Opening a French Bank Account

Step-by-step instructions

Choose your bank type

You have three main options: traditional banks (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole) with physical branches and in-person service; online banks (Boursorama, Fortuneo, Hello Bank) with lower fees but requiring an existing French bank account or proof of income; and neobanks (N26, Revolut, Shine) that are easiest to open but may not be accepted for all French administrative purposes. For your first account, a traditional bank is often the safest choice — many landlords and employers specifically require a 'real' French bank.

Gather your documents

French banks require: a valid passport or national ID, proof of address in France (less than 3 months old — utility bill, rent receipt, or attestation d'hébergement from your host), proof of income or financial resources (last 3 pay slips, scholarship letter, or bank statements showing savings), and your titre de séjour or visa. Some banks also request a justificatif de domicile fiscal (proof of tax residence). Having everything ready in advance speeds up the process enormously.

Book an appointment or apply online

For traditional banks, visit the nearest branch or book online. Most branches in expat-heavy areas (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux) have English-speaking advisors — ask when booking. For online banks, the application is entirely digital: fill out the form, upload documents, and do a video verification. Neobanks let you open an account via their app in under 10 minutes.

Attend your appointment and sign

At a traditional bank, the advisor will review your documents, explain the account types (compte courant for everyday, livret A for savings), fees, and conditions. Read the convention de compte carefully — watch for monthly fees (frais de tenue de compte, typically €2–10/month), card fees, and overdraft charges. You'll sign the contract and receive temporary account details.

Receive your RIB, card, and online access

Your RIB (Relevé d'Identité Bancaire) is the French equivalent of bank account details — you'll need it for everything from salary deposits to utility payments to CAF benefits. It's available immediately in your online banking space. Your debit card (carte bancaire) arrives by post within 5–10 business days. Set up your online banking access and mobile app right away — most French banking apps support English.

Documents you'll need

Valid passport or national ID
Titre de séjour or long-stay visa
Proof of address (utility bill, rent receipt, or attestation d'hébergement)
Proof of income (pay slips, employment contract, or scholarship letter)
Bank statements from your home country (last 3 months)
Proof of student status (if applicable)

Pro tips

By French law (droit au compte), any bank can refuse you — but the Banque de France can then assign you a bank. This is a last resort but it works.

Your RIB is not sensitive information — it's designed to be shared. You'll hand it out constantly for salary, rent, utilities, and government benefits.

Avoid exchanging large sums at airport bureaux de change. Use Wise (formerly TransferWise) for international transfers — the rates are significantly better than any French bank.

Keep your home country bank account active for at least 6 months. Some French administrative processes (like visa renewals) may ask for proof of foreign financial resources.

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