Whether you are just starting out or have been self-employed for some time, this article provides an overview of everything you need to know about accountable banking:
What is Accountable Banking?
Brief explanation: What exactly is accountable banking?
Accountable Banking is a fully integrated business account for self-employed individuals, directly in the Accountable app. It allows you to easily manage your finances, make payments, receive transfers, and automatically reconcile your income with your invoices and accounting.
Accountable Banking offers all the services you would expect from a traditional bank. We are subject to the same strict regulations and standards as traditional banks to guarantee you a secure and reliable banking experience.
What makes it special: Everything runs on a single platform, your account, your receipts, your accounting. No switching back and forth between tools, no paperwork. Simple banking, just as you need it as a self-employed person.
Who can open a professional bank account?
Accountable Banking is designed specifically for people who are self-employed.
You can open a business account if you:
are self-employed, including freelancers, founders, and sole proprietors
have a tax ID number from the tax office for your self-employed activity
can prove that you have an active business or freelance activity
Opening an account – Here's how:
Step-by-step guide to opening an account:
Verify your identity
Before you can get started, you need to officially verify your identity, which is easy to do via video identification.
Have your valid ID card or passport ready
Verification is done via your smartphone or browser
Only takes a few minutes
💡Tip: Make sure you have good lighting and a stable internet connection to ensure everything goes smoothly!
Upload the required documents and have them checked by our banking partner Swan
Now all you need are a few documents. Depending on whether you are self-employed or a business, different documents are required.
Don't worry, we'll tell you exactly what's missing and where to upload it.
Make your first transfer
Almost done!
Now make your first transfer to your new account, e.g., from your personal account or another business account in your name.
Why is this important?
This activates the account and lets us know that you are who you say you are.
Use your Accountable Banking account 🚀
Once everything has been verified, your account is officially active!
Which documents are required?
Different documents are required as proof, depending on whether you are self-employed or a freelancer and what type of business you have!
1. Valid ID document
2. Tax number for your self-employment
3. Proof of your registration (letter from the tax office (not older than 3 months) or your business registration)
4. Proof of address (utility bill)
5. Possibly a partnership agreement or articles of association (for GbR - company form)
How long does it take to activate?
Your account will usually be activated within 3 to 5 business days after you have uploaded all the necessary documents and completed the identity verification process.
The processing is carried out by our banking partner Swan. In some cases, it may take a little longer, for example if:
Documents are missing or incomplete
There are questions about your occupation or identity
The identity verification process needs to be repeated
💡Tip: Make sure that all information is correct and legible, as this will significantly speed up the activation process!
If you have not received any feedback after 5 business days, please contact support and we will look into it for you.
How does the business account work?
Who provides the account?
The Accountable Banking business account is provided by our licensed banking partner Swan.
Swan is an authorized payment institution licensed by the French Banking Supervisory Authority (ACPR) to offer payment services.
The banking services are integrated directly into your account and are provided by Swan. They are subject to Swan's terms of use, which you can find on this page.
💡Important: Your account is a real, individual business account with its own IBAN, held in your name and secured in accordance with European banking guidelines.
What can you do with the Accountable Banking business account?
Your own German IBAN
Your business account comes with a DE-IBAN – ideal for invoices, customer transfers, and tax payments.
Virtual & physical Mastercard
Secure payments online or in stores
Apple Pay & Google Pay compatible
Free SEPA transfers
Real-time or standard
Cash withdrawals
At all ATMs with the Mastercard logo within the SEPA zone.
Spaces (sub-accounts) (MAX subscription only)
Up to 10 virtual sub-accounts with their own IBAN – ideal for separating reserves or projects.
Automatically set aside tax reserves
Automatically set aside taxes in a separate tax reserve account
Seamlessly linked to accounting & tax
Each payment can be categorized directly and linked to receipts
Support
Fast and reliable help from our Accountable Banking Team
Any questions?
If you get stuck or something is unclear, our support team is happy to help!
Ready?
Then let's go – your Accountable Banking business account is waiting for you! ✨