uses SMS 2FA specifically, even if your account login is set up with an authenticator app.
You are travelling internationally and cannot receive SMS. Confirm your carrier has international SMS enabled before initiating the payment, or complete the payment before you leave.
Related articles
Talk to our Customer Experience team
If this article did not fully answer your question, our Customer Experience team is here to help.