Opening a bank account is not really complicated. You must take along with you proof of identity and proof of address (passport, driving licence, bill from a company with your address on it).

You will get a RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire: bank account details) – also available on all your bank statement – that you may use for standing orders and direct debits. You will also be welcomed by a personal account adviser whom will be your personal link with the bank.

Banks provide also a lot of other services, such as insurance, guarantees...

You can contact:

Cheques

You will receive a chequebook and bank card (Carte Bleue - credit card) approximately two weeks after opening you account.

Most banks in France issue chequebooks without an additional charge. Your bank statements will be sent to your home on a monthly basis.

Bank Cards

Cards allowing you to draw out money and pay for goods and service. With the Carte Bleue you can take out money and make purchases. It can be used instead of a cheque and you can choose between immediate debit and debiting at the end of the month. There is usually no charge for withdrawals no matter which cash machine is used (in service 24 hours a day).

You can use your CB to make payments in any shop (there is usually a minimum amount applicable, which is 15 €) and in most restaurants.

A Visa or Eurocard/Mastercard will cost you between 23€ and 37 €/year.

Credit cards have an electronic chip and a magnetic band. In France when using the "chip" you are required to enter a four digit PIN code as identification. Learn it off by heart because you will need it to make payments using your card.

Overdrafts

You may negotiate an overdraft limit with the bank. Most of the banks provide an overdraftservice; you may negotiate a free overdraft limit for a certain amount and will pay about 46 €/year.

Opening times

Banks are open from 9am to 4pm (5pm in some branches) Monday to Friday. Some banks are open on Saturday mornings or all day Saturday but are closed on Mondays.