Top business banks 2025: comparing traditional and online options

In 2025, choosing a business bank account has become a strategic decision for freelancers, sole traders and small businesses. It’s no longer just a payment tool: the business account is now a central pillar of day-to-day management.

But with long-established traditional banks on one side and new fully digital players on the other, it’s not always easy to know where to start.

So how do you identify the best business bank in 2025 based on your needs? Here’s our guide.

Summary

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

Why open a business bank account in 2025?

Before comparing the various offers on the market, it’s essential to understand why a business account is a must-have as soon as you start a professional activity.

Here are the main reasons:

A legal obligation depending on your legal status

Companies (SAS, SARL, EURL, SASU, etc.) are legally required to open a business account to register their company and deposit their share capital. It’s a non-negotiable condition for starting a business.

For micro-entrepreneurs, a dedicated bank account becomes mandatory when annual turnover exceeds €10,000 for two consecutive years. Below this threshold, it’s not required but strongly recommended for clearer management.

To cover all these needs, you can open a free account with Vivid and access all the tools required to manage your freelance work with ease.

Clearer and more efficient financial management

A business account helps you structure your activity:

• Keep personal and business finances separate
• Automate exports for accounting purposes
• Monitor your expenses and income in real time
• Generate quotes and invoices without extra tools

A more professional image

Having an IBAN in your company’s name gives you a more serious image and reassures clients and partners. It boosts your credibility.

A growth lever for your business

Nowadays, a good business account should go beyond payment handling. It should actively support the growth of your business:

• Save you time
• Simplify your tax obligations
• Optimise your cash flow with interest-bearing accounts like Vivid’s

Discover Vivid’s interest-bearing business account: the Interest Account, which pays interest daily. Open your free account in minutes. 

What should the best business bank in 2025 offer?

The best business banks in 2025 go far beyond basic banking services. Here are the key features to look for.

A quick and simple account opening process

Forget time-consuming in-branch visits. Modern business accounts open in just a few minutes through a fully digital process with automatic verification.

A real time-saver for freelancers and sole traders.

Complete services tailored to your business

A solid business account should include:

• French or EU IBAN in your company’s name
• Physical and virtual payment cards
• Unlimited SEPA transfers
• Detailed transaction history and tracking
• Sub-accounts for budget management

Clear and transparent pricing

Transparency is key:

• Simple, easy-to-understand pricing
• No hidden fees (for transfers, account closure, etc.)
• Free options that don’t sacrifice functionality

Join Vivid and enjoy a full-featured account, completely free!

Best business banks: traditional offers

In 2025, major banks like BNP Paribas, Société Générale or Crédit Agricole still offer business services.

Advantages

• Branch network: traditional banks offer in-person access to advisors, which can be reassuring if you value human contact.
• Wide range of financial products: including loans, insurance and investment services. 
• Tailored support: for larger structures, with additional services such as payroll, complex insurance and treasury management

Disadvantages

• High costs: traditional banks often charge several dozen euros per month for a basic business account, with extra fees for transactions, cards, etc.
• Lengthy procedures: opening an account typically involves scheduling an appointment, providing a long list of documents, and waiting days or even weeks for approval.
• Not tailored to freelancers: these banks mainly serve SMEs and larger companies, often offering rigid and complex systems.

Best suited for

Established SMEs, regulated liberal professions or companies needing complex banking services.

For freelancers, micro-entrepreneurs or startups, online banks offer more flexibility and simplicity.

Best business banks: online ranking

Why are more and more independents switching to online business banks?

Their strengths

• Competitive pricing: online banks offer accounts for less than €10/month, and the best ones are completely free with unlimited transfers, no set-up or closure fees.
• Easy setup: business accounts can be opened 100% online, with a straightforward process.
• Smart features: online business banks now provide tools that go far beyond basic transactions, helping you manage your business smoothly.

Top 5 online business accounts in 2025

1. Vivid – Best business bank in 2025

• From €0/month
• Up to 5% interest on your business treasury
• Unlimited virtual cards, sub-accounts, multi-currency support
• Modern mobile and web interface
• Fully secure and EU-compliant

Vivid is more than an account: it’s a complete growth toolkit for freelancers and ambitious small businesses.

2. Qonto – Premium and robust

• Multi-user access
• Integrated accounting tools
• Higher pricing (from €9/month up to €99 depending on the plan)

3. Shine – Simple and human-centred

• Legal and admin support
• Tools designed for freelancers
• From €7.90/month

4. Revolut Business – Ideal for international business

• Multi-currency management
• Easy international payments
• APIs and workflow automation

5. Anytime – For digital but conventional structures

• Compatible with companies, property management, charities
• Invoicing, budget tracking, expense tools
• Customisable cards
• From €14.50/month

Conclusion: which is the best business bank in 2025?

In 2025, your business account should be more than a tool — it should save you time, simplify your life and support your growth.

Vivid stands out as the most complete and accessible solution for freelancers and small businesses. Free account, interest on your treasury, integrated tools and a seamless experience, all in one place.

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

• Free VISA card and transfers
• Up to 10% cashback on your business expenses
• Built-in accounting tools
• Treasury management and interest-earning account
• 24/7 customer support

FAQ

What is a business account?

It’s a dedicated bank account for your professional activity. It allows you to manage your income and expenses (invoices, taxes, salaries, etc.).

Who is required to have one?

• Companies (SARL, SASU, etc.): legally required
• Micro-entrepreneurs: required after €10,000 turnover for two years in a row
• Liberal professions: highly recommended for clarity

What documents are needed to open an account?

• Valid ID
• Proof of address
• Kbis or SIRET number
• Articles of association (for legal entities)
• Proof of activity (quote, invoice, contract, etc.)

How much does a business account cost?

• Traditional banks: from around €20/month
• Online banks: from €0/month depending on the offer