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Prohibited Industries for Relay Capital

UpdatedAugust 11, 2026

Relay Capital cannot fund businesses in the industries below because of restrictions from our lending partner, Fundbox, and its bank partner, Lead Bank.

Who does this apply to?

The restrictions apply to any business applying to or participating in the Relay Capital program. By registering with Relay Capital, you confirm that your business does not engage in any of the activities listed below. Any Relay account found using Relay Capital in connection with a prohibited business may be subject to termination.

What industries are prohibited?

Relay Capital cannot serve businesses in the following categories. The list is grouped by industry type below.

Adult entertainment and services

Any business primarily engaged in adult entertainment, including:

  • Pornography and sexually explicit media (literature, imagery, video)

  • Prostitution

  • Escort services

  • Adult live chat services

Firearms and ammunition

Any business involved in the sale, distribution, or manufacture of:

  • Firearms

  • Ammunition

Online gaming and gambling

Any business offering games of chance or wagering, including but not limited to:

  • Bidding fee auctions

  • Fantasy sports leagues with cash prizes

  • Internet gaming

  • Sports forecasting and odds making

  • Contests, sweepstakes, and any other games of chance

Any business that directly touches the plant or operates under a state-issued marijuana license, including:

  • Marijuana dispensaries

  • Growers or cultivators

  • THC oil and extract manufacturers

  • Edible product producers

Money services businesses and financial institutions

Money services businesses (MSBs) and other financial entities are not permitted. This includes:

  • Money transmitters

  • Currency dealers or exchanges

  • Check cashing services

  • Wire transfer businesses

  • Money order providers

  • Bail bonds services

  • Collection agencies

  • Banks and credit unions

  • Insurance companies

  • Investment companies, including venture capital firms and lenders

  • Law firms collecting money for any purpose other than their own service fees

Nonprofit organizations

Nonprofits are not eligible for Relay Capital at this time.

Is this list final?

This list reflects current requirements from Fundbox and Lead Bank, and it can change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply based on Fundbox's credit and risk policies at the time of application.

How do I check if my business qualifies?

If none of the categories above describe your business, you can start a Relay Capital application from inside your Relay account. Eligibility also depends on credit and underwriting criteria set by Fundbox and Lead Bank, so approval is not guaranteed even for businesses outside the prohibited list. If you are unsure whether your business fits a prohibited category, contact our Customer Experience team before applying.

What happens if my business is on the prohibited list?

Applications from prohibited industries will not be approved for Relay Capital. If a Relay Capital loan is later found to be connected to a prohibited business, the associated Relay account may be subject to termination.

Talk to our Customer Experience team

If this article did not fully answer your question, our Customer Experience team is here to help.

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Relay is a financial technology company and is not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC.