While Kontist provides specialized banking for German freelancers, some users have reported issues with high fees and limited transactions, leading them to seek other options. This guide will explain what Kontist is, explore the reasons you might consider an alternative, and present other solutions to consider based on your business needs.
What is Kontist?
Kontist is a German financial service provider specializing in business banking solutions tailored for freelancers and self-employed individuals. The service simplifies financial management through features like automatic tax estimation, real-time calculations, and the ability to set aside funds for taxes.
It offers a free business account with a German IBAN and a physical Visa debit card. Paid plans expand on these features, adding subaccounts, more SEPA transfers, and services like VAT returns and business evaluations.
What to Consider When Selecting a Kontist Alternative?
When searching for a replacement for Kontist, it's helpful to evaluate several key aspects to find the right fit for your business:
- Fee Structure:Analyze the platform's pricing, including monthly fees, transaction costs, and any hidden charges, to ensure it aligns with your budget.
- Integration with Business Tools:Consider how well the platform connects with your existing accounting, payroll, or e-commerce software to streamline your financial workflows.
- International Transaction Support:Evaluate the service's capabilities for handling multiple currencies and international payments if your business operates on a global scale.
- Customer Service Quality:Look into the responsiveness and helpfulness of the customer support team, as this can be vital when you encounter issues.
- Specialized Business Features:Determine if the platform offers unique tools tailored to your industry, such as crypto payment processing or advanced expense management.
If these considerations strike a chord with your business priorities, take a look at the detailed alternatives we've outlined in the following section.
10 Best Alternatives to Kontist
1. OneSafe
At OneSafe, we provide a finance platform designed to modernize banking for businesses, particularly those operating in the Web3 and crypto sectors. Our service offers essential tools for effortless fund management, quick payments, and access to both traditional and digital assets.
We enable a direct 1:1 conversion from USD to USDC on Polygon, which simplifies payroll and expense management for global teams. Our platform also provides end-to-end expense and payroll management, along with rapid account setup and exceptionally responsive customer support.
Pricing
Here's a look at our straightforward pricing structure at a glance:
- Free Account Services: Enjoy no fees for account opening, maintenance, monthly subscriptions, or card issuance.
- 0.1% US Domestic Transfers: We charge a minimal 0.1% for ACH and standard wire transfers, with a flat $25 fee for Fedwire.
- Low-Cost International Payments: SEPA payments are just 0.2% per transaction, while international wires are 0.2% plus a $50 SWIFT fee.
- Competitive Crypto & Fiat Conversions: USDT transactions have a simple 0.1% fee, and fiat-to-crypto conversions are included at market rates with no hidden charges.
- 3% Corporate Card FX: For non-USD spending on your corporate card, a 3% foreign exchange fee applies.
Reviews
Users consistently praise OneSafe for its exceptional customer support and its ability to solve complex banking and payroll challenges, especially for Web3 companies. Clients often describe our platform as a game-changer that truly understands the needs of modern businesses.
- "OneSafe has the best customer support I've ever experienced from a bank." - Amit Chu, Investments @ Celo Foundation
- "OneSafe is a game-changer. They solve so many headaches for our company. Finally a banking solution that gets it." - Marco, CEO of Ensuro
Want to see for yourself? Check us out here.
2. Countingup
Countingup is a UK-based company founded in 2017 that offers a business current account with built-in accounting software. The service is designed to help small businesses manage their finances within a single app.
The platform includes tools for creating invoices, automatically categorizing expenses, and capturing receipts. Additionally, it provides real-time tax estimates and live business insights to track financial performance.
Pricing
Here is a glance at their pricing:
- £3 per month: For total monthly deposits up to £750.
- £9 per month: For total monthly deposits between £750 and £7,500.
- £18 per month: For total monthly deposits exceeding £7,500.
- Transaction Fees: Account transfers and direct debits are 30p each, while foreign transactions have a 3% fee.
- Additional Charges: ATM withdrawals cost £1, cash loads range from 0.5% to 3%, and a replacement card is £5.
Reviews
User feedback frequently mentions issues such as sudden account suspensions, delays in fund transfers, and limited customer support, including a lack of phone service and slow response times. Check out more Countingup reviews here.
3. Payhawk
Payhawk is a spend management platform that integrates corporate cards, expense management, and accounts payable into a unified system. It is designed to provide businesses with enhanced visibility and control over company spending through real-time tracking and reporting.
The service offers Visa Platinum cards in multiple currencies, automated receipt collection, and AI-powered data extraction in over 65 languages. It also supports multi-entity management for companies with numerous subsidiaries and connects with accounting systems like Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite.
Pricing
Payhawk does not publicly disclose its pricing structure on its website. The company provides pricing information tailored to a business's specific needs after a personalized demo is scheduled.
Reviews
Some users have reported issues with mobile app synchronization, occasional delays in transaction updates, and challenges during the initial setup process. Check out more Payhawk reviews here.
4. Novo
Novo is a financial technology company that provides business deposit accounts through its partnership with Middlesex Federal Savings. The platform is designed for small business owners and freelancers, offering a mobile-first banking experience.
The service includes a business checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements and provides built-in invoicing tools. It also integrates with business software like Stripe and Xero and offers partner discounts on various services.
Pricing
Novo offers a business checking account with no monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, or transaction fees. The account includes free incoming wires and provides refunds on ATM fees up to $7 per month.
Reviews
User feedback indicates some customers experience slow response times from support and difficulties with dispute resolution. Other reported drawbacks include issues with account closures and the lack of options for depositing cash. Check out more Novo reviews here.
5. Fiducial Banque
Fiducial Banque is an online banking institution established in 2014 that caters to professionals, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), merchants, and associations. As a subsidiary of the Fiducial Group, it offers a range of banking services designed for entrepreneurs.
Clients receive a dedicated advisor from the start and have access to a fully digitalized system for 24/7 online account management. The bank also provides financing solutions, including business loans and leasing options, to support company growth.
Pricing
Here is their pricing at a glance:
- €12/month (excl. tax) PRO Base: This package includes a professional current account, a dedicated banking advisor, 24/7 online banking access, a Visa Business debit card, unlimited SEPA direct debits and transfers, and check deposit services.
- €25/month (excl. tax) PRO Plus: This tier contains all PRO Base services, adding the ability to accept card payments, a choice of Visa Business or Premier debit cards, and checkbooks.
- €45/month (excl. tax) PRO Excellence: This package has all PRO Plus features, along with unlimited account movement commissions, one free cash deposit per month through a partner network, and a Visa Premier debit card with deferred debit.
Reviews
User feedback points to issues with customer service responsiveness, delays in assistance, and technical problems with the online platform and mobile application. Check out more Fiducial Banque reviews here.
6. RelayFi
RelayFi is a financial technology company that provides an online banking platform tailored for small businesses. The service is structured to help business owners manage their financial operations through a suite of digital tools.
The platform offers accounts with no monthly fees or minimum balances and allows for the creation of up to 20 checking accounts. It also provides automated savings, customizable debit cards with spending controls, and connects with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- $0/month Starter Plan:Designed for solopreneurs and new businesses, this plan includes banking features, automated savings with a 1.03% APY, and integrations with QuickBooks and Xero.
- $30/month Grow Plan:This plan is for small teams and includes all Starter Plan features, plus tools like multi-step bill approval rules, bookkeeping automation, and branded invoices.
- $90/month Scale Plan:Currently discounted from $120/month, this plan is for larger teams and includes all Grow Plan features, along with AI-powered automation, cash flow insights, and faster customer support.
Reviews
User reviews often discuss the platform's customer service, user interface, and integrations with accounting tools. Some feedback indicates issues with transaction delays and account freezes, along with concerns about the responsiveness of support. Check out more RelayFi reviews here.
7. Revolut
Revolut is a British financial technology company established in 2015 that offers a suite of banking services. Its offerings range from current accounts and payment cards to stock and cryptocurrency trading.
The platform facilitates international transactions by allowing users to manage and exchange over 25 currencies and send money globally. Additionally, it provides team management tools, such as issuing cards with spending controls, and connects with various accounting and business software.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- From £10 per month Basic Plan: Provides essential features for running a business.
- From £30 per month Grow Plan: Offers additional tools to manage spending and operations.
- From £90 per month Scale Plan: Designed for businesses with higher transaction volumes and advanced needs.
- Custom pricing Enterprise Plan: Tailored to specific business requirements.
Reviews
User feedback often centers on the app's interface and payment features, while some also report challenges with customer support, limitations in certain banking functionalities, and issues during account verification. Check out more Revolut reviews here.
8. Credem
Credem, or Credito Emiliano S.p.A., is an Italian banking institution founded in 1910 that provides a range of financial services. The bank operates through several divisions, offering retail and corporate banking, insurance, and investment solutions.
The institution provides various financing options and is known for accepting wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese as collateral for loans. This practice is part of its wider set of services available to both personal and corporate customers.
Pricing
The pricing for Credem's services varies depending on the specific product. Account maintenance fees begin at €4 per month, while card issuance and withdrawals at Credem ATMs are free. Investment services are subject to custom pricing, and the available information does not specify any free plans.
Reviews
User feedback indicates issues such as delays in receiving debit and credit cards, a lack of digital card options, and concerns about customer service responsiveness. Check out more Credem reviews here.
9. N26
N26 is a German financial technology company founded in 2013 that provides a mobile banking experience. The service offers transaction accounts, debit cards, overdrafts, and various investment products.
Its platform operates in real-time through a mobile app interface that includes tools for spending and saving. Users receive a virtual Mastercard for online and mobile payments, with certain plans offering features like sub-accounts.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- Free N26 Standard: Includes a virtual Mastercard for online and mobile payments with no monthly fee.
- €4.90/month N26 Smart: Provides tools for spending and saving, such as the ability to create up to 10 sub-accounts.
- €9.90/month N26 Go: Offers features for travel, including free ATM withdrawals abroad and travel insurance.
- €16.90/month N26 Metal: A premium account that comes with a metal card, travel insurance, and priority customer support.
Reviews
User feedback often points to challenges with customer support, such as slow response times and unhelpful replies, while some have also reported account closures without clear explanations and issues with frozen funds. Check out more N26 reviews here.
10. OneMoneyWay
OneMoneyWay is a digital platform that facilitates global financial operations for small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe. The service provides international transfers with local IBANs, foreign exchange for over 24 currencies, and various payment solutions.
The platform states it provides faster transactions than traditional banks and has no transaction limits. It also offers virtual and physical corporate cards, business accounts, and payment terminals through regulated partners.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- Free Freemium: For businesses with annual revenue below £150,000, this plan includes one business account, one virtual corporate card, and higher transaction fees.
- £49/month Starter: Billed annually, this plan provides up to three business accounts, two virtual and two physical corporate cards, and lower transaction fees.
- £99/month Business: Billed annually, this plan offers up to five business accounts, four physical corporate cards, unlimited virtual cards, and the lowest transaction fees.
All prices are indicative and depend on the company's revenue and industry.
Reviews
User reviews often focus on the company's service and staff interactions, with some customers noting that account setup can take longer than expected. Check out more OneMoneyWay reviews here.
Which One Should You Go With?
Choosing the right financial platform is a significant step for your business, and any of the options listed can serve as a solid Kontist alternative. If you're looking for a modern solution that understands the unique challenges of today's businesses, especially in the Web3 space, we believe OneSafe is an excellent choice. Ready to see how we can simplify your finances? Sign up for OneSafe today!
