Business account OSVČ
Business account for the self-employed (OSVČ) in 2026
No law requires you, as a self-employed person (OSVČ), to have a separate business account — you can conduct business using a personal account too. VAT payers merely have to report their accounts to the tax authority (these may be personal), and for a business loan it is the bank's condition; a separate account is required by law mainly only for certain regulated professions (e.g. lawyers). Even so, it pays to keep business and personal money separate, and with Fio banka and Air Bank it costs nothing extra.
Quick answer: do I need a business account?
By law, no — an ordinary self-employed person (OSVČ) can invoice and receive payments to a personal account. A separate account is mandatory if you are a DPH (VAT) payer (you must report to the tax authority the numbers of accounts used for economic activity, which then become public in the VAT payer register) or if you want a business loan, or if you belong to a regulated profession. Even so, it is recommended to keep a separate account: better financial overview, easier tax records and a more professional impression. With Fio banka and Air Bank you can run a business account for free. Source: Finanční správa, Fakturoid — verified 2026.
Comparison of business accounts 2026
| Bank / account | Monthly fee | Domestic payments | Card / cashback | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fio banka — Business account | 0 Kč | Unlimited and free (incl. SEPA) | 2 cards free (Visa + Mastercard) | Most OSVČ — account in up to 14 currencies, transparent account free |
| Air Bank — Business account | 0 Kč | Domestic, SEPA, instant and standing orders with no monthly fee | 1% cashback on payments with the business card (CZK) | Those who want cashback and mobile invoicing; now also for multi-member s.r.o. |
| Revolut Business | Basic ~250 Kč/month (no free plan), higher plans cost more | Limited number of free payments on lower plans | Accounts in 25+ currencies, multi-currency account free | Those who invoice abroad frequently (international payments on Basic ~150 Kč) |
| Raiffeisenbank — business account | Often 0 Kč on promotion when turnover/conditions are met | Per tariff | Brick-and-mortar branches | Those who want branch service and in-person dealings |
| mBank — mKonto Business | Basic maintenance 0 Kč if conditions are met | Per conditions | ATM network, simple online management | Those who prefer a purely online, free bank |
Comparison based on the banks' official price lists (fio.cz, airbank.cz, revolut.com) and Finmag / Měšec comparisons — verified 2026. Bank fees change on an ongoing basis, and with Raiffeisenbank and mBank conditions apply for keeping the account free (turnover, number of payments) — always verify the provider's current price list before opening an account. Recommendation for most OSVČ starting out: a fully free account with Fio banka or Air Bank. Choose Revolut Business if you invoice abroad frequently or need accounts in multiple currencies.
When you really need an account
DPH (VAT) payers are required to report to the tax authority the numbers of all accounts used for economic activity (this can be a personal account too, it just has to be reported); from the reported accounts the payer designates which ones will be published in the VAT payer register — if none is designated, all recorded accounts are deemed published. This is linked to liability for VAT and payments to a so-called published account — which is why VAT payers generally keep a separate business account and do not list their personal account in the register. A statutory obligation to hold a separate account applies only to certain regulated professions (e.g. lawyers and their client-escrow account under § 56 of the Advocacy Act); for a business loan this is a contractual condition of the bank, not a legal obligation. Furthermore, many banks prohibit using a private account for business purposes in their terms and conditions — so a separate business account is also the safer choice. Source: Finanční správa, Fakturoid — verified 2026.
Account fees are tax-deductible
If you keep a business account, you have one further advantage: the fees for maintaining it are a tax-deductible expense. If you declare your expenses on an actual basis, they therefore reduce your tax base. This applies to the account maintenance fee, the payment card fee and fees for payments connected with your business.
With free accounts (Fio, Air Bank) you pay no monthly fee, but any fees for foreign payments, currency conversion or premium plans (e.g. higher Revolut Business tariffs) are also tax-deductible. Conversely, if you conduct business on a personal account, tracing and separating business fees from private ones is more complicated — which is another practical reason to keep the account separate. Source: Fakturoid — verified 2026.
How to choose the right account
You are starting out and want a free account
Go for Fio banka or Air Bank — unlimited domestic payments free, a free card and invoicing directly in the app. Air Bank also gives 1% cashback on card payments.
You invoice abroad
Choose Revolut Business — accounts in 25+ currencies and favourable exchange rates. Note: Revolut Business has no free plan — the entry-level Basic plan costs roughly ~250 Kč/month, and international payments beyond the limit are charged on top (around 150 Kč). Verify the current pricing with the provider.
You want a branch and in-person service
Raiffeisenbank offers brick-and-mortar branches and an account that is often free on promotion when turnover conditions are met. mBank is a purely online alternative with free maintenance if conditions are met.
Frequently asked questions about business accounts
Do I, as a self-employed person (OSVČ), have to have a business account?
Which business account is free?
Can I conduct business on a personal (private) account?
Are business account fees tax-deductible?
Is Revolut Business worth it for a Czech self-employed person (OSVČ)?
Get your business off the ground without mistakes
The account is just one piece of the puzzle. Take a look at the complete starter pack of tools for a new self-employed person (OSVČ) — account, data box (datová schránka), invoicing and e-mail on your own domain, all clearly in one place. And for issuing invoices, we also help you with our comparison of invoicing software.