How to open a business account online: who can, what you need, and the trade offs

Snapshot

Many businesses can now open an account online, without visiting a branch. Digital providers such as Wise Business, Revolut Business, Qonto, Airwallex and Payoneer onboard remotely, and many traditional banks offer video or document based opening for some accounts. The checks are the same as in branch, and some online providers are electronic money providers rather than licensed banks. As of 9 June 2026.

Who onboards online: Digital providers and, for some accounts, traditional banks. As of 9 June 2026.
Typical timeline: Minutes to a few days at digital providers when documents are complete.
Common requirement: Company registration, owner identification and a clear ownership structure.
Watch out for: Some online accounts are electronic money providers, not licensed banks, and availability varies by country.

Fees and features as of 9 June 2026Last reviewed 9 June 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

As of 9 June 2026, many businesses can open an account online without visiting a branch. Digital providers such as Wise Business, Revolut Business, Qonto, Airwallex and Payoneer onboard remotely, and many traditional banks now offer video or document based opening for some account types. The anti money laundering and know your customer checks are the same as in branch, so you still provide company registration, identification for owners, and a description of the activity. Online opening is not available everywhere or for every company type, and some online accounts are run by electronic money providers that safeguard funds rather than licensed banks, so check who holds the licence and how your money is protected before you rely on it.

How opening a business account online works

Online opening replaces the branch visit with a web or app based application. You enter the company details, upload documents, and complete an identity check, sometimes by video and sometimes by photographing an identity document and a selfie. The provider then runs the same anti money laundering and know your customer checks a branch would, and may ask follow up questions about the ownership structure or the source of funds. As of 9 June 2026, a clean application at a digital provider can be approved in minutes to a few days, while a traditional bank using video onboarding may take longer.

Licensed banks and electronic money providers

Not every online account is a bank account. Some providers hold a banking licence and take deposits covered by a deposit guarantee scheme, while others are electronic money or payment institutions that safeguard customer money in separate accounts rather than holding insured deposits. As of 9 June 2026, both can be useful, but the protection differs, so check whether a provider is a licensed bank or an electronic money provider and how your funds are held before you move money in.

Where online opening is available

Availability depends on your country and company type. Many providers only onboard companies registered in markets they serve, and some require a director or owner to be resident there. As of 9 June 2026, non resident applications face stricter checks and are often declined, and some markets still expect at least one in person or video step. Check the provider for the markets and company types it supports before you start.

What you usually need to apply online

Most online applications ask for a similar core set of details. As of 9 June 2026. Verify with the provider

Proof of company registration and the registered company details.
Identification for directors and beneficial owners and a clear ownership structure.
Proof of address and a description of the business activity, and sometimes expected turnover.
An identity check, often by video or by photographing an identity document.

How to open an account online

Confirm the provider serves your country and your company type, and check whether it is a licensed bank or an electronic money provider.
Gather the company registration, owner identification, proof of address, and a description of the activity before you start.
Complete the online application and identity check, then verify the current fees and how your money is protected with the provider before you fund the account.

Compare business accounts you can open online

Several providers onboard businesses online, with availability that varies by country and company type. Browse the provider reviews to compare features, then confirm current eligibility and terms before applying. Shown as of 9 June 2026.

Browse business account reviews →

Common questions

Can I open a business account fully online?

In many markets, yes. As of 9 June 2026, digital providers such as Wise Business, Revolut Business, Qonto, Airwallex and Payoneer onboard businesses online, and many traditional banks now offer video or document based opening for some account types. Availability depends on your country and company type, so check each provider before you apply.

Is an online account a real bank account?

Not always. Some online providers hold a banking licence, while others are electronic money or payment institutions that safeguard customer funds rather than holding deposits covered by a deposit guarantee scheme. As of 9 June 2026, check whether a provider is a licensed bank or an electronic money provider and how your money is protected before relying on it.

What do I need to open a business account online?

Providers usually ask for proof of company registration, identification for directors and beneficial owners, a clear ownership structure, proof of address, and a description of the business activity. Some run a video check. As of 9 June 2026, requirements vary by provider and country, so confirm before you start.

Can a non resident open a business account online?

Sometimes, but it is harder. Many providers require the company to be registered in a market they serve, and some require directors or owners to be resident there. Non resident applications face stricter checks and are often declined. As of 9 June 2026, confirm the position with the provider before applying.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 9 June 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.