How to open a bank account in France

Opening a bank account in France is usually straightforward, but you might need to be in France before you can do it.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Benefits of opening a French bank account
• Eligibility for opening a French bank account
• Documents needed to open a French bank account
• Types of banks in France and how to compare them
• Our recommended option for international students

Why you need to have a French bank account

If you’re an international student in France, having a French bank account is important. It lets you get paid by your employer, pay rent, sign up for a French phone plan, and pay bills like electricity, gas, water, or internet automatically. You’ll also need it to receive healthcare reimbursements.

A French payment card lets you pay for almost everything, so you won’t need to carry much cash. More people and businesses in France are choosing to go cashless.

Who can open a bank account in France?

French law allows anyone who lives in France legally, including international students, to open a bank account. All residents have the right to access a French bank account.

What you need to open a bank account in France

To open a bank account in France, you’ll need to provide a few documents:

• Valid ID: You must present an official form of identification that includes a photograph, such as your passport.
• Address: You’ll also need proof of your address. Most banks accept your latest electricity bill as proof.
• Signature: You’ll need to provide your signature, which the bank will record. Most banks now use tablets to collect your digital signature.

Some banks might ask for extra documents, depending on your situation. For example, you could be asked for your student visa, residence permit, or enrollment certificate to prove your student status.

Some banks also ask for an initial deposit to open your account. This amount usually ranges from €10 to €50.

Major banks in France

There are many banks in France, including large national banks, smaller local banks, and online or mobile banks.

These banks fall into three main categories:

• Traditional banks are large, well-known banks in France, such as BNP Paribas or Crédit Agricole. They have physical branches and staff you can meet in person. They offer many services, but usually charge higher fees and are less flexible.
• Online banks don’t have physical branches, but are often owned by big banking groups. For example, Hello bank! is part of BNP Paribas, and BforBank belongs to Crédit Agricole. They usually have low or no fees, but all support is online or by phone.
• Neo banks are mobile-focused and aim for simplicity and speed. They offer basic services like payments, withdrawals, transfers, and currency exchange, often with low or no fees, even for international use. Support is usually by email or in-app chat.

Here are the main banks you’ll find in France:

How to choose the right bank in France

The right bank for you depends on your needs and how long you’ll stay in France. Here are a few things to think about:

• Length of stay: If you’re only in France for a short time, you might prefer an online or neo bank with easy signup and fewer requirements. If you’re staying longer, a traditional bank could be helpful for in-person support.
• Language support: Some banks provide documents and customer service in English, which is helpful if you’re not fluent in French.
• Fees: Check account maintenance fees, card fees, withdrawal costs, and fees for international transfers. These can vary a lot between banks.
• Accessibility: Think about whether you want to visit physical branches or if you’re comfortable managing your account entirely online or through a mobile app.
• Services: Consider which services you really need, like being able to convert currencies within your account or easily receive international transfers.

To make things easier, you can use the bank comparison tool from Que Choisir, a French consumer group. Their tool lets you compare fees, services, and conditions at different banks, so you can find the best option for your needs.

We’ve also created a quick comparison table to help you decide what’s best for you:

Open a bank account with Wise

At Go! Go! France, we suggest our students start by opening a bank account with Wise. Our team uses Wise as well, and we’re very happy with their service. We’ve recommended Wise to hundreds of students through all our businesses, and we’ve only received positive feedback.

With a Wise multi-currency account, you can get started right away in France. You’ll be able to hold euros, use their debit card to pay for things, and easily transfer money for rent, tuition, or living expenses from your home currency. You’ll also get a European IBAN and BIC, which are often needed for transactions and paperwork in France.

Apply for an account here