Pilot vs Relay

Detailed side-by-side comparison

Pilot

From $799/mo

Pilot is a premium full-service bookkeeping and CFO services platform that provides startups and growing businesses with dedicated finance experts who handle all accounting, tax preparation, and financial reporting. It combines human expertise with modern software to deliver managed financial services, eliminating the need for in-house accounting staff.

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Relay

Free

Relay is a digital business banking platform designed for startups and SMBs that offers multiple free checking accounts, unlimited debit cards, and powerful financial automation tools. It focuses on providing modern banking infrastructure with seamless accounting software integrations to streamline day-to-day financial operations.

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Feature Comparison

Feature	Pilot	Relay
Core Service	Full-service bookkeeping, accounting, and CFO services with dedicated finance team managing all financial operations	Business banking platform with checking accounts, debit cards, and payment processing capabilities
Financial Reporting	Monthly financial statements, detailed reporting, and CFO-level strategic insights prepared by expert accountants	Real-time transaction tracking and notifications with integrations to accounting platforms for automated reporting
Team Management	Provides dedicated account manager and finance team to handle all accounting tasks	Multi-user access with role-based permissions and unlimited virtual cards for team spending control
Accounting Integration	Uses proprietary software combined with expert accountants to deliver managed services	Direct integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting platforms for seamless data sync
Expense Management	Managed expense tracking and bill pay services handled by dedicated finance team	Up to 20 checking accounts and unlimited debit cards with spending controls and transaction tracking
Tax Services	Comprehensive tax preparation and filing support included as part of the service	No tax services provided; focuses solely on banking and payment infrastructure

Pricing Comparison

Pilot starts at $799/month for premium managed accounting services with dedicated experts, while Relay offers free business banking with no monthly fees or minimum balances. The pricing reflects their different value propositions: Pilot replaces your entire accounting function, while Relay provides banking infrastructure.

Verdict

Choose Pilot if...

Choose Pilot if you need comprehensive managed accounting services, want expert bookkeepers and CFO-level guidance handling your finances, or lack the time and expertise to manage accounting in-house. It's ideal for funded startups and growing businesses that value strategic financial insights.

Choose Relay if...

Choose Relay if you need modern business banking infrastructure with multiple accounts and cards, want to maintain control over your own accounting processes, or are looking for a cost-effective banking solution with strong accounting software integrations. It's perfect for businesses that already have accounting handled but need better banking tools.

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Accounting

Pros & Cons

Pilot

Pros

+ Expert finance team handles all accounting tasks end-to-end
+ Designed specifically for startup and tech company needs
+ High-quality financial reporting and strategic insights
+ Eliminates need to hire full-time accounting staff

Cons

- Premium pricing compared to DIY accounting software
- Less control over day-to-day accounting processes
- May be overkill for very small businesses or solopreneurs

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