Digital business accounts have become an essential tool for freelancers, founders, and small to medium-sized enterprises. In addition to traditional payment services like those offered by branch banks, modern providers offer features for accounting, cost control and access for team members – ideally at a fair price.
Two financial platforms that are increasingly attracting business customers in Germany and across Europe are Vivid Business and Qonto. They both cater to freelancers, companies of all types and associations in Germany with a focus on fully digital banking and easy-to-use tools.
Prices, features, limits: Vivid and Qonto stand side by side here, so you can see which business account really fits you. Whether you read it as Qonto vs Vivid or the other way round, the numbers stay the same.
In short:
- Vivid: Free Start from €0 in base fees, whatever the legal form, with no cap on SEPA transfers, unlimited sub-accounts each with their own IBAN, a DATEV link, a company-formation service, investing and guaranteed cashback in the same app.
- Qonto: a digital business account from France with a German IBAN and a DATEV link. The plan without a base fee is called Starter, applies to freelancers and sole traders only, and is capped at five transactions a month and one virtual card; cashback and investing from the account are not part of it.
- The verdict up front: if you want the account, cards, bookkeeping, cashback and investing in one place and want to start without a fixed base fee, that is what Vivid gives you.
What is Vivid Business?
Vivid is run from Berlin; the business account is provided by Vivid Money S.A., based in Luxembourg that launched fully digital personal accounts in 2020 and expanded to business accounts in 2023. Their services are tailored to the needs of freelancers, start-ups, and small to medium-sized companies but suitable for any German organisation from non-profits to corporate partnerships. What makes it stand out: Vivid Business is a user-centric platform that combines daily cash management with interest, cashback, investments, and handy bonus features.
What is Qonto?
Founded in 2016 in France, Qonto focuses on the needs of businesses with multiple team members. The Qonto business account is offered in Germany through a branch and is built around approval workflows and accounting connections.
Price comparison Qonto and Vivid
Pricing is a key factor when choosing a business account – not just for larger companies where the choice may need to be justified to a CFO, but especially for small and medium-sized businesses where financial administration should burden the budget as little as possible. So here is Vivid vs Qonto on cost, row by row:
| Category | Vivid | Qonto |
|---|---|---|
| Plan without a base fee | “Free Start” plan for companies, “Standard” plan for freelancers | “Starter”, freelancers and sole traders only, 5 transactions/month |
| Discount on annual billing | Up to 24% | Up to 18% |
| Free trial | 2 months | 30 days |
Vivid starts at €0 in base fees a month for companies and freelancers alike, with a reduced feature set but no cap on SEPA transfers. Qonto now also has a plan without a base fee: Starter, though only for freelancers and sole traders, and limited to five transactions a month and one virtual card. The first plan without that cap is Basic, from €9 a month plus VAT.
Overall, Vivid’s paid plans tend to be more affordable than those of Qonto with a comparable range of features. Both provide discounts on annual billing and new customers can test the paid plans before committing.
Tip: Additional fees should be considered when comparing pricing to get a realistic picture of the expected total costs. When using Vivid Business, extra fees may apply, for example for cash services (up to 2% on withdrawals) or special requests (e.g. express delivery of physical cards). Qonto relies more on tiered limits on regular banking, meaning additional costs are incurred more quickly as the team or payment volume grows. SEPA transfers above the monthly limit, for example, cost 10 to 25 cents. Details can be found in the providers' pricing tables.
Both let you start without a base fee. At Qonto that applies to freelancers and sole traders only and ends at five transactions a month; from Basic onwards it is €9 a month, stated by Qonto as excl. VAT and on annual billing. Vivid starts at €0 in base fees for every legal form, with no transaction cap, and adds no VAT to its listed prices.
Core features in comparison
What are the strengths and weaknesses of each provider? The key features of a business account, one after the other.
Transfers & Banking
| Category | Vivid | Qonto |
|---|---|---|
| Card provider | Visa cards | Mastercard |
| Apple Pay & Google Pay | Supported | Supported |
| SEPA transfers | Unlimited, free | Free up to a limit |
| Instant SEPA transfers | Available | Available in certain plans or for an additional fee |
| International transfers | Accounts in 22 currencies, international transfers via SWIFT | Available via third-party integrations (e.g. Wise) |
Vivid provides Visa cards; Qonto uses Mastercard. Both of these are largely accepted in Germany and Europe. Apple Pay and Google Pay are integrated on both sides.
Vivid is relatively generous with unlimited SEPA transfers across all plans. International transfers can also be made straight from the app, and you can hold accounts in 22 currencies with the exchange rate shown before you send.
Qonto offers payment features with limits that depend on the selected plan. For example, the entry-level plan includes only a certain number of SEPA transfers per month. Instant SEPA transfers are supported too, though only in certain plans or for an added fee. For foreign currency payments, Qonto integrates with third-party providers like Wise.
Cards & Sub-accounts
German IBANs (starting with ‘DE’) come from both providers. With Vivid, you can issue an unlimited number of virtual cards and create unlimited sub-accounts with unique IBANs. Each has a customisable spending limit – ideal for managing project budgets or setting expense controls for individual team members. In contrast, Qonto limits the number of physical and virtual cards based on the selected plan. Businesses that require multiple cards for different employees or budgets may need to pay extra. Access permissions can be managed with just a few clicks on either platform.
Accounting
Vivid Business offers standard expense tracking and the ability to link transactions to receipts. Invoices can be created directly from the account. Vivid focuses on multi-language exports and supports connections to popular accounting tools such as DATEV, Lexware Office, and sevdesk.
Qonto includes automatic expense categorisation and cash flow analysis, along with integrations to external software. At Vivid, receipts, invoicing and the DATEV link sit in the same account as cashback and investing.
Both platforms allow accountants or external advisors to be added via limited-access team profiles, and Vivid actively offers affordable consulting support.
Cashback
With Vivid, customers can earn up to 10% cashback in selected spending categories across all team members’ card payments. Depending on the plan, a guaranteed 0.1% to 1% comes on top for card payments. Cash withdrawals, SEPA transfers and other transaction types do not earn cashback. Qonto does not advertise a permanent cashback programme (as of 1 August 2026).
Investment products
For passive income, Vivid provides a transparent interest system with 4% p.a. on uninvested cash during the first four months after account opening. Afterwards, interest rates of up to 2.7% p.a. apply, depending on the plan and balance amount. Customers seeking even higher returns can access interest strategies offering up to 4.73% variable rates p.a..
In 2026, Vivid also introduced crypto services for businesses, with a possible return of up to 8% p.a., variable and not guaranteed. Interest and Crypto Accounts are provided by Vivid Money B.V.; they are investment products and carry risk.
Qonto, by contrast, does not offer investing or crypto services from the business account, and interest on balances is only available in select European countries – not for German business accounts. Instead, Qonto offers a performance-based bonus programme that rewards account activity with conditional interest payments.
Payments, cards and accounting links are covered on both sides. Next to them Vivid puts what is not inside the Qonto account in Germany: unlimited sub-accounts each with their own IBAN, guaranteed cashback on card payments, and investing straight from the business account.
Useful extras
Both platforms offer digital business formation services, which are particularly helpful for founders navigating administrative processes for the first time. Vivid provides this service free of charge, while Qonto charges between €99 and €299, depending on the plan and whether it’s for a solo founder or a team.
In addition to standard banking and accounting features, Vivid also simplifies organising business travel. This includes hotels and coworking spaces – booked directly within the app.
Routine admin tasks of Vivid Business account holders can be delegated to virtual team members. Qonto does not currently offer any AI-supported features of this kind.
Support
Both Vivid and Qonto tailor their services to freelancers and SMEs. However, they serve a wide range of legal entity types: A good business account isn’t just measured in how quickly payments are processed. Reliable support in day-to-day operations is equally essential. Both Vivid and Qonto offer extensive online self-help resources and are reachable 24/7 via chat and email.
| Legal form | Vivid | Qonto |
|---|---|---|
| Sole traders and freelancers | Kleingewerbetreibende Freiberufler:innen e.Kfm., e.Kfr. Einzelunternehmen | Kleingewerbetreibende Freiberufler:innen e.Kfm., e.Kfr. Einzelunternehmen |
| Limited liability companies | GmbH, gGmbH, GmbH i.G. UG, gUG, UG i.G. AG | GmbH, gGmbH, GmbH i.G. UG, gUG, UG i.G. AG |
| Partnerships | oHG KG, KGaA GmbH & Co. KG, UG & Co. KG, AG & Co KG, AG & Co KGaA, SE & Co KGaA, GmbH & Co oHG, AG & Co oHG (e)GbR PartG, PartG mbB eG SE | oHG KG, KGaA GmbH & Co. KG, UG & Co. KG, AG & Co KG, AG & Co oHG (e)GbR PartG, PartG mbB |
| Non-profit organisations | e.V. Stiftungen (excl. private holdings) | e.V. |
Dedicated Account Managers are available for certain paid plans: at Vivid, you get personalised attention from the Pro plan (€18.90/month) and above; at Qonto from the Premium plan (€39/month) and above.
Qonto also provides a customer hotline available Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm – a plus for those who prefer calling.
App & usability
Both Vivid and Qonto focus on fast, modern apps. Vivid stands out with an intuitive interface and was named “Top Mobile Banking 2026” by Handelsblatt. Account, cards, sub-accounts, bookkeeping and investing all run in the same app, with the same feature set on desktop as on mobile. Qonto works with structured approval flows.
| Category | Vivid | Qonto |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile app | User-centric, fast | User-centric, fast |
| Web app | Full functionality | Limited functionality |
| Onboarding | 10 Minutes | 10-15 Minutes |
| Verification | Via photo | Via video |
While Qonto’s web app covers key banking functions only, Vivid offers full feature access across both desktop and mobile – an advantage for those who prefer managing finances on a larger screen or collaboratively.
Vivid and Qonto both offer fully digital onboarding in 10 to 15 minutes. Vivid makes it even easier by enabling photo-based identity verification, instead of the more common video method. If you already have a Vivid personal account, you will not need to download a separate app – unlike Qonto, where business and personal apps are strictly separate.
Security & regulation
Details on the specific security mechanisms used can be found on each provider’s website. In general, it’s worth noting that both providers keep customer funds securely segregated. Vivid and Qonto are both regulated by European financial supervisory authorities, which enforce high security standards. The models differ, though: Vivid is an e-money institution, client funds are held separately from company funds at partner banks, and no statutory deposit guarantee comes with that. Qonto operates in Germany as the branch of a French payment institution.
Both providers comply with European data protection laws. They use 3D Secure, two-factor authentication, and encrypted data transmission to protect transactions and account access. Vivid does not print the card number on the physical cards, which reduces the risk in the event of loss or theft. Qonto offers insurance in the event of unauthorised transactions, with the coverage depending on the selected plan. Both platforms allow users to set individual card limits and access rights or block cards instantly via the app.
Although digital financial platforms were once viewed as less trustworthy than traditional brick-and-mortar banks, today thousands of positive reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Finanzfluss paint a different picture. Trust is high on both sides. Vivid was named “Beste Mittelstandsdienstleister 2026” by WirtschaftsWoche.
At a glance: Qonto vs. Vivid
| Category | Vivid Business | Qonto |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | France |
| Legal entities serviced |
Sole proprietors
Limited liability companies (incl. those in formation and non-profit companies)
Partnerships
Associations, charities, foundations (excl. Private holdings)
|
Sole proprietors
Limited liability companies (incl. those in formation and non-profit companies)
Partnerships
Associations, charities, foundations (excl. Private holdings)
|
| Monthly base fee | from €0 (single & team use) – final amount, Vivid adds no VAT on top | from €0 (Starter, freelancers and sole traders only, 5 transactions/month), otherwise from €9/month (single use) or €49/month (team use) – each stated by Qonto as "excl. VAT", price on annual billing |
| Free trial phase for paid plans | 2 months | 30 days |
| Account opening | Online in <10 min | Online in 10–15 min |
| Identification | Via photo | Via video |
| SEPA transfers | Unlimited, free | Limited according to plan |
| Cards & sub-accounts | Unlimited | Up to 5, according to plan |
| Team features | Individual limits & access rights per IBAN | Focus on workflows & approvals |
| Accounting features | Basic features + several external tools | Extensive features + numerous external tools |
| Exports | Several formats and languages, detailed filtering | Numerous formats, 1 language, limited filtering |
| Cashback on card payments | Guaranteed 0.1–1% by plan on card payments / up to 10% in monthly categories | Occasional temporary promotions, minimum activity required |
| Interest on uninvested cash | Up to 4% p.a., according to plan | Minimum activity and manual activation required |
| Investment options | Interest strategies, ETFs, crypto | Not available |
| Usability |
“Top Mobile Banking 2026” (Handelsblatt) Same feature set on desktop and mobile |
Modern, fast Limited features available on desktop |
| Security |
E-money institution, Vivid Money S.A. (Luxembourg), supervised by the CSSF No card numbers on physical cards |
ACPR-regulated, payment insurance |
| Support | 24/7 via chat + email |
24/7 via chat + email Mon–Fri 9AM–7PM via phone |
| Account Manager | from the Pro plan (€18.90/month) – final amount, no VAT on top | from the Premium plan (€39/month) – stated by Qonto as "excl. VAT", price on annual billing |
| AI employees | Available | Not available |
| Founding service | €0 – at no extra charge | €99 (solo founders) / €299 (founding teams) – each stated by Qonto as "excl. VAT" |
| Business travel booking | Available | Not available |
Summary
Modern, fully digital banking is what both deliver. Qonto works with approval workflows and a set of external interfaces.
Vivid, by contrast, stands out for its flexibility, cost control, and extensive features, even in free entry-level plans. For entrepreneurs, freelancers, and teams looking for a platform that blends ease of use with smart financial tools, this is a particularly attractive mix.
Still undecided? Then try your favourite during the free trial period first.
Try Vivid as your business account
Comparing is one thing, getting started another. With the Vivid business account you get payments, cashback on your business spending and integrated investing in one app.
Frequently asked questions about Vivid and Qonto
Is there a SCHUFA check when the account is opened?
A negative SCHUFA entry does not automatically rule out a Vivid business account; what is checked is your identity and your company details. The exact requirements are in each provider’s help centre.
Can I deposit cash and collect direct debits?
Depositing cash over a counter is not part of what digital providers offer, at Vivid or at Qonto; businesses handing in notes daily combine that with a branch bank. Collecting SEPA direct debits works at both.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two accounts?
Vivid brings the account, unlimited sub-accounts each with their own IBAN, cashback and investing together in one app from €0 in base fees, whatever your legal form. Qonto focuses on clear approval workflows and a broad set of integrations; its plan without a base fee is limited to freelancers and sole traders and to five transactions a month.
Can I try Vivid Business or Qonto before paying?
Yes, both providers offer a free trial of their otherwise paid plans. Vivid is one of the few providers to offer a two-month trial period rather than the usual single month.
How long does account opening take?
Both providers claim that it takes less than 15 minutes. After a digital identity check via photo (Vivid) or video (Qonto), you are all set up to start using the account.
Which business account is free of charge?
Both have a plan without a base fee. At Vivid that is “Free Start” for companies and “Standard” for freelancers: open whatever your legal form, cards included, and no cap on SEPA transfers. The Qonto “Starter” plan applies to freelancers and sole traders only and ends at five transactions a month.
Which is better for start-ups – Qonto or Vivid?
Many start-ups choose Vivid Pro when scaling early, especially if they value features like interest, cashback, and flexible sub-accounts. Qonto covers invoice tools and approval workflows.
Can I export invoices with both providers?
Yes. Both Vivid and Qonto allow you to create invoices, export them, and integrate with DATEV and other popular accounting platforms.
Does Vivid meet the requirements of a proper business account?
Yes. Vivid is licensed to offer a fully-featured business account for freelancers, self-employed professionals, and small businesses – including a DE IBAN, cards, and accounting tools.
Can I easily switch from my traditional bank to Vivid or Qonto?
Yes – Vivid offers a dedicated account switching service that quickly transfers your finances. It detects existing SEPA mandates and standing orders, notifies your payment partners (like utility providers or SaaS tools), and helps migrate payments to your new Vivid IBAN.
As of 1 August 2026. Published by Vivid Money GmbH, Berlin; the business account is provided by Vivid Money S.A. (Luxembourg), an e-money institution supervised by the CSSF, and investment and interest products by Vivid Money B.V. (AFM). Vivid is not a bank and no statutory deposit guarantee applies. The media named have no connection to this comparison and have neither reviewed nor endorsed it. All Qonto price and feature details are taken from qonto.com/de/pricing, the Vivid details from vivid.money/de-de/business/plans/. Qonto publishes its prices excluding VAT ("excl. VAT") and quotes the monthly amount on annual billing; Vivid publishes final amounts with no VAT added on top. The figures are therefore not directly comparable. For businesses entitled to deduct input VAT, that VAT is normally recoverable and so is not a final cost. The details on Vivid and Qonto were compiled to the best of our knowledge on the basis of the official provider pages and can change at any time, in particular prices, plans and terms. No claim is made to completeness or accuracy. Please check the current terms directly with the respective provider. Qonto is a trademark of Olinda SAS; there is no business relationship between Vivid and Qonto. The content of this page has neither been reviewed nor approved by Qonto. Investment and interest products are provided by Vivid Money B.V. Investments carry risks; the value of an investment can rise or fall, and past performance is not an indicator of future returns. Crypto assets are unregulated and highly volatile; a total loss is possible. This article is not legal or tax advice.
