Which online bank is best suited for businesses in France?

Are you self-employed and looking for an online banking solution tailored to your business or micro-enterprise in France? The best option depends on your professional needs — fees, features, and services can vary widely.

In this guide, we compare the best online banks for businesses and freelancers.

The Wise Business account lets you send and receive money in 40+ currencies at the mid-market exchange rate. You can also share international bank details on your invoices (USD, GBP, AUD, etc.) and receive foreign currency payments without fees. Plus, Wise offers interest on your business balances.

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Comparison of online banks for businesses in France

Here’s what the main online banking providers accessible to French professionals offer:

Which professionals can open an online business account?

Online banks in France accept a wide range of professional clients:

• SMEs and very small businesses (VSEs).
• Micro-enterprises, auto-entrepreneurs, and freelancers — a dedicated professional account such as a Wise account can be ideal.
• Tradespeople, consultants, and liberal professions.

Note: For incorporated businesses (SARL, SAS, etc.), opening an account can be more complex and sometimes requires an appointment with a banking advisor.

Why open an online business account?

Online banks for professionals offer several advantages:

• Time-saving setup: Everything is done online — no paper forms or branch appointments.
• 100% digital management: Handle all operations from your computer or mobile app.
• API and accounting integration: Many platforms connect directly to accounting tools for easy bookkeeping.
• Instant payments: Transfers are completed in seconds — ideal for paying suppliers or staff.

Can professionals open an online account?

Yes, professionals can open business accounts online — but eligibility depends on the bank and business type.

Traditional banks may require an in-person appointment and extensive documentation, while digital banks simplify the process.

Micro-enterprises and freelancers usually have faster access.
For example, the Wise Business account can be opened fully online in just a few minutes — it’s simple, fast, and up to 7 times cheaper than a traditional bank.

How to open an online business bank account

Required documents

Each bank has its own requirements. For instance, to open an account with Monabanq, you’ll need:³

• Valid ID.
• Proof of address (under 3 months old).
• RIB (bank details) from your main account.
• Latest tax return.
• SIRET/SIREN number or KBIS extract.
• Proof of professional status (auto-entrepreneur or micro-enterprise).

Steps to open an online business account

To open a professional online account in France:

1. Choose the offer best suited to your activity.
2. Submit your application and upload the required documents.
3. Pay the one-time fee or initial deposit, if applicable.
4. Wait for verification (usually a few business days).
5. Order your business debit card.

Tip: Before choosing a provider, ask yourself the following:

• What are the monthly fees or minimum turnover requirements?
• Are there limits on withdrawals, spending, or transfers?
• Can I make payments abroad easily?
• Does the bank apply extra fees for foreign currency transactions?
• Is there API integration for accounting?
• Does the plan include insurance or overdraft protection?

Open a multi-currency business account with Wise

With Wise, registration and verification are fully online — no paperwork or branch visits.

You can hold funds in 40+ currencies and request an international debit card to pay in local currencies worldwide.

Withdrawals are free up to €200/month (2 withdrawals), and you’ll always benefit from the mid-market exchange rate.

You can also receive payments fee-free in major currencies (EUR, USD, GBP, AUD, etc.) using dedicated account details.

Wise Business is a simple and transparent way to manage international payments, with competitive fees and no monthly subscription.

Open your Wise Business account

FAQ: which online bank is best for businesses in France?

What is the best bank for a business?

The best option depends on your company’s needs.
Traditional banks are useful if you need:

• Loans or financing options.
• Insurance or guarantees.
• Cash deposits.
• A checkbook.

For freelancers or small businesses, the Wise Business account is often the most economical solution — a one-time €50 setup fee, no monthly maintenance charges, and no hidden costs.

Which online bank offers the best value?

The most cost-effective option is not a bank at all — it’s Wise.
The Wise Business account lets you send, receive, and convert money at the mid-market rate, up to 7 times cheaper than traditional banks.

Which account should auto-entrepreneurs choose?

As an auto-entrepreneur, it’s best to open an account dedicated to your professional activity.
The Wise Business account is ideal: It allows you to share foreign currency details with international clients, receive payments without fees, convert currencies at the mid-market rate, and even earn interest on EUR, GBP, or USD.

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.