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Do you need a business bank account?
Many new micro-entrepreneurs think they need a professional bank account on day one. The rule is simpler: you need an account used only for your business (a « compte dédié ») from the start if your activity is commercial, or once your turnover passes €10,000 for two years in a row, and it does not have to be a professional account. This guide explains the rule, what banks ask for and what to do if a bank refuses to open an account.
Written by MicroChrono · Updated on 19 October 2026
In short
- Commercial activity (trade, delivery…): a separate account is compulsory from the start. Other activities: once your turnover is above €10,000 for two calendar years in a row.
- It can be a personal account that you use only for your business.
- Banks usually ask for an identity document, a proof of address and your SIRET.
- If a bank refuses to open an account, the Banque de France can choose a bank that must open one for you.
The rule: a dedicated account
If your activity is commercial (you are registered as a trader, « commerçant »: sales, delivery…), you must use a bank account dedicated to your business from the start. For other activities, this becomes compulsory when your turnover is above €10,000 for two calendar years in a row. All your business income and expenses go through this account, and nothing personal.
Even when it is not compulsory, it makes your declarations much easier: everything you received is in one place. The name of the account must include « EI » or « entrepreneur individuel ».
Personal or professional account?
A personal account used only for your business is allowed. It is often cheaper than a professional account. Check your bank's terms, though: some banks forbid using a personal account for a business.
Online banks and neobanks often open accounts for micro-entrepreneurs quickly and online. Compare the monthly fee, card payments abroad, cash deposits and how you contact them.
What banks usually ask for
- A valid identity document: passport, national identity card or residence permit.
- A proof of address in France.
- Your SIRET, or a proof that your business is registered, such as the INSEE « avis de situation ».
- Sometimes a short description of your activity or a sample invoice.
If a bank refuses: the right to an account
Anyone who lives in France, whatever their nationality, and has no bank account in France has a right to one (« droit au compte »), and this also works for a professional account. If a bank refuses, it must give you a refusal certificate (« attestation de refus »). Send it to the Banque de France with your identity document, a proof of address and a proof that your business is registered.
The Banque de France then chooses a bank within one working day, and that bank must open the account within 3 working days, with 12 basic banking services free of charge, including a payment card.
Questions? We answer in English
Write to us on WhatsApp or by e-mail: we reply in English, Arabic or French.
Ready to register?
The registration form is in French, like the official documents. Our step-by-step guide explains each screen, and we check your file before sending it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open the account before I have my SIRET?
Some banks accept a proof that your registration is in progress, others wait for the SIRET. If you will use a personal account for your business, you can open it now.
Can URSSAF take payments from a foreign bank account?
In principle, yes. URSSAF has said that online direct debit and card payment work from a European (SEPA) account, but its systems still have some technical limits, and refunds to a foreign account can be difficult. A French IBAN avoids these problems.
Official sources
This guide gives general information, not legal advice. Rules can change: check the official sources below or ask the administration.