Review: Anytime (Expense Management & Pro Account)

In the rapidly evolving financial landscape, Anytime is emerging as a game-changer for businesses, expats, companies, and associations seeking a banking solution that marries the reliability of traditional banks with the agility and innovation of neobanks. Based in Belgium and France, Orange Bank's Anytime is crafting a unique niche in the market by offering a blend of services that cater to the diverse needs of its clientele.

With a starting price of as low as €9.50 per month and an option to get an account with no binding commitment, Anytime is making professional banking accessible to all, without compromising on the quality or breadth of its services. What sets Anytime apart is its commitment to providing a tailor-made expense management solution that can be defined in mere minutes, promising a level of customization and efficiency that is rare in the banking world.

This critical assessment of Anytime will delve into how this up-and-coming neobank is redefining business banking by offering a comprehensive package that aims to meet the nuanced needs of modern businesses and professionals in an increasingly globalized economy. We will provide general information first, then explore and compare plans offered, followed by pros & cons of Anytime and an FAQ before wrapping up with a concise summary.

Anytime is designed to replace your current bank account or be used alongside an existing one. Anytime, a regulated financial services provider, is an Orange Bank company and holds licenses with the ACPR (Bank of France) and the FCA (Bank of England). With increased interest around this up-and-coming bank, we felt like it's worth taking a closer look.

In this review, our goal is to determine if Anytime's offering holds up in the highly competitive business banking space - read this review to find out how it compares to what's offered by competitors. This review is focused around the specific needs of freelancers, self-employed professionals and micro-businesses, however we will keep track of the offer's viability for SMEs, too. Without further ado, let's begin.

Choosing the right business banking solution is crucial for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and SMEs aiming to streamline their financial operations and focus on growth. Anytime offers a range of banking plans designed to cater to the varying needs of modern businesses, from basic transactional capabilities to advanced financial management tools. Each plan, starting from Anytime START to EASY, and up to the BOOST option, is tailored to support businesses at different stages of their journey, ensuring there's a perfect fit for every type of enterprise.

All plans share a set of basic features like an account with a French IBAN, Mastercard Classic card, real-time transaction notifications and expert advisors in-app. This is supplemented by scalable benefits across plans. In this section, we'll delve into the specifics of each plan to help you determine which one aligns best with your business needs.

Note: Monthly fees indicated assume annual billing (giving -30% discount) and do not include VAT.

The Anytime START plan offers a practical solution for freelancers and self-employed professionals to manage their finances with ease. It includes a 30-day trial for new users, a professional and a personal Mastercard, and up to 20 monthly transfers and direct debits. A notable addition is a free payment terminal, enhancing transaction capabilities.

START customers benefit from instant chat access to expert advisors and a solo legal protection package for comprehensive support. This plan is an affordable gateway to simplified business banking, complete with essential tools for efficient financial management.

EASY enhances the benefits of START for streamlined expense management. It offers phone support in addition to chat, a Silver Mastercard Professional with higher limits, and increases free SEPA transfers and direct debits allowance to 100 per month.

Note: Make sure to read more aboutbenefits offered by Mastercard in our article on hidden upsides of purchasing things with your bank card!

Additional features include an integrated billing and quotation tool for faster payments and cash flow monitoring, enhanced insurance for added security, and a premium legal protection package. Ideal for businesses needing advanced financial tools and support, EASY plan makes managing expenses and operations smoother.

BOOST is the "all-in" option that expands on the mid-tier EASY plan's features. It's best suited for businesses requiring advanced financial management. This plan includes all EASY benefits plus four additional Silver Mastercard Professional cards, elevating its utility for teams. With an increased allowance for 200 free SEPA transfers and direct debits and five extra sub-accounts with dedicated IBANs (or "RIB" if you're French), it significantly enhances cash flow management.

The plan also introduces multi-company accounts, an invoicing and accounting export tool for streamlined financial operations, and maximum insurance coverage for comprehensive protection. Additionally, team access for up to five people, like accountants and partners, facilitates collaborative financial management, making BOOST ideal for growing businesses seeking efficiency and scalability.

You'll find a comparison table putting the plans offered side-by-side below. Important note: since all plans come with a "no strings attached" 30 days free trial, there's little to no reason to not give Anytime a try (if you think it satisfies your business banking needs, of course!).

While Anytime offers a comprehensive suite of features for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and SMEs, it's essential to explore the market to ensure you find the banking solution that best fits your unique business needs. Here are three competing solutions that offer distinct advantages and could serve as viable alternatives to Anytime Bank:

Revolut Business stands out for its strong focus on providing a digital-first banking experience. Known for its robust app interface, competitive foreign exchange rates, and versatile spending controls, Revolut Business is tailored for companies that operate globally. With features like multi-currency accounts, expense management, and advanced budgeting tools, it’s an excellent choice for businesses looking to manage international transactions efficiently.

French business banking superstar Qonto is a popular choice for businesses seeking a modern and efficient banking solution. Offering tailored plans for freelancers, SMEs, and larger corporations, Qonto provides features such as multi-IBANs, expense management tools, and real-time notifications. With its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with accounting software, Qonto stands out as a robust alternative to Anytime for businesses of all sizes.

Finom is an all-in-one financial solution tailored for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. With its intuitive interface and comprehensive features, Finom offers everything from multi-currency accounts and invoicing tools to expense tracking and tax assistance. Moreover, Finom's transparent pricing and commitment to customer service make it a competitive alternative to Anytime for companies looking for simplicity and flexibility in their banking solutions.

Also consider bunq bank from the Netherlands: fully localised in 6 languages, French, German, Dutch and Spanish IBANs starting at below €10 per month (incl. VAT)!

Each of these alternatives offers unique features and benefits that could suit different business models and needs. Whether your priority is cost-effective international banking, a user-friendly digital experience, or specific financial management tools, the market provides several strong contenders worth considering alongside Anytime.

In assessing Anytime's place within the spectrum of business banking solutions, it's clear that it occupies a somewhat unique position. With a suite of offerings that may seem unconventional to some, Anytime combines traditional banking features, such as access to multiple expert advisors, with the flexibility of modern financial technology services. While there are indeed cheaper alternatives in the market, such as Qonto, Revolut Business, and Finom, which cater to a wide range of business banking needs with more competitive pricing structures, the value of Anytime shouldn't be dismissed outright.

For businesses that prioritize a traditional banking approach, complete with the personalized support of expert advisors and a suite of comprehensive banking tools, Anytime could very well be the right fit. The platform's emphasis on providing a blend of conventional and innovative banking services means it might align well with enterprises that value this mix.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on the specific and unique banking needs of your venture. Every business has its own set of priorities and requirements from a banking partner, and what works for one may not suit another. Anytime's offering, while distinct, could be exactly what some businesses are looking for. Given the 30-day free trial, there's little downside in experimenting with Anytime's services to see if they mesh well with your business operations. This trial period is an excellent opportunity to explore how Anytime's features and services can support your business goals without any initial financial commitment.