Digital business accounts offer more than traditional banks — they expand the range of services while reducing costs, creating new opportunities especially for SMEs. From multi-currency accounts and local payment options to low transaction fees — find the best business bank accounts in our comprehensive business account comparison 2025.
Business account comparison: Branch bank or FinTech?
While traditional branch banks focus on stability, personal service, and a broad product portfolio, FinTechs stand out for their speed, transparency, and innovative additional features.
| Branch bank | FinTech |
| Description | Traditional bank account with in-person support | Digital account with additional services |
| Availability | Branch-based, limited opening hours | Available online 24/7 |
| Costs | Higher base and transaction fees | Transparent, usually lower costs |
| Security | Statutory deposit protection, financial supervision | Depends on the provider |
| Offerings | Personal consulting, loans, basic functions | Multi-currency, debit cards, automation, integrations |
Modern business account as the perfect add-on to a bank account
A modern FinTech business account doesn’t have to replace a traditional business bank account — rather, it can serve as the perfect complement. Especially for freelancers, start-ups, and SMEs that operate internationally or value digital workflows, a FinTech account offers decisive advantages.
Typically, FinTech providers stand out with multi-currency accounts, competitive exchange rates, and fully digital onboarding. Many platforms enable access to local payment networks, issue both virtual and physical business cards, and provide integrations with accounting and ERP systems. This allows companies to manage and automate international transfers, expense management, and currency conversion conveniently from a single dashboard.
Accounting processes also become significantly more efficient thanks to features such as automatic receipt capture and categorised transactions. Businesses therefore benefit not only from lower banking fees but also from time savings and improved financial control.
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Key criteria for choosing the best business bank account
Selecting the right business account depends heavily on your business model, international focus, and day-to-day needs. In our Business Account Comparison 2025, we’ve included the most relevant criteria that most companies should consider:
- Multi-currency account: For businesses operating internationally, access to multiple currencies is essential. A good multi-currency account allows you to receive, hold, and send payments in different currencies — without the need to open separate foreign currency accounts at other banks.
- Access to local payment networks: Payments via SEPA, ACH, or UK Faster Payments instead of SWIFT provide faster and more cost-effective options for both senders and recipients.
- Exchange rate fees: When conducting frequent international transactions, every cent counts. Transparent exchange rates without hidden margins protect businesses from unnecessary costs.
- Access to debit cards: Business cards — whether physical or virtual — are essential for most companies. Ideally, multiple cards can be issued and managed online for different teams, projects, or currencies.
- Currency hedging: Companies dealing regularly in foreign currencies benefit from hedging tools such as limit orders or forward contracts. These reduce the risk of exchange rate fluctuations and simplify budget planning.
- Security: Regulations and deposit protection ensure your company funds remain safe, even with fully digital providers.
- Monthly costs: Beyond the basic account fee, it’s important to consider transaction, card, and additional service fees. Many FinTechs offer transparent pricing models that scale based on the number of users or available features.
Business account comparison 2025: Top 5 providers
For our business account omparison 2025, we have selected five leading providers that stand out for their functionality and excellent value for money.
| amnis | Wise | PayPal | Qonto | bunq |
| Currencies | 20+ | 40+ | 25 | Local currency only | 20+ |
| Local payment networks | Free payments in the UK, USA, CH & EU | Local payment networks for AUD, EUR, GBP, HUF, SGD & PHP | No | Via Wise | SEPA |
| Exchange rates | From mid-market rate + 0.20% | Depends on currency pair and amount | 3% above base exchange rate | Via Wise | Mid-market + 0.50% |
| Debit cards | Physical & digital | Physical & digital | Physical (limited) | Physical & digital (limited) | Physical & digital (limited) |
| Hedging | Limit orders, forward contracts | Limit orders | No | No | No |
| Security | Supervised by VQF & FMA, EEA deposit protection | No traditional deposit protection | No traditional deposit protection | Supervised by ACPR, FGDR deposit protection | DGS deposit protection |
| Monthly costs | From €0 | €0 | €0 | From €9 | From €0 |
amnis
amnis specialises in international payments for companies of all sizes. With over 20 available currencies in a single multi-currency account, CHF and EUR IBAN accounts, free payments in key markets, and a low exchange rate markup starting at just +0.20%, amnis offers an efficient solution for cross-border businesses.
Even small companies gain access to hedging tools such as limit orders and forward contracts to protect against currency risks. Multi-currency business cards are available in both physical and virtual formats and can be customised to company needs (e.g., geoblocking, spending limits). With high security standards and local, German-speaking support, amnis is particularly attractive for growing companies focused on international payments.
Wise
Wise offers a multi-currency account supporting more than 40 currencies and, depending on the region, access to over six local payment networks. Transfers come with transparent fees that are often lower than those of traditional banks. Business cards are available both physically and digitally.
Wise does not offer classic currency hedging products. The account can be opened for free and is ideal for freelancers and small businesses with international clients.
PayPal
PayPal remains one of the most popular payment providers in e-commerce, mainly due to its global reach and ease of use. PayPal offers a multi-currency account that allows users to receive payments in various currencies; however, it is not suitable for traditional bank transfers. Individual IBANs or account numbers are also not provided, and the PayPal Business Debit Mastercard is available only in limited form.
As such, PayPal is best suited for e-commerce businesses, online service providers, and platform operators who want to offer their customers a wide range of payment options.
Qonto
Qonto is specifically designed for European freelancers, start-ups, and SMEs. The account is quick to set up and offers a user-friendly interface for account management and bookkeeping. While Qonto does not support multi-currency accounts, payments within Europe are efficient and well-integrated.
Debit cards can be created and managed flexibly, though availability depends on the selected plan. Monthly fees start at €9, depending on the range of features. Qonto is particularly well-suited for digital businesses based in the EU that do not operate in foreign currencies.
bunq
bunq is a Dutch neobank focused on freelancers and small businesses. Users can create up to 25 IBANs in multiple currencies, though local payment options are limited to the European region.
Depending on the plan, up to 10 physical cards can be issued for employees. However, bunq does not offer currency hedging options. It is therefore a compelling alternative to traditional banks, especially for digitally savvy freelancers and locally operating businesses.
How to use the business account comparison
The business account comparison helps you find the right account for your company — based on your specific requirements and business model. Whether you’re a freelancer, start-up, or SME, your needs will vary depending on your industry, level of internationalisation, and digital priorities:
- Freelancers & sole proprietors: Look for low base fees and simple accounting features.
- Start-ups: Choose providers that offer scalable features, digital tools, and multi-user access.
- SMEs with international operations: Focus on multi-currency accounts, currency hedging, and access to local payment networks.
- E-commerce & platform providers: Integration with payment services, flexible business cards, and fast settlement are key.
- Travel-intensive businesses: Multi-currency debit cards and mobile account management are particularly useful for business travel.
amnis: Your All-in-One Platform for International Transactions
amnis is more than just a business account — it’s a comprehensive financial platform designed for internationally oriented companies.
With innovative features such as multi-currency accounts, fee-free payments in key markets, professional currency hedging, and multi-currency debit cards, amnis offers far greater flexibility than traditional banks or conventional FinTech alternatives.
Your advantages at a glance:
- 24/7 self-service: Manage all your finances centrally through one intuitive dashboard.
- Local support: Personal customer service in German — competent, direct, and reliable.
- Business account interest: Earn cashback on balances in selected currencies.
- Professional hedging: Secure exchange rates with limit orders and forward contracts.
- Efficient expense management: Cost centers, invoice uploads, tagging, and categorisation — all in one place.
- Seamless integrations: Connect amnis with third-party tools such as H2H (SFTP), Exact Online, bexio, and more.
- Open API: Integrate amnis flexibly and securely into your existing systems.
Discover the amnis ecosystem — the smart complement to your traditional business bank account and the key to efficient, international financial management.
