Are you about to start for yourself or bring your company to a higher level? Then that question comes naturally: do you really have to open a business account or can you just stick to your private account? Especially as a self -employed person, freelancer or small entrepreneur, it is nice to know where you stand. So, what about that in the Netherlands and what should you pay attention to if you want to open a business account? Below you get all the answers, so that you immediately know where to start.
Why opening a business account is actually not a bad idea
Everyone knows that entrepreneur who just does everything through his private account. Nice and easy, you might think. But as soon as the accounting becomes a bit more complicated or you want to keep your administration tidy, you immediately notice how much hassle that yields. Mixing business and private life is asking for confusion. For example, you have difficulty keeping up with your VAT, you forget business costs and the search for transactions suddenly becomes a day task. For self -employed people and freelancers, it is not officially obliged to open a business account, but to be honest, almost every bank sets it as soon as they realize that you use the account in business. Do you have a BV or VOF? Then you will not get away from it anyway. Your business account is then simply necessary, among other things for the tax authorities.
What are the benefits of a business account?
A business account has quite a few advantages, even if you just start as an entrepreneur. You keep business and private neatly separate, which not only provides an overview, but also prevents you from spending hours on administration. You immediately come across as more professional to customers and suppliers. Moreover, it is easier to use extras such as payment cards for your company, integrations with accounting programs and clear insight into your income and expenses. Sounds good, right?
What documents do you need for opening a business account?
It may sound exciting, but opening a business account is often less complicated than you think. In any case, you need a valid proof of identity, your registration with the Chamber of Commerce and often proof of address. Do you have a BV, Foundation or Association? Then the bank usually also asks about the articles of association and information about the shareholders. All in all you are ready with the right documents. Bee Modern alternative institutions Everything goes digitally and you don’t even have to leave your house anymore.
How long does it take and what does it really cost?
Anyone who has ever applied for a business account at a traditional bank probably remembers the waiting time and paperwork. Nowadays it can be a lot faster. If you want to get started right away, you can open your business account at online providers without an appointment or hassle within a few minutes. Think of Qonto, where everything is arranged digitally. Cost? They vary enormously, but count on a few euros per month for a simple account more if you want a lot of extras. Please note, a business account is never free, so take a good look at what you need.
What is the difference between traditional banks and modern online alternatives?
It used to be simple: you went to a bank office, took a seat at a counter and filled in piles of forms. Those who start now want speed, convenience and control. Online providers such as Qonto are conveniently responding to this. You can open your business account via your laptop or telephone, without an appointment and without piles of paperwork. You immediately get a Dutch IBAN, payment cards for yourself or your team and you always see at a glance what is going in and out. Integrations with your accounting program are standard, so that your administration suddenly takes a lot less time. Do you want to ask something? Then you just get an answer in Dutch. Incidentally, Qonto is a payment service provider, so not a real bank, but you can go there as a self -employed person, freelancer, eg or even as a foundation or association. For entrepreneurs who mainly value speed and simplicity, opening a business account is definitely worth considering.
How does opening a business account in steps work?
The process sometimes seems more complicated than it is. If you go for an online provider, you will go through a few simple steps. You choose the type of company, enter your company data, uploads the required documents and within a few minutes you can often get started. Most entrepreneurs are surprised at how quickly it is arranged. The best? No hassle with appointments, queues or paper mail.