For startups and SMBs in the Netherlands, selecting the right business account can shape how efficiently the company manages its finances. With traditional banks, digital banks and fintech providers competing in the market, businesses can choose from a range of pricing models, payment services and international features.
Business banking in the Netherlands operates under Dutch and European financial regulation. De Nederlandsche Bank supervises banks, payment institutions and electronic money institutions, while the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) oversees conduct. Payment services are also governed by the European PSD2 framework.
In 2026, business accounts offer tools that simplify financial administration on top of basic payment services. For startups and SMBs, the right choice depends on how the business operates and what it needs as it grows. This guide compares the top business accounts for startups in the Netherlands and their most relevant features.
Can Startups and SMBs Open an Online Business Account in the Netherlands?
Yes, many Dutch businesses can apply for a business account online. Banks and fintech providers generally require the company to be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, known as the KVK, before the account can be opened.
Common business structures include:
- Eenmanszaak, or sole proprietorship
- VOF, or general partnership
- BV, or private limited company
- NV, or public limited company
The documents requested depend on the legal structure and provider, but applicants will normally need valid identification and KVK registration details. Before opening an account, providers are required to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) checks.
Some providers offer fully digital onboarding, while others may request additional verification. However, if you’ve shielded your visiting address from the Business Register, you likely won’t be able to open a business account online.
Discover our business accountIs a Business Bank Account Mandatory for Startups in the Netherlands?
The requirement depends on the company’s legal structure. For instance, a Dutch BV or NV must have a dedicated business account, while sole proprietors or VOFs aren’t legally required to have one.
Banks may also prohibit customers from using personal accounts for business activity under their account terms. Even when a separate account isn’t legally required, it’s generally practical for entrepreneurs. Keeping personal and business transactions separate can make bookkeeping, expense tracking and tax administration easier.
Top Business Accounts for Startups & SMBs in the Netherlands (2026)
The right account depends on the company’s size, legal structure and financial requirements.
Here are several options to help you find the best business account for startups in the Netherlands.
Finom
Finom offers an online business account aimed at startups and growing SMBs. Its platform combines business payments cards, invoicing and team administration. It supports both SEPA and international transfers and uses integrations with NetSuite, Odoo and Sage.
Finom currently offers the Basic plan for €17 per month, as well as the Smart plan for €34. Higher plans add more users, larger allowances and additional business tools. The Pro plan costs €119 monthly, while the Grow plan is the most complete option at €249.
Qonto
Qonto is designed for companies with digital banking and international payment requirements. The plans suitable for SMBs and startups are called Essential, Business and Enterprise.
All three plans have everyday banking services, but they also include financial management tools, accounting integrations and payment cards. You get between 250 and 10,000 free transfers or direct debits per month, as well as unlimited team access. The Essential plan costs €40, while the Business and Enterprise plans cost €80 and €160 each.
The more advanced plans include between 10 and 30 physical cards, up to 99 sub-accounts and priority support. You can add one of the optional add-ons to your account, such as Invoice Automation for €12 and Project Tracking for €20 a month.
ASN Bank
ASN Business Account is designed for small and medium-sized businesses that need an account for everyday banking and payment operations. It’s available to sole proprietorships, BVs, partnerships and maatschappen with up to 49 employees, with access for up to eight people.
The account includes online banking, a payment card, free account statements and access to customer service. Businesses can use batch payments to pay multiple invoices through a single upload, while bookkeeping integrations allow companies to connect their banking activity with accounting software. A free switching service is also available for businesses moving from another bank.
The account costs €10.70 per month, with the first three months free. Transaction fees vary depending on the type of transaction, while payment requests cost €0.15 per incoming payment. The payment card and online banking are included in the monthly fee.
Bunq
Bunq provides business accounts through several plans designed for entrepreneurs and companies that want digital-first banking. Its current business range includes Free Business, Core Business, Pro Business and Elite Business.
Core Business costs €7.99 per month, Pro Business costs €13.99 and Elite Business costs €23.99. The free option is aimed at sole proprietors, while higher plans add more business banking functionality, cards, automation and international features.
Pro Business is created for companies that need additional business features, including 25 sub-accounts, company cards and free ATM withdrawals. Elite Business is aimed at businesses with more advanced international banking requirements.
ING
ING provides business banking through its Entrepreneur Package, designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses that want a traditional Dutch bank combined with digital banking services. ING also offers a Startup Business Package for new business customers. Both accounts can be opened online.
The Startup Business Package can be used by businesses that have been registered with the Chamber of Commerce for less than 12 months. The first six months are free, after which the package switches to the Entrepreneur package. It includes a corporate debit card and free digital euro transactions.
The Entrepreneur Package costs €9.90 a month, excluding transaction costs and optional add-ons. It includes two legal representatives or authorised parties and smart features such as setting aside VAT automatically. At the moment, ING advertises six months free and €150 cashback for eligible new customers under the applicable promotional conditions.
ABN AMRO
ABN AMRO offers business banking through its Volop Ondernemen packages. The range includes Slim, Ambitieus and Grenzeloos, giving businesses different combinations of accounts, debit cards and digital banking features.
The Slim package costs €9.90 per month and includes one business account, one debit card, Internet Banking Business and access to chat support. Ambitieus costs €13.75 and supports up to two debit cards, while Grenzeloos costs €22.25 and includes up to three accounts and three debit cards.
These packages are suitable for businesses with a turnover of less than €25 million per year and one of these legal forms:
- Eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship)
- Maatschap (partnership)
- BV (private limited-liability company)
- NV (public limited company)
- VOF (general partnership)
- Commanditaire vennootschap (limited partnership)
- Stamrecht BV (private company incorporated to make periodic payments)
- Pensioen BV (private pension company)
ABN AMRO supports online applications and says businesses can complete the initial request in around five minutes. You can switch packages at any point.
Rabobank
Rabobank offers several business account options, including the Rabo ZZP Account for self-employed professionals and its standard Business Account for businesses requiring broader banking services.
The Business Account is suitable for different legal structures, from freelancers to foundations and it costs €9.95. The monthly cost covers the business account, a debit card and online banking, as well as digital account statements.
The Rabo ZZP Account has no fixed monthly fee, although transaction charges apply.
Learn about free invoicing serviceKey Features Startups & SMBs Should Look For
Comparing monthly prices is only the starting point. A low-cost account can become expensive if it has restrictive transaction allowances, costly international payments or insufficient tools for managing employees.
Startups should assess how the account fits their expected activity today and whether it can support additional users, payments and financial processes as the company grows.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best business account for startups:
Multi-User Access and Role Permissions
- Multiple users with individual logins
- Payment approval workflows
- Physical and virtual employee cards
Cash Flow and Expense Management Tools
- Real-time transaction notifications
- Expense categorisation
- Receipt management
- Employee spending controls
- Shared financial dashboards
- Budgeting and reporting tools
- Spending limits for individual users
Accounting Integrations
- Automatic transaction synchronisation
- Accounting software connections
- Invoice management
- Receipt exports
- Bulk transaction exports
- API access for companies building custom finance workflows
International Payments and FX
- SEPA transfers within the EU
- International transfers via SWIFT or similar networks
- Multi-currency support
- Transparent FX fees when converting between currencies
Credit and Financing Options
- Business overdrafts
- Corporate credit cards
- Business loans
Cash services
- Cash deposits
- ATM avalibility
- Branch access
- Withdrawal limits
Looking for a scalable business account for your company?
Finom combines business payments with financial management features aimed at freelancers, startups and growing companies.
The platform includes a dedicated IBAN, cards, expense management, invoicing and accounting integrations, allowing businesses to manage several financial tasks from one platform.
The paid plans start at €17 per month. Higher plans provide additional users, cards, payment allowances and cashback.
Learn more about FinomOnline Business Account vs Traditional Bank for Startups and SMBs
| Feature | Online Business Account | Traditional Bank |
| Account opening time | Usually completed online | Sometimes available online, with additional verification where required |
| Branch access | Limited or unavailable | Broader branch avalibility |
| Multi-user management | Often a major focus | Varies between providers |
| Fees | Often based on simple monthly plans | Usually based on account packages |
| Cash services | Often more limited | Usually stronger |
| International services | Strong digital payment options | Availability varies by provider |
How to Choose the Right Business Account for Your Startup
Startups have different banking needs depending on their business model, size and stage of growth. Even businesses within the SMB category may require different banking features as their operations and financial needs evolve.
Before opening an account, consider the following questions:
- What is your legal structure (BV, eenmanszaak, VOF etc.)?
- Do you need a Dutch IBAN?
- How many employees need account access?
- How many transactions do you expect each month?
- Do you make or receive international payments?
- Which currencies will you use?
- What accounting software does your company use?
- Do you need cash deposits or branch access?
- Will you need employee cards?
- Could you need business financing later?
Conclusion
The Netherlands offers a broad selection of business accounts for startups and SMBs in 2026. Digital providers focus on flexible online banking, automation and international payments, while established banks provide traditional business banking alongside digital services.
There’s no single best business account for startups in the Netherlands. The right choice depends on the legal structure, transaction volume, number of users, international activity and cash requirement.
Before opening an account, compare the complete cost rather than the advertised monthly fee alone. Transaction charges, currency conversion costs and additional cards can all affect the total cost of banking.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice.
Last articles

How to Open a Business Account in the Netherlands (Step-by-Step Guide)

Top Free Business Accounts in the Netherlands (2026)

Top Business Accounts for Freelancers & Sole Traders in the Netherlands (2026)

Business Account Fees in the Netherlands: What You Really Pay For

Best Online Business Accounts in the Netherlands (2026)

