In short:
- N26: a simple business account with cashback and German-language service, for sole traders and freelancers.
- Revolut: strong on international payments, multiple currencies and automation.
- Vivid: bundles cashback, investing and an interest account into one business account, companies included.
Revolut and N26 are among the best-known digital providers of a business account in Germany. Both target freelancers, the self-employed and companies that want to manage their finances entirely online. In the details, though, the offers differ noticeably: in pricing, cards, foreign payments and the features that matter day to day.
This comparison focuses on the business accounts of N26 and Revolut. We mean the offers for the self-employed, freelancers and companies, not the personal accounts. We take a close look at the business account plans for 2026. At the end, we introduce Vivid Money as a modern alternative. It bundles cashback, investing and an interest account into one business account. That way you can find the right account for your business.
N26 or Revolut: account plans and pricing
Both providers use tiered plans: a free entry-level account forms the base, with paid plans offering more on top. At N26, the business plans differ mainly through cards, Spaces and cashback. At Revolut, the right plan depends on transaction volume, allowances and automation.
N26 Business: account plans at a glance
The N26 business accounts are aimed at sole traders and freelancers. Capital companies such as a GmbH or UG are not supported. Every plan offers cashback on card payments: 0.1% on the Standard, Smart and Go plans, and 0.5% on the premium Metal plan. Higher plans add a physical Mastercard, more Spaces (sub-accounts) and insurance such as travel insurance.
| Plan | Monthly price | Cashback | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| N26 Business Standard | €0 | 0.1% | Beginners who want a free account |
| N26 Business Smart | €4.90 | 0.1% | Self-employed who want Spaces and a physical card |
| N26 Business Go | €9.90 | 0.1% | Users who need insurance and more features |
| N26 Business Metal | €16.90 | 0.5% | Frequent users who value premium features and higher cashback |
Revolut Business: account plans at a glance
Revolut Business is aimed at companies, including capital companies such as a GmbH or UG. It is split into the free Basic plan plus the paid Grow, Scale and Enterprise plans. The Basic account is free. The included allowances for transfers and currency exchange are modest, though. More room comes with the plans from €35 per month. For sole traders and freelancers there is the separate Revolut Pro offer. The focus is on international payments, multiple currencies and automation. Vaults are available for reserves, and crypto can also be traded in the app.
| Plan | Monthly price | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Revolut Business Basic | €0 | Getting started with core features |
| Revolut Business Grow | from €35 | Growing companies with more allowances |
| Revolut Business Scale | higher plan | Higher transaction volume and more automation |
| Revolut Business Enterprise | custom | Larger companies with individual needs |
| Revolut Pro | for sole traders | Freelancers and the self-employed |
Good to know: with Revolut Business, the right plan depends mainly on your transaction volume and the included allowances for transfers and currency exchange. Check the current terms before signing up, as bookings beyond the allowance can trigger additional fees.
On the account plans, N26 and Revolut are close. Both start free. The difference is what comes on top. Cashback with no monthly limit, investing and an interest account are combined by Vivid in one business account.
Cards and payment options
Foreign payments and exchange rates
Revolut offers accounts in more than 30 currencies and currency exchange at the interbank rate. That is a plus for companies with international dealings. At weekends, though, a surcharge of 0.5% to 1% applies to the exchange rate. Fee-free exchange is also limited depending on the plan. At N26, cash withdrawals in foreign currency incur fees depending on the plan.
N26 settles card payments in foreign currency at the Mastercard rate, with no foreign-currency fee on the payment itself. Cash withdrawals in foreign currency can incur fees depending on the plan. For companies with many foreign payments, Revolut offers advantages on currency exchange, while N26 scores with a clear, simple structure for everyday use.
With foreign payments, Revolut adds a weekend surcharge, and at N26 the foreign-currency features are limited. At Vivid you hold your account in several currencies and see the exchange rate before every transfer.
Banking functions and features
Core features compared
On the basic features, N26 and Revolut are closer than many assume. Both now issue a German IBAN and offer SEPA transfers, direct debits and standing orders, as well as mobile and contactless payments with Apple Pay and Google Pay. The differences show up in cashback, sub-accounts and the tools for accounting.
| Feature | N26 Business | Revolut Business |
|---|---|---|
| German IBAN (DE) | yes | yes |
| Cashback on card payments | 0.1–0.5% by plan | no standard cashback |
| Sub-accounts | Spaces (up to 10) | sub-accounts by plan |
| Multiple currencies | limited | 30+ currencies |
| Accounting & integrations | basic | integrations and automation |
| Mobile payments | Apple Pay, Google Pay | Apple Pay, Google Pay |
Investing and growing company funds
Liquidity and investing compared
Beyond plain payments, companies face the question of how to put spare funds to work. N26 offers an interest-bearing instant-access account on higher plans. Revolut focuses its business account mainly on payments and automation. Vivid goes further and combines banking with investing. It adds Treasury options in ETFs, money market funds and bonds, plus an integrated interest account.
That way you can put idle funds to work without switching apps. Especially for the self-employed and companies that want to manage liquidity and wealth-building in one place, this is a practical advantage.
For building wealth, Vivid brings together what is usually separate. Cashback, investing in stocks and ETFs, and an interest account all run in one app.
Security at a glance
Security is crucial for a business account. N26 and Revolut are both regulated in Germany and rely on modern safeguards: two-factor confirmation, push notifications on every transaction and the ability to freeze the card directly in the app. Funds in the account are protected at both providers by the statutory deposit guarantee up to €100,000 per customer.
Vivid, too, is an EU-regulated financial services provider and applies the same high security standards: from two-factor confirmation to encryption. In day-to-day business, you are solidly protected with all three providers.
Revolut or N26: pros and cons in check
Advantages of N26 Business
Disadvantages of N26 Business
Advantages of Revolut Business
Disadvantages of Revolut Business
Vivid Money as a modern alternative
Why Vivid Money makes sense for business
The comparison shows a clear pattern. Revolut is strong on international payments and currency exchange. N26 is strong on simple, German-language banking with some cashback. What both leave open is the combination: cashback with no limit, investing and an interest account in one business account. Vivid Money closes exactly that gap. Vivid is a financial platform that connects the business account with wealth-building. It is built especially for the self-employed and companies.
You collect cashback on your business expenses, with no monthly limit in the “All purchases” category. You invest funds in the same app in stocks, ETFs, money market funds and bonds. The integrated interest account puts idle funds to work. Sub-accounts with their own IBAN keep your expenses cleanly separated. You see the exchange rate transparently in the app before every transfer.
| Feature | Vivid | N26 Business | Revolut Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashback on business expenses | yes, “All purchases” with no monthly limit | 0.1–0.5% | no standard cashback |
| Investing in the app | ETFs, money market funds, bonds | instant-access account on higher plans | no investment offering |
| Interest account | integrated interest account | only on higher plans | limited |
| Sub-accounts with own IBAN | included | Spaces | depending on plan |
| Accounting | DATEV interface and invoicing tools | basic | integrations |
You open your business account entirely online via video or selfie ID. On top come Visa Business cards, a DATEV interface for accounting and a free Standard plan to get started. Together, these bring banking, investing and the management of your company finances into one place.
A business account with cashback and investing in one app
Open your Vivid business account entirely online and bring together what other accounts keep separate: cashback on your business expenses, built-in investing and an interest account.
Conclusion on Revolut vs. N26: our verdict
In a direct comparison of N26 vs. Revolut there is no outright winner. Both offer a solid free business account and excel in different areas. N26 is a good fit for the self-employed who want a simple account with cashback and German-language service. Revolut plays to its strengths in international payments, currency exchange and integrations.
If you prefer a simple account with cashback, N26 is a good choice. For international business and automation, Revolut offers advantages. And if you want to combine cashback, investing and an interest account in one business account, Vivid Money offers a combination that a classic account does not. Ultimately your needs decide: it can be worth testing several accounts to find the right fit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is N26 or Revolut better for a business account?
It depends on your business. N26 is a good choice if you want a simple business account with cashback and German-language service. Revolut is better suited to international payments, multiple currencies and automation. If you want to combine cashback, investing and an interest account in one account, you can also consider Vivid Money.
Who has the lower fees?
Both offer a free entry-level account: N26 Business Standard and Revolut Business Basic cost €0 per month. For the paid plans, costs depend on your needs. N26 ranges from €4.90 to €16.90 per month. Revolut’s business plans start from €35 per month with higher allowances. Vivid offers a free Standard plan with additional cashback.
Which business account suits the self-employed and freelancers?
All three providers offer suitable options for sole traders and freelancers: N26 with its business plans, Revolut with the separate Revolut Pro offer, and Vivid with a business account that includes cashback and investing. What matters is your transaction volume, your foreign payments and whether you want to combine banking and investing in one app.
Does Revolut offer a German IBAN (DE-IBAN)?
Yes. Since the end of 2024, new customers in Germany receive a German IBAN starting with DE from Revolut. Existing customers were gradually migrated from the Lithuanian to the German IBAN. Within the SEPA area, IBANs are legally equivalent. N26 also issues a German IBAN to its customers.
Which business account offers cashback, investing and an interest account in one?
N26 offers cashback (0.1% to 0.5% by plan) and an instant-access account on higher plans. Revolut focuses on payments and multiple currencies. Vivid combines both in one business account: cashback on business expenses with no monthly limit in the “All purchases” category, investing in stocks and ETFs, and an integrated interest account.
Which account suits the self-employed who want banking and investing in one app?
If you would rather not spread banking, cashback and investing across several apps, Vivid offers a business account with sub-accounts and their own IBAN, Visa Business cards, a DATEV interface for accounting and built-in investing. N26 suits simple banking in Germany, Revolut international payments.
As of June 2026. The information on N26 and Revolut was compiled to the best of our knowledge from the providers’ official websites and may 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. N26 and Revolut are trademarks of their respective companies; there is no business relationship between Vivid and these providers.
