The best business accounts 2025: comparison, costs, and features

Lena Müller01 October 2025
The best business accounts 2025

A business account today is much more than just a bank account – it is the cornerstone of professional and efficient financial management. For the self-employed, freelancers, and companies of all sizes, having a separate business account is indispensable to keep private and business finances clearly separate. This separation not only brings transparency and order to your finances but also meets legal requirements and simplifies cooperation with tax advisors.

In 2025, with digital processes and transparency becoming ever more important, a modern business account is essential. It helps you keep a secure overview of your liquidity at all times, enables quick and easy payment processing, and builds trust with business partners and banks alike.

Overall, the business account forms the foundation for sustainable commercial success and plays a crucial role in projecting a professional image in the market.

Key highlights

A business account is specifically designed for commercial purposes, clearly separating personal and business finances.

Main providers: Neobanks such as Vivid Money, Revolut Business, Qonto, Accountable, Finom, Kontist, Holvi, FYRST, Bunq, Tide, and N26, alongside traditional banks including Postbank, Sparkasse, Commerzbank, and Deutsche Bank.

Important selection criteria: Account fees, identification procedures, earning opportunities (cashback and interest), loan offers, user-friendliness, relevant features such as sub-accounts and integration with accounting software.

Suitable accounts by target group:

  • Freelancers and small business owners - often low-cost standard accounts with automated tax and accounting features.
  • Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - accounts with more functions, multi-user access and multi-currency options.
  • Large companies and corporations - comprehensive accounts including dedicated managers and expanded credit and investment options.

What is a business account?

A business account is a specialised account exclusively used for all your company’s financial transactions. It ensures the clear separation of personal and business finances — a vital requirement for transparent and proper accounting. Unlike personal accounts, business accounts come with extended features tailored to the needs of self-employed individuals, freelancers, and companies both large and small.

Key features of modern business accounts include:

  • 24/7 online and mobile banking for flexible access, even on the move.
  • Multiple users with individual access rights for owners, employees, or accountants
  • Integration with accounting software for automatic invoice creation
  • Payment functions including SEPA transfers, direct debits, card payments, and often foreign currency transactions
  • Additional services such as loan offers and cashback programmes for comfortable financial management

For corporations, holding a business account is legally mandatory. This means that GmbH, UG, AG, KGaA, eG, and SE must maintain a business current account to ensure a professional appearance and efficient financial management. A well-chosen account in 2025 is therefore an indispensable tool for day-to-day business operations.

What defines a modern business account?

Today, it’s no longer enough to simply receive and send money. Business owners, freelancers and SMEs expect efficient, flexible, and digitally integrated solutions.

Key features include:

Multiple sub-accounts (Sub-IBANs): Enables better organisation by projects, departments or reserves, significantly simplifying bookkeeping and cash flow management.

Digital receipt management: Easy capture and management of receipts, also on the go, reducing the burden of accounting and speeding up tax filing.

Expense management: Employee cards with individual budgets ensure reliable budget control and expense tracking.

Powerful apps: Real-time transaction overview, push notifications for unusual activity, and integrated interest-bearing products.

Seamless accounting integration: Connection to established software such as DATEV, sevDesk, Lexware or FastBill automates financial processes and minimises errors.

Flexible payment options: SEPA, instant payments, SWIFT for international transactions, and multi-currency accounts are standard offerings.

Multi-user access: With clearly defined access rights, account holders retain control, can delegate financial management tasks, and track changes transparently.

Automated financial and tax reports: AI-driven tools assist with liquidity forecasts, budgeting, and simplify tax preparation.

At Vivid Money, we provide freelancers in Germany with a unique combination of automatic tax filing and personalised tax advisor support – secure and mobile.

Opening a business account – quick guide

Thanks to digital processes, opening your business account is now faster and often fully online. Here are the most important steps:

  1. Prepare documents: ID, business registration, commercial register excerpt or articles of association, proof of share capital for corporations.
  2. Compare providers: Check fees, features and additional services.
  3. Open online or in branch: Register and submit documents easily. Most offer video ID for quick verification, paper-free.
  4. Use your account: Available immediately after approval; set up sub-accounts and user permissions flexibly.
  5. Automate: Link accounting software for automated management of transactions and invoices.

Open a business bank account with Vivid – get started easily online!

Online business accounts vs traditional

Quick overview:

In 2025, online business bank accounts are sufficient for most self-employed professionals and SMEs, as they are more affordable, faster to set up, and more highly automated. Branch banks are mainly suitable for companies with high cash-handling needs or a strong demand for personal advice. A direct comparison of online business accounts and traditional bank accounts shows that both options come with their own strengths and challenges.

Account opening process and timeframes

Online business bank accounts stand out for their fast and straightforward setup. Many providers allow the registration process to be completed fully online—often including video-based identity verification (Video Ident) for secure verification, and sometimes even faster photo-based identification (Photo Ident). Traditional banks, by contrast, often rely on in-person appointments or verification via post (Post Ident), which can make the process longer but also offers opportunities for personal advice.

Fees and cost differences

Online business accounts often offer transparent and lower fees, or sometimes even free accounts, making them attractive for start-ups and small businesses. Traditional banks generally charge higher maintenance fees and additional service costs, so it’s important to factor these into your decision.

Customer service: digital vs personal

Online providers focus mostly on digital support channels such as live chat, email, or phone. Traditional banks typically offer personal service and advice within branch offices. Your preference and business needs will dictate whether you prioritise quick online support or face-to-face interaction.

Range of features and additional services

Online accounts tend to come with innovative features like flexible user management, sub-accounts, multi-currency support, integration with accounting software, and real-time payments as standard. Traditional banks usually provide solid core banking functions but often lag behind in digital features.

Cash access and branch network

Traditional business accounts benefit from extensive cash access and wide branch networks, which is advantageous for businesses with frequent cash needs. Online banks primarily focus on digital account management and often offer limited or paid-for cash services.

Flexibility and technological innovation

Online business accounts lead in adopting the latest technologies, offering greater flexibility in account management, mobile app usability, and diverse payment options. Traditional banks are often slower to introduce digital innovations and tend to have more legacy infrastructure.

Top ranking of the best online business accounts

Vivid Money – high-performance test winner

According to Finanzfluss, one of Germany’s leading comparison portals for financial products, Vivid Money is the winner in the 2025 business account comparison (as of Ocotober 1st). The Prime and Standard plans impress with an outstanding price-performance ratio.

Vivid Business is a modern financial platform specially designed for freelancers, small business owners, and medium-sized enterprises. It combines user-friendly, fully digital account management with extensive features such as multiple German IBAN sub-accounts, cashback benefits of up to 10%, attractive interest rates, and investment opportunities in stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies directly from the app.

  • Rating: 4,6 ★ based on over 22,000 reviews (Trustpilot)
  • Price: from €0/month, paid plans starting from €6,9/month
  • Suitable for: Freelancers, sole proprietorships, GbR, general partnership, KG, UG, GmbH, AG, SE
  • Account opening: Fully online, mobile app with high usability ratings
  • Identification: Photo ID verification
  • Support: 24/7 human support, dedicated customer success team, help center
  • Banking-features: multiple DE IBAN subaccounts, invoice creation and management, free integration with popular accounting software (DATEV, sevDesk, Lexware, etc.), accounting and tax filing service for freelancers in Germany, freelancer registration
  • International payments: Instant SEPA and SWIFT international payments with multiple currency support (22 currencies available)
  • Earning features: Cashback offers, interest account, cashback rewards up to 10% on business expenses, competitive 4% introductory interest rate on account balances, treasury options: stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies investment from app, business travel cashback up to 30%, crypto Earn rewards up to 8% APY
  • Loans: up to €250,000 with repayment terms up to 12 months

Open your Vivid Money business account quickly and easily online – no need for in-person appointments or paperwork.

Revolut Business

Revolut’s main advantage is its ability to hold balances in multiple currencies simultaneously, allowing businesses to make low-cost international payments and currency exchanges with competitive rates. The platform also offers powerful expense management and team spending controls, all accessible through a convenient mobile app. This makes it ideal for freelancers and SMEs operating both locally and globally.

  • Rating: 4,6 ★ (Trustpilot)
  • Price: from €10/month depending on plan
  • Suitable for: GmbH, UG, sole proprietorship, AG, OHG, PartG, GbR, KG
  • Account opening: Fully online, intuitive app with wide global usage
  • Identification: Video ID, photo ID verification
  • Support: 24/7 in-app chat support, online Help Center, email support depending on plan
  • Banking-features: corporate cards, expense management, batch payments, invoice management, integrations with accounting software (e.g., Xero), receipt capture
  • International Payments: SEPA (including Instant), SWIFT, multi-currency accounts, competitive fees, currency exchange with interbank rates - at the same rates banks use when trading with each other
  • Earning features: interest earned via Revolut Savings investment funds (variable rates, subject to market risk); cashback on Metal plan (0.1%-1.5% depending on region and currency) on card spend (conditions apply)
  • Loans: business loans available in some countries, flexible credit limits depending on creditworthiness; invoice financing not standard

Qonto

Qonto is a modern, fully digital banking platform aimed at freelancers and small to medium-sized businesses across Germany and Europe. It simplifies business finances by combining advanced bookkeeping and expense tracking tools within an intuitive online banking interface. With easy online account setup, multi-user access, and seamless integration with popular accounting software, Qonto helps businesses manage their finances efficiently while reducing administrative tasks.

  • Rating: 4.8 ★ (Trustpilot)
  • Price: from €9/month depending on plan
  • Suitable for: Freelancers, sole proprietorships, GbR, KG, KGaA, OHG, UG, gUG, UG & Co. KG, GmbH, gGmbH, GmbH & Co. KG, GmbH & Co. OHG, AG, AG & Co. KG, AG & Co. OHG, eK
  • Account opening: Fully online
  • Identification: Video ID verification
  • Support: from 9:00 – 18:00 via chat, phone and email, Help Center
  • Banking-features: creating expense reports, bank/ credit card integration, invoice creation and delivery, receipt capture, bookkeeping integrations
  • International Payments: SEPA (normal and Instant), SWIFT with competitive fees, multi-currency accounts.
  • Earning features: 4% annual remuneration* up to €100,000 balance (conditions apply), no cashback
  • Loans: up to €50,000 to pay invoices, repayable in 3, 9, or 12 monthly installments; business loan between €500 and €1 million.

Accountable

Accountable combines easy business banking with intelligent tax automation, ideally suited for freelancers and small businesses in Germany looking to simplify finance and tax compliance.

  • Rating: 4,8 ★ (Trustpilot)
  • Price: Free business account, paid plans from €15.50/month
  • Suitable for: Freelancers, self-employed, small businesses 
  • Account opening: Fully online
  • Identification: Video ID, E-ID verification
  • Support: In-app chat, email, AI Tax Assistant, tax coaches and partner advisors in paid plans
  • Banking-features: Receipt and invoice management, free business account and sub-account for taxes with German IBAN, automatic tax reserves and returns, AI tax advisor on paid plans, consolidated view of linked bank accounts in one portal
  • International payments: SEPA payments supported; non-European transfers charged with fees; ATM withdrawals within SEPA charged at €1
  • Earning features: No explicit interest or cashback products
  • Loans: Not directly offered 

Finom

Finom stands out with multi-account management, strong invoice and bookkeeping tools, and cashback options, suited for freelancers and SMEs active in Europe.

  • Rating: 4,5 ★ (Trustpilot)
  • Price: Free plan for freelancers; paid plans from €9/month 
  • Suitable for: Freelancers, AG, eK, eG, GmbH, GbR, KG, KGaA, OHG, PartG, UG, GmbH & Co KG, GmbH iG, UG iG
  • Account opening: Fully online via app or website
  • Identification: Video ID verification
  • Support: Email and chat support during business hours, help center
  • Banking-features: E-Invoicing, AI accounting for freelancers and entrepreneurs, bookkeeping integration, expense management, multi-account wallets each with individual IBANs, virtual and physical cards with customizable limits
  • International payments: SEPA and cross-border payments; fixed €5 flat fee + fees on outgoing international transfers from 0.4% 
  • Earning features: Up to 3% cashback depending on the plan, no interest-bearing products
  • Loans: No large loans advertised

Kontist

Kontist’s strength lies in tax automation and integrated bookkeeping, making it ideal for freelancers and small business owners looking to streamline finances, with in-app access to loans and overdrafts.

  • Rating: 4,4 ★ (Trustpilot)
  • Price: Free basic account, fee-based from €11/month
  • Suitable for: Freelancers, self-employed, small businesses, tradespeople 
  • Account opening: Fully online via the Kontist app
  • Identification: Video ID verification 
  • Support: Email, chat and phone support (Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00)
  • Banking-features: Automatic tax and VAT calculation, expense categorization, receipt scanning, real-time transaction notifications, multiple subaccounts, invoice and bookkeeping integration with FastBill and Lexware Office
  • International payments: Incoming SEPA EUR transfers only; no direct foreign currency payments or SWIFT out
  • Earning features: No direct interest or cashback
  • Loans: from €500 up to €50,000, with terms from 4 to 18 months, interest rate between 9% and 35% annually; overdraft facility of up to €3,000 (only for freelancers)

Holvi

Holvi combines online banking with invoicing and expense tools tailored to small businesses and freelancers, offering comprehensive finance management in one platform.

  • Rating: 4,3 ★ (Trustpilot)
  • Price: Free basic plan; paid plans starting from €4,5/month
  • Suitable for: Freelancers, sole proprietorships, tradespeople, GmbH, UG, GmbH iG, UG iG
  • Account opening: Fully online, easy-to-use mobile and web app
  • Identification: Video ID verification
  • Support: Email and chat support during business hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 15:00)
  • Banking-features: invoicing, VAT calculator, bookkeeping integration (Lexoffice, sevDesk, DATEV), expense management, receipt scanning, multi-user access, team cards, real-time payment notifications
  • International payments: SEPA transfers (mostly free), SWIFT transfers in 18 currencies 
  • Earning features: Investment access offering up to 4.00% p.a. for GmbHs and UGs on money market funds (variable, not guaranteed); no cashback
  • Loans: Credit card with up to €5,000 credit limit, 0% interest on end-of-month repayments; investment services available only for GmbHs and UGs; no public business loan offers

FYRST

FYRST is positioned as a stable, secure bank primarily for freelancers and SMEs in Germany, combining fintech features with Deutsche Bank’s traditional banking reliability. Its pricing is attractive especially for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs.

  • Rating: 4,2 ★ (Trustpilot)
  • Price: Free for freelancers and sole proprietors (FYRST Base); from €10/month 
  • Suitable for: Freelancers, tradespeople, GmbH, GmbH & Co. KG, GbR, UG, OHG, KG, eK
  • Account opening: Fully online, user-friendly app
  • Identification: Video ID, Post ID verification
  • Support: Email and phone support
  • Banking-features: invoicing, bookkeeping integration (Lexoffice, sevDesk, DATEV, Sage), physical and virtual cards, multi-user access, expense management
  • International payments: Standard SEPA transfers, limited SWIFT with associated fees
  • Earning features: No interest on balances; no cashback program available
  • Loans: Investment loans from €10,000 to €250,000 at 4.39% effective annual interest, terms 12–180 months, usually no collateral, flexible repayment. Overdraft credit line starting at 9.95% effective annual interest, limits €3,000 to €250,000, creditworthiness required

Bunq

Bunq targets entrepreneurs needing multi-account management and fast international payments with decent interest on business savings, but without loan or overdraft facilities as standard.

  • Rating: 4,1 ★ (Trustpilot)
  • Price: Free plan available, paid plans from €3.99/month 
  • Suitable for: Registered merchant, GmbH, UG, freelancers, tradespeople, GbR, sole proprietorship
  • Account opening: Fully online via the Bunq app or website
  • Identification: Photo ID, Video ID verification
  • Support: Сhat and email support, SOS hotline, automated emergency line, report form
  • Banking-features: Up to 25 sub-accounts each with its own IBAN, instant payments, invoice management, integrated bookkeeping, expense categorization, shared access for employees, real-time notifications
  • International payments: SEPA and SWIFT support, multi-currency payments, foreign currency transfers
  • Earning features: Business savings accounts offer up to 0.75% on EUR, 2.30% on USD and GBP; no cashback program
  • Loans: No advertised business loans or overdrafts

Tide

Tide combines simple business banking with advanced digital tools, perfectly suited for freelancers and small businesses in Germany aiming to streamline their financial operations. It offers seamless account opening with a German IBAN, integrated invoicing, accounting features, and cashback incentives, all managed conveniently through an intuitive app platform.

  • Rating: 4,1 ★ (Trustpilot)
  • Price: Free basic account, fee starting at €4.50 excl. VAT per month
  • Suitable for: Freelancers, sole traders, UG, GmbH
  • Account opening: Fully online, app-based/ website
  • Identification: Video ID verification
  • Support: In-app chat, email support and help center, telephone support (plan SMART)
  • Banking-features: Integrated DATEV interface, mastercard and DE IBAN, monthly account statements (PDF), deposit protection, multi-user access and Apple Pay & Google Pay on paid plans, invoicing tools
  • International payments: SEPA upcoming and outgoing transfers
  • Earning features: Savings account with interest rate of 1.5% paid on overnight deposits; 0.5% cashback on all qualified card payments made within the promotion timeframe (August 28, 2025 to February 28, 2026) for the Smart plan members
  • Loans: Business loans, loans for the self-employed, working capital loans up to €1 million with flexible terms through financing partners

N26 Business

N26 Business focuses on freelancers and sole proprietors, offering flexible digital banking with cashback and some interest on balances, but limited support for foreign currency international transfers currently.

  • Rating: 3,7 ★ (Trustpilot)
  • Price: Free basic plan, paid plans from €4.90/month
  • Suitable for: Freelancers, tradespeople, sole proprietorships
  • Account opening: Fully digital
  • Identification: Video ID verification
  • Support: Chatbot support, in-app chat, phone support
  • Banking-features: Virtual Mastercard business card free; physical card for €10; financial insights and spending statistics; sub-accounts ("Spaces") for budgeting; automatic categorization of expenses; integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay
  • International payments: Free SEPA transfers and instant credit transfers up to €10,000; no outgoing SWIFT transfers supported yet; no foreign currency transfers in-app
  • Earning features: Up to 2% interest on balances depending on plan (Metal plan); up to 0.5% cashback on purchases
  • Loans: An overdraft of up to €15,000 for eligible customers (interest is charged only on the amount used, at a fixed rate of 13.4% p.a.), personal loans between €1,000 and €25,000 with flexible repayment plans

The best business accounts from traditional banks in 2025

Postbank

Rating: 1.7 ★ (Trustpilot)

Price: Typically account management fees from €10–15 per month; fees for paper-based and online transactions vary; card fees vary

Suitable for: SMEs, sole traders, and businesses requiring traditional banking services

Account opening: Possible online and in-branch; extensive branch network across Germany

Identification: Video ID and postal ID verification

Support: Telephone, email, and contact form

Banking-features: Basic services including debit card, credit cards, cash deposits and withdrawals over the counter

International payments: SEPA and SWIFT; terms vary

Earning options: Fixed-term deposits with interest rates between 1.8% and 2.25% p.a. for terms from 6 months to 8 years; promotional rates for new deposits - 2.0% p.a. for 12 months; savings accounts with variable interest and no account management fees

Loans: Business investment loans ranging from €10,000 to €250,000 with terms of 12 to 180 months

Sparkasse

Rating: 1.7 ★ (Trustpilot)

Price: Account fees vary significantly by region, typically between €3.90 and €10; additional fees for transactions and cards vary

Best suited for: SMEs, retailers and craft businesses, particularly in small to medium-sized towns

Account opening: Branches nationwide, with personal consultation available.

Identification: Video ID and postal ID verification

Support: On-site at advisory offices, telephone, email, and in-app chat

Banking-features: Wide range of account and payment services plus advisory offerings

International payments: SEPA and SWIFT services

Earning options: Fixed deposit interest rates usually between 1.5% and 2.5% p.a.; investment in funds, shares, and other securities possible

Loans: Business loans in the high six- to seven-figure range

Commerzbank

Rating: 1.4 ★ (Trustpilot)

Price: Starting from €4.90 per month depending on the account model

Best suited for: Medium-sized enterprises, export-oriented companies, and firms with complex requirements

Account opening: Possible online; extensive branch network

Identification: Video ID verification

Support: On-site advisory, telephone, contact form, help centre

Banking-features: Factoring, export/import support, various business accounts.

International payments: SEPA and SWIFT

Earning options: Interest rates between 1.0% and 2.5% per annum on savings and fixed deposits; investments in funds, shares, certificates; cashback offers on select cards

Loans: Investment loans for business expansion with tailored terms; working capital loans, government-backed loans, overdraft facilities

Deutsche Bank

Rating: 1.4 ★ (Trustpilot)

Price: From free youth accounts to premium accounts, starting at around €5

Best suited for: SMEs, limited liability companies (GmbH), entrepreneurial companies (UG), and businesses requiring comprehensive traditional banking services

Account opening: Online via website, often also requiring branch visit

Identification: Video ID verification

Support: On-site advisory service and telephone support

Banking-features: Full banking services, integration with accounting, multi-currency accounts, accounts tailored for GmbH/UG

International payments: SEPA and SWIFT

Earning options: Interest rates between 1.0% and 2.5%; investments in funds, shares, certificates; cashback and reward programmes; regular savings plans

Loans: Investment loans for business growth with custom terms; working capital loans, government-backed loans, overdraft facilities

Overview table

Provider Price Identification Earning opportunities Loans Suitable for
Vivid Money From €0/month, plans from €6.90 Photo ID verification Cashback up to 10%; 4% interest on balances; Treasury cashback up to 10%; crypto rewards up to 8% p.a. Up to €250,000, repayment up to 12 months Freelancers, small businesses, SMEs, GmbH, UG, AG
Revolut Business From €10/month Video ID, photo ID verification Cashback in Metal Plan (0.1–1.5%); variable savings interest Business loans with flexible limits GmbH, UG, sole traders, AG, OHG, PartG, GbR, KG
Qonto From €9/month Video ID verification 4% interest on balances up to €100,000; no cashback Up to €1 million, repayment 3–12 months Freelancers, SMEs, UG, GmbH, various legal forms
Accountable Free, plans from €15.50/month Video ID, E-ID verification Focus on tax optimisation; no interest or cashback No lending offered Freelancers, self-employed, small businesses
Finom Free for freelancers, plans from €9/month Video ID verification Up to 3% cashback on selected plans; no interest on balances No loans advertised Freelancers, SMEs, diverse business forms
Kontist Free, plans from €11/month Video ID verification No interest or cashback €500–50,000; interest rates 9–35% p.a. Freelancers, self-employed, small businesses
Holvi Free basic plan, plans from €4.50/month Video ID verification Investment access up to 4% p.a. (variable); no cashback Credit card up to €5,000; no public loans Freelancers, small companies, GmbH, UG
FYRST Free for freelancers, plans from €10/month Video ID, Post ID verification No interest, no cashback Investment loans from €10,000; overdrafts Freelancers, craftsmen, GmbH, GbR, UG
Bunq Free, plans from €3.99/month Video ID, photo ID verification Business savings accounts up to 0.75% on EUR; no cashback No loans advertised Traders, GmbH, UG, freelancers
Tide Free; plans from €4.50 plus VAT/month Video ID verification Savings account with 1.5% interest; 0.5% cashback Business loans up to €1 million Freelancers, sole traders, GmbH, UG
N26 Business Free; plans from €4.90/month Video ID verification Up to 2% interest (Metal plan); up to 0.5% cashback Overdraft up to €15,000; personal loans Freelancers, craftsmen, sole traders
Postbank Plans from €10/month plus transaction fees Video ID, Post ID verification Fixed deposits 1.8–2.25% p.a.; promotional rate 2.0% for 12 months Business investment loans €10,000–250,000 SMEs, sole traders, traditional clients
Sparkasse €3.90–10/month (varies by region) Video ID, Post ID verification Fixed deposit interest 1.5–2.5% p.a.; investments possible Business loans in high six- to seven-figure sums SMEs, retailers, craftsmen, especially in smaller communities
Commerzbank Plans from €4.90/month Video ID verification Savings & fixed-term interest 1.0–2.5% p.a.; cashback options Investment, operating, subsidy & overdraft loans Medium-sized and export-oriented businesses
Deutsche Bank Plans from €5; youth to premium accounts Video ID verification 1.0–2.5% interest; cashback & rewards; savings plans Investment & operating loans, subsidies, overdrafts SMEs, GmbH, UG, complex businesses

Which business bank account fits your company?

Business accounts are not a “one size fits all”. The best account model depends on company size, industry, and individual needs. It’s important to consider the different requirements of freelancers, start-ups, small businesses and established SMEs to select the right business account.

Freelancers

  • Usually opt for straightforward, low-cost business accounts without additional  features
  • Prefer convenient online management with accounting software integration
  • Quick payment access and simple account opening are key

Sole traders

  • Business accounts offering additional card options and payment handling
  • Support for SEPA payments and management of multiple accounts
  • Typically accounts with reasonable fees suited to small businesses

Small businesses and tradespeople

  • Accounts integrating online services and accounting directly
  • Availability of multi-user management and payment functions
  • Comprehensive support for everyday business processes, such as invoice creation

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

  • Corporate accounts with advanced features
  • Management of company cards, multicurrency support, credits and overdrafts
  • Enhanced reporting capabilities for accounting and tax authorities

Limited Liability Companies (GmbH) and Entrepreneurial Companies (UG)

  • Specialized accounts tailored to specific corporate needs
  • Ability to separate accounts to manage different projects or shareholders’ contributions
  • Financial control services and simplified reporting
  • Legally required separate accounts to conduct business activities

For founders and entrepreneurs deciding between GmbH and UG, our comparison offers comprehensive insights into the key differences in legal forms and recommends business accounts tailored to their specific requirements.

Free business accounts: which banks offer them?

Free business accounts are particularly appealing to start-ups, freelancers and small businesses as they help reduce ongoing costs. Many neobanks and fintech providers now offer such accounts featuring modern digital management, lean pricing, and added functionality.

Benefits of modern business bank accounts:

  • no monthly account maintenance fees – full cost control from the very beginning
  • intuitive apps and online banking with real-time access for maximum flexibility
  • often free debit cards included
  • integrations with accounting software (e.g. DATEV, sevDesk)
  • transparent fee structure with no hidden costs
  • fast and easy account opening, usually fully digital
  • international payments often available at favorable rates – ideal for globally active businesses
  • automated tools for invoicing and expense management often included
  • optional upgrades available: switching to paid plans is possible at any time, for example for more team access, personalized support, or higher payment limits

Popular Neobanks offering free business accounts:

Vivid: Free account for the self-employed and newly registered companies with unique IBANs. Connected software solutions like Lexware Office and DATEV. Features include invoicing and tax filing for freelancers

Kontist: Free basic account for freelancers, with automatic tax calculations and reserves. Integration with accounting and tax apps

Holvi: Free basic account for the self-employed and small businesses. Includes invoicing and VAT management. Easy online setup without credit checks

Qonto: Free plans for very small businesses and freelancers. Fast account opening and multi-user capabilities. Advanced features available for a fee

Finom: Tailored for SMEs and freelancers, offers integrated invoicing, expense management, and access to financing options

N26: Popular mobile bank with transparent fees, multi-currency accounts, and seamless integration with popular accounting software

Practical tips for choosing the right business account

Compare account models thoroughly: Pay careful attention to fees, included services, limits, and possible additional costs. This will help you avoid unexpected expenses and maintain full control over your finances at all times.

Use digital features: Opt for banks and providers with a powerful app and compatibility with common accounting software. This simplifies reporting and saves valuable time in your financial management.

Consider international requirements: If your business operates globally, review the terms for SEPA and SWIFT payments as well as offering of multi-currency accounts. This ensures you benefit from flexible and cost-effective payment options worldwide.

Plan for growth: A flexible account with options to add sub-accounts or multiple users will scale effortlessly with your business as it expands.

Maintain oversight: Establish clear processes for bookkeeping and cash flow monitoring. Automated tools can help you keep an eye on everything in real time.

Avoid awkward bank switches: Carefully check contract durations and cancellation periods. This keeps you agile and able to respond swiftly to changing requirements.

With these guidelines in mind, you will find a business account that fits your current situation perfectly and remains future-proof.

Conclusion: how to find the perfect business account in 2025

When choosing the ideal business account, it’s crucial to consider your company’s specific needs.

Small businesses and freelancers often require flexible, cost-effective accounts with straightforward online banking and low fees, keeping administration simple and economical.

Medium-sized companies and larger firms tend to prioritise comprehensive services, such as multiple sub-accounts, seamless integration with accounting software, efficient payment processing, and personalised customer support.

Industry-specific needs must not be overlooked. Companies with high volumes of international transactions, especially in import/export, or manufacturing businesses, often need specialised financing and credit options.

Selecting a business account that matches your business model and industry is key to effective financial management and optimised cost control.

Future trends and digital developments in banking

The banking sector is experiencing rapid change. In 2025, business customers increasingly favour digital solutions:

  • Mobile apps with instant notifications enable real-time financial monitoring.
  • Automated accounting integration and AI-based financial analyses greatly ease financial planning and decision-making processes.
  • Cloud-based platforms offer seamless financial management, flexibly adapting to your business needs.
  • Open Banking and API integration link accounts with external tools to automate processes like invoicing, payment transactions, and liquidity management efficiently.
  • Security remains a top priority: modern authentication methods and fraud detection systems continuously enhance financial protection.
  • Sustainability and ESG criteria are gaining influence, increasingly affecting the choice of financial partners.

Frequently asked questions about business accounts

What features should a business account offer?

A good business bank account should offer digital payment features, accounting integrations, flexible user management, and a transparent pricing structure.

  • Organization & control: Sub-accounts or sub-IBANs, expense management, budgeting
  • Automation: Accounting integrations (e.g. DATEV, sevDesk, Lexware), receipt capture, automatic categorization
  • Flexibility & growth: Multi-user access, international payments, cards for employees, optional financing options

Is an expensive business bank account worth it?

What matters most is not just the fees, but above all the range of features. A seemingly inexpensive account can end up costing more in the long run due to fees for transactions, cards, or additional features than a transparent plan that costs a bit more upfront.

Are online business accounts sufficient, or should I choose a branch account?

For most self-employed professionals, startups, and SMEs, online business bank accounts are fully sufficient in 2025. Modern online business accounts usually offer all the features freelancers and smaller companies need, including intuitive apps and integrations with accounting tools. Branch-based accounts can be beneficial for larger companies with more complex requirements or a need for personal advice. The right choice depends on the individual business model and preferences.

What role do fees play?

Fees determine the long-term cost efficiency of a business bank account. When selecting, look beyond monthly maintenance fees to costs for transactions, foreign or currency accounts, and added services. Some providers offer free accounts, but charge for extras that can add up.

Are there special features for sole traders or freelancers?

Yes, many business bank accounts offer special features for solo entrepreneurs and freelancers to simplify bookkeeping and tax organization. Particularly helpful are integrated invoicing tools, automatic reserves for taxes, and easy integration with accounting software.

Which business bank account is best for small businesses?

The best business bank account for small businesses is one that combines low fixed costs, digital automation, and flexible upgrade options. Solutions like Vivid Business bring these features together with cashback, interest options, and flexible plans that grow with the company.

Is a free business bank account sufficient in the long term?

Yes, for many companies in the early and growth stages. Free business accounts often cover all essential features such as payments and invoicing. However, once more users or higher transaction volumes are needed, upgrading to a paid plan can make sense.

Do established companies need a different business bank account than startups?

Yes, requirements often differ. While startups mainly need flexible and cost-effective accounts, established companies place greater emphasis on team-based account management, reporting, and international payment options. Modern platforms like Vivid can cover both needs and be flexibly adapted.

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