If you’re contemplating a relocation to France, one of your first steps will be to open a French bank account. While French banking has its eccentricities (such as closing the office for lunch), opening a French bank account is very simple.
Can I open a French bank account remotely?
The ease with which you can open a French bank account remotely is determined by the type of account and your residence status. If you’re a French resident with all of the necessary documentation, you can now open an account online.
If you are not a resident, you may be able to open an account online; however, you may face additional restrictions such as minimum monthly deposits and withdrawal limits.
What documents do you need to open a bank account in France?
Banks may require different documentation, but often include the following:
- Proof of identity—such as a passport, photo ID, or driver’s license
- Proof of your French address—such as a rental contract or utility bill.
- Proof of your visa status.
If your documents are not in French, you may need to get them formally translated or notarized. Check with your chosen bank about their policy.
Some banks require additional information before you may create an account, such as proof of employment or a financial history to demonstrate your ability to pay your bills in France.
These could be gathered through bank statements and extra evidence, or during an application interview with the bank.
What’s the best French bank for your needs?
France has plenty of banking options, so decide what is most important to you before opening an account. If you are not comfortable speaking French or will be residing outside of the big towns, consider an online bank that allows you to correspond in English.
Similarly, bank costs might be complex, so make sure you completely understand the product you choose and that it meets your requirements. Here are the main details for a few popular choices.
BNP Paribas
- One of the largest high street banks in France.
- BNP Paribas® offers a diverse selection of products, including basic current accounts and savings programs.
- Check out the specials for 18-24 year old consumers, which include significant discounts on fees and charges.
La Banque Postale
- La Banque Postale® is a subsidiary of the postal service.⁵
- The greatest branch network in France operates through local post offices.
- Competitive rates, however, service is likely to be French-only.
- Begin the application procedure online before being digitally authenticated or submitting your ‘dossier’ of papers and documents for free.
Credit Agricole
- Credit Agricole® Group, one of France’s leading banks, also provides regional business services.
- Account goods contain five distinct packages, based on the types of services you require.
- Standard account bundles can be opened online.
- Full variety of account services and other financial items
Good things to know about banking in France
Some parts of banking in France might be rather foreign. Charging structures provide a nice example.
Although there are several ‘free’ basic current accounts, this does not imply that they are without limits.
Many require a minimum initial deposit and regular monthly payments, as well as fees for using bank cards and providing basic services such as SMS balance updates and hardcopy statements.
Account ‘handling costs’, which are monthly payments for the basic functioning of the account, are normally cheap — but you may still be charged if your account is dormant for a certain length of time. Check your bank’s rules, and never leave your account dormant or forgotten.
Standard banking hours are 8 or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some branches opening on Saturday mornings. If you live in a remote location, verify the local branch hours; closing for lunch is fairly uncommon.