What you need to know first
- You need a French account (and its RIB number) for almost everything: salary, rent, utilities, CPAM health reimbursements, and phone contracts.
- App banks open in minutes from your phone; traditional banks can take one to three weeks and usually want a French address.
- Traditional banks charge account fees that app banks don't — but you'll want a traditional bank the moment a mortgage enters the picture.
- If banks refuse you, the Banque de France "droit au compte" procedure can force one to open a basic account.
Banks expats actually use
Fee levels and account terms change often — always confirm on the bank's site before applying.
| Bank | Type | English support | Non-residents | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNP Paribas | Traditional | Good (larger branches) | Possible, branch-dependent | Full service + mortgages |
| Société Générale | Traditional | Limited | Possible, branch-dependent | Branch network, salaried expats |
| Crédit Agricole | Traditional (regional) | Varies by region | Yes — "Britline" for English speakers | Rural areas, second-home owners |
| HSBC / CCF | Traditional | Strong | Premier customers | Existing HSBC customers |
| N26 | App bank | Full app in English | EU/EEA address required | Fast setup, no fees |
| Revolut | App bank | Full app in English | Yes (EEA) | Multi-currency, travel |
| Wise | Money account | Full app in English | Yes | Transfers & holding currencies |
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App banks and money accounts you can open before or right after arriving.
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Now that you're opening a bank account…
French banks will offer you home insurance at signing — compare independent insurers first; assurance habitation is mandatory for renters.
Need a mortgage in France?
Brokers used to non-resident and expat files — they negotiate rates across banks for you.
Meilleurtaux
France's largest mortgage broker
Empruntis
Compares 100+ lenders
French-Property Finance
English-speaking, non-resident specialist
Some links may be partner links — using them never costs you more and helps keep our guides free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a French bank account before I move?
App banks (N26, Revolut, Wise) can be opened from abroad with an EU/EEA address. Traditional French banks usually want proof of a French address; Crédit Agricole's Britline service is a well-known exception aimed at English speakers buying property.
What documents do I need?
Passport or EU ID, proof of French address (utility bill, rental contract, or attestation d'hébergement), and often proof of income or student status. Non-residents may be asked for a tax number from their home country.
Do French banks charge monthly fees?
Most traditional banks charge account-keeping fees (typically a few euros per month, more with a debit card) — unlike app banks, whose basic plans are free. Fees are often negotiable or waived for young people and new arrivals; always ask.
What is the "droit au compte"?
If banks refuse to open an account for you, France has a legal right-to-an-account procedure: the Banque de France can designate a bank that must open a basic account for you. It applies to residents and, in some cases, EU non-residents.
Note: This page is general information, not financial advice. Bank terms, fees and eligibility change — always confirm directly with the bank before applying.