Top business banks 2025: comparing traditional and online options

28 July 2025
Sophie Martin
The best business bank 2025

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

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:

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.).

    • 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
    • Valid ID
    • Proof of address
    • Kbis or SIRET number
    • Articles of association (for legal entities)
    • Proof of activity (quote, invoice, contract, etc.)
    • Traditional banks: from around €20/month
    • Online banks: from €0/month depending on the offer

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