⚠️ Important: The Deferred Debit Card is currently not available in your country. This feature is being gradually rolled out and may become available in your country in the future.
This article explains how the card works for businesses in eligible markets.
The deferred debit card is Qonto's innovative solution designed specifically to address your business cash flow challenges. When you use your deferred debit card, you can spend now and pay later, giving you up to 30 days to settle your purchases without any interest charges.
The key benefits include:
- Cash flow preservation: Keep your working capital for payroll and taxes while deferring non-urgent expenses
- Growth investment: Invest in opportunities without disrupting your immediate cash flow
- Operational flexibility: No more depleting your savings or negotiating with suppliers during difficult periods
How does the payment system work with my deferred debit card?
When you make a purchase with your deferred debit card, the transaction works just like a regular debit card payment from the merchant's perspective, but your Qonto account balance isn't immediately affected.
All your deferred debit card transactions accumulate throughout the month, and then on the 1st of the following month, the total amount is automatically debited from your account in one single payment.
Example timeline:
- September 5th: Office supplies purchase
- September 15th: Business dinner payment
- September 25th: Software subscription
- October 1st: All transactions settled together in one single debit
The only exception is ATM withdrawals, which are immediately debited from your account balance, just like with a regular debit card.
Am I eligible for a deferred debit card and how much credit can I access?
To check whether you are eligible for a deferred debit card, go to the Cards section and start creating a new card. You will see the deferred debit card option if your account is eligible.
If it is greyed out, a tooltip will explain why it is not available.
- Card level: Plus or X only
- Business role: Corporate officers and business owners only
- Limit per account: One deferred debit card per company
Your deferred debit limit is determined based on your credit score and business profile, with a maximum of €9,000 per month available.
This substantial credit access provides you with the short-term liquidity needed to power your business operations. The approval process is streamlined: if you are eligible, you can set up your deferred debit card, add it to your digital wallet, and start spending immediately.
What will the deferred debit card cost me and are there any hidden fees?
The deferred debit card follows a transparent pricing structure with no hidden costs:
Monthly subscription:
- Same price as your current card level
- No additional fees for accessing deferred payment features
Interest and charges:
- 0% interest when you repay on time
- Daily interest charges apply only if payment is late
- 1% foreign exchange fee on international transactions - Plus card
- Free foreign exchange fee on international transactions - X card
- Free ATM withdrawals included (number varies by card level)
The interest-free period is one of the key benefits that sets the deferred debit card apart from traditional credit solutions, allowing you to manage cash flow without additional financial burden when used responsibly.
How can I monitor and control my spending?
You have complete visibility and control through a dedicated dashboard in your Qonto interface.
Dashboard features:
- Current credit limit usage and remaining available credit
- All deferred debit card transactions with clear categorisation
- Next payment due date and amount
- Spending trends and analytics
Smart notifications:
- Pre-payment alerts before automatic debit
- Low balance warnings to ensure sufficient funds
- Payment reminders to maintain good financial habits
- Spending limit notifications
Security controls:
- Freeze/unfreeze card instantly
- Set custom spending limits
- Block card if needed
- Restricted merchant categories for protection
Can I use my deferred debit card everywhere and how do I add it to my digital wallet?
Your deferred debit card is accepted everywhere traditional credit cards are welcomed, solving the common problem of services that specifically require a "credit card" rather than a debit card.
Accepted for:
- Hotel bookings and business travel
- Car rentals and transportation services
- Online software and tool subscriptions
- Supplier payments and business purchases
- International transactions with competitive FX rates
Digital wallet integration: The card integrates seamlessly with Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing immediate activation and use. You can add it to your digital wallet upon setup and start making secure contactless payments right away, whether online or in physical stores.
What happens if I need to dispute a transaction or get a refund?
If you encounter issues with deferred debit card transactions, Qonto has dedicated processes to protect you and resolve your concerns.
Dispute process:
- Attach deferred debit card transactions to claims like any other transaction
- Manual review by customer support for thorough validation
- Dedicated attention to each case to ensure a fair resolution
Fraud protection:
- Specific smart action for refunding fraudulent transactions
- Enhanced security monitoring for deferred debit card usage
- Full refund process
These processes ensure you are fully protected and supported throughout your deferred debit card experience.
How will the deferred debit card help me manage my business cash flow better?
The deferred debit card addresses the reality that over 50% of eligible SME customers face regular short-term cash flow gaps due to payment delays and unexpected expenses. Rather than forcing you into suboptimal solutions, it provides a strategic financial tool.
Cash flow optimisation:
- Align expenses with your income cycle, especially valuable for project-based work
- Maintain steady operations during client payment delays
- Handle seasonal fluctuations without operational disruption
Financial habit building:
- Transparent spending tracking and clear repayment schedules
- Smart reminders and notifications to avoid late fees
- Real-time dashboard promoting financial awareness and control
Business growth support:
- Confidence to accept new projects and opportunities
- Ability to invest in tools and resources before client payments arrive
- Reduced stress around daily cash position management