Opening your bank account should be one of the first things to do upon arrival in France. Your bank information can be required for some administrative tasks. It can also be very handy for paying your bills, receive your salary and to get reimbursed for healthcare expenses.
How to open a bank account?
You can open your bank account online (via an app) or at a bank branch. When opening your account online, remember that the service you choose must be registered in France as a bank and therefore have a banking licence.
Here are some of documents that the bank might ask you to open a bank account:
Passport,
Visa, residence permit or authorisation to stay,
Proof of address:
electricity, gas, water, internet, phone bill,
if someone if providing you accommodation: a certificate signed by them, a copy of their ID/Residence permit, and in case the address is different on their ID document, a bill with their name and address on it.
Proof of income: pay slips or tax notice,
Employment contract
Bank statements.
Here is a list of banks, online and traditional. Please note that it is not an exhaustive list and there are a lot of other different banks.
Online banks
HelloBank!
HelloBank! is the 100% digital banking offer from BNP Paribas. It is a new approach to banking, simpler, faster and meets the needs of customers who are always connected on their mobile and on the web.
Nickel
Simplify your daily life by taking advantage of a simple, accessible current account and tools to track your transactions in real time (web, app, SMS). You can also open and manage your account in a network of 6,700 tobacconists.
🗺️ Check supported nationalities list (US citizens cannot open a Nickel account)
Fortuneo
Fortuneo online banking offers the following services: bank card, current account, online stock market (PEA, PEA - SME, securities account), life insurance, savings books. It is an entity of the Crédit Mutuel Arkéa group.
Revolut
Revolut is a finance app and card that are designed to let you easily manage and spend your money. It’s a good option for those who want a simple way to manage their money, save on foreign currency and want access to premium features.
Traditional banks
BNP Paribas
With BNP Paribas you have the choice of managing your account from the nearest branch (2000 branches in France) or online. They have special branches for international customers.
Contact BNP Paribas here.
Société Générale
Société Générale is also one of the biggest banks in France with more than 2,200 branches. You can manage your account online or at the local branch of your choice.
Schedule an appointment here.
Crédit Agricole
Crédit Agricole offers you a range of banking packages and services adapted to your needs and budget.
Contact Crédit Agricole here.
You want to compare your options when it comes to banking in France? Use this free online comparison tool to check the price of services offered by French banks.