Business Accounts in France
Comptes pro for a SASU, SARL, SAS or micro-entreprise registered in France, from the mutual banks and their online arms to the French fintechs that created the compte pro market. Incorporating in France needs a capital deposit and an attestation before registration, so how fast a provider issues that certificate is a real difference, not a detail. Then look at the monthly price against transfer and card limits, cheque and cash handling, built-in URSSAF and TVA set-asides, and whether the account feeds your accountant's software. Providers selling one account across Europe are sorted by product instead. Ranking comes from reader clicks and each provider's reach.
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France's largest bank by customer count offering traditional regional professional accounts (Pro by CA) for entrepreneurs and small companies. Cooperative structure with branch access, credit facilities, and comprehensive business services.
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One of France's major traditional banks offering professional accounts through Jazz Pro and SG Pro packages for entrepreneurs, craftspeople, and small businesses. Comprehensive services with branch access and advisory support.
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Banque Populaire offers Rythméo Start and Rythméo professional accounts for solo operators and small businesses, with digital onboarding, modest pricing, and FGDR deposit protection, plus the option to manage personal and professional accounts together.
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Caisse d'Epargne offers professional accounts tailored to different business types, with account opening in under ten minutes for solo operators, dedicated advisors, integrated personal and professional account management, and FGDR deposit protection.
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CIC is a major French bank offering the Contrat Professionnel Global, a comprehensive professional account with flat-rate fees, dedicated advisors, and FGDR deposit protection for small businesses and independent professionals.
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LCL is a major French retail bank offering two professional account tiers, L by LCL Pro for solo operators and the full-service à la carte option for small businesses, both with dedicated support and FGDR deposit protection.
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BoursoBank (formerly Boursorama Banque) is a fully online French bank offering Bourso Business, a free professional account with no monthly fees or transaction charges, FGDR deposit protection, and no minimum balance requirements, aimed at solo operators and small businesses.
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France's largest bank offering traditional professional accounts (Esprit Libre Pro) for entrepreneurs and small companies. Full-service banking with advisory support, credit facilities, and comprehensive business services.
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A French payment institution offering online business accounts with Mastercard cards and URSSAF integration, specifically designed for freelancers and micro-entrepreneurs. Regulated by the ACPR with funds held in escrow by Société Générale.
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A French fintech business account for self-employed professionals and freelancers with built-in invoicing, expense tracking, and automated URSSAF declarations. Run through Okali, an electronic money institution supervised by the ACPR, so balances are safeguarded client money rather than deposits inside the French guarantee scheme.
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BNP Paribas' online professional account for self-employed professionals and freelancers. Fast account opening with Visa Business debit card and URSSAF integration, available at competitive monthly rates.
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Crédit Agricole's online professional account distributed under the Propulse brand, powered by Okali EMI and designed for entrepreneurs, SASU, and SARL. Low monthly fees and rapid account opening with certificate issuance.
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A French online bank for entrepreneurs and company directors offering unlimited customizable Visa Corporate cards, expense tracking, and automated document processing. Fixed monthly pricing with no transaction fees.
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Anytime is a fintech professional account operated by the payment institution Treezor, offering five tiered plans starting at 9.50 euros per month, with 100,000 euros safeguard protection (not FGDR), targeting freelancers, craftspeople, and small businesses with fast onboarding and affordable pricing.
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Memo Bank is a licensed French bank for SMEs with API-first architecture, offering tiered professional accounts starting at 49 euros per month, designed for businesses with high transaction volumes and integration with enterprise software systems, with FGDR deposit protection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a traditional bank and an online provider for my French business account?
Traditional banks like BNP Paribas or Société Générale offer branch access and dedicated advisors for more personalized support. Online providers and fintechs offer faster onboarding and specialized digital tools like automated URSSAF declarations or built-in invoicing.
Can I open a professional account if I'm a freelancer or micro-entrepreneur?
Yes, many providers offer specific packages for solo operators. You can choose between quick digital setups with URSSAF integration or more comprehensive services from major retail banks.
How fast can I get my professional account opened?
Some providers offer very rapid onboarding, with certain options allowing you to open an account in under ten minutes. Online-focused brands and fintechs generally prioritize speed and digital-first processes.
Are my business deposits protected when using these providers?
Many of the listed banks and institutions offer FGDR deposit protection. This applies to both traditional major banks and various online professional account options.