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Everything you need to know about Accountable Banking!

Whether you're just starting out or you've been self-employed for a while, this article gives you an overview of everything you need to know about Accountable Banking.

Written by Steve

What is Accountable Banking?

Accountable Banking is a fully integrated business account for self-employed people, built right into the Accountable app. It makes it easy to manage your finances, make payments, receive transfers, and automatically match your income to your invoices and bookkeeping.

Accountable Banking offers all the services you'd expect from a traditional bank. We're subject to the same strict regulations and standards as traditional banks, so you get a safe and reliable banking experience.

What makes it unique: everything happens on one platform, your account, your invoices, your bookkeeping. No switching back and forth between apps, no paperwork. Simple banking, exactly the way you need it as a self-employed person.

Who can open a business account?

Accountable Banking is designed specifically for self-employed people.

You can open a business account if you:

  • Are self-employed

  • Have an active business number for your self-employed activity (KBO/CBE)

  • Can show an active professional or freelance activity

Important: Accountable Banking isn't available for companies yet. We don't currently offer business accounts for companies or legal entities (e.g. BV, NV, VZW, COMMV, etc.).

Opening an account — Here's how it works

1. Verify your identity

Before you can get started, you'll need to officially verify your identity through video identification.

  • Keep your valid ID card handy

  • Verification happens through your smartphone or browser

  • It only takes a few minutes

💡 Tip: Make sure you have good lighting and a stable internet connection so everything runs smoothly.

2. Automatic verification (and documents if needed)

After the identity check, your account is usually verified automatically within 1 to 3 business days.

In some cases, our banking partner Swan may ask for additional documents.

👉 If that's needed, you'll get a clear email with instructions on which documents to upload.

3. Start using your business account 🚀

Once everything is verified, your business account is officially active and ready to use.

Which documents are needed?

In most cases, no additional documents are needed after identity verification. If needed, Swan may ask for:

  • Valid proof of identity

  • Proof of address (e.g. a utility bill)

  • More information about your activity

  • Proof of income

How long does activation take?

Your account is usually verified within 1 to 3 business days after the identity check and any requested documents.

In some cases it can take a bit longer, for example when:

  • Documents are missing or incomplete

  • There are questions about your activity or identity

  • The identity verification needs to be redone

💡 Tip: Double-check that all information is correct and clearly legible — this speeds up the process a lot.

If you haven't heard back after 5 business days, get in touch with support.

Who provides the account?

The Accountable Banking business account is made available in partnership with our licensed banking partner Swan.

Swan is a payment institution licensed by the French banking supervisory authority (ACPR) to provide payment services.

The banking services are directly integrated into your Accountable account and provided by Swan. They're subject to Swan's terms and conditions, available on this page.

💡 Important: Your account is a genuine individual business account with its own Belgian IBAN, in your name, and secured in line with European banking guidelines.

What can you do with the Accountable Banking business account?

Your own Belgian IBAN (BE-IBAN)

  • Ideal for invoices, transfers to and from clients, and tax payments.

Virtual & physical Mastercard

  • Secure payments online or in stores

  • Works with Apple Pay & Google Pay

Free SEPA transfers

  • Instant or standard

Cash withdrawals

  • At any ATM with the Mastercard logo in the SEPA zone.

Spaces (sub-accounts) (exclusive to the MAX plan)

  • Up to 10 virtual sub-accounts with their own IBAN — ideal for reserves or specific projects.

Automatic tax reserves

  • Automatically set tax money aside in a separate account.

Seamless integration with bookkeeping and tax

  • Every payment can be directly categorized and linked to invoices.

Support

  • Fast and reliable help from our Accountable Banking team.

Questions?

Stuck somewhere, or something not clear? Our support team is happy to help!

Ready to go? Then you're all set — your Accountable Banking account is waiting for you! ✨


Related articles

  • Is my money safe with Accountable Banking?

  • How to pay your invoices with your Accountable Banking account 💸

  • Accountable Free Plan: what you can do in the mobile app

  • Next steps once your Accountable Banking account is verified ✅

  • International incoming transfers — how it works

  • I forgot my 6-digit Accountable Banking code. How do I reset it?

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