Business account in Germany: what it is and how to open one (step-by-step guide)

If you're setting up a business or working as a freelancer in Germany, the topic of business banking will come up sooner or later. And for good reason: Opening a business account is one of the foundational steps to running your finances professionally.

While personal expenses are typically managed through a standard current account (Girokonto), a business account is built specifically for the financial needs of freelancers, self-employed individuals, and small businesses (SMEs). It brings structure, separates private and business finances, and makes bookkeeping much easier.

In this article, you’ll learn why a business account is essential in Germany, who needs one, and how to open it step by step – without paperwork or legal headaches. Whether you're launching a side hustle or running a growing company, this guide helps you make smart, compliant decisions for your finances.

Summary

1. What is a business account?
2. Why a business account makes all the difference
3. Who needs a business account in Germany?
4. Which business account is right for you?
5. Step-by-step: how to open a business account in Germany
6. Business account without Schufa – is it possible?
7. Business account with Vivid
8. Final thoughts
9. Frequently asked questions about business accounts

What is a business account?

A business account is a dedicated bank account used solely for professional or commercial transactions. It keeps your business-related income and expenses separate from your personal finances.

How it differs from a personal account

Unlike a private Girokonto, a business account is tailored to the daily operations of self-employed professionals, companies, and organizations. It typically includes features such as:

• Multiple sub-accounts with their own IBANs
• User access for team members
• Automatic receipt capture and export for accounting

Most banks don’t allow private accounts to be used for business purposes. So if you're regularly invoicing clients or paying business expenses, a dedicated business account isn’t just helpful – it's essential.

Why the separation matters

Keeping your private and business finances apart isn't just good practice – in many cases, it’s a legal requirement. It helps you stay organized, reduces tax reporting errors, and builds trust with clients, partners, and financial authorities.

In short: A business account isn’t just another account – it’s a key tool for running your business professionally and sustainably.

Why a business account makes all the difference

For many entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals, having a dedicated business account isn’t just useful – it’s a game-changer for staying efficient, organized, and in control of your finances.

Here’s what makes it so valuable:

Separation of personal and business finances

When you manage income and expenses through a separate account, your personal banking stays clean. That means fewer errors, smoother tax prep, and no confusion when the tax office comes knocking.

Open your Vivid Business Account today and unlock the tools modern businesses actually need.

A more professional impression

A business account is registered in your company’s name – which looks far more trustworthy on invoices, payment confirmations, and supplier forms than a personal name would.

Simplified accounting and tax filing

Tracking income and expenses becomes much easier with a dedicated business account – especially if you’re doing your own bookkeeping or working with a tax advisor.

Most business accounts can be connected directly to accounting tools like Lexoffice, sevDesk, or DATEV, making document handling and reporting seamless.

Want to automate your payment flows and access management? Discover Vivid’s Digital Employees – no extra software required.

Better visibility into your finances

A dedicated business account gives you a clear picture of your liquidity. See how much is available, what’s set aside for taxes or savings, and how your cash flow is developing – all at a glance.

Stay compliant with legal requirements

If you’re running a corporation in Germany – like a GmbH or UG – having a separate business account isn’t optional. It’s required by law for managing things like share capital and formal company transactions.

Business banking features built for entrepreneurs

Most business accounts offer additional tools that go well beyond a standard current account. Look for features like:

• Sub-accounts (pockets) for tax reserves, savings, or project budgets
• Cashback on business expenses like software, ads, and office tools
• Interest on your balance – so idle funds still generate value
• Tool integrations for invoicing, receipt uploads, and real-time bookkeeping
• Team access controls – assign roles to accountants, assistants, or co-founders
• Accept card payments the easy way – explore Vivid Terminals – a seamless, mobile-friendly solution directly linked to your Vivid business account.

Bottom line: A business account isn’t a luxury – it’s a practical tool that saves you time, boosts your credibility, and gives you full control over your business finances.

Who needs a business account in Germany?

Whether you’re legally required to open a business account in Germany depends on your company’s legal form. For some businesses, it’s mandatory. For others, it’s optional – but highly recommended.

Mandatory for corporations

German law requires all corporations to open and maintain a separate business account. This applies to legal entities such as:

• GmbH (Limited Liability Company)
• UG (Entrepreneurial Company)
• AG (Public Limited Company)
• KGaA (Partnership Limited by Shares)
• eG (Registered Cooperative)
• SE (European Company)

These types of businesses need a business account to carry out essential activities – like depositing share capital and keeping business finances separate from personal assets.

Not required – but definitely smart

If you're operating as a sole proprietor or a partnership, there’s no legal requirement to use a separate business account. This includes:

• GbR (Civil Law Partnership)
• OHG (General Partnership)
• KG (Limited Partnership)
• Partnership companies
• Freelancers & sole traders
• Small business owners under the simplified tax regime (Kleinunternehmerregelung)

Even without legal obligations, having a business account makes life much easier – especially when it comes to keeping track of income, expenses, and taxes. It also signals professionalism to clients and service providers.

Why startups and SMEs especially benefit

If you’re just launching or scaling your company, a business account offers real, everyday advantages:

• Easier bookkeeping and tax prep
• Smarter money management across teams or multiple projects
• More professional image when working with clients, partners, or authorities

Bottom line: If you're running a professional business, your finances should reflect that – and that starts with a dedicated business account.

Which business account is right for you?

Business accounts aren’t one-size-fits-all. The ideal setup depends on your company’s legal form, size, and day-to-day needs. Whether you're a freelancer, running a small business, or managing a GmbH, the right account should reflect how you actually work.

Want a quick side-by-side view of fees, features, and account types? Check out the Vivid Business account comparison to see what best fits your business needs.

To help you decide, we’ve outlined typical business profiles – along with the account features that matter most for each:

Freelancers

• Simple & affordable: You don’t need bells and whistles – just a lean, transparent account with no hidden fees.
• Mobile-first: Open your account online, manage everything from your phone, and connect it with your accounting tools.
• Instant access to your income: Transfers should be fast and easy to manage.

The best freelancer accounts are flexible, low-maintenance, and cost-effective – so you can focus on your work, not your banking.

Sole proprietors

• Multiple cards & sub-accounts: Great for separating personal savings, taxes, and business expenses.
• Full SEPA support and smooth daily operations
• Essential features only: Skip the overly complex packages and stick to what you actually use.

A solid business account for sole proprietors supports efficiency – with tools like Pockets and flexible access.

Small businesses & side hustlers

• Connects easily to accounting & online tools
• Optional team access – for your tax consultant, assistant, or co-founder
• Clear financial reporting for real-time insights

A good account for small businesses keeps everything streamlined – from invoices to cash flow.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

• Card and team access management
• Multi-currency support & credit options
• Advanced bookkeeping features: DATEV export, transaction overviews, audit-ready logs

Your account should scale with your team and match the growing complexity of your finances.

GmbH & UG 

• Legally required: These company types must use a separate business account.

Check out our in-depth guide on UG vs. GmbH: A comparison of legal forms to find out which type of business account fits each best.

• Budget separation & shareholder access: Ideal for structured finance and multiple stakeholders.
• Detailed financial reporting for directors and tax consultants.

If you’re forming a GmbH or UG, choose an account that’s both compliant and strategic from day one.

Partnerships (GbR, OHG, KG & others)

• Not mandatory – but highly recommended
• Multi-user setup for partners or co-founders
• Transparent fund management and shared access

A business account for partnerships keeps finances clean and prevents internal confusion or conflict.

Bottom line: Whether you're a freelancer, running a GmbH, UG, or GbR – the best business account is one that fits how you actually work. Think of functionality, flexibility, and long-term value.

Step-by-step: how to open a business account in Germany

Opening a business account in Germany has never been easier – especially with modern, digital-first providers. Still, there are a few steps and requirements you should be aware of before getting started.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to opening a business account in Germany:

1. Choose the right provider

You have several types of providers to choose from:

• Traditional banks (e.g. Sparkasse, Volksbank)
• Online banks (e.g. N26, Holvi, Finom)
• All-in-one platforms like Vivid, combining banking with features like accounting tools, cashback, and sub-accounts

Tip: Compare fees, digital features, customer support, and added benefits like interest on balances or automation tools.

Not sure which option fits you best? Take a look at our in-depth comparison Best Business Accounts 2025 – featuring real user reviews, fees, and core features.

2. Check the requirements

Depending on your business type, the required documents may vary. Here’s a typical breakdown:

3. Apply online

Most modern providers – including Vivid – let you complete the entire process online. Just fill out your details in the app or web interface, and follow the guided steps.

4. Verify your identity

In Germany, identity verification is legally required. This typically happens via:

• VideoIdent: A quick video call using your ID and phone
• PostIdent: In some cases, this may require visiting a post office

5. Activate and start using your account

Once your details have been verified, you’ll receive:

• Your new IBAN
• Access to your online account or app
• Optional physical or virtual business cards
• Full use of features like sub-accounts, bookkeeping exports, interest, and cashback

Within minutes, you're ready to go – send payments, receive invoices, set up reserves.

Ready to get started? Open your Vivid Business Account online in under 10 minutes. Get started now →

Bottom line: Opening a business account isn’t complicated or time-consuming – especially if you choose a digital solution. With providers like Vivid, you can get started in minutes and unlock a full suite of features tailored to your business.

Business account without Schufa – is it possible?

Not every company starts out with perfect credit. Especially in the early stages – or after financial setbacks – a negative credit score can become a barrier when opening a business account in Germany.

But there’s good news: Some banks and fintechs now offer business accounts even if your credit report (Schufa) isn’t spotless.

How does a business account without a Schufa check work?

Most traditional banks include a Schufa credit check as a standard part of the application process. If they find negative entries – such as unpaid debts or defaults – your application is likely to be rejected, even if you're setting up a legitimate business.

However, some providers now offer business accounts with no credit check, often in the form of:

• Basic accounts (Basiskonto)
• Fully digital accounts with no overdraft or credit features (no loans, no credit card)

Since these accounts carry little or no risk for the bank, credit screening is either skipped or significantly simplified.

Tip: These types of accounts can be a lifeline for startups or companies with weak credit profiles – including GmbH and GbR structures.

Where can you get a business account without Schufa?

Here are some common provider types:

• FinTechs & Neobanks: Digital-first platforms like Vivid use automated systems and often skip the Schufa check on specific plans.
• Specialist providers: Some banks focus specifically on accounts without credit screening, often offering a fixed set of core features.
• Traditional banks: These almost always run a Schufa check – especially if the account includes credit lines or overdraft protection.

What you should know before you apply

• Limited features: No credit line, no overdraft, and sometimes no physical cards.
• Not guaranteed: Even without a Schufa check, your application can still be rejected for reasons like inconsistent or missing business documentation.
• Fees can be higher: Some no-credit-check accounts come with above-average monthly charges – so it pays to compare.

Business account with Vivid

Looking for a modern, flexible, and powerful business account? Vivid Business is built exactly for that. It’s tailored to the needs of freelancers, self-employed professionals, and small to mid-sized businesses – offering features that simplify your workflow and support your growth.

Key benefits at a glance

• Fast, paperless account setup

Open your account in under 10 minutes – fully online, no forms, no delays.

• Free Starter Plan

Perfect for freelancers, side hustlers, and founders. Get started with no monthly fee and access all essential features.

• Earn interest on your balance

Depending on your plan, you can earn up to 1.5% interest per year – a rare perk in the world of business accounts.

• Cashback on business spending

Get up to 1% cashback on card purchases – from software to digital marketing tools to office supplies.

• Up to 50 IBANs (Pockets)

Easily create sub-accounts for taxes, reserves, or projects – each with its own IBAN, managed in one app.

• Integrated accounting tools

Export data for DATEV, manage receipts, and sync with tools like lexoffice or sevDesk to save time.

• Smart team access & roles

Add bookkeepers, assistants, or co-founders – with custom permissions and no need to share full account access.

Open your Vivid Business Account today – earn interest, collect cashback, and manage your money your way. Get started now

Final thoughts

A separate business account isn’t a luxury – it’s a must for anyone running a professional business in Germany. It brings structure, transparency, and control – whether you're a freelancer, sole proprietor, or managing director.

Traditional banks often involve paperwork and inflexible setups. Vivid Business offers a digital-first experience, designed around the way modern businesses work – complete with cashback, interest, sub-accounts, and accounting integrations.

If you’re ready to open a business account that goes beyond the basics and actually supports your day-to-day operations, Vivid’s flexible, no-cost account models are well worth a look.