In a sole proprietorship or self-employment, you are not required to open a professional account as such. However, it is highly recommended to open an account dedicated to your professional activity, but this can be a classic current account.
As a self-employed person, you are required to open an account dedicated to your activity as soon as your turnover exceeds €10,000 over two consecutive years.
In a company, opening a professional bank account is mandatory to create your business. Indeed, you must deposit your share capital to legally create your activity. Most players offer the deposit of share capital, sometimes even for free, like at Indy!
Follow the registration process, online or at a bank branch.
You can open a pro account without a bank, by using companies specializing in the management of independent professionals, like Indy!
Choosing a pro account
The first step is to choose the best bank account that fits your needs. Many players now offer professional accounts adapted to the self-employed: traditional banks, online banks , neo-banks and companies dedicated to the self-employed, such as Indy.
Indy, the 100% free pro account dedicated to the self-employed
Benefit from all our features for free: Mastercard, unlimited transfers, B2B direct debits, French IBAN, etc.
a copy of the identity document of the entrepreneur or manager;
the draft statutes (for companies);
proof of use of the premises (commercial lease, etc.) if you carry out your activity in professional premises.
Please note: organizations have the right to refuse to open your professional account, without giving you a reason. In this case, you can contact the Banque de France, via a right to an account form. It will then designate a bank that will be required to open an account for you.
The price of a professional account varies from €0 to €80 per month . Opening the account is free, but all additional services may be billed to you:
Account maintenance fees : you must pay these monthly or annually. The rate varies from bank to bank, but they are on average 24 euros per month for a professional bank account;
Overdraft fees : if your account balance is negative, i.e. if the amounts withdrawn are greater than the amount available, the bank will grant you credit. For these new fees, expect to pay between 0.05 and 0.20% of the overdraft amount.
Online services : Most banks offer you these online services for free, such as using an app to check the status of your accounts or making appointments.
Payment card : the price varies, but expect between 40 and 140 euros per year depending on the bank and the options you can add;
Transfers : some banks charge for transfers beyond a certain number, a certain threshold or instant transfers;
Error fees : these are fees for unusual account transactions, such as direct debits from the Treasury, bad checks, etc.
At Indy, all the basic features and normal use of the pro account are free! The Mastercard, unlimited and instant transfers, as well as the capital deposit in a company are free.
Is a professional bank account mandatory?
Is a professional bank account mandatory for self-employed businesses?
Having a bank account is mandatory for self-employed businesses from a certain turnover. Self-employed people must open a bank account as soon as their turnover exceeds 10,000 euros over two consecutive years. This obligation does not necessarily apply to a professional account in the strict sense: you can open a classic current account, even if banks are reluctant to do so.
It is highly recommended to open an account dedicated to your professional activity, even if it generates little turnover. With free account offers like Indy, why deprive yourself?
Is a professional bank account mandatory for a company?
For a company, there is no turnover condition to respect: the professional bank account is mandatory at the time of the creation of the company . Indeed, you must deposit your share capital in an account dedicated to your company.