Open a business account for small business owners
Whether you’re a freelancer, run a small business or are self-employed under Section 19 of the German VAT Act (UStG): With the Kontist business account, you can keep your personal and business finances clearly separated, stay on top of your finances and manage all your banking through the app. Open your account online in under 10 minutes.
- Permanently free account available
- Real-time estimate of your tax liability
- Physical and virtual Visa debit card
- Subaccounts for reserves and projects
- Easy loans for small business owners
Users love the Kontist app
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Users love the Kontist app
Your benefits
Why Kontist is the perfect business account for your small business
As a small business owner, you’re not required to have a separate business account. But it helps you keep your personal and business finances clearly separated, so you never lose track or overlook business expenses. Here’s how Kontist helps:
Start for free, stay for free
Kontist offers a permanently free plan with no hidden fees. Ideal if you’re just starting out or your monthly transaction volume is manageable.
Always know where you stand financially
Keep track of your income, expenses and estimated tax liability at all times. The Kontist app shows you in real time how much you should set aside.
More than just an account
Bookkeeping exports for sevdesk and your tax advisor, subaccounts for reserves and flexible loans, even when other banks turn you down.
Support that actually helps
No automated phone system, no call center. If you have a question or something isn’t right, you can reach a real person via live chat.
Still in the process of starting your business?
Your account for the startup phase
The Kontist business account is designed specifically for the startup phase. Open your account before your business is officially established and get started without delay. > Go to the Kontist founder account
Start your business online
Want to register as a freelancer or set up a GmbH or UG? In cooperation with Beglaubigt.de, you can register your business or set up your company entirely online – without visiting government offices and without paperwork.
What do you get with the Kontist business account for small business owners?
€0 account management fees
Apple Pay and Google Pay
SEPA transfers and instant payments
Bookkeeping with sevdesk
100% digital – no branch visit required
Live support
One account – plenty of possibilities
Find the account plan that’s right for you
Kontist supports you from the moment you start your business to the point where it’s firmly established. Discover all the features on our pricing page.
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
How to open your Kontist business account for small business owners
1. Download the Kontist app
Download the app for free on iOS or Android. The entire setup process takes place on your smartphone – no laptop and no paperwork required.
2. Enter your details
The app guides you through the registration process step by step. Enter your personal details and the most important information about your business. It only takes a few minutes.
3. Confirm your identity
Our partner IDnow verifies your identity in a short video call. Everything takes place online, conveniently from home – no branch visit or waiting required.
4. Get started
Your account is active immediately. You can start sending and receiving payments, setting up subaccounts and issuing your first invoice right away.
What do you need to open your Kontist account?
No stacks of documents, no proof of income and no visits to government offices. For small business owners, freelancers and side businesses, this is all you need:
You officially live in Germany
You are liable for tax in Germany
You have a valid ID card or passport
You are at least 18 years old
If available: business registration and tax number
Features that make banking for your small business much easier
Real-time tax estimates
As a small business owner, you often don’t know how much you owe the tax office until the end of the year. Kontist automatically calculates how much you should set aside based on your income. Directly in the app and continuously updated.
SEPA instant transfers
Transfer money in seconds instead of waiting for business days. Whether you’re paying a supplier, contractor or an unexpected expense, instant transfers get your money where it needs to go immediately.
Up to 5 subaccounts
Set up separate subaccounts for taxes, reserves or individual projects. That way, you’ll never mix money that’s already earmarked for something with money that’s actually available to spend.
Trust real customers
What other small business owners say about 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".
Your Visa debit card – physical and virtual
Whether you’re at the supermarket, having a business lunch or shopping online, you can use your Kontist Visa debit card anywhere Visa is accepted. Worldwide, with no separate application and no waiting.
Physical card from day one
Your card is included as soon as you open your account. Withdraw cash, make contactless payments and take care of everyday business expenses.
Virtual card for secure online payments
Ideal for subscriptions and online purchases. Available as an add-on with the free plan and already included in higher-tier plans.
Full control through the app
Lost your card or something doesn’t feel right? Freeze your card directly in the app at any time – in seconds and without having to call support.
Full flexibility with the Kontist business account for small business owners
Banking through the app, wherever you are
Manage all your banking through the Kontist app. Make transfers, check your balance, manage subaccounts and capture receipts – all on the go, at any time and without a laptop.
Apple Pay and Google Pay
Connect your Kontist account to Apple Pay or Google Pay and make contactless payments using your smartphone or smartwatch. Fast, secure and without having to take your card out of your wallet.
Push notifications for a better overview
Every payment, every incoming transfer, every debit: You receive an instant notification on your smartphone. That way, you always know what’s happening in your account without having to log in.
Personal live support when you need it
With the Kontist app, help is always close at hand. The integrated chat connects you directly with our team, who can help you as quickly as possible.
Hey! We at Kontist are happy to help you with any questions you may have!
Philipp from Kontist
Loans for small business owners – even when others turn you down
Traditional banks often struggle with self-employed customers. Fluctuating income, no payslips, no collateral: That’s often enough to get rejected. Kontist takes a different approach. Instead of annual financial statements, what matters is your actual account activity.
Credit from €500 to €50,000
Apply directly in the app and receive an offer in seconds
Payout within 24 hours
Interest rate capped at a maximum of 17% thanks to EU funding
Repay early at any time at no additional cost
Bookkeeping for small business owners taken care of
You can handle bookkeeping basics such as issuing invoices and capturing receipts directly in Kontist.
Want more? Connect your Kontist account to sevdesk and your bookkeeping will run largely automatically. All your transactions flow automatically into sevdesk, where they are matched directly with your receipts and invoices. No manual transfers, no paper chaos.
Depending on your plan, you can get sevdesk free for up to 12 months.
Switching business accounts made easy
Already have a business account and want to switch to Kontist? No problem. Together with our partner Qwist, we guide you through the entire switching process – from getting an overview of your existing direct debits and standing orders to notifying your payment partners. The switching service is free and usually takes just a few minutes.
Frequently asked questions about the Kontist business account for small business owners
Am I required to have a business account as a small business owner?
What happens if I use my personal account for business?
Can I open a free business account as a small business owner?
Do I need a tax number to sign up for Kontist?
Is there a SCHUFA check when opening an account?
How long does it take to open an account?
What happens if I exceed the revenue threshold for the small business regulation?
Are Kontist account management fees tax-deductible?
Can I also apply for loans through my Kontist account?
How secure is the Kontist business account?
Can Kontist be connected to bookkeeping software for small businesses?
No longer a small business owner? Discover all Kontist business accounts
Freelancers
Kontist is made specifically for self-employed professionals – with features that make your business banking simple and stress-free.
GmbH/UG/GbR
Running a company? Benefit from a flexible and secure banking solution that fits your needs.
Founders
Just getting started? With Kontist, you have the right business account for your business from day one.