Open a business account online

Switching to a new business account is usually about better rates, lower fees, services that suit your company, or better customer support. To make the switch smoothly:

• Research your options, especially transferable products, direct debit authorizations, and standing orders linked to your business account.
• Check the cancellation conditions on your current account.
• Open your new business account once you've compared offers and services.
• Let your partners and suppliers know your new bank details, then cancel your old business account.

To make this easier, Qonto offers a free bank-switching service: one of our advisors determines what needs to move, builds a step-by-step plan, and gives you a dashboard to track the whole process, right up until your old account is closed.

The best bank for a business account depends on your needs as an entrepreneur. Traditional banks offer a wide range of services, while digital solutions like Qonto also focus on speed, ease of use, and integrations with accounting software. When choosing, consider monthly costs, payment options, integrations with your administration, and how quickly you can open an account. For many freelancers and SMEs, an online business account is appealing because everything can be arranged digitally.

With your Qonto account, you can send and receive money in more than 18 foreign currencies via the SWIFT network, from anywhere in the world. This feature is available on some of our plans, so check our pricing page for details.

For small businesses, the "best" account usually comes down to a few practical things: low or no monthly fees, enough free transfers for your volume, and tools you'll actually use such as invoicing, expense management, or multiple cards for a small team.

Qonto's Starter plan covers most of this for free, while Basic and Smart plans add more transfers, cards, and sub-accounts as you grow. Rather than chasing a single "best" provider, compare what's included against how your business actually operates day to day.

Technically, yes. For sole proprietorships, freelancers, and VOFs, Dutch law doesn't require a separate business account.

But using your personal account for business is rarely a good idea in practice: it mixes your income and expenses, makes bookkeeping and tax filing harder, and can raise questions during a tax audit since there's no clear separation. A dedicated business account keeps things clean from day one, even when it's not legally required.

The easiest business account to open is usually a fully online one with built-in tools. With fintech providers, you can often start your application within minutes, verify your identity digitally, and get started right away.

Traditional banks sometimes require an appointment or extra documents, which makes the process slower. Note: if you're a BV, additional checks are often required, regardless of the provider.

Yes, Qonto's Starter plan is free, forever, with no monthly fee. 

It includes one account with a Dutch IBAN, one virtual card (physical cards available with a fee), and 5 free transfers a month, making it a solid fit for freelancers and self-employed professionals just getting started. If your business grows and needs more transfers, cards, or sub-accounts, you can upgrade to a paid plan anytime.

There is no fixed limit for how much money you can have tax-free in your business account. 

For a sole proprietorship or VOF, tax is usually calculated on your profit, not the balance in your account. However, there is a tax-free allowance in box 3: in 2026, you won't pay tax on the first €59,357 of assets. If you have a tax partner, this can increase to €118,714 together. Note: whether money in your business account falls under box 3 depends on your legal form and personal situation. Consult a tax advisor if in doubt.

The cost of a business account varies by bank and package. On average, monthly costs range between €0 and €25 for freelancers and small businesses. 

Digital providers often have lower entry prices and include features such as invoicing or expense management, while traditional banks sometimes charge extra for payment cards, transactions, or accounting integrations. With Qonto, there are no extra fees beyond your monthly plan. You're only billed if you order extra payment cards or go beyond your plan's included transactions. Always compare what's included in the price before choosing.

Yes, you can open a business account entirely online.

With Qonto, you set up your business account in minutes via your laptop or smartphone. Complete the application process digitally, upload your documents online, and securely verify your identity through a short verification. No paperwork, no appointment at a bank branch.

Upon approval, you get immediate access to your account with a Dutch IBAN, payment cards, and tools for invoicing and accounting. Start receiving and making payments right away.

No, in the Netherlands, you cannot open a business account without KVK registration.

Banks are legally required to check if your company is registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK). Without a KVK number, they cannot verify your business and are not allowed to open a business account.

For most entrepreneurs, yes, even when it’s not required. A business account keeps your company's finances separate from your personal ones, which makes bookkeeping, tax audits, and cash flow management much easier.

Beyond the legal and admin benefits, providers like Qonto add real value: a Dutch IBAN, payment methods built for businesses (including metal cards and the ability to collect SWIFT transfers from abroad), and transparent, flexible pricing you can change as your business grows. Opening a business account is non-binding, so you can switch plans anytime your needs change.

+750,000 business customers have already joined Qonto to simplify their daily finances.