If you're an entrepreneur, choosing the right business account is an important decision. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of offers on the market. You've probably heard of Nickel or the Nickel account? It's a good example of a no-banking account that's only available to individuals. So if you're a Nickel customer, you won't be able to open a business account with them. Anytime could be an excellent alternative!
Since the implementation of the Macron law on February 6, 2017, it's very simple to switch your pro account your personal account or from one bank to another. If you have signed a bank mobility mandate, your current bank is obliged to transfer your direct debits (gas, electricity, telephone, etc.) to the new bank.
If you want to open a pro account online, or if you already have one and want to change it, Anytime can help you take stock. Is a pro account in a digital financial service right for your business? Let's ask ourselves the right questions.
What do you expect from an online business account?
Before opening a business account, think about what you want from a business bank, and how you'll use it. Not all banks offer the same services, nor the same rates. Depending on your professional activity, it may be worth choosing a neobank or a traditional bank. Find out 7 questions to ask yourself before opening a pro account.
Q1 Are you comfortable with new technologies?
If so, it's in your best interest to use the services of a digital financial institution to open your business account online. Because they don't have to cover the costs of physical branches, pro neobanks like Anytime can offer lower rates than traditional banks. You can manage your day-to-day operations online 24/7 from a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Signing up with Anytime takes just a few minutes, and all the steps you need to take can be carried out directly from your application. You benefit from transparent rates and significant time savings.
Q2 Do you need a French RIB/IBAN?
The International Bank Account Number, or IBAN, is an international standard used to number bank accounts worldwide. It identifies each bank account, its institution and its beneficiaries.
For entrepreneurs, having a French IBAN is a good idea, as it is currently impossible to debit public bodies (Urssaf, social security contributions) from accounts with a foreign IBAN. If you open an account with Revolut or N26, this won't work, as they offer IBANs in Germany or England. The same applies to payments from tax authorities and telephone operators, who will not accept transactions with accounts not domiciled in France.
It's also possible that some of your customers won't be able to make a payment to an international pro account.
To facilitate your administrative procedures and dealings with your customers, we recommend that you choose a neobank pro like Anytime, which offers you a French RIB that you can use to set up your direct debits.
Q3 Does your business provide you with a fixed minimum income?
Unlike other pro banks, Anytime lets you open a pro account with no income requirements and no minimum sales. If your company's start-up activity is fairly uneven, it may be worth choosing a pro bank that doesn't require you to account for your income.
Q4 Do you need to borrow money from your professional bank?
If you're planning to take out a business loan, it's best to turn to a traditional bank. Anytime lets you manage your money as you wish, but does not yet offer the option of paying on credit. The advantage of Anytime is that you never have to pay overdraft charges or agios. Bear in mind that pro banks will only lend you money if you've been in business for at least 3 years and you can present 3 balance sheets and income statements with a positive net result.
Q5 Do you need a professional Mastercard to pay in France and/or abroad?
Anytime offers you a Pro Mastercard that works in France and abroad. Anytime charges 0% for foreign currency exchange, unlike banks and some competitors who charge 2.8%.
You can use your card to pay or withdraw cash anywhere in the world from compatible ATMs. It can be in your name or in your company's name. You can change the card's limits from your application, block or unblock it, and activate or deactivate the ATM withdrawal function. You can order up to 200 plastic Mastercards for your employees, setting limits for each one and keeping track of payments in real time.
Q6 Do you need to cash your customers directly?
Anytime offers 3 solutions for collecting cash directly from your customers.
- A payment terminal, which you purchase from our partners and which is then available to you for an unlimited period of time. You can collect credit card payments directly from your customers, and they will be automatically credited to your Anytime pro account.
- Payment links, which you can create directly in your Anytime online pro account, and send by email or SMS to your customers. They can then pay you immediately.
- A payment button, to be installed directly on your website if you sell products online.
Q7 How often do you need to be in contact with an advisor?
If this is the case, we advise you to contact a traditional pro bank with physical branches. If you choose such a bank, it's best to select one that is familiar with a business like yours, and has the experience to help you with your project. It's also a good idea to choose a bank with a branch close to your home, as you'll have to deal with all the formalities in person.
Anytime
Online financial services like Anytime are a good choice for a long-term relationship. It's very easy to open or close an account without a pro bank.
