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Open a business account under the age of 18
Thomas Vles
3 Sept 2025
6 minute read
Are you under 18 years old and dreaming of starting your own business? Then you may quickly encounter the question of whether you can open a business account as a minor. A business account is important because it allows you to keep your personal expenses and business income neatly separated. However, it is not a given that you can arrange this easily as a minor.
In this article, you will discover how it works, what rules apply, and where you can go if you want to open a business account under the age of 18. We will also show you how GoDutch can help you with this, so you can focus entirely on entrepreneurship without unnecessary hassle.
Can you open a business account if you are a minor?
Yes, it is possible to open a business account if you are underage. However, you cannot arrange this completely independently. According to the law, young people under the age of 18 are not allowed to independently conclude contracts or incur financial obligations because they are considered to be legally incapable, and opening a business bank account is included in this.
However, there are exceptions. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can request legal emancipation from the district court. This gives you permission to make certain business decisions as if you were of legal age. It can also sometimes be an option to start a business together with an adult, such as a parent. This way, you can still gain access to a business account, provided you meet the conditions of the bank or provider.
Legal rules and age limits for a business account
Where can I open a business account under the age of 18?
Opening a business account when you are under 18 is possible, but not everywhere. Only a limited number of banks and providers accept underage entrepreneurs. At ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank you can often apply if you are 16 or 17 years old and have requested judicial emancipation from the court. Without this emancipation, it is not possible to open a business account with these banks.
In addition to traditional banks, GoDutch also offers you the option to apply for a business account if you are underage. You must then meet the same legal requirements, including applying for and being able to demonstrate judicial emancipation. As rules and conditions may vary by provider, it is wise to always contact them in advance to check what is possible in your situation.
Can't I just use my personal account?
Perhaps you are wondering whether you can simply use your existing personal account for your business. In theory, the Tax Authorities allow this, as they do not require entrepreneurs to have a separate business account. However, in practice, it often turns out to be a poor solution.
Most banks have stated in their terms that a personal account should not be used for business payments. If they find out that you are using your personal account for business income and expenses, they can confront you about it or even block your account.
Moreover, having a separate business account gives you much more clarity. You can immediately see which income and expenses relate to your business, making your bookkeeping much easier and more organised. You also come across as more professional to clients and suppliers when making payments from a business account in your company’s name. Therefore, it is not only practical but also wise to open a business account instead of using your personal account.
Opening a business account with GoDutch as a minor
Do you want to start off well as a young entrepreneur? Then you can apply for a business account at GoDutch, which has been specifically developed to manage your administration and payments smartly and easily. Even if you are under 18 years old, you can open a business account with us, provided you meet the legal conditions and regulations, such as applying for a waiver from the court.
GoDutch helps you to manage your business clearly and efficiently from day one. Within a few hours, you will have access to your IBAN and a payment card, and from the app, you can manage all your payments, invoices, and administration in one place. Would you like to know if you can open a business account with GoDutch in your situation? Then get in touch and ask about the conditions that apply to you.
