Opening a professional account has never offered so many choices, nor sowed so many doubts. In just a few years, professional neobanks have shaken up traditional banks. Qonto has established itself as one of the main French players in the online professional account. “One in four businesses is now created with Qonto”says Philippine Rougevin-Baville, general manager for Western Europe at Qonto, which announces more than 600,000 client companies in Europe. However, competition is increasing, from Revolut Business to Shine, Finom or Propulse by CA, and the right choice depends above all on your profile.
One point deserves to be made straight away. Most of these players are not full-service banks, but payment institutions. Payment institutions are not covered by the traditional deposit guarantee mechanism applicable to banks. Client funds are, however, protected by a segregation mechanism with credit institutions. Cash management remains limited among most players, while services related to checks vary greatly from one offer to another. And electronic invoicing, receipt of which becomes mandatory on September 1, 2026, is already part of the choice.
Each profile has its own account
For a self-employed or a freelancer who is startingthe goal is to spend as little as possible. Three tracks stand out. Shine, now part of the Ageras group, offers an offer free since 2025. Finom does the same with its Solo plan, with cashback of up to 3% on card payments. Propulse by CA, backed by Crédit Agricole, starts at 8 euros per month and reassures with its solidity, while automating the URSSAF declaration.
For a independent installed or a TPE who above all wants to save time, the cursor moves towards the tools. Qonto, from 9 euros excluding taxes per month, includes the billingconnects to many accounting software programs and offers support seven days a week, with a check cashing service. Shine plays the same role for small structures, with its management tools and a card collection partnership via SumUp.
For a SMEs growing or oriented internationally, two names stand out. According to Philippine Rougevin-Baville, “Qonto targets companies ranging from business creators to SMEs with around fifty employees”. Revolut Business reigns over multi-currency, with more than 25 currencies with competitive exchange rates depending on theoffer subscribed, numerous virtual cards and an unlimited team. A decisive advantage for an e-retailer or service provider who invoices abroad.
The real criteria, beyond the displayed price
The call rate doesn’t tell the whole story. “The most common trap is to choose only based on the displayed price”warns the manager. The options pile up quickly. At Qonto, features the most complete are reserved for higher formulas. At Revolut, fees apply as soon as you exceed the transfer quotas. The real cost is measured in usage, not on the home page.
Second criterion, the time actually saved. “Beyond the displayed price, you have to look at what is really included, the functionalities, the quality of support and the absence of hidden costs”she summarizes. The ability to follow cash in real time, to collaborate with his accountant and connecting your tools weighs heavily.
Finally, safety and common boundaries are worth a look. Revolut benefits from a European banking license. The other main players cited are payment institutions: customer funds are segregated with credit institutions, according to a mechanism different from the deposit guarantee applicable to banks. None really replaces an establishment for creditlocal anchoring or management ofspecies. Many entrepreneurs therefore combine a neobank for everyday life and a traditional bank for funding. The right account is not the cheapest, it is the one that fits your business.
Article for information purposes. It does not constitute financial advice. The prices and conditions quoted may change, check on the official sites.
