Podnikatelský účet Živnostník

Introduction

The Živnostník Business Account from Česká spořitelna is a current account aimed primarily at self-employed people (OSVČ) and small business owners who want a simple, low-cost way to keep business finances separate from personal ones. It is built around low running costs — the bank offers it with no monthly fee and no conditions to keep that fee waived, which is a fairly strong offer in the business-account segment.

Fees and account maintenance

The account's main selling point is that maintenance is free, with no conditions attached — the bank does not require a minimum monthly turnover, a minimum number of transactions, or any other commitment to keep the fee at zero. That is an advantage over many competing business accounts, where a zero fee is conditional on things like a certain amount of card turnover.

The account comes with one free physical payment card plus unlimited free virtual cards. That will appeal to business owners who want separate cards for different online payments, subscriptions, or business purchases without paying extra for each one. According to the bank's website, the physical card also has a multi-currency feature, useful for payments in foreign currency. Neither the product database nor the bank's page lists specific ATM withdrawal fees — domestic or abroad — so it is worth checking the current price list directly with the bank before relying on the card at an ATM.

Electronic payments are unlimited and free of charge — the bank does not charge a limit or a per-item fee for outgoing or incoming payments through online banking. For a sole trader with regular payments from clients and to suppliers, that is a noticeable saving compared with accounts that charge per transaction.

Overdraft and other features

The account offers the option to arrange a starter overdraft of up to CZK 100,000. This is a short-term facility to draw the account into the negative up to a set limit, which can help bridge cash-flow swings, for example while waiting for an issued invoice to be paid. The bank does not publicly disclose the overdraft's interest rate or the exact approval conditions — that needs to be discussed individually, since it likely depends on the client's creditworthiness and history with the bank.

This product currently is not tied to any signup bonus or cash premium for opening the account, unlike promotions banks sometimes run. So if you are looking for an account primarily for a one-off reward, this particular product does not offer one — its main advantage is instead a permanently zero maintenance fee rather than a one-time bonus.

Who it suits

The Živnostník account targets self-employed people and small business owners who need a simple transaction account — to receive payments from clients, pay suppliers, and hold a business card — without unnecessary administration or monthly fees. Given the available overdraft of up to CZK 100,000, it can also be interesting for sole traders who occasionally need to bridge a lower-income month for a short period. On the other hand, businesses with heavier cash-handling needs, i.e. frequent ATM withdrawals, should check the fees with the bank in advance, since they are not published on the website.

How to open the account

Opening the account is free and takes place online through the bank's George mobile and internet banking app, with no need to visit a branch. According to the bank's website, if you already hold another product with Česká spořitelna under your business ID (IČO), you can open the Živnostník account within that existing relationship, which can simplify the process further.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free account maintenance with no conditions
• Free physical card plus unlimited free virtual cards
• Unlimited electronic payments at no charge
• Starter overdraft available up to CZK 100,000
• Opening online via George, no branch needed

Cons

• No signup bonus for opening the account
• ATM withdrawal fees are not publicly disclosed
• Overdraft conditions and interest rate are not transparent upfront

Verdict

The Živnostník Business Account from Česká spořitelna is a solid choice for self-employed people who want, without compromise, free account maintenance, a free card, and unlimited electronic payments, complemented by the option of a starter overdraft of up to CZK 100,000. It lacks a signup bonus and transparency around ATM withdrawal fees, but as a purely transactional account with zero monthly costs, it remains one of the more interesting offers on the market.