Bank account of the micro-entrepreneur (self-entrepreneur)
Verified 28 May 2026 - Entreprendre Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
The opening of a professional bank account is not mandatory in micro-company. However, it is mandatory to have a account dedicated to professional activity (business bank account or separate personal account) if the annual turnover of the micro-company exceeds €10,000 for 2 consecutive years.
A bank account dedicated to the professional activity, that is to say assigned to the activity and separated from personal accounts, makes it possible to separate the business operations of the micro-company from those of the person who runs it (on micro-entrepreneur).
The bank account dedicated to the micro-company activity can be:
- Either one personal bank account (current account separate from the personal account used by the micro-entrepreneur for his personal expenses)
- Either one business bank account : account opened in the name of the micro-company with banking options designed specifically for companies: accounting, monitoring and reporting tools billingetc.
It is therefore generally more expensive to open a professional bank account than to open a personal account dedicated to the professional activity. The choice between the two depends mainly on the needs of the micro-entrepreneur, the desired services and the associated bank charges.
Please note
In practice, the bank account dedicated to the professional activity must contain the reference to " individual contractor ’ or ‘ IS », which can make it difficult to open a simple current account. In addition, some banks may limit professional use on personal accounts.
For more information on the choice of banking institution:

Bank account (EI) name
The opening of a bank account dedicated to professional activity is mandatory where its turnover (or its receipts) exceeds threshold of €10,000 for 2 consecutive years.
If the threshold is exceeded, contact a banking institution to open a personal bank account (simple current account) or a business account.
It is recommended to open a dedicated bank account even in case the annual turnover threshold of €10,000 is not exceeded for 2 consecutive years. This avoids confusion between personal and business expenses.
Please note
In the event of carrying out a commercial activity, it is mandatory to open a bank account dedicated to the professional activity, that the turnover threshold of €10,000 for 2 consecutive years is exceeded or not.
€10,000 threshold for 2 consecutive years (micro-entrepreneur)
Obligation to open an account (merchant)
Article 39: threshold of €10,000 for 2 consecutive years
To open a bank account dedicated to professional activity in micro-company, a certain number of documents must be transmitted to the banking institution, whether the account is personal or professional:
- Copy of one of the proof of domicile of the micro-company following:
- Lease receipt of less than 3 months
- Water, gas, electricity, internet or landline bills less than 3 months old, on paper or printed dematerialized
- Certificate of housing insurance less than 3 months old
- Certificate on the honor of the host stating that the declarant resides at his home, identity document and proof of residence of the host less than 3 months
- Last tax or non-tax notice
- Title to the principal residence
- Commercial Lease Agreement or professional
- Domiciliation contract if the company is established in a business of domiciliation
- Proof of identity of the micro-entrepreneur next:
- Identity card
- Passport
- Residence card
Please note
The documents to be provided are generally the same, whether the account dedicated to the activity is personal or professional. However, some banks may apply for additional documents according to their internal policy (number Siren micro-company, business forecasting, business plan, etc.) especially if the account is of a professional type.
If the chosen bank refuses to open a bank account (personal or professional), it must provide a attestation or a rejection letter account opening.
This letter of refusal then makes it possible to approach the Banque de France for the latter to designate a banking institution which will have the obligation to open a bank account. This is the so-called account entitlement procedure.
The right to the account allows any natural person to have a bank account with an institution designated by the Banque de France with a access to basic benefits guaranteed by law (account keeping, collection, bank transfers or payment card for example).
The refusal to open a bank account does not therefore prevent you from having an account in another bank determined by the Banque de France.
If the bank refuses to open a bank account, it must provide attestation or a rejection letter account opening.
We must then approach the Banque de France to designate a banking institution that will have the obligation open a bank account in the name of the micro-entrepreneur.
For more information about claiming the right to the account, see all the steps to follow on our file.
Entitlement to account
Basic benefits guaranteed by the right to the account
List of supporting documents for exercising the right to the account
The closing a bank account dedicated to professional activity is a common step in the life of an individual entrepreneur, whether it is to change establishment for better pricing conditions, to migrate to an online bank, or to close the micro-company. This operation is free of charge.
To close your dedicated bank account, the steps may vary depending on the bank. In general, it is appropriate toinform the establishment by sending a request by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt (LRAR), indicating the date on which the closure must be effective.
Before this deadline, it is essential to ensure that the account balance is zero and thatno operation is yet awaiting processing, such as card payments or direct debits. We must also return the means of payment, such as checkbooks and bank cards, by destroying them or returning them to the bank.
Please note
If the change concerns a new establishment, it is possible to ask this new bank to take over the transfer of recurring credit transfers and direct debits, which greatly simplifies the transition. We are talking about banking mobility.
Please note
From 26 May 2027, financial institutions will be required to provide annually, in January, annual statement of expenses.
Terms and conditions for closing the bank account
Provision of an annual statement of charges
€10,000 threshold for 2 consecutive years (micro-entrepreneur)
Entitlement to account
Terms and conditions for closing the bank account
Provision of an annual statement of charges
Basic benefits guaranteed by the right to the account
Obligation to open an account (merchant)
Bank account (EI) name
Article 39: threshold of €10,000 for 2 consecutive years
List of supporting documents for exercising the right to the account