What is a business account?
A business account is a checking account you use for your company's income and expenses. It is a separate account in your company's name, keeping your administration orderly. You can link the account to accounting software, set up direct debits and make payments under your company name.
Difference between a private and business account
A private account is for personal use, a business account for business activities. If you do use your private account for business transactions, the bank can take action against you. Also, a business account looks more professional: your customers will see your company's name when making payments.
In addition, a business account offers more features, such as multiple debit cards, links to your accounts and a business credit card.
Is a business account mandatory for self-employed people?
Legally, a business account is not mandatory for self-employed people with a sole proprietorship. However, the tax authorities and the Chamber of Commerce recommend it, because it gives a lot of overview. Banks often do not allow business use of private accounts.
If you have a bv, then a business account is indeed mandatory. A bv is a separate legal entity, so it must have its own bank account.
Advantages of a business account
A business account makes it easier to keep track of your cash flow. It keeps your records clear and helps you distinguish business income and expenses. You can also deduct the account fees as business expenses.
Another advantage is the professional look. Payments are made under your company name, which inspires confidence in customers. Moreover, banks offer additional features for entrepreneurs, such as iDEAL for web shops or links to accounting programmes.
What should you look out for when choosing an account?
Several factors come into play when choosing a business account:
- Costs: look at monthly fixed fees as well as transaction fees. Some banks charge only per transaction, others a fixed amount per month.
- Accounting link: check that your bank works well with your accounting software.
- Ease of use: how does the app or online environment work? Can you easily manage multiple accounts?
- Customer service: if personal contact is important to you, choose a bank with local branches.
- Additional services: think business savings accounts, credit cards or a limit on being in the red.
Coordinate with your accountant on how bank transactions are supplied and which integration suits best. Review what is included in our accounting package.
Comparing business accounts: fixed and variable costs
The best account depends on your payments and required features. Below is a limited selection of three packages, checked on 14 September 2026. This is not a complete market comparison. Standard rates are separate from temporary welcome promotions.
| Package | Fixed monthly price | Transactions | Accounting integration and points to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabobank Self-Employed Account | €0 | €0.39 per debit or credit entry in euros | Accounting integration as an extra option €2 per month. Check whether features such as direct debit and access by others suit your usage. |
| Knab self-employed business bank account | €7 | Check the current transaction bundle and out-of-bundle costs. | Check the support and costs of the integration for your accounting software. |
| ABN AMRO Slim | €9,90 | SEPA: €0.12 outgoing and €0.15 incoming | Additional services and any customer research may cost extra. Check the link and the tariff overview. |
Calculate your own annual price including fixed costs, transactions, cards, integrations and foreign payments. Temporary promotions are not included in this comparison; check the duration, end date and eligibility conditions in the event of a promotion.
Open an account yourself? For opening a business account, we work together with Rabobank and Go Dutch. The comparison above is unrelated.
Business account cheap
Look at the total price for your usage. A fictitious package A costs €0 fixed per month plus €0.39 per transaction. Package B costs €7 per month and includes enough transactions for this example. At ten transactions, A costs €3.90; at fifty, €19.50. B costs €7 in both examples. Additional services can change the outcome. This is a calculation example, not a complete comparison of the two mentioned banks.
Business account free of charge
No fixed monthly fees does not automatically mean free banking. There may be charges for transactions, a card, cash, foreign payments or an integration. Furthermore, a temporary promotion is different from a permanently free package. Check whether the terms and conditions and features suit your business.
Business credit card application
A corporate credit card can be useful for purchases and travel. Check the fee, credit terms and acceptance with your bank. A debit card deducts payments from your available balance and is not a credit card. A Chamber of Commerce number does not automatically grant the right to a credit card or credit limit.
Switching to another business account
The Dutch account switching service runs for thirteen months and redirects eligible incoming payments and direct debits. You must check and update standing orders, your records and relevant contact details yourself. Follow the steps of the switching service and inform customers of your new IBAN.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a business account as a self-employed person?
No, it is not compulsory, but highly recommended. You keep track and prevent the bank from being difficult about business use of a private account.
What is the best business account for self-employed people?
It depends on what you think is important. Knab is popular for its low fees, Rabobank for its flexible model with no fixed fee, and ASN or Triodos if sustainability is important.
When can you open a business account?
That depends on the bank and your legal form. Usually, you need a Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration, proof of identity and details about your business. The bank will assess your application and may ask for additional information. Check the conditions of the chosen package in advance.
How much money are you allowed to have in your business account as a self-employed person or sole trader?
There is no general statutory upper limit for your balance. For a sole proprietorship, the tax treatment depends on the business function of the money. Deposit guarantee is something else: at the same bank, your private and business balances count together for the normal protection up to €100,000 per person. Check which guarantee scheme applies to your bank. Read the explanation by De Nederlandsche Bank.
