You can upload receipts to Relay four ways: directly to a transaction on desktop, from the Relay mobile app, by forwarding an email, or by replying to an SMS link. Relay matches receipts to transactions automatically where possible.
What you need before you start
A Relay account with access to the Expenses tab
Your receipt as a JPG, PNG, or PDF file
The Relay mobile app installed (only required for camera uploads and SMS reply)
Admin or manager permissions if you plan to nudge a cardholder
How do I upload a receipt directly to a transaction?
Go to the Expenses tab in Relay and attach a file to the transaction that needs one. This is the fastest path when you already have the receipt on your device.
Open the Expenses tab in the left-side menu.
Find the transaction marked with a red Missing receipt label.
Click Upload receipt.
Drag and drop the file into the upload area, or select it from your device.
Accepted file types are JPG, PNG, and PDF. You can upload multiple files to the same transaction if you need to attach a split receipt or a supporting document.
How do I upload a receipt from the Relay mobile app?
Use the Relay mobile app to snap a receipt right after a purchase and attach it before you forget. Uploads sync back to the web view immediately.
Open the Relay mobile app.
Go to Settings and tap Receipts to see your receipt list, then tap Upload to bulk upload multiple files at once.
To attach a receipt to a specific transaction, tap the transaction and select Upload receipt.
Use your phone's camera to capture the receipt, or choose an existing image from your photo library.
The transaction row shows whether a receipt is already attached, so you can spot gaps on the go.
How do I forward a receipt by email?
Every Relay account has a unique receipt inbox email address. Forward any receipt from any email client to that address and Relay tries to match it to the right transaction automatically.
In Relay, click Expenses in the left-side menu, or open the Receipt Inbox directly.
Copy your account's unique receipt inbox email address.
From any email client, forward or send the receipt to that address.
If Relay cannot match the receipt to a transaction, it lands in the Receipt Inbox under Not matched so you can attach it manually.
How do I upload a receipt via SMS link?
Admins and managers can text a cardholder a secure upload link when a receipt is missing. The cardholder replies with a photo, and Relay attaches it to the transaction.
In the Expenses tab, find the transaction with the missing receipt.
Click Nudge cardholder to send the SMS.
The cardholder receives a text with the transaction amount and vendor.
The cardholder replies to the text with a photo of the receipt and an optional memo.
You can resend the nudge any time the cardholder does not respond.
Where do I find missing receipts?
Filter the Expenses tab to see every transaction that still needs a receipt. This is the fastest way to close month-end gaps before your books are locked.
Open the Expenses tab.
Apply the filter Receipts > Require Receipts.
From that view, upload receipts, assign categories and vendors, or nudge cardholders directly.
What are the best practices for receipt uploads?
Upload receipts as soon as the transaction happens, add context when a purchase is unusual, and clear the Receipt Inbox on a regular cadence. These three habits keep your records IRS-ready and cut month-end cleanup time.
Upload the same day. Attach receipts as soon as possible to avoid missed matches or month-end delays.
Add memos to unusual expenses. A short memo makes it easier to justify a purchase or explain a split during a review.
Monitor the Receipt Inbox. Admins should review the Not matched view weekly and attach any receipts that did not auto-match.
What are common issues when uploading receipts?
Most upload problems come from unsupported file types, image quality, or a mismatch between the receipt and the transaction. Below are the most frequent symptoms and how to resolve them.
File type is rejected. Convert the receipt to JPG, PNG, or PDF before uploading. Other formats are not accepted.
Receipt did not auto-match. Open the Receipt Inbox, switch to Not matched, and attach the receipt to the correct transaction manually.
Cardholder is not receiving the SMS nudge. Confirm the cardholder's mobile number on their team profile and resend the nudge.
Duplicate receipts on a transaction. Multiple files are allowed intentionally; remove any you did not mean to attach from the transaction detail view.
Persistent upload errors. See Troubleshooting Receipt Upload Errors for detailed steps.
Can I manually add an expense in Relay?
Not at this time. If you have a receipt or invoice for an out-of-pocket purchase, use the Forward by Email feature to send the document to your receipt inbox address. Relay will attach it to the matching transaction and it will show up in your Expenses tab.
What comes next after uploading a receipt?
Once your receipts are attached, you can categorize the transaction, split it across categories, and sync it to your accounting software.
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