Top Online Business Accounts in Germany (2026)

If you’re starting or running a business in Germany, you might be looking for an online business bank account. In 2026, with digital banking tools evolving rapidly, selecting the right one for you is more important than ever.

While providers compete with innovative features, they operate under strict supervision by BaFin and must comply with the EU PSD2 regulation. Still, choosing the right option for you can significantly impact your company’s efficiency, costs and growth.

Whether you’re a freelancer, launching a UG or GmbH or a SME looking to switch from traditional banks, read on. We’ll introduce various options to help you find the best online business account in Germany.

Can you open an online business account in Germany?

Yes, you can open an online business account in Germany. However, although you’ll often be able to confirm your identity via video legitimation or Postident, there’s also the option to do it in person.

How do private and business accounts differ?

The main difference between private and business accounts is their purpose and target group.

A private account is used for personal payments, so you might use it for everyday expenses, private transfers or receiving your salary. Depending on the provider, it might have some bonus features, but not those required for running a business.

Business accounts are set up for business purposes specifically, so they’re aimed at companies, freelancers and the self-employed, among others. They offer features such as sub-accounts, access to accounting software like DATEV or SevDesk.

Do You Legally Need a Business Bank Account in Germany?

In some cases, businesses in Germany are required by law to have a business account.

For example, if you’re running a UG or GmbH, you’re legally required to have a separate business account. §7 of the GmbHG (German Limited Liability Companies Act) states that it’s needed for the purpose of depositing share capital and completing the registration process.

If you’re self-employed or a freelancer (Freiberufler), you’re not required to have a business bank account in Germany. However, having one and separating your business transactions can simplify accounting.

Sole traders aren’t obliged to have a separate business account either, but separating your personal and business finances is strongly recommended for tax purposes.

Other categories that don’t need to have a business bank account in Germany are individual entrepreneurs, small business owners or KGs.

Online Business Accounts You Can Open in Germany (2026)

There’s a range of business accounts available on the market. Depending on your business structure, transaction volume and the additional features you require, the most suitable option may vary.

Choosing the right account can help streamline financial management and support the growth of your business. Here are some accounts to consider to help you choose the best online business account in Germany.

Finom Business account

Finom offers a fully online business account with a German IBAN and both physical and virtual debit cards. Depending on the plan, you can earn cashback rewards of up to around 3% on card spending.

A free Solo plan is available, while paid plans include the Basic account for €8.99 per month and the Smart account for €23.99 per month. These plans allow more users, higher limits and include free SEPA transfers. There are also dedicated plans for microbusinesses and SMEs.

Finom’s business accounts include built-in invoicing and receipt tracking, with the ability to export or sync data to accounting tools like DATEV and sevDesk. It also supports SEPA and international transfers, while additional features include team management with spending limits and multi-currency support for international payments.

ING Business Account

The ING Business Account is made primarily for small businesses and the self-employed, but it’s also available to GmbH, KG and OHG registered in the German Commercial Register. Other legal forms, like GbR, GmbH i.G. and GmbH & Co. KG can’t use this account.

New account holders receive 6 months free, while founders in their first year of business benefit from a total of 12 months without base or transaction fees. After that, ING uses their Bestprice model to adjust fees based on transaction volume.

You can open and manage the ING Business Account entirely online. It also includes a VISA Business Debit card and integrations with tools like DATEV and Lexware.

N26 Business Standard

Another digital business account in Germany to look into is the N26 Business Standard account.

This is a business bank account with no monthly fees or minimum deposit. It’s aimed at freelancers and self-employed individuals who operate under their own name. You get a virtual Mastercard with it, which you can use to earn 0.1% cashback each time you spend.

The N26 MoneyBeam feature allows sending, transferring and requesting money from other N26 users for free, but you can also use SEPA Instant Credit transfers. When it comes to cash deposits, you can do so at N26 partner stores, including REWE, Penny and dm.

The account also comes with the Spaces, Rules and Round-Ups features. Spaces are sub-accounts with individual IBANs used for budgeting, Rules help with scheduling transfers and Round-Ups round up your purchases to the nearest euro.

Deutsche Bank Business PremiumKonto

If you’re searching for the best online business account in Germany, Deutsche Bank’s Business PremiumKonto is an option you might want to consider.

Out of the three business accounts they offer, this is the most comprehensive one. It’s designed for companies and self-employed professionals with high transaction volumes and more complex banking needs.

The monthly fee is €39.90 and certain transactions incur extra costs. You’ll need to pay €0.10 per electronic SEPA booking, €3 per documented SEPA transfer and a €4 cash deposit fee.

The account includes two Deutsche Bank BusinessCards (credit or debit), a free sub-account and access to their FinanzPlaner tool. The online opening process lasts a few minutes.

Qonto Smart Business Account

Qonto business accounts are designed for freelancers, small businesses and companies with teams. They include tools for payments, invoicing, expense tracking and integrations with accounting software like DATEV.

The Qonto Smart Business Account is their mid-tier account. It includes a local business IBAN, an additional sub-account and two One Cards, but you can use up to 50 virtual cards.

The monthly fee is €19, but you can try it free for one month. You can make up to 100 free SEPA transfers and outgoing direct debits per month, while each additional transaction costs €0.20.

The account is fully digital, with online opening and management via Qonto’s app or web platform.

Holvi Pro

Holvi has four account tiers for online business banking in Germany, including their free Holvi Flex account. Each account comes with a German IBAN, essential payment functions and a virtual card, but the Holvi Pro account has other bonus features as well.

The fee is €15 if you pay monthly or €9 if you sign a yearly contract. Unlimited SEPA transfers and direct debits are included in the plan, along with five German IBANs, three debit cards and one virtual card.

The Holvi Pro account allows users to create and send invoices, as well as save receipts digitally. It also supports integrations with accounting softwares such as Lexware Office, as well as DATEV for €3 a month.

If you’re operating a UG or GmbH, Holvi recommends their Holvi Business account instead.

Commerzbank Premium Business Account

Commerzbank offers three business accounts: Classic, Premium and Premium Plus. You might need different features depending on your needs, but let’s talk about the Commerzbank Premium Business Account as a middle ground.

The account costs €8.90 per month for the first two years and €34.90 per month after that. New customers can also receive a €100 opening bonus. The account is a euro-only account, but a foreign currency account can be added for €9.90 per month.

Users receive 50 free electronic transactions per month, with additional transactions charged at €0.15 each. The account includes a German business IBAN, online banking access, as well as a Girocard and a Business Card Premium.

FYRST Complete

The FYRST online business account is a fully digital account from the Deutsche Bank Group. It’s aimed at founders, self-employed professionals, freelancers and companies.

FYRST offers several business account models and FYRST Complete is the mid-tier option. It has a monthly fee of €10 and includes 75 free electronic transactions per month. After that, additional electronic bookings are charged at €0.08 each.

Users can make international transfers in multiple currencies and deposit or withdraw cash at ATMs in the Cash Group network. The account also includes one free sub-account, a Girocard and a debit Mastercard.

Access to DATEV is included, so you have automatic data exchange with your tax consultant. With this account, you can also get a 50% discount for SevDesk.

Key Features of Online Business Accounts in Germany

After exploring some of the available accounts, it’s important to understand the key features that can impact how well they meet your business needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most important aspects when choosing the best online business account in Germany:

1. Fees & Pricing Models

• Monthly fee: Some providers charge a fixed monthly fee, which may vary depending on account type or included services.
• Transaction fees: Most accounts charge transaction fees for domestic and SEPA transfers, as well as for card payments and incoming payments.
• FX fees: If you make payments in foreign currencies, you might incur foreign exchange fees and conversion rates.

2. Integration with Accounting Software

• Many accounts are integrated with accounting software such as DATEV
• Some use Lexware Office to help with invoices and tracking expenses
• SevDesk is available with some accounts

3. Multi-User Access & Roles

For businesses with multiple staff managing finances, online accounts often allow:

• Separate user accounts
• Role-based access

4. Cash Deposit Options

• Some online banks offer deposit partnerships with physical branches or partner networks.
• The availability of cash deposits may vary depending on bank type (fintech vs. traditional bank).

5. International Payments & Multi-Currency

• Online business accounts in Germany typically support SEPA payments, making euro transfers across the EU as easy as domestic ones.
• Many online accounts also support international payments in multiple currencies, allowing businesses to send and receive funds outside the euro area.
• Online business accounts help SMEs manage multi-currency and international payments more efficiently, reflecting trends highlighted in OECD SME digitalisation insights.

What does Finom offer?

With Finom, you get a fully online business account with a dedicated IBAN, physical and virtual cards, built-in invoicing, expense management and international transfers. Everything is managed in one platform to help companies handle payments, team spending and accounting more efficiently.

Online Business Account vs Traditional Business Bank Account in Germany

How to Choose the Right Business Account for Your Company

Selecting the right business account depends on your company’s specific needs. Use the following checklist to guide your evaluation:

• Business structure (consider whether you are a freelancer, UG or GmbH or SME)
• Monthly transaction volume (choose an account that can handle your expected number of transactions)
• Need for international payments (if you frequently send or receive funds in foreign currencies, check for multi-currency support)
• Cash deposits required (determine if you need regular access to cash deposit services)
• Team access needed (consider whether multiple users need role-based access to manage finances and bookkeeping)

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Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to business accounts, as the best choice depends on your company’s structure, transaction needs and overall operational model.

At the same time, digitalisation continues to reshape business banking in 2026, bringing more online tools and flexibility.

By selecting an account that aligns with both your requirements and these evolving trends, you can simplify financial management and support long-term growth.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice.