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You’re just starting out as a self-employed person, or you’ve been at it for a while. The question keeps coming up: “Do I really need to open a separate business account?”
In 2026, the answer is more nuanced than ever. Although the legislation for sole proprietors still states on paper that it is “not required”, new rules regarding e-invoicing and instant payments mean that, in practice, a business account is becoming increasingly useful.
We’ll delve into the rules and explain why a separate business account is now a major advantage for your bookkeeping in Dexxter.
Is a business account legally required?
As an entrepreneur, do you need a business account?
- For a company (Ltd, Plc, etc.): YES. You are legally required to open an account in the company’s name. You may not use a personal account for business transactions.
- For a sole proprietor: NO (legally speaking). There is no strict law forcing you to open a separate account. Legally speaking, you *may* use your personal current account.
But note: in 2026, ‘not legally required’ is not the same as ‘sensible’. The financial world has gone digital and the tax authorities are keeping a closer eye on things.
3 Reasons why a business account is indispensable in 2026
1. Integration with accounting software such as Dexxter
Accounting software such as Dexxter automatically matches your incoming Peppol invoices to the transactions in your bank account. If you mix personal expenses (supermarket, Netflix) with business income, this automatic matching fails. You then lose some of the time-saving benefits offered by the new e-invoicing legislation.
2. Instant Payments are the new standard
Thanks to the *European Instant Payments Regulation* (which was fully rolled out in 2025), instant transfers are now the standard at Belgian banks, often at no extra cost.
Customers pay faster and expect you to pay suppliers immediately too. A business account ensures this cash flow remains clear. You can see your actual business balance in *real time*, without a mortgage repayment suddenly cropping up in the mix.
3. Tax privacy and the tax authorities
This argument remains worth its weight in gold. Are you facing a tax audit? Then the auditor is entitled to inspect all the accounts you use for your business.
If you use your personal account for even a single business purchase, the tax authorities have the right to scrutinise that entire account, including your weekend trips and personal purchases. With a separate account, you keep your private life separate from your business administration.
4. The costs are tax-deductible
The cost of your business account is simply part of your bookkeeping. Monthly subscription fees, transaction fees or card fees are business expenses and are therefore tax-deductible.
In other words: the account partly pays for itself through your taxes.
5. Flexibility between personal and business remains
A separate business account does not mean your money is ‘locked in’. You can always transfer funds:
- from personal to business (for example, if you need start-up capital)
- from business to personal (for example, if you pay yourself)
Which bank should you select in 2026?
These days, you’re spoilt for choice. What should you look out for?
- Integration with Dexxter: Select a bank that supports ‘open banking’ (PSD2). This way, your transactions will automatically appear in Dexxter every morning. Banks such as KBC, Belfius, BNP Paribas Fortis, Argent and ING work seamlessly here
- Costs: Many banks offer specific starter packages. Compare the yearly fees, but also look at the cost per transaction (although this has often been eliminated for digital transactions under the new EU rules).
- Belgian iBAN: Although foreign neobanks (such as Revolut or Wise) are popular, a Belgian iBAN (starting with BE) remains more convenient for automatic direct debits from suppliers and for refunds from the Belgian government (vAT credits).
Conclusion: Opening a business account? Just do it
Although the law still gives you the choice as a sole proprietor, by 2026 the reality of e-invoicing and automatic accounting will force you towards a separate account. It might cost you a few euros a month, but it saves you hours of fiddling around and protects your privacy.
Have you opened your business account? Don’t forget to link it straight away in Dexxter via ‘Settings’ > ‘Bank’. That way, you’ll be all set for efficient bookkeeping.
