What's the best business account 2025? traditional vs online banks

In 2025, choosing a professional bank has never been more strategic for the self-employed, freelancers and growing businesses. Far from being a simple financial tool, the business account becomes essential in everyday operations. But with a growing number of offers, from established traditional banks to new 100% online players, it can be hard to know where to start.

So which is the best business account in 2025 for your profile and needs? Let’s break it down.

Summary

1. Why open a business account?
2. What should the best business account offer in 2025?
3. Best business accounts: offers from traditional banks
4. Best business accounts: ranking of online banks
5. Conclusion: which is the best business account in 2025?
6. FAQ

Why open a business account?

Even before searching for the best business account, you must understand why this type of account is essential once you operate independently or form a business.

It is a crucial step, here is why:

Legal obligation depending on your status

Opening a business account is mandatory for all companies (SARL, SAS, SASU, EURL, etc.). Without one, you cannot deposit your share capital or register your company in the trade register. It is a fundamental step.

Micro-entrepreneurs must open a dedicated account once their turnover exceeds €10,000 for two consecutive years. Even below that threshold, a separate account is highly recommended for proper management.

For each of these areas, you can open a free account with Vivid to access all the tools you need to manage your freelance work effortlessly, without any complications.

Simplified management of your business

Choosing the best business account is also about having a true financial dashboard. Unlike a personal account, a professional account allows you to:

• Distinguish clearly your financial flows: income, expenses, taxes, etc. Everything is structured.
• Ease your accounting and tax declarations with features like automatic exports, expense tags and integration with accounting software.
• Save time on admin tasks: the best business account today should offer invoice and quote creation, expense tracking and accountant synchronisation.
• Strengthen your professional image: a company-branded IBAN inspires trust in clients and partners, unlike a personal account.

A strategic choice for growth

In 2025, the bank offer is vast. You need to compare services, clear pricing, support responsiveness and other key elements.

• A good business account saves you time.
• An excellent one helps you grow your business.
• The best supports every stage of your growth.

Some banks also offer interest-bearing business accounts to grow your cash—like Vivid with its Interest Account that pays daily interest without ever locking your money!

Explore Vivid’s interest‑bearing business account, the Interest Account that pays daily interest. Open a free account in minutes: https://vivid.money/fr-fr/

What should the best business account offer in 2025? 

The best business account must go well beyond basic features offered by most providers to meet the expectations of modern entrepreneurs, freelancers and small business owners.

Simple and fast onboarding

Gone are the days of agency appointments, copious paper documents and waiting weeks to validate your account. The best business accounts today open in minutes, fully online, with automated identity verification and smooth interfaces.

This lets you start activity without delay, a critical criterion, especially for freelancers or sole traders.

With Vivid, your account is opened entirely online in just a few clicks: https://vivid.money/fr-fr/ 

A comprehensive set of services

The best business account should include essential features such as: 

• A French IBAN to reassure clients and authorities
• One or more business cards (physical or virtual)
• Unlimited SEPA transfers and direct debits
• Access to a clear and detailed transaction history
• The ability to create sub-accounts to organise your cash flow

Total fee transparency

Freelancers demand clarity on costs, so the best business account must offer:

• Fixed, understandable fees
• No opening or closing charges 
• No surprises on transfers or card usage

Some online banks even offer free plans without compromising on basic features, like Vivid. 

Best business accounts: offers from traditional banks

In 2025, major legacy banks like BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Société Générale or Banque Populaire continue to offer well-established business accounts. 

Key advantages

• Dense network of physical branches: ideal if you value face-to-face service with advisors.
• Full range of financial products: business loans, overdraft facilities, credit lines, etc., useful for structured financing needs.
• Offers tailored to established businesses: salaries management, treasury placement, professional insurance, factoring services.

Important drawbacks

• Often high fixed fees: tens of euros per month for a basic business account, plus movement fees, card commissions, transfer charges—costs add up quickly.
• Opaque and complex pricing: grids are hard to understand, undermining transparency, especially for young entrepreneurs without an accountant.
• Lengthy administrative procedures: account opening can take days or weeks, requiring multiple documents and advisor validation.
• Limited flexibility for independents: accounts often designed for larger structure, few personalisation options, minimal mobile features, outdated interfaces.

Who are they best suited for?

These offers are intended for structured SMEs, regulated professions or businesses with heavy financing needs. They remain a good fit for leaders seeking traditional banking relationships, access to classic business credit or bespoke wealth management.

However, they are far less suited to freelancers, independents or micro-entrepreneurs seeking simplicity, transparency and agility in managing their business account.

Best business accounts: ranking of online banks

Why are they appealing?

• Ultra‑competitive and transparent fees: clear offers, no hidden fees, starting at €0/month. No opening fees, no movement charges, only pay for what you use..
• 100% online account opening: less than 10 minutes with just an ID and proof of status, you receive a functional IBAN, a business card and a mobile interface
• Features built for freelancers: automatic invoice detection, expense tracking, accounting export, expense categorisation integrated from the start, with no extra cost
• Modern and mobile interfaces: track your activity in real time, manage payments, block your card or contact support in just a few taps

Top 5: best online business accounts in 2025

5. Anytime – a more traditional online pro solution

• Account accessible to corporations, associations and SCI
• Invoicing tools, expense notes, cash management
• Customisable cards (logo, limits, usage)
• Pricing from €14.50/month

Ideal for traditional businesses wanting an online account with local support.

4. Revolut Business – the powerful international option

• Multi-currency management and international transfers
• Unlimited physical and virtual cards
• Payment automation and API integrations

Ideal for companies working across borders.

3. Shine – a simple, human pro account

• Administrative and legal support included
• Interface tailored to freelancers
• Invoicing, expense tracking, client reminders
• From €7.90/month

Great for micro-entrepreneurs, beginner freelancers and liberal professions.

2. Qonto – a complete yet pricier solution

• Higher fees with professional plans from €9/month
• Multi-user management and advanced permissions
• Integration with accounting tools
• Clear interface and responsive customer support

Suited to SMEs or startups needing structured user roles.

1. Vivid – the best business account for freelancers and small businesses in 2025

Vivid leads thanks to its unique combination: free account, interest-bearing cash, powerful tools and a modern interface.

• From €0 monthly fees 
• Up to 5% interest on cash reserves via the Interest Account (no lock‑in)
• Powerful features: sub-accounts, unlimited virtual cards, multi-currency support
• Ultra-smooth app on mobile and desktop
• European banking security (IBAN, regulated licence)

Vivid transforms the business account into a growth tool, not just a deposit account. 

Conclusion: which business account is best in 2025?

In 2025, choosing a business account goes beyond mere bank domiciliation. It is about selecting a growth partner capable of simplifying your daily life, optimising your cash reserves and adapting to your rhythm.

Vivid stands out as the best business account of 2025, especially for modern freelancers and entrepreneurs. Its free plan, up to 5% interest on cash reserves and mobile-first interface make it an essential ally to grow your business today.

With Vivid, you can open a free account and enjoy many benefits: 

• VISA card and free transfers
• Up to 10% cashback on business expenses
• Integrated accounting tools
• Cash placement capabilities
• 24/7 customer support

FAQ

What exactly is a business account?

A business account is a bank account dedicated exclusively to managing finances related to a professional activity (invoicing, purchases, salaries, taxes…). It is separate from your personal account and can be opened under a company or sole trader name.

Who must have a business account?

• Companies (SARL, SAS, EURL etc.): professional accounts are mandatory
• Sole traders: a separate account is mandatory if turnover exceeds €10,000 in two consecutive years, although a dedicated account is still advised
• Liberal professions: strongly recommended to avoid mixing personal and business finances

What documents are required to open a business account?

Requirements vary depending on status, but generally you need:

• Valid ID
• Proof of address
• Kbis extract or SIREN/SIRET number
• Company statutes (for legal entities)
• Proof of activity (invoice, quote, signed contract…)

How much does a business account cost?

Fees vary by bank:

• Traditional banks: from €20/month on average, excluding additional movement or card fees
• Online banks: from €0/month depending on features