Decimal vs Relay

Detailed side-by-side comparison

Decimal

Decimal

From $1500/mo

Decimal is a comprehensive accounting and finance platform that combines technology with dedicated human expertise, specifically designed for startups and high-growth companies. It provides full-service bookkeeping, CFO advisory services, and investor-grade financial reporting to help companies scale with professional financial guidance.

Visit Decimal
Relay

Relay

Free

Relay is a digital business banking platform built for startups and SMBs that focuses on money management and financial operations. It offers free business checking accounts, unlimited virtual debit cards, and seamless accounting software integrations without monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

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Feature Comparison

FeatureDecimalRelay
Core ServiceFull-service accounting, bookkeeping, and CFO advisory with dedicated team handling your booksBusiness banking infrastructure with checking accounts, debit cards, and payment processing
Financial ReportingReal-time dashboards with investor-grade financial reports prepared by professional accountantsTransaction tracking and reporting through integration with external accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero
Team ManagementDedicated accounting team and CFO advisors providing proactive financial guidanceMulti-user account access with role-based permissions and unlimited virtual cards for team spending control
Accounting Software IntegrationIntegrates with QuickBooks and Xero as part of managed bookkeeping serviceDirect integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other platforms for automated transaction syncing
Payment ProcessingNot a banking platform; focuses on accounting and financial analysis of transactionsUnlimited free domestic wire transfers, ACH payments, and detailed transaction tracking built-in
Compliance and Tax SupportIncludes tax preparation support and ensures compliance through professional accounting oversightProvides transaction data for tax purposes but requires separate tax preparation services

Pricing Comparison

Decimal starts at $1,500/month for comprehensive accounting services with human expertise, while Relay offers free business banking with no monthly fees, representing fundamentally different value propositions. Decimal is an investment in professional financial management, whereas Relay provides cost-free banking infrastructure.

Verdict

Choose Decimal if...

Choose Decimal if you need professional accounting services, CFO-level financial guidance, and investor-ready financial reporting with dedicated experts managing your books. It's ideal for funded startups and growing companies that require sophisticated financial management and advisory support.

Choose Relay if...

Choose Relay if you need modern business banking infrastructure with multiple accounts, team spending controls, and free payment processing capabilities. It's perfect for startups and SMBs looking to streamline banking operations without monthly fees while maintaining their own accounting processes.

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Accounting

Pros & Cons

Decimal

Pros

  • + Combines technology with expert human accountants for accuracy
  • + Purpose-built for startups with investor-grade reporting
  • + Proactive financial guidance from experienced finance professionals
  • + Streamlined onboarding and migration from existing systems

Cons

  • - Higher price point compared to basic bookkeeping software
  • - May be overkill for very small businesses or solopreneurs
  • - Limited to U.S.-based companies

Relay

Pros

  • + No monthly account fees or minimum balance requirements
  • + Unlimited free domestic wire transfers and ACH payments
  • + Intuitive interface designed specifically for small business needs
  • + Strong accounting software integrations for automated bookkeeping

Cons

  • - Limited physical branch access as it's digital-only banking
  • - Some advanced treasury management features require higher tiers
  • - International wire transfers incur fees