For many entrepreneurs, opening a business account is an early step when setting up a company in the Netherlands. Freelancers, sole proprietors and small businesses often want a straightforward way to separate business finances without adding another fixed expense to their monthly budget.
A free business account or “gratis zakelijke rekening” can sound like an obvious choice, but there’s more to consider than a €0 monthly price. Some accounts have transaction fees, usage limits or restrictions on features such as cards, international payments and additional users.
This guide compares business accounts available in the Netherlands with no regular monthly fee. By looking at pricing, included services and potential limitations, you can determine which option could be the best free business account in the Netherlands for your needs in 2026.
Are Free Business Accounts Available in the Netherlands?
Yes. Several providers offer business accounts with no fixed monthly subscription fee. However, the term “free” can describe different pricing models, so it’s important to understand what you’re actually getting before opening an account.
A free business account may have no monthly subscription but still charge for individual services. These could include transfers, cash deposits, card payments or ATM withdrawals. Some providers may also limit the number of transactions or features available on their free tier.
In other cases, “free” or “gratis” may apply only under certain conditions. A provider could waive the monthly fee if you meet specific eligibility requirements or keep your account within certain usage limits. Checking the full pricing structure can help you avoid unexpected costs.
Discover our business accountIs a Free Business Account Legally Sufficient in the Netherlands?
The legal requirement depends on the business structure. A business bank account is mandatory for Dutch private limited companies and public limited companies, known as BVs and NVs. Sole proprietors, general partnerships, professional partnerships and limited partnerships can legally use a personal IBAN if the account is suitable for business use.
In practice, a dedicated business account is usually more convenient. It separates personal and business transactions and can make bookkeeping easier. Banks may also prohibit customers from using ordinary personal accounts for commercial activities.
Choosing between a free and paid account usually depends on the company’s financial needs and preferred banking services rather than a legal requirement. Businesses should still confirm that the selected provider supports their legal structure, business activities and required payment services.
Top Free Business Accounts in the Netherlands (2026)
To narrow down your search, the following providers offer options to consider when choosing a free business account in the Netherlands:
Finom
Finom’s Solo plan is a €0 business account aimed at freelancers and solo entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. The plan provides a personal IBAN and includes free outgoing SEPA transfers up to €2,500. It also provides one free virtual Visa card.
The account includes financial management tools alongside banking services. Finom supports accounting integrations with platforms including Sage, NetSuite and Odoo, while its broader platform includes invoicing and expense management features. This makes the free plan particularly relevant to freelancers who want banking and administration in one place.
Finom also offers additional features through its paid plans, giving businesses the option to access more tools and services as their banking needs evolve. This provides flexibility for entrepreneurs who want to start with a free account and explore additional features later.
Bunq
Bunq Free Business is a no-fee business account designed specifically for sole proprietors. The account can be opened through their official app and provides basic banking services without a monthly subscription.
The plan includes up to three bank accounts, which can be used to hold, receive and send money in more than 20 currencies. Free Business also includes instant and scheduled payments, a digital card, Apple Pay and Google Pay and Tap to Pay where supported.
While there’s no monthly fee, some services may incur separate charges. Cash withdrawals at ATMs cost €2.99 per withdrawal, while each instant transaction comes with a €0.13 fee.
Rabobank
The Rabo ZZP Rekening from Rabobank takes a different approach to free banking. There’s no fixed monthly fee for the business account, payment card and online banking. Instead, entrepreneurs pay €0.39 for each incoming or outgoing euro transaction, although you can get free euro payments during the first six months.
The account is intended for sole proprietors and BVs with one owner. It can therefore be useful for entrepreneurs with relatively low transaction volumes who prefer a traditional Dutch bank and want to avoid a recurring subscription fee.
Rabobank also provides a business savings account with the Rabo ZZP Rekening at no additional fixed cost. Start-up customers may qualify for additional introductory benefits, including six months without charges on certain services and euro transactions.
ING
ING’s Startup business package is intended for newly established businesses in the Netherlands. It’s available to organisations that have been registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) for less than one year. The package includes a business current account and access to ING’s digital banking services.
The package is free for the first six months, after which it switches to the €9.90 Entrepreneur business package. Eligible new customers may also receive €150 cashback under the applicable promotional terms.
The six-month introductory period covers several services at no cost, including the business current account, accounting software integration, digital transactions in euros and customer research. ING Business Liability Insurance is also included at no cost during this period, but it requires a separate application and is subject to additional conditions.
Learn about free invoicing serviceWhat to Watch Out for with Free Business Accounts
When comparing free business accounts, the monthly subscription fee is only one part of the overall cost. The following points are worth checking before opening an account.
Transaction Limits
- Free plans may include a limited number of SEPA transfers
- Extra transactions may incur additional fees
- Incoming and outgoing payments may have different charges
Card Fees
- Some free plans may offer limited card options
- Additional or replacement cards may cost extra
- Employee cards may require a paid plan
Foreign Exchange Fees
- Currency conversions may include additional fees
- Non-euro card payments can have separate charges
- International transfers may cost more outside the SEPA area.
Cash Deposit Fees
- Cash deposits may not be available with some digital-first accounts
- Traditional banks may charge fees for depositing cash
- Businesses that regularly handle cash should check deposit availability and pricing
Upgrade Requirements
- Free plans may offer fewer features than paid tiers
- Extra users, cards or higher transaction limits may require an upgrade
- Consider future needs when comparing plans
- The OECD highlights the role of digital tools in improving SME efficiency, which can make flexible plans useful as businesses develop
Looking for a business account with transparent pricing?
Finom has different business account plans available to freelancers and businesses in the Netherlands. The plans combine account services with features including invoicing, expense management and team access, with the specific features varying by plan.
The Solo plan is available to freelancers and solo entrepreneurs with a €0 monthly subscription fee. It includes a business account and core financial management features, while businesses can access additional services through Finom’s other plans.
Learn more about FinomFree vs Paid Business Accounts in the Netherlands
The right account depends on transaction volume, company structure and required services. Free plans may suit businesses with more basic needs, while paid accounts can offer more users, cards and higher transaction limits.
The table below outlines the key differences between free and paid business accounts.
| Feature | Free Account | Paid Account |
| Monthly cost | €0 or free under specific conditions | Subscription fee |
| Transaction limits | May have limits | Usually higher limits and allowances |
| Multi-user access | May be limited | Usually broader access |
| Accounting integrations | Basic or provider-dependent | More advanced options |
| International features | Limited or extra fees | More flexible |
| Support level | Standard | May include priority support |
Conclusion
Free business accounts can help Dutch entrepreneurs reduce recurring banking costs, but €0 monthly fees don’t always mean all services are free.
The right account depends on factors such as transaction volume, card needs, international payments and required features. Comparing these factors can help identify an account that matches the business’s needs.
Check the total expected cost, eligibility and current terms before applying, as pricing and features can change.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice.
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