Affordable business loans for freelancers and the self-employed
Is your business account heading into overdraft and you need quick access to financing? With Kontist, you can apply for a business loan from €500 to €50,000 – without proof of income or complicated paperwork.
- Fast online application
- Payout within 24 hours
- Flexible loan terms
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The benefits of a Kontist business loan
If you invoice your clients, have fluctuating income or have only recently become self-employed, traditional banks often see you as a higher lending risk. The result? No loan at all—or interest rates of up to 50%. Yet freelancers and the self-employed are often the ones who need fast access to capital. That’s exactly the problem Kontist solves together with Froda.
Fast and easy
Apply for financing directly in the Kontist app. Within seconds of submitting your application, you’ll see whether you qualify, how much you can borrow and on what terms. Once you accept the offer, the funds are typically paid out the next business day.
Designed for the self-employed
Kontist assesses your loan eligibility based on your actual account activity, not on payslips or annual financial statements. The more actively you use your account, the better your potential loan terms.
Fair terms
Kontist loans are offered in partnership with Froda and supported by an EU-backed guarantee programme. The fund covers part of the default risk, helping keep interest rates capped at a maximum of 17%. This protects you from excessive borrowing costs.
Only with Kontist
Your loan is backed by the EU
The Kontist business loan is part of an EU-backed funding programme designed to make access to financing easier for small businesses and the self-employed. In partnership with Froda, the programme covers part of the default risk. This allows Kontist to offer financing to self-employed professionals who would often be turned down by traditional banks. In Germany, Kontist is the only provider offering this EU-backed business loan.
Interest rates capped at a maximum of 17% (no hidden markups)
Broader access, including for self-employed professionals with fluctuating income
Transparent terms with no renegotiation
Kontist vs. traditional banks: How does the loan compare?
When you need a business loan, your bank is often the first place you turn. But the outcome is often disappointing: your application is rejected or you’re offered a loan with very high interest rates. See how Kontist compares.
Criteria | Kontist loan | Traditional banks |
|---|---|---|
Access for freelancers | Yes, even with fluctuating income | Applications are often rejected or access is heavily restricted |
Application process | In seconds, directly in the app | Appointment required and documents must be collected |
Processing time | Offer within seconds | Weeks or months |
Payout | Within 24 hours | Often only after signed contracts have been returned by post |
Interest rate | Capped at a maximum of 17% | Set individually and often higher for the self-employed |
Documents or proof required | None; the decision is based on your account activity | Proof of income, annual financial statements, etc. |
Repayment term | 1 to 24 months | Set individually and often fixed |
Flexibility | Early repayment possible at any time | Often subject to an early repayment fee |
Who is the Kontist business loan for?
Whether you need to bridge a cash flow gap, invest in new equipment, grow your business with more marketing, or simply plan with greater peace of mind, Kontist is here to support you. If you’re self-employed and actively use your Kontist account, you may qualify for a loan—even if you’ve already been turned down by your bank.
Freelancers facing delayed payments
Your clients pay late, but your expenses keep coming. A Kontist business loan helps you bridge the gap.
Self-employed professionals looking to invest
Whether it’s new hardware, software, office equipment or a marketing campaign, invest when you need to instead of waiting for your next payment.
Businesses in a growth phase
You have new orders, but your cash flow isn’t quite enough to keep up.
Small business owners without collateral
No property. No investment portfolio. A Kontist business loan doesn’t require traditional collateral.
Financing that fits your business
No appointments. No paperwork. No blanket rejections. Open your account, use it actively for three months, then apply for financing directly in the app.
Just 4 steps
How to get your Kontist business loan
1. Apply for financing
You can apply for financing at any time directly in your Kontist app.
2. Receive your offer
Within seconds of submitting your application, you’ll receive your personalised loan offer.
3. Accept your offer and receive your funds
Choose how much of the offered amount you’d like to borrow, accept the offer, and the funds will be paid into your Kontist account the next business day.
4. Repay your loan
Repay your loan over a period of 1 to 24 months, depending on your individual terms.
At a glance
What do you get with a Kontist business loan?
Loan amounts from €500 to €50,000
Flexible repayment terms from 1 to 24 months
Monthly repayments, with free early repayment or additional repayments at any time
Interest rates capped at 17% thanks to EU-backed funding
No proof of income or annual financial statements required – your eligibility is based on your account activity
Who can apply for a Kontist business loan?
Self-employed professionals who have been actively using their Kontist account for at least three months can apply for financing directly in the app. Within seconds of submitting your application, you’ll see whether you qualify, how much you can borrow and on what terms—so you can make a quick decision while staying in control.
Frequently asked questions about Kontist business loans for freelancers and the self-employed
Can freelancers and self-employed professionals get a business loan?
When can I apply for a Kontist business loan?
How is my borrowing limit calculated?
What can I use a Kontist business loan for?
What documents do I need to apply for a business loan?
Can I apply for a business loan with a free Kontist business account?
Is there a SCHUFA credit check?
How long does it take to receive the funds?
What happens if my application is declined?
What if I have trouble repaying my loan?
Who is Froda?
What are the requirements for a business loan?
A Kontist business account on either the free or a paid plan
At least 3 months of active Kontist account usage
Loan amounts of up to €50,000
Your first step to a loan
Open your Kontist business account
Kontist Free
- SEPA instant transfers
- Real-time tax estimation
- Business account with German IBAN
- 5 SEPA transfers & direct debits
Kontist Start
Kontist Plus
Kontist Free
- SEPA instant transfers
- Real-time tax estimation
- Business account with German IBAN
- 5 SEPA transfers & direct debits
10,000s customers trust in Kontist.
"I feel very well taken care of and can wholeheartedly recommend Kontist."
"The best thing about Kontist is that I can see immediately after each transaction how much is left for me and how much goes to the tax office. This saves me from nasty surprises when I file my tax return".
