How can I open a business bank account online quickly?

Why open a business bank account online?

Digital banks are increasingly competing with traditional banks. Opening an online bank account offers several advantages:

Opening is quick and easy

To open an account remotely, in just a few clicks. All you need is smartphone, computer or tablet to make your day-to-day transactions or consult your account.

You are completely autonomous and can manage your account from anywhere.

All you need to do is scan the necessary documents, especially as digital banks require a minimum of documentation to facilitate the process.

Simplified management

Digital banks have a dedicated mobile application It offers all the functions you need to manage your account without having to go anywhere. In addition to account creation, the application enables :

• Make transfers

• Cash in

• Track expenses

• Etc.

Less red tape

With online accounts, you can say goodbye to time-consuming formalities and agency visits. To create an online account, simply scanner vos documents .

Attractive rates

As online banks have no physical branches, they face a number of challenges. fewer fixed costs They pass on these savings in their rates. This is why account fees are significantly lower to those of traditional banks.

Analyze your needs before opening an account

The various digital banks offer a wide range of services and are aimed at a specific clientele. So it's important to analyze your own needs before opening an account.

Essential banking services

Among the services offered by online banks, there are first and foremost the basics:

Payment methods

There are various payment methods that an online bank can offer:

• Credit and debit cards, the most common means of payment. With a credit card, you can spend more than your actual balance, because your expenses are debited at a later date.

  With a debit card, on the other hand, the amount spent is debited instantly.

• Bank transfers. Less popular for online purchases, they offer a higher level of security for larger amounts.

• Direct debits for recurring payments.

• Electronic wallets These are appreciated for their safety and speed.

• Deferred payments. They allow you to pay in instalments.

SEPA and international transfers

If you have an international clientele, it's important to check the digital bank's conditions for SEPA and international transfers.

• What are the rates?

• Is there a threshold for free admission?

• Or ceilings?

• Etc.

Payment solutions

Cash-in solutions let you accept payments from your customers.

Some digital banks only accept credit card payments, while others accept checks or cash.

Few digital banks still accept cash deposits.

Finally, some chains work with a partner to turn your smartphone into a payment terminal and collect payments securely on your mobile.

Financial management tools

More than purely financial products, online banks offer additional services to set them apart from the competition.

Mobile applications and online services

To manage your account online, you can via a mobile application or directly from the agency's website.

To be of real interest, the mobile application must be easy to use and offer practical features. Some banks offer a free offer or a limited-time free trial. These offer the advantage of being able to test the bank's functions before opening an account.

Integration with accounting software

This feature is a real plus for an online bank. It allows you to make the accountant's work easier, by eliminating manual data entry and the potential risk of error.

All you have to do is take a photo of the accounting vouchers and enter them into the tool, instead of typing them in.

Financial dashboards

Dedicated online banking applications feature a dashboard that allows you to :

• Real-time monitoring of expenses

• Control of employee spending

• Etc.

Criteria for choosing an online professional bank

Here are some criteria you can adopt when choosing an online pro bank:

Bank charges and fees

This is one of the first criteria to consider, as it has a financial impact on your business.

Account management fees

Digital banks generally offer 2 or 3 tariff formulas. Choose according to your needs and financial means.

The more expensive an offer, the more services it provides. So weigh up the benefits against the costs, and choose according to your needs.

Fees for transfers and direct debits

You should also find out about the various commissions applied, the free-of-charge thresholds and the various ceilings .

Digital banks generally charge a commission on each transaction. The amount of these commissions varies from one bank to another.

Costs of additional services

Some digital banks offer additional services such as insurance, bank loans, etc. If so, you need to know the costs of these additional products, and above all ask yourself whether you need them in your business.

Accessibility and customer service

As digital banks have no physical branches, particular attention is paid to the quality of customer service. The latter is the customer's sole point of contact in the event of any difficulty or problem.

Availability of customer support

This includes check customer support availability times. Of course, there's nothing like 24/7 service.

Some banks also define priorities according to the offer subscribed to. The complaints of premium customers are given priority.

Customer support responsiveness is one of the key criteria that users take into account when rating an online bank.

Communication channels

Customer support for a digital bank can be reached :

• By email

• Via son livechat

• By phone

• On social networks

• On the website

The more diversified the admitted communication channels, the better, because the customer can choose.

On the other hand, customer support available on a single communication channel is not optimal for customers.

Ease of use

Customer support must be easily accessible. This is an important condition for providing customers with an optimal user experience.

Customer reviews and reputation

It's getting easier and easier to check the reputation of a product or brand. All you need to do is check on social networks or on specialized Internet platforms.

This means checking ratings and reading customer reviews on platforms such as Trustpilot, Google Play or Apple store.

Steps to opening a business bank account online

Here's how to open a pro bank account online in 3 steps:

Step 1: Gather the necessary documents

Just like opening a traditional bank account, opening an online account also requires a number of documents:

Proof of identity

Banks generally require identification of the company's legal representative.

Proof of company address

An additional piece is also required to indicate company address.

Proof of address can also be requested from the legal representative.

The articles of association may also be requested.

Kbis extract

This is a document that attests to registration of a legally created company.

Step 2: Fill in the online form

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you must fill in the online form of the neobank.

Data entry

You will need to enter information about your personal situation and your company.

The electronic signature

Once you have filled in the form, a contract will be proposed to you. You must read it carefully and then sign electronically to validate the creation of your account.

Step 3: Verification and validation

This is the final step before opening your online account.

Sending supporting documents

The supporting documents required can be scanned or photographed then sent, without having to go anywhere.

The verification process

The bank then proceeds to verification of these documents. It may request additional documentation where necessary, particularly for certain types of business.

Opening confirmation

After checking the supporting documents sent, the bank sends an email to confirm the definitive opening of the professional account.

This whole process takes place in 10 to 15 minutes.

Online banking services for professionals

Online banks may offer additional services, but the following basic services are generally included in the package:

Payment management

This is the basis for a bank account. Functionalities must be provided for making payments both nationally and internationally.

SEPA and international transfers

Transfers outside the national territory are generally charged more . Find out more about these rates, especially if you need them for your business.

Hero and Revolut pro accounts are very competitive.

Online cheque deposit

You need to know the conditions for depositing cheques. How much are commissions? What are the maximum limits? Etc.

Bank cards

The bank card is a an essential means of payment nowadays.

Physical and virtual cards

The virtual card is a fairly recent and more secure means of payment than the physical card. It allows you to make online payments or via Google Pay or Apple Pay for merchant payments.

A fixed number of physical cards can also be included in a bank's offer. Additional cards are also available for a fee.

At Hero, we're offering you 2 with our free plan.

Insurance and services included

Online banking sometimes offer coverage in the event of delays or flight cancellation insurance, medical coverage, etc.

Financial management tools

Online banking also offer financial management tools, included in pro account offers.

The mobile application

An online bank's dedicated application offers more or less advanced functionalities, depending on the bank. Generally speaking, they help you manage your day-to-day life.

However, the functionalities offered are not the same. This is why that you should take the time to get to know them before signing up for a particular offer.

Accounting integration

Some digital banks integrate with the most common accounting tools. So you need to check that the bank you choose integrates with your accounting system.

Discover Heropay for your pro account

Founded in 2021, Hero offers an innovative product on the online pro account market. Here are the details of its offer:

Services designed to boost your business

Hero's range of products and services has been specially designed to give your business a boost :

• A free pro account with physical and digital bank cards and a deferred payment option

• An online payment solution at unbeatable prices

• Flexible, no-obligation financing solutions (BNPL in B2B, accelerated payment on marketplaces (Amazon...), receivables and debt financing)

Multi-channel payment

Hero supports 3 payment methods: credit cards, direct debits and bank transfers.

Always a smooth cash flow

Hero's electronic factoring service enables you to keeps cash flow flowing .

Instant financing

Hero can finance your supplier invoices instantly . You can then reimburse the platform in 3 or 4 payments, or defer payment after 60 to 90 days.

Advance payment of customer invoices

Hero can also advance payment of your customer invoices. You can then grant payment facilities to your customers without suffering the consequences for your cash flow .

Stress-free accounting

The Hero tool also makes accounting easier.

Le reporting financier

The tool automatically generates financial reports monitor and control your account in real time.

Tailor-made solutions for every type of business

Hero caters to a wide range of customers, and offers something for everyone.

• Freelancers

• VSEs

• SMEs

• Liberal professions

• E-merchants

In conclusion, open a business account online With so many digital banks on the market, it's essential to carefully analyze the value for money offered, and whether the functionalities offered meet your needs. For innovative financing solutions, Hero is THE SOLUTION of choice.