Qonto logo - Alternatives in 2026

The best alternatives to Qonto in 2026

Looking for an alternative to Qonto? Whether to pay less, automate your bookkeeping or invoice internationally, other business accounts do as well, sometimes better, on your exact need. Here is our selection for freelancers and independent workers registered in France, with each one's honest strong point.

Our selection

ShineFree plan, then from €11 excl. VAT/month (French offer)

The business account for companies and independent workers 💫

The most direct French alternative: a free plan and simpler packages, ideal if Qonto feels expensive or oversized for solo use.

Read our review of Shine
  • Useful free plan: business account and unlimited invoicing at €0
  • Electronic invoicing included for free (Plateforme Agréée, an accredited platform under the French e-invoicing reform)
  • Customer service based in France, available 7 days a week
Shine logo
3 months free
Try Shine
BlankFrom €6 to €39/month excl. VAT (French offer)

The business account for independent workers in France

The cheapest to start (from €6 excl. VAT/month), backed by Crédit Agricole. Perfect as a micro-entrepreneur when you do not need Qonto's premium features.

Read our review of Blank
  • Business account with French IBAN and Visa Business card from €6/month excl. VAT
  • Quotes, invoices and automated Urssaf filing (French social contributions) from the Simple plan
  • Accounting export and receipt scanning
Blank logo
€50 credited
Try Blank
IndyFree Essentiel plan, then from €9/month excl. VAT billed annually (French offer)

Indy is accounting rethought for independent workers in France.

Where Qonto stops: Indy really automates your bookkeeping and returns, on top of the business account. The right choice under the BNC or micro regime to do without an accountant.

Read our review of Indy
  • Free Essentiel plan: business account, e-invoicing, automated bookkeeping
  • Tax filings automated and sent online from the Autonomie plan
  • Scale up to a partner expert-comptable (chartered accountant) without changing tool
Indy logo
1 month free
Try Indy
Revolut Business€0 - €90/month

Multi-currency business bank account for freelancers and companies

The international reflex: multi-currency accounts and favourable exchange, where Qonto stays very euro-centred. Ideal if you invoice clients abroad.

  • Multi-currency account, ideal for international freelancers
  • Attractive exchange rates
  • Virtual cards for online payments

Why look for an alternative to Qonto?

Qonto remains one of the most complete business accounts on the market. But it is not always the right choice, and a few limits are worth knowing before you decide:

  • The price climbs fast. The Basic plan at €9 excl. VAT/month caps at 30 transfers a month; once your activity picks up, you often move to Smart (€19) or Premium (€39). For simple use, Shine or Blank stay cheaper.
  • Bookkeeping is not really automated. Qonto integrates with accounting tools but does not file your returns for you. If you want to do without an accountant, Indy handles business account + bookkeeping + returns in one place.
  • Euro and France oriented. To invoice in several currencies or internationally, Revolut Business is clearly more flexible.
  • It is a payment institution, not a bank, like most business neobanks (no classic overdraft, no cash deposits).

For most freelancers, Qonto does the job perfectly. But depending on your budget and your exact need (bookkeeping, international or micro-entrepreneur), one of these alternatives may be more relevant.

Pricing at a glance

ToolPriceIdeal for
Qonto logoQontoref.From €9/month excl. VAT (solo, French offer, may differ locally)banque, facturation
Shine logoShineFree plan, then from €11 excl. VAT/month (French offer)banque, facturation
Blank logoBlankFrom €6 to €39/month excl. VAT (French offer)banque, facturation
Indy logoIndyFree Essentiel plan, then from €9/month excl. VAT billed annually (French offer)comptabilite, facturation
Revolut Business logoRevolut Business€0 - €90/monthbanque

Indicative prices taken from the tool pages, to be checked on the official websites.

Frequently asked questions about Qonto

Qonto has no free plan (only a 30-day trial). If you want a business account with no subscription, look at Shine, which has a free plan, or at Revolut Business and N26 Business, which offer a €0 plan with limited features.

Yes. Shine, Blank and Propulse by CA are French solutions (Blank and Propulse are backed by Crédit Agricole). All offer a French IBAN and French-speaking support, like Qonto.

Qonto is more complete (sub-accounts, team cards, advanced integrations) and targets independent workers as much as small companies. Shine is simpler, cheaper and has a free plan: it is often the best choice for a solo freelancer who wants the essentials without paying for team features.

Open your new business account first and get its IBAN, then move your incoming transfers (clients) and direct debits (URSSAF, subscriptions) to it. Keep the old account open for a few weeks while everything migrates, then close it. There is no automatic bank switching service between business accounts: the move is done manually.