Differences between business and personal bank accounts in France: the complete guide
Discover the differences between a professional and a personal account, legal obligations, and when to use a personal account for your professional activity.
Best online banks in France for micro-businesses: complete comparison
Looking for the best online bank for your micro-enterprise in France? With so many options — from traditional banks going digital to new-generation neobanks — it can be tricky to choose. Each one has different pricing, features, and pros and cons.
This guide compares the best business accounts for self-employed professionals, explains what to look for, and helps you find the most suitable solution for your activity.
If your micro-business works with international clients, a Wise Business account could be ideal — you’ll benefit from transparent fees and currency conversions at the mid-market exchange rate.
Learn more about
the Wise Business account
Bank account requirements for micro-businesses in France
Since 2015, micro-entrepreneurs in France have been required to have a dedicated business account if their turnover exceeds €10,000 for two consecutive years.¹
💡 “Dedicated” doesn’t necessarily mean “professional.” You can use a second personal current account for business, but professional accounts often offer tools designed for entrepreneurs — invoicing, card terminals, or accounting features.
Comparison: best online banks for micro-entrepreneurs in France
| Bank | Starting price | Free offer? | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qonto | €11 excl. tax/month | ⚠️ No | Full suite of admin tools (invoicing, expense reports). |
| Axa Banque | €0 (under conditions) | ✅ Yes | Free account with minimum card use. |
| BoursoBank | €9 incl. tax/month | ⚠️ No | Comprehensive offer with insurance and savings tools. |
| Monabanq | €9 incl. tax/month | ⚠️ No | Deposit cheques and cash easily. |
| Hello bank! Pro | €10.90 excl. tax/month | ⚠️ No | Access to the BNP Paribas branch network. |
| Wise Business | €50 one-time fee | ✅ Yes (no monthly fees) | Ideal for international transactions. |
Detailed review of the best options
1. Qonto: a flexible choice for freelancers
Qonto is a leading French online business account offering a full digital ecosystem — perfect for freelancers and micro-entrepreneurs.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing (excl. tax) | €11/month |
| Key features | ✅ Integrated invoicing tools✅ Expense tracking and receipt scanning✅ Optional payment terminal (TPE) |
| Ideal for | Freelancers who want all admin tools in one place. |
2. Axa Banque: a free micro-business account (under conditions)
Axa Banque offers one of the only truly free banking options, provided you use your card regularly.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Free if you spend at least €900 per quarter |
| Key features | ✅ Free Visa Classic card✅ No account maintenance fees |
| Ideal for | Self-employed professionals who want a simple and low-cost setup. |
3. BoursoBank Pro: comprehensive and reliable
BoursoBank Pro (formerly Boursorama Pro) combines the flexibility of an online account with the reliability of a major French bank.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | €9/month |
| Key features | ✅ Free ULTIM card✅ Professional insurance included✅ Access to savings and financing options |
| Ideal for | Entrepreneurs looking for a full-service bank with online convenience. |
4. Monabanq: no income conditions
Monabanq is one of the few online banks where you can still deposit cheques or cash — making it a great hybrid option.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | €9/month |
| Key features | ✅ Accessible to all (no income requirement)✅ Deposits via CIC/Crédit Mutuel branches✅ Optional payment terminal |
| Ideal for | Micro-entrepreneurs handling cash or cheques. |
5. Hello bank! Pro: BNP Paribas network support
Hello bank! Pro combines a modern digital platform with access to BNP Paribas’ branch services.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | €10.90/month |
| Key features | ✅ Deposit cheques/cash in BNP branches✅ Invoicing tool included✅ Access to professional credit options |
| Ideal for | Freelancers who want digital convenience but value in-person support. |
Wise Business: for international micro-entrepreneurs
If you work with clients or suppliers abroad, Wise Business is one of the most cost-effective solutions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | €50 one-time setup fee, no monthly charges |
| Key features | ✅ Local bank details in 8+ currencies (USD, GBP, etc.)✅ Mid-market exchange rate for conversions✅ Low-cost international transfers and card payments |
| Ideal for | Freelancers and SMEs operating across borders. |
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FAQ: online banks for micro-businesses in France
What is the cheapest option?
Axa Banque can be completely free if you meet the card usage conditions.
Otherwise, BoursoBank and Monabanq are both great value at €9/month.
Can I use my personal account for my micro-business?
Yes, as long as your turnover is under €10,000 for two consecutive years. After that, French law requires a dedicated account — personal or professional.
What’s the difference between a dedicated and a business account?
A dedicated account is simply one you reserve for professional use.
A business account includes added features like invoicing tools, insurance, or financing options.
Is BoursoBank Pro a good choice?
Yes — it’s one of the most comprehensive options for micro-entrepreneurs, especially those who want insurance and saving solutions built in.
How can I accept card payments as a freelancer?
Banks like Qonto or Monabanq offer mobile payment terminals (TPE) through partners such as Zettle or Smile & Pay — perfect for tradespeople or market sellers.
How can I receive international payments without high fees?
Traditional French banks charge a lot for cross-border transfers.
Wise Business lets you receive money locally (GBP, USD, EUR, etc.) with no hidden fees and conversions at the mid-market rate.
Sources:
- entreprendre.service-public.fr – Accounting and banking obligations
- Qonto pricing
- Axa Banque for self-employed
- BoursoBank Pro
- Monabanq self-employed account
- Hello bank! Pro pricing
Last verified on October 2, 2025.
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.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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