💸 Free online business account: 2026 comparison and best offers

Heropay explains how to decipher the 2026 offers and choose the best one for you:

• Compare the 4 best free business accounts in 2026 and spot the real hidden costs.

• Heropay stands out with a free account, a Local IBAN, remuneration up to 5% and financing.

• Finom, Revolut and N26 remain solid, but their free offers are limited or conditional.

• Always choose a Local Account Number / IBAN to avoid blocking HMRC, VAT and administrative direct debits.

• Check the included payment methods and fees on transfers, withdrawals and physical cards.

• Free accounts often exclude cash deposits, quick cheques, credit and overdrafts.

• Free accounts are as safe as paid ones and banking mobility is simple and fast.

Comparison: The 4 best free online business accounts in 2026

We have analyzed the most popular offers. Be careful, the notion of "free" varies according to the players.

Heropay (Hero X): The free business account that remunerates your cash flow

This is the offer shaking up the market in 2026. Heropay offers a complete account at €0 / month including a Local IBAN and cards. Its big difference? It remunerates your deposits (up to 5%) and offers financing options, whereas others are content to manage payments.

Finom (Solo): The invoicing alternative

The Finom Solo offer is free for life. It is highly appreciated for its integrated invoicing tool and its cashback (up to 3%). Be careful though: the offer is limited to a single user and cash withdrawals are often chargeable.

Revolut Business (Standard): For international

If you work with foreign suppliers, Revolut is unbeatable on exchange rates. The free offer exists but remains limited (no API access, restricted features). Also pay attention to the IBAN which can sometimes be foreign depending on your registration date, causing direct debit issues.

N26 Business (Standard): The basic mobile offer

A simple, effective and free solution for freelancers who just want to collect and pay. Opening takes a few minutes. On the other hand, accounting management features are almost non-existent and there is no authorized overdraft possible.

Who can benefit from a free professional account?

Before subscribing, make sure your legal status is compatible with these offers, as not all are equal.

Sole Traders / Freelancers: the prime target

If you are a Sole Trader, the law often only requires you to have a dedicated account if your turnover exceeds certain thresholds (or for clear tax separation). Free offers are perfectly calibrated for you: they allow you to separate your personal finances from your professional receipts without increasing your fixed costs.

Limited Companies (Ltd): rarer but existing offers

For company directors, opening an account in the name of the legal entity is mandatory to deposit the share capital. Historically paid, some modern players now offer formulas at €0 per month including the IBAN and the card, ideal for launching a structure without initial cash flow.

The criteria for choosing: what does a €0 offer really contain?

Do not just look at the price. Check what is included in the "package" to avoid hidden fees.

The Local IBAN: essential for your Direct Debits

This is a non-negotiable technical point. Make sure the solution provides a Local Account Number / Sort Code (or local IBAN). Foreign IBANs (LT, DE, etc.) are theoretically accepted, but in practice, they often block during VAT refunds or HMRC payments.

Included payment methods (Physical or Virtual Card?)

Many "free" offers only include a virtual card (on phone). If you need a physical card to pay for petrol or restaurants, you will often have to pay shipping fees or an additional subscription (often €5 to €10). Check this point well.

Hidden costs to watch out for

The devil is in the pricing details:

• Transfers: The free package often limits to 10 or 20 transfers per month. Beyond that, it's €0.40 or €0.50 per operation.

• Withdrawals: Withdrawing cash from ATMs is often charged (around €1 to €2 per withdrawal) on online accounts.

The limits of free pro accounts (what they don't tell you)

The 100% digital and free model implies structural concessions that you must anticipate.

Cash and cheque deposits: often impossible

This is constraint number 1. If your activity is a local business (bakery, hairdresser) with a lot of cash, these accounts are not suitable. Cheque deposits are sometimes possible by post, but processing is longer than in a traditional bank.

The absence of a dedicated advisor in a physical branch

In case of a problem, you cannot go knock on your branch door. Everything is managed by chat or phone. The responsiveness of customer support is therefore a vital criterion to check before committing.

The lack of financing solutions

Most free accounts are payment accounts without overdrafts. If you have a cash flow gap, the payment is rejected. Similarly, obtaining an investment loan to buy a vehicle or machinery is often impossible via these platforms.

According to Heropay, this is where the major difference lies: lack of access to credit is a brake on growth, which is why it is crucial to choose a partner capable of financing your invoices or stocks, even without a paid subscription.

Why does the free Heropay offer go further than others?

Heropay fills the gaps of traditional free offers.

Remuneration up to 5% on your balance (Hero X offer)

This is a unique feature in the free market. Instead of letting your money sleep, Heropay remunerates your available funds:

• 5% gross annual during the first two months.

• Then an attractive rate of 0.5% (or more depending on the plan). This transforms your current account into a profitability tool.

Access to instant financing (Cash advance)

You don't need to pay an expensive subscription to have the right to ask for money. The free offer gives you access to financing solutions:

• Fractional payment of suppliers.

• Immediate cash advance.

• Business creation financing (€1 deposited = €1 financed).

Your frequent questions about free business accounts

Is it mandatory to have a dedicated pro account as a Sole Trader?

It is not strictly mandatory by law in all jurisdictions (unlike Limited Companies), but it is highly recommended from the first euro earned to simplify your accounting and avoid any tax confusion during an audit.

Are free accounts as secure as paid ones?

Yes, absolutely. Payment institutions (like Heropay or Qonto) are subject to the same strict rules from the Regulators (FCA/ACPR). Your funds must be ring-fenced (isolated) in a top-tier bank. Your money is therefore protected, regardless of the price of your subscription.

Is it easy to switch banks for a free offer?

Yes, thanks to banking mobility services (like CASS in the UK). However, keep in mind that you will have to communicate your new IBAN to all your clients and bodies (Tax, HMRC). The operation is now done 100% online and takes a few minutes.