A modern business account is more than just a place for payments – it’s the foundation of a digital and efficient accounting process.
If your current bank no longer fits your business needs or charges high fees, switching to a new account can be a smart move.
Here’s how to change your business account in just a few steps and connect it directly with smarta Steuerberatung.
1️⃣ Choose Your New Business Account
Start by finding the account that best fits your business. Keep an eye on the following:
Digital integration: Your account should easily connect to your smarta Web App. Neobanks such as Qonto, bunq, or N26 are ideal for this. Feel free to check our website for all our possible account connections.
Supported legal form: Make sure your business type (e.g. GmbH, UG, sole proprietorship) is accepted. Some digital banks only serve self-employed individuals.
Functions: SEPA transfers, direct debits, virtual cards, or sub-accounts may differ depending on the provider.
Costs: Consider not only the basic monthly fee but also transaction and deposit fees.
💡 Tip: Use a business account comparison to review available options and see which one best fits your needs.
2️⃣ Open and Test Your New Account
Most modern providers offer a fully digital sign-up process (VideoIdent or eID). Once set up, test your new account in practice:
Make your first transactions
Explore the interface
Check the integration with smarta
If everything works as expected, you’re ready to move your payment processes.
3️⃣ Update Your Payment Processes
Before closing your old account, move all recurring payments to your new one. Here’s how:
Log in to your old account and export all standing orders, direct debits, and recurring payments.
Set these up in your new account.
Delete the old standing orders to avoid duplicate payments.
Check whether any credit cards or third-party tools (e.g. payment providers, invoicing software) need to be reconnected.
4️⃣ Notify Your Business Partners
To ensure a smooth transition, inform everyone who needs your new account details:
Clients
Suppliers and business partners
Tax authorities
smarta Steuerberatung
Also, update your bank details in your invoicing software, email signature, website, and business documents.
Automatic Transfer with Account Switching Service
Depending on your bank, you can automate the last few steps. Many banks offer an account switching service that automatically detects standing orders, incoming payments, and direct debits, allowing you to transfer them to your new bank with just a few clicks.
The following tested providers offer this service:
5️⃣ Transfer Your Balance
Transfer your balance from your old to your new account – but keep a small amount in your old account for a few weeks, just in case pending transactions are still processed.
6️⃣ Close Your Old Account (After a Transition Period)
Keep both accounts active for a few weeks to ensure that:
all transactions have been transferred
no outstanding payments remain
your clients are using your new account details
After that, you can close your old account. Most banks allow you to do this easily online.
Conclusion
Switching your business account is easier than you might think – especially if you choose a digital account connected to smarta Steuerberatung.
This way, your accounting runs almost automatically: receipts, payments, and transactions appear directly in your smarta Web App – digital, secure, and always up to date.
👉 Learn more about connecting your bank accounts with smarta
👉 Or explore more business integrations for your company
Other related topics, which could be of your interest:
👉 Connect a new business account to smarta – here’s how
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my data at smarta?
What happens to my data at smarta?
Your data remains securely encrypted and is used exclusively for your accounting – never shared with third parties.
Can I switch my business account easily?
Can I switch my business account easily?
Yes. You can open a new account at any time, transfer your payments, and close the old one.
How long does the switch take?
How long does the switch take?
Usually only a few days. Adjusting your payments and customer communication may take slightly longer depending on your setup.
Any further questions?
For smarta clients:
Contact us anytime via email or book a consultation – we’re happy to help!
Not a smarta client yet?
Book a consultation or explore our business formation package to get started.
Other questions?
Email us if you’d like to learn more about our advisory services or have other inquiries.